Baptist Pharmacy Residency PGY1 Residents
Ashley Hunt, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Undergraduate degrees
Bachelor of Science in pre-pharmacy; University of Tennessee; Knoxville, TN; 2021
Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences; University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Memphis, TN; 2022
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Tennessee Health Science Center; 2024
About Ashley
Ashley was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She attended University of Tennessee for her undergraduate studies, where she completed the 3+1 Pre-Pharmacy program. She graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her dog.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I chose pharmacy as a career because I have personally experienced the impact pharmacists can have on patients. Growing up, I would always go to the pharmacy with my grandmother, and I always respected the way the pharmacist would take the time to speak with her regarding her health. I am proud to be able to provide that for my own patients.
Why did you choose Baptist?
As a student, I had several rotations at Baptist and fell in love with the culture. When applying for residency, it was a no brainer. The positive and supportive environment of the whole hospital has allowed me to learn and grow as a pharmacist.
What is your day like as a resident?
My day is full of patient care – from working up patients to rounding and completing pharmacy consults, I feel like I have opportunities to optimize patient care all day long. When I have free time at work, I work on our longitudinal projects, such as research.
What's your favorite thing about Memphis?
My favorite thing about Memphis is the culture! As a native Memphian, I have valued being able to grow up around such a diverse population.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
I would recommend Baptist to any prospective applicants. Each department shares a love for patients and a respect for each other that makes interdisciplinary patient care efficient and effective. It is a great environment to learn and grow as a professional.
Carly Beth Cappleman, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Undergraduate degrees
Bachelor of Science in chemistry; Mississippi College; Clinton, MS; 2020
Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences; University of Mississippi; Oxford, MS; 2021
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Mississippi; 2024
About Carly Beth
Carly Beth was born and raised in Starkville, Mississippi, and received here PharmD from University of Mississippi. Her interests include transplant, oncology and ambulatory care. In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading, watching movies and tv shows, and spending time with family and friends.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
When I was a teenager, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Dealing with this chronic disease gave me an interest in the medical field and helping others. I love patient interaction and seeing the difference I can make in someone’s life.
Why did you choose Baptist?
Since I am interested in transplant, I was drawn to Baptist because of their heart transplant service. During interviews, I was able to meet the pharmacists and current residents. I felt very welcomed by each person I met and could see the community built here. Since starting this job, I have felt the same welcoming environment and encouragement.
What is your day like?
On a typical day, I spend my morning working up patients for rounds. I round with the medical team including the physician, pharmacist, medical residents and medical students later in the morning. After rounds, I complete pharmacy consults and work on my various projects for the year.
What's your favorite thing about Memphis?
I've enjoyed spending time outdoors at Shelby Farms.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
Baptist has been a great environment for me to learn and grow as a pharmacist. I have felt encouraged throughout the transition from student to pharmacist. Each pharmacist has been so encouraging and kind. I have enjoyed having a larger group of co-residents and we have become a close-knit group.
Cathy Nguyen, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in public health; University of Alabama at Birmingham; 2018
Graduate degree
Master of Public Health; Samford University; Homewood, AL; 2023
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy; 2023
About Cathy
Cathy grew up in Enterprise, Alabama. She loves to travel and trying different coffee shops. In her spare time she enjoys going on walks and playing pickleball.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I always knew I wanted to do something in the health care field, but I wasn’t sure what path I should take when I first started college. It wasn’t until I explored my options and took a job at one the pharmacies in my town that I fell in love with pharmacy. I love being able to interact with patients as well as members of the health care team to provide the best care for our patients.
Why did you choose Baptist?
Baptist first intrigued me when I met the residency staff at one of the networking sessions. And when I came for my interview, I absolutely fell in love with the program. The people here make my day so much better and uplifting. Although there are some tough days, I know that the entire team has my back.
What is your day like?
I get to the hospital and check on my patient load for the day. Depending on the rotation, I may have two lists of patients that I am taking care of. Once I see what needs to be done first, I get coffee with my co-residents. I then head back to the office to finish working up my patients for rounds and complete any new consults. Rounds can take anywhere from one to three hours, so making sure my laptop is fully charged is very important. For the remainder of the day, I work on upcoming projects, and discuss interesting cases and what I have learned with my co-residents.
What's your favorite thing about Memphis?
I love exploring Memphis and trying new restaurants, coffee shops and different festivals that seem to occur every week.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
I would recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant because of our diverse rotation opportunities and wonderful preceptors.
Kassidy Kirkman, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Undergraduate degrees
Bachelor of Arts in biology; University of Arkansas; Fayetteville, AR; 2019
Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences; University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Memphis, TN; 2022
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Tennessee Health Science Center; 2024
About Kassidy
Kassidy is from Marion, Arkansas, just across the bridge from downtown Memphis. Her clinical interests include transplant and cardiology. She loves spending time outdoors as well as hanging out with her family and friends. Kassidy loves animals and has an Australian Shepherd.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I knew at a young age I wanted to be involved in health care because of my desire to help others. In the small, rural town I grew up in it was very common for people in my community to look to our pharmacists for help with their medications as well as advice on chronic or acute health conditions. I realized that there are endless opportunities as a pharmacist, and pharmacy has a strong impact on patient care regardless of the setting.
Why did you choose Baptist?
Baptist was my first choice of residency because I had quite a few prior experiences here as a pharmacy student and was able to learn from such a diverse patient population. My beliefs personally align with Baptist values and mission statement. I also admired the quality patient care and intelligent group of pharmacists that work here.
What is your day like as a resident?
My days consist of working up patients that I am directly caring for, depending on which pharmacy service I am a part of that month. I also join nurses, physicians, social workers, and other health care professionals on daily rounds. I work on pharmacy consults throughout the day and make sure my patients are receiving optimal medication therapy for their medical condition.
What's your favorite thing about Memphis?
There are just endless possibilities for food and activities in Memphis. Memphis is rich in culture and history and it is close to home for me.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
Baptist is a health care system of endless opportunities to provide quality patient care and expand knowledge regardless of your discipline. Pharmacy is involved with just about every aspect of patient care and has a great relationship with other health care professionals. Baptist offers hands-on experience with heart transplant and oncology services, and many other fields. The pharmacy specialists here are extremely knowledgeable and are eager to help others learn.
Matthew Soto, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; Harding University College of Pharmacy; Searcy, AR
About Matt
Matt is from Tucson, Arizona. His clinical interests include oncology, cardiology, critical care and infectious disease. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys playing sports, watching college basketball, spending time with friends and family, and is trying to visit every National Park.
Why did you choose Baptist?
I chose Baptist because everyone here was extremely outgoing.
Morgan Hester, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences; University of Mississippi; Oxford, MS; 2021
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Mississippi; 2024
About Morgan
Morgan grew up in Guntown, Mississippi, and enjoys trying new restaurants, spending time outdoors and watching TV shows.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I chose pharmacy as a career because of the many and various ways a pharmacist can impact patient care. I enjoy learning new things every day and I get to care for others while doing it.
Why did you choose Baptist?
I chose Baptist because of the variety of ways pharmacists are integrated into the health care teams. Baptist consists of several interprofessional opportunities, and I always feel welcomed.
What is your day like?
My typical day consists of reviewing patients each morning before attending interdisciplinary rounds. During rounds, I make therapeutic recommendations and assist the team in any way that I can. My afternoons are filled with consults, topic discussions and working on longitudinal projects. Everyday looks a little different, and I love that.
What's your favorite thing about Memphis?
My favorite thing about Memphis is the variety of restaurants and activities around town. There is always something fun to do.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
I would recommend Baptist because of the welcoming environment here. Everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand, and they want you to succeed.
Najwa Stewart, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Undergraduate degrees
Bachelor of Science in chemistry; Tennessee State University; Nashville, TN; 2018
Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences; University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Memphis, TN; 2022
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Tennessee Health Science Center; 2024
About Najwa
Najwa is a native Memphian. She completed her undergraduate studies at Tennessee State University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. She then went on to obtain her PharmD at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Najwa is also a proud wife and new mother. When she’s not snuggling with her baby, she enjoys watching true crime shows and anime, solving puzzles, playing video games with her husband, and spending time with her friends and family.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
In middle school, I rode with my mother to pick up a prescription that happened to be a topical cream. I watched the pharmacist mix it together at the window, and I began asking my mom tons of questions. Overwhelmed, my mother gave me a mini project to explore what a pharmacist does, the pathway to become a pharmacist, and how much they make. Once I reported back, she asked me, “Does this sound like something you’d like to do as a career?” From that point on, I began to forge my plan to become a pharmacist.
Why did you choose Baptist?
In 2018, I began working at Baptist as a unit coordinator in the Emergency Department. It served as not only a bridge to beginning pharmacy school but also allowed me to become more familiar with different roles in the health care profession. I was able to grow as both a team player and clinician. In the peak of COVID, I decided to transition to the pharmacy. I could envision myself working in the ED, but I wanted to get out before I got burned out. Upon doing so, I was able to form great relationships with the ED staff and pharmacy staff. Baptist became a second home, and I can’t see myself anywhere else. What better place to continue to grow in my career than Baptist Memphis?
What is your day like as a resident?
An average day as a pharmacy resident includes working up patients upon arrival, attending rounds (dependent upon the rotation you’re assigned to), completing consults and performing any additional tasks that came up on rounds. Once patient care is complete, any additional free time is typically dedicated to topic discussions, working on projects, or getting ahead for the next day.
What's your favorite thing about Memphis?
As a Memphis native, I may be biased, but nothing compares to the food and the people here.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
The Baptist Pharmacy Residency program has the love and support needed to go through what otherwise could be a daunting experience. It can be stressful and pose personal and professional challenges. However, you will always have your co-residents, preceptors and pharmacy staff to lean on.