Baptist Golden Triangle PGY1 Pharmacy Residents
Austin Richards, PharmD
PGY 1 Resident
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in medical sciences; University of Arkansas; Fayetteville, AR; 2022
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; 2024
About Austin
A native of Horatio, Arkansas, Austin is a current PGY-1 Pharmacy resident at Baptist Golden Triangle in Columbus, MS. In his down time, he enjoys playing video games, visiting state parks and trail hiking.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I chose pharmacy because I have a strong interest in health care, and pharmacy allows me to blend my love for science with patient care. Pharmacy offers a unique opportunity to be directly involved in patient outcomes by optimizing medication therapy. I was drawn to the analytical nature of the profession, where pharmacists evaluate complex patient cases and provide tailored medication recommendations.
Why did you choose Baptist?
I picked Baptist Golden Triangle because it offers a comprehensive and well-rounded residency program with strong clinical rotations in various specialties, including critical care, oncology and cardiology. The interdisciplinary team approach and the hospital's commitment to evidence-based medicine were also key factors.
What is your day like?
My day as a pharmacy resident starts with reviewing patient profiles and attending multidisciplinary rounds. During rounds, I collaborate with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to optimize medication therapy. Throughout the day, I monitor patient progress, make clinical interventions and work on research.
What's your favorite thing about Baptist Golden Triangle?
Being one of the larger hospitals around this rural area brings us a diverse group of patients with different learning experiences.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
I would recommend Baptist Golden Triangle because of its exceptional training environment, experienced preceptors and the wide variety of clinical experiences it offers. The hospital fosters an atmosphere of continuous learning, collaboration and innovation. Residents have the chance to take on meaningful projects that can directly impact patient care.
Chelsea Hylton, PharmD
PGY 1 Resident
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in biology; Texas College; Tyler, TX; 2019
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; Xavier University of Louisiana; New Orleans, LA; 2024
About Chelsea
A Dallas, Texas native, Chelsea taught first grade for one year prior to starting pharmacy school. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, shopping, trying new things and spending time with family. She loves what she does and the impact she makes when providing care to her patients.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I chose pharmacy because of my undergraduate mentor, Dr. Jennifer Jackson. I always knew that I wanted to pursue a profession in the medical field, but I was uncertain about my career path. When I discussed my career aspirations with Dr. Jackson, I didn’t know she was a pharmacy manager in the daytime and a professor in the evenings. While still trying to figure out what I wanted to do, she allowed me to come shadow her for a day at her pharmacy retail store. I loved the rapport she established with her patients and the physicians when discussing medications. After that experience, I walked away knowing that I wanted to pursue pharmacy.
Why did you choose Baptist?
I chose Baptist because of the close-knit network. Although Baptist has locations all over the Mid-South, I could tell that they all worked together to provide optimum patient care. Everybody that I encountered at Baptist was so friendly, passionate about their job and loved working for Baptist. I've always wanted to work for a company that was passionate about caring for patients, and Baptist does an excellent job at this.
What is your day like?
I typically get to the hospital and try to check my email, go over my patients’ lab results for that day and inquire about any overnight events. Then, I will sometimes do pre-rounds with my preceptor and bedside rounds with the medical team. My afternoons consist of meetings, research hours, lectures and completing assignments or projects. As with any job, there are challenges, such as adapting to my busy schedule. But I have a daily to-do list that has helped me tremendously. The most rewarding part of my day is when I can establish a good rapport with my patients. I enjoy talking to patients about their health and their medications, and making sure that they truly understand. At the end of the day, I do what I do with the patients’ best interest at heart. They are already in a vulnerable state by being in the hospital, so those extra few minutes reassure them that we care and are working diligently to get them back to good health.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
I would recommend Baptist because of the system-wide relationships that they have. There are multiple locations (hospitals, clinics, etc.) within the Baptist system. However, we all work together to provide optimum patient care.
Phoebe Nix, PharmD
PGY 1 Resident
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences; University of Mississippi; Oxford, MS
Pharmacy Degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Mississippi
About Phoebe
Originally from Poplarville, Mississippi, Phoebe attended Pearl River Community College before transferring to the University of Mississippi to complete her bachelor’s degree and attend pharmacy school. Her advice to prospective residents is to open yourself up to new opportunities and let yourself learn.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
In high school, my favorite class was chemistry. I knew I wanted to do something in that field but not get stuck inside of a lab. I landed on pharmacy because it combines chemistry knowledge with getting to help others.
Why did you choose Baptist?
As a pharmacy student, I completed multiple rotations at this hospital and really enjoyed my time here. I felt like this was an atmosphere that prioritized learning and growing.
What is your day like?
My typical days change from rotation to rotation. Lately, I have been going on rounds and completing pharmacy consults. The most rewarding part is feeling like I am contributing to a patient’s treatment.
What's your favorite thing about Columbus?
My favorite thing about Columbus is the small-town feeling. It reminds me of home.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
The people at Baptist prioritize my educational experience. They give me room to learn on my own and grow, but they also are always there for support and as a resource when I need it.