PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency Program

About the Program

The Medina Pharmacy Residency (PGY-1) takes place in the unique setting of a progressive community hospital with a supportive and comprehensive learning environment. Residents will help implement and enhance pharmacy services and develop the skills necessary to become integral to the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Required block rotations include ambulatory care, critical care, emergency medicine, foundations of clinical practice, infectious disease, internal medicine, medication safety/ leadership, pharmacy practice and project 1 (Research). Required longitudinal experiences include drug information, emergency response I, project 1 (research), project 2 (MUE), project 3 (drug monograph or policy review), and pharmacy practice.

Residents are trained to become fully proficient in staffing pharmacy operations. As part of the resident’s longitudinal pharmacy practice experience, residents will staff in central pharmacy one day per weekend with every third weekend off. Additionally, they will be assigned to provide a total of 7 clinical pharmacy staff coverage shifts once a month during the week as either a day or evening shift.

Residents will select two elective rotations from the following: APPE preceptorship, ambulatory care II, critical care II, emergency medicine II, emergency medicine II with infectious disease focus, infectious disease II, internal medicine II, or other potential offsite rotations within the Cleveland Clinic system by request and availability. Elective longitudinal experiences include emergency response II, teaching certificate through NEOMED, as well as a leadership certificate through ASHP.

Residents are involved in pharmacy case presentations, journal clubs, and seminar presentations. Other teaching opportunities include medical and nursing in-services, as well as co-precepting introductory and advanced pharmacy students. Residents complete a major research project over the course of the year. Residents may present their research at local, regional, and national pharmacy meetings.

Find out more:

• PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program Structure
• ASHP-Required Residency Policies

PGY-1 Program Purpose Statement

PGY1 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives. Residents who successfully complete PGY1 residency programs will be skilled in caring for patients from all backgrounds, practice management, leadership, and education, and be prepared to provide patient care, seek board certification in pharmacotherapy (i.e. BCPS), and pursue advanced education and training opportunities including postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies.

Residency Program Training Site

Type: Hospital: Acute Clinic
Owner/Affiliate: Cleveland Clinic
Model Type(s): Community Hospital
Tax Status: Non-Profit
Pharmacist Staff: 18
Non-Pharmacist Staff: 18
Total Beds: 148
Average Daily Census: 120-140

Contact Us

Jessica Blair, PharmD, BCCCP
PGY1 Residency Program Director
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Critical Care
Email: blairj6@ccf.org

Application

Interested applicants must be PharmD graduates of an accredited college of pharmacy, be eligible for licensure in the State of Ohio (or Florida if applicable) and submit the standard application materials through Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS), including a letter of Intent, CV, three references, and official college transcripts.

We request a minimum of one (two is preferred) of your three references to come from a preceptor who you have worked with in a clinical setting, such as an APPE in acute or ambulatory care. The clinical preceptor should be able to comment on your scope of responsibility, total patient load, level of autonomy, clinical abilities, and organizational and time management skills. All three reference writers should use the standard PhORCAS platform to submit their candidate recommendation.

Please submit all application materials via PhORCAS.

Deadline for receipt of these materials to be considered for an on-site interview is January 2, 2027 by 11:59 p.m.

Cleveland Clinic Health-System Residency sites agree that no person at these sites will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from any residency applicant.

Cleveland Clinic values a culture of engagement and connection throughout the enterprise. We respect and appreciate our similarities and differences; they enable us to better serve our patients, one another, and our global communities.

Please note: Residency applicants must be authorized for employment in the United States at the time they apply for the residency. Cleveland Clinic Pharmacy does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Appointments of applicants to residency positions are contingent upon the applicants satisfying certain eligibility requirements [i.e. graduating from an accredited college of pharmacy, obtaining pharmacist licensure in Ohio (for Ohio sites) or Florida (for Florida sites) within 90 days of start date, and successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screen; including testing for cotinine and attendance of an onboarding appointment on-site at main campus in Ohio (or a Florida site for Florida programs only) or as otherwise directed by Occupational Health at least 2 weeks prior to the resident's start date].

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate OPT (Optional Practical Training) Visas for the Cleveland Clinic Pharmacy Residency Program as the program extends beyond 12 months. TN (Trade NAFTA) Visas are acceptable; however, the candidate is responsible for the application process and all necessary fees. Cleveland Clinic cannot extend the candidate an employment letter until the candidate has matched with the Cleveland Clinic program and signed an acceptance letter. Any employment letter will state the length of the program (12 months if PGY-1 or PGY-2, 24 months if HSPAL or Pharmacotherapy).

Graduates of international pharmacy schools will be considered if they meet the ASHP criteria for application to residency (“To be eligible for pharmacist licensure, candidates must be graduates or candidates for graduation from an ACPE accredited degree program (or one in the process of pursuing accreditation) or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the NABP”).

Contact us

Please direct further questions regarding the PGY1 program at Medina Hospital to:

Jessica Blair, PharmD, BCCCP
PGY1 Residency Program Director
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Critical Care
Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital
1000 E. Washington Street
Medina, Ohio 44256
Phone: 216.379.7651
Email: blairj@ccf.org

Benefits, Travel & Compensation

The Pharmacy Practice Residency Program provides a wide array of benefits to you during your experience as a resident.

General

• Personalized lab coats and business cards
• Resident office space with desktop computer
• Individual laptop computer access
• BCLS/ACLS Certification
• Online library access
• Continuing education
• Complimentary parking
• Cleveland Clinic caregiver discounts

Health benefits

• Standard comprehensive medical coverage
• Prescription drug benefits
• Life insurance
• Disability
• Dental
• Vision

Leave

• 14 time off days
• Holiday leave (4 days)
• Wellness time (8 days)
• Exam time (2 days)

Salary

• $56,000 (PGY-1)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much orientation is provided?

On your first day of employment, you will attend a system orientation to welcome you into the Cleveland Clinic family. After orientation, upon starting on-site at Medina, you will complete a variety of online educational modules and attend an EPIC training course to learn how to navigate the electronic medical record and computerized physician order entry system (CPOE). During the first three months, residents will learn the daily duties of a practicing pharmacist; alternating every two weeks between their Internal Medicine and Pharmacy Practice rotations. Each resident will be paired with a mentoring pharmacist during orientation to learn the daily activities of pharmacy operations.

How much vacation time is available?

Residents are provided with 14 time off days during their residency year. Days off must be approved by the residency program director and the director of pharmacy.

What is the stipend?

The stipend for the year is $56,000.

Are health benefits available to the residents?

Yes, pharmacy residents are eligible for health care coverage, like other Cleveland Clinic full-time employees.

What are the staffing requirements?

Residents staff in the central pharmacy two non-consecutive weekend days, with one full weekend off every 3-week period. Additionally, they will be assigned to provide a total of 7 clinical pharmacy staff coverage shifts once a month during the week as either a day or evening shift

What projects or presentations are required in addition to daily clinical activities?

Residents are responsible for one major research project; as well as completion of drug information questions, journal club presentations, formal presentations, case presentations, and nursing in-services on a varying schedule.

Do I attend professional conferences throughout the residency?

Yes, resident approval to attend professional conferences will follow departmental and institutional practices. Conferences that residents may attend include ASHP Midyear, the Ohio Chapter of Clinical Pharmacy (OCCP) Spring meeting, and/or other regional residency conferences as approved by the residency committee and Cleveland Clinic travel policies.

Does Medina Hospital financially support travel to conferences?

Yes, reimbursement may be subject to restrictions based on departmental and organizational finances.

What teaching opportunities are available at Medina Hospital?

Pharmacy residents have opportunities to present to the medical staff throughout the year and participate in community outreach for Medina Hospital. They may also choose to participate in the teaching certificate program available through Northeast Ohio Medical University. Additionally, each resident will co-precept students from various pharmacy schools.

Will I need an Ohio pharmacy license?

Yes, you are required to be licensed by the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy to practice as a pharmacist in the state of Ohio. Failure to achieve Ohio licensure within the first 90 days of start date will result in dismissal from the program.

Is the residency accredited?

The residency program is fully accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

How many residents are selected?

Currently, Medina Hospital selects three residents each year.

Does this program participate in the match?

Yes, Medina Hospital participates in the match.

When is the application deadline?

Please refer to the application deadline found in PhORCAS.

When does the residency year begin and end?

The residency will begin mid-June and end no later than June 30 of the following year.

How are residents evaluated?

Residents are evaluated utilizing the PharmAcademic system. During each rotation, a summative evaluation will be completed. Residents will also be evaluated quarterly by preceptors who are working with the residents in longitudinal experiences.

Still have questions?

Please reach out to Jessica Blair with any questions.

Program Personnel

Jessica Blair, RPh, PharmD, BCCCP
PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director
Pharmacy Clinical Specialist, Critical Care
Email: blairj6@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, The University of Toledo
• PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, University Hospitals Main Campus
• PGY-2 Critical Care, University Hospitals Main Campus

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Critical Care
• Foundations of Clinical Practice
• Onboarding
• Research

Samantha Spencer, RPh, PharmD, BCPS
PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program Coordinator
Pharmacy Clinical Specialist, Infectious Disease
Email: spences18@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University
• PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, Cleveland Clinic Akron General

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Infectious Diseases
• Drug Information
• Research

Jordan Long, RPh, PharmD, MBA, MS, BCPS
Director of Pharmacy
PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director
Email: longj3@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration, Cedarville University
• Master of Science, Northeast Ohio Medical University
• PGY-1 & PGY-2 Health System Pharmacy Administration Residency, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Medication Safety & Leadership
• Research

Nicholas Rudert, RPh, PharmD
Manager, Inpatient Pharmacy
Email: rudertn@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Medication Safety & Leadership 
• Pharmacy Practice

Philip Alfano, RPh, PharmD
Lead Pharmacist
Email: alfanop2@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Findlay

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Research

Antonietta Paneccasio, RPh, PharmD, BCACP
Pharmacy Clinical Specialist
Email: panecca2@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, Duquesne University
• PGY-1 Community-Based, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
• PGY-2 Ambulatory Care, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Ambulatory Care
• Research

Flavia Pasca, RPh, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Email: pascaf3@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, Northeast Ohio Medical University

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Drug Information
• Foundations of Clinical Practice
• Internal Medicine
• Pharmacy Practice
• Research

Jennifer Jackson, RPh, PharmD
Pharmacy Clinical Specialist
Email: jacksoj28@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, Northeast Ohio Medical University

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Internal Medicine
• Foundations of Clinical Practice
• Research

Maria Kahle, RPh, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Clinical Specialist, Emergency Medicine
Email: kahlem@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, The University of Findlay
• PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Emergency Medicine
• Research

McKenzie Montgomery, RPh, PharmD, BCEMP
Pharmacy Clinical Specialist
Email: montgom8@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, The University of Toledo
• PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital
• PGY-2 Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Emergency Medicine
• Emergency Response
• Research

Sarah Otto, RPh, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Emaill: ottos3@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University
• PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Drug Information
• Emergency Medicine
• Emergency Response
• Pharmacy Practice
• Research

Zach Lavely-Planisek, RPh, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist
Email: lavelyz@ccf.org

Education & Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Toledo

Rotation(s) Precepted:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Foundations of Clinical Practice
• Internal Medicine
• Research

Current Residents

Braeden Loveless, RPh, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Resident
Email: loveleb3@ccf.org

Education and training: Doctor of Pharmacy at The Ohio State University
Clinical interests: Ambulatory care and primary care

Why choose us?

I chose Medina Hospital because of their incredible opportunities and willingness to help grow and foster me as a resident for my career interest and because of the welcoming and friendly experience each member of the pharmacy provided. This hospital offers closer contact with residents as there are no medical students or residents, which truly allows me to engage with the medical team and get a learning experience I would not be able to get elsewhere. Medina Hospital also has an incredible onsite ambulatory care program and many other opportunities to work outside Medina hospital to get experiences I may be looking for as a resident even if Medina itself does not offer those rotations. While there is no PGY2 opportunity specifically at Medina Hospital, it still provides opportunities for early-commit to many areas of interest, and in particular, ambulatory care. For these reasons, it was clear and exciting to welcome Medina Hospital as my residency of choice.

Cristina Seiller, RPh, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Resident

Email: seillec@ccf.org

Education and training: Doctor of Pharmacy at The University of Toledo
Clinical interests: Ambulatory care

Why choose us?

Medina Hospital had a very welcoming and professional environment when I attended the open house. I was impressed by the staff’s passion for teaching and how proud they were of their current and past residents and students. As a community hospital, Medina also provides opportunities to learn from healthcare professionals outside of pharmacy, strengthening my clinical skills and patient care. The ambulatory care experience also aligns with my current interests. Overall, the people, environment, and patient population at Medina are what made me excited to pursue residency here.

Sarah Bernsdorff, RPh, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Resident
Email: bernsds3@ccf.org

Education and training: Doctor of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University
Clinical Interests: Informatics and pharmacy practice operations

Why choose us?

I chose Medina Hospital because I truly felt like I could get the best of both worlds: a tight-knit community hospital where I could build meaningful relationships with patients and the healthcare team, paired with the connections, resources, and opportunities available within the enterprise to support my development as a professional. This pharmacy's culture is so special, emphasizing exceptional patient care, teamwork, and a positive environment that makes each day enjoyable.   The preceptors at Medina care so much for their learners, teaching and facilitating to ensure their residents and students grow into confident, independent pharmacists.  With my first connection with the Medina staff, I could instantly tell this would be the welcoming environment I need to foster my growth as a new pharmacist! 

Past Residents

PGY-1 Class of 2025-2026

PGY-1 Class of 2024-2025

PGY-1 Class of 2023-2024

PGY-1 Class of 2022-2023

PGY-1 Class of 2021-2022

PGY-1 Class of 2020-2021