Residents

2025 — 2026 Residents

Cesilia Baltazar, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: Blue Ridge College
Pharmacy School: Wingate University School of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Oncology, Infectious Disease
Research Project: Real World Use of Letermovir vs Valganciclovir for CMV Prophylaxis
Why CMC?: When searching for a PGY-1 residency program, I was drawn to academic medical centers that serve a high-acuity, diverse patient population. These institutions provide the most robust training environments, where layered learning models support the development of confident, capable, and collaborative pharmacists. CMC was able to provide this and more through the inclusion of the new medical school on campus, which allows for even greater integration among healthcare professionals, creating unique opportunities for pharmacists to lead and engage in team-based care. What truly set CMC apart was the program’s flexibility and emphasis on resident-driven experiences. The limited number of required learning experiences allowed me to customize my training, enabling early exposure to advanced specialty areas, including Oncology, Solid Organ Transplant, and Pharmacogenomics. This autonomy supported my desire to dive deeper into complex clinical settings while still building a strong foundational skill set. Additionally, the supportive and approachable preceptors at CMC create a culture of mentorship and growth, encouraging residents to challenge themselves, seek feedback, and evolve into proficient clinical pharmacists.

Abigail Cooper, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Pharmacy School: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Critical Care
Research Project: Oral Guanfacine Versus Clonidine for Weaning Dexmedetomidine in the Intensive Care Unit
Why CMC?: When looking for a PGY-1 residency program, it was of utmost importance to me to find a program where I would be able to grow personally, and professionally in order to become a well-rounded clinical pharmacist. CMC offers a wide variety of rotational experiences, including those in critical care, that align perfectly with my goals. As a large academic medical center, CMC also provides numerous opportunities to work within multidisciplinary teams—an experience that will serve me well as I progress to PGY-2 and beyond. It quickly became clear during my search for a residency program that CMC fosters a collaborative learning environment with exceptional mentorship. I am confident that this supportive atmosphere will allow me to reach my full potential throughout the residency year. Overall, I truly believe that my experience at CMC will not only prepare me to pursue a PGY-2 residency but also equip me to maintain excellence as a clinical pharmacy specialist.

Katie Donovan, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: University of South Carolina
Pharmacy School: University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Transplant
Research Project: Evaluation of Tranexamic Acid Dosing Strategies for Trauma in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department
Why CMC?: I chose CMC because I was seeking a residency program that combined strong clinical training with meaningful mentorship. The wide variety of rotation experiences offered a chance to explore diverse areas of practice while building a solid foundation in patient care. What stood out to me most was the genuine dedication of the preceptors—not only to teaching but to supporting residents both professionally and personally. I wanted a program filled with people who are kind, approachable, and truly invested in helping residents succeed. The sense of community and encouragement throughout the operational and clinical pharmacy teams made me feel confident that I would be challenged to grow while also being supported every step of the way. CMC offers the environment, guidance, and clinical opportunities I was looking for.

Kinley Jessup, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: Meredith College
Pharmacy School: University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Pediatrics
Research Project: Inhaled Steroids for Treatment of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Extremely Premature Infants
Why CMC?: I chose CMC because I was seeking a residency program that offered diverse clinical experiences and a strong foundation of support. CMC stood out for its variety of opportunities, particularly in pediatrics—an area I’m passionate about—as well as exposure to other specialties that allow for broader exploration and growth. What truly set the program apart was the dedication of the preceptors. Their commitment to resident development and to continually improving the program was evident from the beginning. The sense of community within the pharmacy department is strong and welcoming. CMC provides a supportive, collaborative learning environment, exceptional mentorship, and a wide range of clinical experiences—all of which I believe will help me grow both personally and professionally and support my goals of pursuing a PGY-2 and becoming a well-rounded clinical pharmacist.

Nikita Lad, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University
Pharmacy School: The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Oncology
Research Project: Comparison of Bivalirudin Versus Heparin in Patients with Impella 5.5 Support
Why CMC?: I chose CMC because I was seeking a residency program that encouraged clinical independence while offering strong guidance and support. The variety of patient care experiences available, especially in an academic medical and level 1 trauma center, aligned perfectly with my goals to build a well-rounded and advanced clinical skill set as a pharmacy resident. What truly set CMC apart for me was the welcoming environment and the clear investment in resident success. From speaking with the current residents and preceptors, I could sense a strong sense of community and a shared dedication to growth and excellence in pharmacy practice. I was excited by the opportunity to tailor my training with diverse rotations and electives that match my long-term interests. CMC offers the tools, mentorship, and challenge I was looking for to prepare me for a PGY2 and a meaningful career as a clinical pharmacist.

Morgan McKinney, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution:  Clemson University
Pharmacy School: Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Emergency Medicine, Toxicology
Research Project: Evaluating Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injuries (pTBI)
Why CMC?:I was drawn to pursue a PGY-1 pharmacy residency at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center because of its reputation as a high-acuity academic medical center and Level I trauma center. What stood out to me most was the program’s thoughtful balance of structure and flexibility. The wide variety of elective rotations allows residents to explore specialized interests while gaining a strong clinical foundation across core areas. I was also impressed by the program’s emphasis on resident-driven opportunities, including research, MUEs, CE presentations, and the option to earn a teaching certificate, all of which promote well-rounded professional growth. Beyond the curriculum, what truly set CMC apart for me was the warmth and investment of the preceptors. It was clear during my interactions that the program fosters close mentorship and a collaborative learning environment where residents are genuinely supported. I am confident that CMC will not only help me refine my clinical decision-making skills but also prepare me to pursue a PGY2 and thrive as a specialized clinical pharmacist.