Phoebe Pharmacy Residency Helps Fill the Need for Pharmacists

Albany, GA | July 19, 2024 – Albany native Rachel McGill knew at an early age she wanted to be a pharmacist. Inspired by the toll cancer treatments took on several family members, she was determined to pursue a career in pharmacy to make a meaningful impact on patient care. Thanks to Phoebe’s investment in medical education, she was able to complete her training in Albany and will soon join the Phoebe Pharmacy team.

McGill’s journey began at Westover High School, leading her to enroll in a rigorous 6-year program at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in 2017. After completing two years of undergraduate coursework, she seamlessly transitioned into the core pharmacy program. “FAMU gave me such a great education with hands-on experience, I was able to gain the foundation knowledge needed to pursue a post-graduate training,” said McGill.

Right after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, McGill participated in the Phoebe Institutional Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE). The 4-week internship provided insight into the workings of a hospital pharmacy and solidified her decision to specialize in that field over retail pharmacy. For the last year, she has been part of the Phoebe Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) Pharmacy Residency Program.

“I didn’t expect to have the experience that I did. I’m from Albany, and sometimes you don’t see the diversity that our community has. But at Phoebe, we serve such a diverse community. With this program, I have developed so many learning skills in a teaching environment,” McGill said.

McGill’s favorite part about the residency program was the opportunity to precept and help students develop their skills. Each month presented a new challenge, whether in oncology, intensive care units (ICU), neonatal ICU (NICU), or working alongside medical residents. These diverse experiences equipped her with a broad skill set, which she now brings to her new role at Phoebe.

“The preceptor who introduced me to Phoebe’s residency was Catherine Barlow. During my IPPE rotation, I expressed to her my interest in completing my residency at Phoebe. Since she also completed the residency program here, she was able to give me information on the program and how it would develop my skills and knowledge,” said McGill.

In addition to her clinical work, McGill is also dedicated to education. She emphasized the importance of understanding a pharmacist’s role within the healthcare team environment. Recognizing that colleagues from other departments rely on pharmacists’ expertise, she aims to foster a collaborative approach to patient care.

“Pharmacy is more than just counting pills,” McGill said, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of the profession.

As part of her professional development, through the residency program, McGill and other residents earn a teaching certificate through the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Pharmacy, a requirement for Phoebe residents. This certification enables her to teach and develop the knowledge and skills of student pharmacists, merging her roles as a hospital pharmacist and an academic pharmacist.

Phoebe’s PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program is designed to build on a pharmacy school education, developing pharmacist practitioners skilled in diverse patient care, practice management, leadership, and education. The program prepares residents for board certification in pharmacotherapy (BCPS) and advanced training opportunities, including PGY2 residencies.

Recently, Phoebe’s program was re-accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) until 2031. “In recent months we have emphasized continuous quality improvement, made consistent efforts to further optimize our program, and are very pleased with the extended accreditation,” said Jonathan Alligood, PharmD, BCPS, Pharmacy Clinical Services Manager and Pharmacy Residency Program Director.

Phoebe’s Department of Pharmacy offers 24/7 services, with pharmacists actively participating in multidisciplinary teams. Phoebe employs 72 pharmacists who work at seven pharmacies and a medication management clinic.  Phoebe has inpatient pharmacies at each of its four hospital campuses and also operates an Employee Pharmacy, the Phoebe Specialty Pharmacy, Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy and the Medication Management Clinic.

McGill and her three fellow residents from the Class of 2024 wrapped up the program at the end of June. McGill begins work July 12 as a clinical pharmacy specialist mainly in the NICU and on the Acute Care floors. Phoebe welcomed four new residents to its program on July 1.

McGill is also looking forward to becoming a preceptor and offered some advice for the next class of residents. “To an incoming resident, this year will be a year of many firsts. Embrace this journey and use it to your best ability to learn, grow, and experience,” said McGill.