Horizon Health Network Pharmacy Residency Program

Rotations: If scheduling permits, residents are expected to complete one rotation from each area of practice. Remaining rotations may be selected without restriction, however, may depend on availability of rotations at each site. If needed and approved by the residency coordinator, residents may request to complete a rotation at another Horizon site or an external institution.

*Mandatory patient care = 16 weeks, electives = 8 weeks

Research Projects

All residents will complete a longitudinal research project throughout the program. A total of 6 to 8 weeks will be scheduled over the year for residents to spend on their projects, however, residents likely will need to work on their research projects outside of that allocated time. Residents will be supervised by a pharmacist; it will be the residents that will lead the development and execution of their research project. Project topics vary each year and could focus on any area of pharmacy practice. Horizon is pleased to offer research support to residents. This includes assistance with residents’ research projects, eight core sessions throughout the year, statistical and methodological research services, dedicated research time, and assistance from Horizon Pharmacy’s Research and Education Coordinator.

All research ideas are evaluated and approved through Pharmacy Research Committee prior to the beginning of the residency year.

Mentorship Program

The Horizon Pharmacy Resident Mentorship Program provides each resident with a mentor at the beginning of their residency year to provide guidance, support, and advice throughout the year. Mentors are Horizon pharmacists who are not a preceptor for the resident they are mentoring and ideally have completed an accredited residency program. Mentors and residents should meet at least every 8 weeks to discuss topics such as: orientation to a new city, career goals, progress during rotations, and general well-being during the program.

What other educational activities do residents participate in?

Horizon pharmacy residents will be granted a minimum of 5 education days during their residency year and they are encouraged to attend at least one major conference.

Residents will also complete a minimum of three case presentations, one journal club, and one in-service. The Horizon Pharmacy Residency program includes 4 major presentations which consist of: one final research project presentation and three other presentations that are determined by the residency coordinator. These presentations could include: Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP) New Brunswick session, Dalhousie University College of Pharmacy lecture, a presentation to a non-pharmacy audience, etc.).

Residents also attend Pharmacy Grand Rounds, Internal Medicine Grand Rounds, Journal Clubs, etc.

Residents in Moncton will participate in the interdisciplinary academic half-day on Friday afternoons with the postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) family medicine residents.

Assessment/Evaluations

Throughout the year, Horizon pharmacy residents are assessed on an ongoing basis. This process allows residents and preceptors to monitor the progress of the residents in achieving curriculum and personal goals. Pharmacy residents will be required to complete midpoint and final self-assessments for each rotation that will be discussed with their preceptors.

Moncton Residents

Hey everyone! My name is Carter, and I am excited to be one of the pharmacy residents with Horizon Health Network at The Moncton Hospital. I am originally from Montague, Prince Edward Island, and moved to Moncton after spending seven years at Dalhousie University where I graduated in 2020 with a Master’s degree in Pathology and in 2024 with my PharmD. It was my experience working as a student in community pharmacy as well as a research student with Nova Scotia Health in the areas of orthopedic surgery and Drug Use Evaluation that prompted me to apply to the residency program with Horizon. During my time in the residency program, I hope to further develop my clinical decision-making skills and gain exposure to a wide array of practice areas, and above all, apply my knowledge to provide the best possible care for my patients.

Hey everyone! My name is Sam, and I am beyond excited to start my residency at The Moncton Hospital. As for my background, I grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where I had the opportunity to explore the “City of Lakes” while growing up. I would spend my summers hiking or kayaking and my winters napping with my golden retriever, waiting for summer to return. I have a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Medical Sciences from Dalhousie University and a PharmD from Dalhousie as well. These programs have exposed me to a plethora of opportunities, but hospital pharmacy prevailed as my predominant interest. Additionally, during my time in the pharmacy program, I participated and led research projects that evaluated how 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals experience health care (with an emphasis on pharmacy). I hope to continue this advocacy work within my residency program by engaging in research projects or by being a support person for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members/patients who need help. I am looking forward to becoming a pharmacist, and I hope that I will become a pivotal member of the health care system. In my free time, I like to play video games, watch TV, explore the city + surrounding nature, and attempt to surf.

Saint John Residents

Hey there! I’m Allie, and I am thrilled to be completing my pharmacy residency in my hometown of Saint John for the 2024-25 year. Before moving back to Saint John, I lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, while I completed my post-secondary education at Dalhousie University, earning my Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences in 2020 and my PharmD in 2024. Throughout pharmacy school, I was very fortunate to work summers as a pharmacy student intern at the Saint John Regional Hospital, where I developed a passion for hospital pharmacy and built connections with the wonderful team here at SJRH. Beyond residency, you will often find me at the gym, spending time with friends and family, going out to local events, or hanging out at home with my cat Wilbur. I also love to travel – I’m always planning my next trip! This year, I am looking forward to growing both personally and professionally, and I am so grateful to have this opportunity to make a positive impact in my home community.

Hey! I’m Touffeeq, and I am honoured to be one of Horizon’s pharmacy residents at The Saint John Regional Hospital for 2024-2025. I grew up in Syria and moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to pursue my postsecondary education. I graduated from Dalhousie University with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2024. Before pharmacy, I did two years of biochemistry at Dalhousie University. I was fortunate enough to spend time as a pharmacy intern at IWK Health Centre for four weeks in pediatric oncology, which was an eye-opening experience for the role of hospital pharmacist. In my 4th year, I completed a 12-week rotation at the Nova Scotia Health Authority in general surgery, vascular surgery, and orthopedics, allowing me to build my clinical pharmacy skillset. I also spent 3 years working in community pharmacy at a Loblaw Pharmacy in Halifax, where I was able to progress in my scope of practice as I advanced in school. As a current Horizon resident, I’m excited to learn from the expertise in the hospital and use this experience to provide exemplary patient care. In my free time, I enjoy fitness training, going out with friends, and exploring new places.

General survival/success tips:

• Reserve time each week for yourself: It is important for pharmacy residents to have a sense of balance. Horizon encourages pharmacy residents to make time for themselves through physical activities, hobbies, or exploring the fantastic cities where our program is based.
• Be willing to step out of your comfort zone: Pharmacy Residency is challenging, and residents will be pushed to work hard and develop their skills in patient care.
• Refine time management skills: Residents will need to balance work associated with their rotations with work from their research project, and other presentations. Residents will be expected to manage their time in a way that accomplishes their tasks efficiently.
• Use your mentor as a resource: Horizon assigns residents with a mentor who can act as a support system when our residents have questions about hospital pharmacy, their new city, or needs guidance in navigating the program.
• Understand that a residency is a time for learning and growing your skills in hospital pharmacy: Before pharmacy residents are able to perform at the proficient level, there will be times of development where residents will have lots of questions and perhaps self-doubt. Our residents are selected because they are the best candidates for the positions and it is normal to ebb and flow between confidence and frustration during the initial learning stages. (Tucker’s Stages of Group Development).
• Self-reflection is important: Residencies require ongoing self-assessments. Learn to identify areas where you may need to further develop skills and areas that you feel are your strengths.
• Create goals: Write goals for each rotation down. Inform your preceptor of your goals to keep yourself accountable and to let your preceptor know what you hope to get out of their rotation.