Residents

2021 - 2022 Residents

Nuti Desai, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: Christian Brothers University
Pharmacy School: University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy 
Clinical Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine
Research Project:A pre-/post-evaluation of  aTTP management around the incorporation of caplacizumab
Why CMC?: As a fourth-year pharmacy student searching for residency programs, I knew I wanted to be at a large academic medical center that could provide me with a well-rounded experience. Carolinas Medical Center offers residents the opportunity to take a wide variety of rotations, teaching and educational opportunities, and a strong mentorship program. All the residents have a mentor for the year and multiple other mentors for various longitudinal projects. Moreover, all of the preceptors are very knowledgeable and invested in the residents’ growth as a pharmacist and a person. This has made my transition from student to pharmacist much easier. I really look forward to learning and growing in such a warm, welcoming environment with my co-residents and getting to explore the wonderful city of Charlotte!

Elizabeth Fernandez, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida

Pharmacy School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Clinical Interests: Pediatrics/Oncology/Critical Care 

Research Project: Ertapenem vs. Ceftriaxone plus Metronidazole for Perforated Appendicitis in Children

Why CMC: My priorities when evaluating residency programs included having a wide variety of clinical rotations, opportunities for precepting and collaborating with different multidisciplinary teams. I will be given the opportunity to complete rotations in multiple pediatric, oncology and critical care settings which will help me grow in my strongest areas of interests. In addition, other rotations offered will help build a broad clinical knowledge which will help me become well-rounded pharmacist. I am impressed by the preceptor’s dedication to resident’s learning, success, and emphasis on work-life balance.  I have a mentor for the year that will be part of my overall growth and dedicated mentors for each of my longitudinal projects. I am excited about the teaching curriculum program as I will learn how to precept multiple students. I have lived in Florida my whole life and I was eager to experience life in a new city. My transition to Charlotte has been great so far, especially having amazing co-residents’ as part of my adventure. 

Sandy Lui, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: University of Utah

Pharmacy School: University of Utah College of Pharmacy

Clinical Interests: Toxicology, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Oncology

Research Project: Direct Oral Anticoagulants vs Warfarin for treatment of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia

Why CMC?: During my search in PGY1 pharmacy residency programs, I knew I wanted to complete my training at a large academic medical center that not only offered a wide variety of rotation experiences (such as a toxicology rotation), but also promotes research and academia. Carolinas Medical Center impressed me with how well pharmacy is integrated into the interprofessional healthcare teams. Additionally, being a part of a program that fosters a team/ family dynamic was important to me and Carolinas Medical Center’s supportive culture has exceeded my expectations. Between the mentorship program and having 5 other co-residents, I always have someone to go to. I look forward to the opportunities this year will bring, and Charlotte is such a fun city and has endless activities to offer!

Jessica Phan, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: University of Virginia
Pharmacy School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
Research Project:  Evaluation of the need for CNS penetrative antibiotics for the treatment of S. aureus epidural abscess 
Why CMC?: When searching for a PGY1 program, I wanted one that had many challenging clinical rotations, opportunities to mentor students, and served a diverse population. CMC has all of that as well as amazing preceptors to help me become a well-rounded pharmacist. Since the start of the program, there has been so much support to help with the transition into residency and into the role of a pharmacist. I also loved the fact that the program emphasizes a great work-life balance with monthly resiliency training and all of the things to do around Charlotte. CMC and Charlotte have been great so far, and I look forward to the rest of the year with my co-residents!

Michaele Phan, PharmD
Undergraduate Institution: University of Virginia

Pharmacy School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy 

Clinical Interests: Oncology, Emergency Medicine 

Research Project: Vancomycin vs. ampicillin for blood stream infections caused by ampicillin-susceptible Enterococcus spp 

Why CMC?: I wanted to complete my PGY1 residency at a large academic medical center that not only provided me a robust education in my clinical interest areas, but also allowed me to explore other fields of pharmacy to have a well-rounded training experience. With only four required rotations, I was able to individualize my rotation experiences with the numerous opportunities Carolinas Medical Center provides. Preceptors here are supportive and promote self-growth. What also drew me into this program was the emphasis on having a good work-life balance. The health system has a strong pharmacy presence and pharmacists are valued on the interdisciplinary teams! I love that I have an overall mentor to go to for anything, and a mentor for each longitudinal project which shows that every person here is investigated in my growth. This program also provides opportunities to precept fourth year APPE students which is a goal of mine. Charlotte is an amazing city to live in with lots of restaurants, breweries, and events! And lastly, the residency class size is perfect, and my co-residents have allowed the transition as a new pharmacist in a new city to be seamless. 

Carly Speight, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Pharmacy School: University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Infectious Diseases, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Critical Care

Research Project: Impact of ID Consult in Patients with Candidemia at a Large Multi-site Healthcare System Providing Telemedicine Services

Why CMC?: I was initially drawn to the PGY1 residency program at CMC for their progressive pharmacy practice model, but it was the people I met along the way who influenced my decision to pursue my training here. I knew that the breadth of clinical rotations offered at CMC combined with the strong research and leadership aspects of the program would shape me into a well-rounded pharmacist. Not only does CMC focus on developing their residents into integral members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team, but they also encourage development of your own precepting style through a layered learning model and teaching certificate program. Lastly, living in Charlotte is an added bonus because there is always something to do or a new restaurant to try!