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, I’m Bryn! I am very excited to be a pharmacy resident at The Moncton Hospital for the 2023-24 year. I am originally from Sackville, N.B., and completed two years of a BSc. at Mount Allison University before being accepted into Dalhousie’s Pharmacy program. I was fortunate to work as a summer student and complete my 4th year hospital pharmacy rotation at The Moncton Hospital. During my hospital placement, I spent six weeks in the emergency room witnessing the role of a clinical pharmacist, which made me eager to start my residency. I also have six years of experience working in the community for a small drugstore in my hometown. I am incredibly thankful to have the opportunity to be part of Horizon’s pharmacy team and further my education through a pharmacy residency. I am looking forward to developing my clinical knowledge and collaborating with other health care professionals to improve patient care. In my spare time, I love to run or travel to Fundy National Park for a hike or paddle board. On Saturday mornings, you can catch me at the Moncton market eating a warm cinnamon bun.

Hi everyone! My name is Jayden, and I am honoured to be one of Horizon’s pharmacy residents at The Moncton Hospital for the 2023-24 year. I grew up in Miramichi, New Brunswick, and was a graduate of Dalhousie University’s Pharmacy program in 2022. Prior to my pharmacy studies, I completed two years of an undergraduate Science degree at Acadia University in Wolfville, NS. While completing my pharmacy degree, I was fortunate enough to spend time as a Pharmacy Intern with both Horizon Health Network and Nova Scotia Health Authority, allowing me to build my clinical pharmacy skillset and gain research experience. Most recently, I spent the past year working as a community pharmacist at a Jean Coutu location in Miramichi, where I made some lifelong friends. As a former Horizon Intern, I am thrilled to have found my way back here to grow as a pharmacist and look forward to using this experience to provide exemplary patient care. In my free time, I enjoy playing hockey, fitness training, golfing, and most importantly – cheering on the New York Yankees!

Saint John Residents

Hello everyone! My name is Clara, and I am thrilled to be one of the Horizon Health pharmacy residents at the Saint John Regional Hospital for the 2023-2024 academic year. I was raised in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where the majority of my childhood was spent paddling on Lake Banook and surfing at Lawrencetown Beach. I attended Dalhousie University for seven years, completing three years of a Bachelor of Science degree before receiving my pharmacy degree in 2023. It was my experience working as a student at the Dartmouth General Hospital that initially sparked my interest in hospital pharmacy. Through this role, I developed an appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration, complex patient cases, and research. My pharmacy experience also extends to working at various Lawtons’ community pharmacies throughout Nova Scotia, as well as with Dalhousie’s College of Pharmacy Practice Experience Program. My spare time is spent hiking with my dog, surfing, trying new recipes, and spending time with my friends and family. I am super excited and grateful for the opportunity to begin my career in hospital pharmacy at the Saint John Regional Hospital. I look forward to conducting research, collaborating with diverse clinical teams, and making a positive impact on the lives of patients.

Hello everyone, I’m Mariah! It is a great pleasure to be joining the pharmacy team at Saint John Regional Hospital for a very exciting and challenging year ahead as a pharmacy resident. I grew up in Greenfield, New Brunswick and as many New Brunswickers living in rural areas do, I grew up on a farm. I moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia to pursue my post-secondary education, first completing a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences at Dalhousie University in 2019, and then graduating from the College of Pharmacy at Dalhousie in 2023. My experiences as a student have led me down a path that’s taken me across a few different provinces and has given me valuable exposure in some unique areas of pharmacy practice. The summer after my first year of pharmacy I had the opportunity to work in beautiful British Columbia. From second until fourth year, I worked with the amazing staff at the Metro Dispensary in Halifax providing specialized care for patients with cystic fibrosis. During this time, I also worked with the lovely group of pharmacists at the Drug Evaluation Unit at Nova Scotia Health creating evidence-based reviews for drugs being considered for addition to formularies in all four Atlantic provinces. Throughout my residency, I look forward to developing my clinical knowledge, gaining exposure to new experiences across a variety of pharmacy practice areas, and above all, learning to apply myself to provide the highest level of patient-centred care. Outside of work, I play ultimate frisbee, love to spend time outside hiking or trail running. I enjoy cooking as well as spending time with my friends and family.

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.