- 13 Pharmacist of the Year Award Recipients from the Mississippi Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP)
- 13 Technician of the Year Award Recipients (MSHP)
- 9 Board-Certified Pharmacists
- 11 Young Pharmacist of the Year Recipients (including NMMC Residents) (MSHP)
- 8 MSHP Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award Recipients (MSHP)
- 4 Innovative Practice Awards
- 4 Preceptor of the Year Award recipients (University of Mississippi)
- 4 Fellows of The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
- 2 Fellows of The Mississippi Society of Health-System Pharmacists
- Clinical Science Teaching Award (University of Mississippi)
- AACP Crystal APPLE Award
- Albert E. Rosica, Jr. Memorial Award
Pharmacy Residency
Sharing Knowledge & Insights
This section is for medical professionals interested in our training programs, referring a patient, accessing research and reports, or learning more about CME.
North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo offers a Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) residency.
Program Overview
The NMMC residency program received accreditation by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) in July 1994.
The PGY1 pharmacy training at NMMC provides the resident with the depth and breadth of skill of an experienced practitioner. Our 52-week program offers post-graduate training that centers on the development of the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to pursue rational drug therapy.
In addition to required areas of study, the program offers a broad range of elective rotations and additional learning experiences through the 52-week position.
Purpose
PGY1 Program Purpose: PGY1 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification, and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training.
Contact Us
For more information about NMMC's Pharmacy Residency Program, email us.
Pharmacists at NMMC are a vital part of the health care team and have one very important goal: to improve the total well-being of the patient. Our pharmacists work with all members of the health care team to achieve that goal. They practice their profession in an environment where their opinions and services are valued and where they are an integral link in a patient's plan of recovery.
- Unit-Based Care Model
- Clinical Pharmacy Services
- ADR Reporting/Reviewing
- Anticoagulation Program
- Discharge Medication Counseling
- Drug Information
- Drug Usage Evaluation
- Investigational Drug Program
- Medication Histories
- Nutritional Support
- Pain Management Programs
- Patient Education Programs
- Pharmacokinetic Dosing & Monitoring
- Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
- Specialty areas of practice include:
- Acute Care Pharmacy Services
- Ambulatory Clinics
- Diabetes Treatment Center
- Home Infusion Services
- Home Health/Hospice
- Long-Term Care
- Managed Care Pharmacy Services
- Neonatology Services
- Oncology Services
- Operating Room
- Outpatient Pharmacy Services
- Pain Management Services
- Pharmacy Services
- Women's Hospital Pharmacy Services
Associated Schools of Pharmacy
- University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi
- Union University, Jackson, Tennessee
- Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
- Required
- Pharmacy Orientation
- Practice Management
- Adult Medicine
- Ambulatory Care
- Medication Safety/Medication Management/Drug Policy
- Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU)
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU)/OR
- Central Operations
- Internal Medicine
- Longitudinal Rotations
- Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee
- Research Project
- Pharmacy Service Commitment
- Central Operations Longitudinal
- Ambulatory Care Longitudinal—Garfield
- Ambulatory Care Longitudinal—New Albany
- Ambulatory Care Longitudinal—IMRC
- Teaching and Education
- Electives
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Infectious Disease
- Nephrology
- Oncology
- Specialty Pharmacy/Infusion Center
- Pediatrics
- General Surgery
- Psychiatry
- Example Resident Schedule
- Program Structure
Register for ASHP Resident Matching Program and submit application materials to phORCAS by January 2.
Requirements
Candidates must be a graduate of a college or school of pharmacy accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) and hold a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree prior to admission to the residency program
Weekend staffing is designed to allow the resident to develop his/her skills in providing clinical pharmacy services while gaining proficiency in central pharmacy distribution.
Residents are currently expected to practice pharmacy one evening per week and every fourth weekend.
Wes Pitts, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP, FMSHP
System Director of Pharmacy
Dr. Pitts received his PharmD degree from the University of Mississippi and was named Fellow of ASHP in 2014. He is highly involved in both state and national pharmacy organizations. Dr. Pitts has extensive experience in implementing and improving clinical service collaborative practice agreements, managing performance and safety improvement initiatives for medication management, and improving technology integration into provider workflows. Dr. Pitts is a clinical assistant professor for the University of Mississippi and Union University Schools of Pharmacy. He is the residency preceptor for the practice management required rotation.
Holly Griffin, PharmD, BCPS
Assistant Director of Pharmacy—Clinical Services
Residency Program Director
Dr. Griffin completed her doctorate of pharmacy degree from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 2017. Upon graduation, she completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at NMMC in 2018. After residency, Dr. Griffin joined the NMMC team as an advanced practice pharmacist, and she now serves as the Assistant Director of Pharmacy for Clinical Services and the Residency Program Director. She also manages the inpatient intensive IV insulin service. She is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist. Dr. Griffin is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Mississippi and Union University and a residency preceptor for the required internal medicine rotation.
Philip Kelly, PharmD, BCSCP
Assistant Director of Pharmacy—Operations
Dr. Kelly received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Mississippi State University in 2014. He received his doctorate of pharmacy in 2018 from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. He joined NMMC after graduation as a PRN pharmacist, working in both inpatient and outpatient/clinic settings. He received specialty training in hazardous and non-hazardous sterile compounding from CriticalPoint in Totowa, New Jersey, in 2019. Dr. Kelly is a Board Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist. He now serves as the Assistant Director of Pharmacy for Operations as well as the NMMC Women’s Hospital pharmacy manager. Dr. Kelly serves as an APPE preceptor for Union University and Ole Miss School of Pharmacy students. Dr. Kelly is a residency preceptor for the required medication management/medication safety and drug policy rotation.
Kathryn Cavitt, PharmD
PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident
Dr. Cavitt is from Hernando, Mississippi, and completed both her undergraduate and post-graduate pharmaceutical studies at the University of Mississippi. She received her doctor of pharmacy in 2024 and has clinical interests in cardiology and oncology. She enjoys baking, reading and staying active by running and playing tennis.
Rachel Engle, PharmD
PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident
Dr. Engle is from Purvis, Mississippi. She earned her undergraduate degree in 2021, majoring in biology and chemistry, and her doctor of pharmacy in 2024 from William Carey University. Her clinical interests include emergency medicine, critical care and adult medicine. She enjoys traveling, hiking, reading and spending time with her family and dogs.
Sloan Horton, PharmD
PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident
Dr. Horton is from Pontotoc, Mississippi, and completed her graduate education and training at the University of Mississippi. She received her doctor of pharmacy degree in 2024. Her clinical interests are critical care, pediatrics and adult medicine. She enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family.
Nick Taylor, PharmD
PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident
Dr. Taylor is from Lyons, Georgia, and completed his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Georgia. He received his doctor of pharmacy from South University in 2024. His clinical interests include emergency medicine, critical care and cardiology.
Rachelle Carter, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. Carter received her bachelor of science in pharmacy at the University of Mississippi (1994) and her doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Arkansas (2002). In 1997, she completed a pharmacy practice residency at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. She is currently a preceptor for APPE pharmacy students at Union University and University of Mississippi and for PGY-1 residents electing an oncology rotation. Dr. Carter is an active member of the Mississippi Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP), Mississippi Pharmacist Association (MPhA), Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
Katie Clark, PharmD
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. Clark completed her doctorate of pharmacy degree at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 2015. Upon graduation, she completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at NMMC in 2016. After residency, she joined the NMMC team as an Advanced Practice Pharmacist. She has experience as a pharmacist for the cardiology, CV surgery and adult medicine units, and she currently practices on the medical intensive care unit. Currently, she manages the anticoagulation service collaborative practice agreement at NMMC. Dr. Clark is a critical care preceptor for pharmacy students at the University of Mississippi. She is also a residency preceptor for the required medical intensive care unit rotation and the pharmacy and therapeutics longitudinal rotation for the residency program at NMMC.
Katie Collier, PharmD, BCPS
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. Collier received her bachelor of science in pharmaceutical sciences in 2013 and her doctor of pharmacy in 2016 from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. Upon graduation, she completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at North Mississippi Medical Center (NMMC) in 2017. After residency, she joined the NMMC team as a staff pharmacist working an evening position in central pharmacy. She has experience as a pharmacist for outpatient hospice as well as the cardiology/CV surgery units. She currently practices as an advanced practice pharmacist on the general surgery, bariatric surgery and inpatient rehabilitation units at NMMC. Dr. Collier is an Adult Medicine preceptor for APPE students at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. She also serves as a preceptor for the required longitudinal Pharmacy Service Commitment rotation and offers a general surgery elective rotation for the residency program at NMMC. Dr. Collier is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and is an active participant on both the Bariatric Care Team and systemwide Order Set Committee. Dr. Collier is a member of ASHP, MSHP and ACCP.
Neeley Cox, PharmD
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. Cox received a bachelor of pharmaceutical science degree at the University of Mississippi in 2008, and doctorate of pharmacy degree in 2010. She then completed her PGY-1 residency at NMMC in 2011. Dr. Cox's professional experience has been in orthopedic surgery (trauma and Joint Replacement Center), neurosurgery and pediatrics. Currently, she manages the nutrition support collaborative practice agreement at our facility and leads our multidisciplinary nutrition support team. Dr. Cox has served on the board of MSHP as vice president and other committee seats. She is a residency preceptor for our pediatrics elective rotation.
Lori V. Eschete, PharmD, MBA
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. Eschete obtained her doctorate of pharmacy degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2002 and a master of business administration from Mississippi College in 2021. After completing an ASHP accredited pharmacy residency at North Mississippi Medical Center in 2003, she accepted a clinical pharmacy specialist position at NMMC with emphasis in surgical services. She currently serves as a critical care pharmacy specialist in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit as well as coordinator of the pharmacy satellite in the OR. She is the clinical preceptor for the surgical intensive care required rotation for the residency program. She is an active member of the NMMC Surgical Service Line Operations Group and multiple Surgical Committees within the hospital system with particular interest in surgical and anesthesia care. Dr. Eschete is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy and a Clinical Preceptor for Union University School of Pharmacy. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family which includes her husband, Jai, and three children, Nathan, Brennan and Corinne, as well as her church family. She is also a triathlete who enjoys living an active lifestyle in Tupelo and surrounding areas.
Sarah Goff, PharmD, BCPS
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. Goff received her doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Mississippi in 2017. Upon graduating, she completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at NMMC in 2018. She then joined the team at NMMC as an Advanced Practice Pharmacist. She has worked with the cardiology and CV surgery units along with surgical services and centralized pharmacy services. She currently practices on one of our general medicine units. She is the education chair for our residency program and manages the hospital’s adverse drug reaction service. She is a preceptor in for the required adult medicine rotation for the residency program at NMMC.
Samantha Graddy, PharmD, BCSCP
Dr. Graddy received her bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical science in 2015 and doctor of pharmacy in 2018, both from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. She went on to complete a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice residency at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, MS. After residency, she joined the NMMC team as a staff pharmacist in the central pharmacy. With this role, she has experience with clinical and drug information services including robotics, sterile compounding (including USP 797 and USP 800), drug distribution systems and after-hours clinical consults. Dr. Graddy currently practices as one of NMMC’s IV lab pharmacists and the pharmacy and therapeutics longitudinal rotation. She is a Central Operations preceptor for pharmacy students at Union University and the University of Mississippi. Dr. Graddy is also a residency preceptor for the Central Operations rotation for the residency program at NMMC.
Kaley Kennedy, PharmD
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. Kennedy received her bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical science in 2013 and doctor of pharmacy in 2016, both from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. She completed a PGY-1 residency following the completion of graduation in 2017 at NMMC. She currently practices as the clinical pharmacist on an internal medicine floor, where she participates in daily multi-disciplinary rounds. She serves an active role for the outpatient hospice team and interdepartmental antibiotic stewardship committee. She has been awarded Mentor of the Year two years in a row and was recently named a Patient Safety Hero. Dr. Kennedy is an adult medicine preceptor for APPE students at the University of Mississippi. She is a residency preceptor for a required adult medicine rotation.
Alix McCay, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
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Dr. McCay completed her bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical sciences in 2016 and doctor of pharmacy in 2019 from the University of Mississippi. She completed a PGY-1 residency at Huntsville Hospital in Alabama. After completing residency, she joined the NMMC team and now serves on one of the general medicine units. She has experience all over the health system in areas such as adult medicine, central pharmacy, surgery, intensive care, L&D and NICU pharmacy, community pharmacy and ambulatory care. She serves as a preceptor for the required adult medicine rotations and infectious disease elective, and an APPE preceptor for the University of Mississippi. Dr. McCay is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and a Board Certified Infectious Disease Pharmacist.
Kim McCrory, PharmD, MBA
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. McCrory received her bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical science (1999) and doctorate of pharmacy (2001) from the University of Mississippi. She completed a master of business administration in 2020 from Blue Mountain College. She completed a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency in 2004 and a year of intensive training in internal medicine with a focus in infectious disease in 2005 at NMMC. She currently practices on a stepdown unit and serves as the pharmacy leader for the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program. Dr. McCrory is the residency preceptor for the elective infectious disease rotation.
Tressa McMorris, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy
Dr. McMorris is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Mississippi. Dr. McMorris received her doctor of pharmacy degree from Auburn University in 2013, then completed a PGY-1 residency at Oklahoma State University Medical Center and a PGY-2 residency in internal medicine at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy. She maintains an active ambulatory care practice site in New Albany and provides chronic care management and annual wellness visit services to patients. She is actively engaged in the profession and is a member of ACCP, MCCP and AACP. She is a preceptor for the required ambulatory care longitudinal rotation.
Grace Orman, PharmD
Central Operations Pharmacist
Dr. Orman completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Mississippi and her doctorate of pharmacy at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 2020. She completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at NMMC in 2021. After residency, she joined the NMMC team as a staff pharmacist in the central pharmacy. Dr. Orman is the preceptor for the required longitudinal central operations rotation.
Marcie Parker, PharmD
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. Parker manages the behavioral health unit pharmacy and is an advanced practice pharmacist for a pulmonary step-down unit. After completing her doctorate of pharmacy degree at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 2016, she joined the NMMC team as a PRN pharmacist for three years before transitioning to her current full-time role and has experience throughout NMMC including central pharmacy, OR pharmacy, intensive care units, general medical floors, community pharmacy and ambulatory care. Dr. Parker is a residency preceptor for a psychiatric elective rotation.
Hunter Reeves, PharmD, BCPS
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. Reeves received his doctorate of pharmacy degree from the University of Mississippi in 2014. He then went on to complete his PGY1 Pharmacy Practice residency at NMMC in 2016. Reeves is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and is an active participant in the Cardiology Section. His current interests include cardiology and emergency medicine. Reeves currently serves as unit-based pharmacist for the cardiology unit and is the residency preceptor for the cardiology elective rotation.
Katy Anna Richardson, PharmD
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Dr. Richardson received her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Mississippi. After teaching high school for a year at New Albany High School, she attended the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy and received her doctorate of pharmacy degree in 2011. After graduation, Richardson went on to complete a PGY1 residency at NMMC (2011). Her professional experience includes emergency medicine, med/surg, GI/GU, rehabilitation and bariatrics. She currently serves as the clinical pharmacist for NMMC's emergency department and is the preceptor for the emergency medicine elective rotation. She is an active member of the Trauma Neuro Team.
Grant Smith, PharmD
Advanced Practice Pharmacist, IRB Manager
Dr. Smith received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Mississippi State University, and a doctor of pharmacy from the University of Mississippi. He completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and a post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center under the mentorship of Dr. John Hall. He has extensive experience in various settings including community, poison control and long-term care. Dr. Smith currently serves as the unit pharmacist for the medical/stroke unit directing both the renal drug dosing service and epoetin dosing service, and is a residency preceptor for the nephrology and neurology elective rotations. He also serves as manager of the Institutional Review Board for North Mississippi Health Services.
Amanda Pitts Summers, PharmD
Clinical Operations Manager, Specialty Pharmacy
Dr. Summers graduated cum laude from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy and completed graduate work at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with a 4.0 GPA. She has been named Pharmacist of the Year two times during her career by the Mississippi Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and most recently, her team received the Innovative Practice Award from MSHP. Summers is a life member of the University of Mississippi Alumni Association, volunteers at the Good Samaritan Free Clinic in Tupelo, serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Ole Miss Pharmacy School and is a member and past president of the Itawamba Community College Alumni Board of Directors.
James L. Taylor, PharmD, FASHP
Pharmacy Services Manager
Dr. Taylor earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1991 and his doctor of pharmacy degree in 2000, both from the University of Mississippi. He began his career with NMMC after graduation in 1991. He has clinical hospital experience managing cardiology, geriatric, neonatal and nephrology patients. Since 2001 he has served as a faculty member at the Family Medicine Residency Center where he teaches family practice residents and medical students. He is the Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Manager for NMMC and provides clinical pharmacy services for the Connected Care Alliance ACO. He serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor preceptor for both the University of Mississippi and Union University and is the ambulatory care preceptor for pharmacy residents at NMMC.
Elizabeth Holley, PharmD
Ambulatory Care Pharmacist – Internal Medicine Residency Center
Dr. Holley completed her bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences in 2019 and doctor of pharmacy degree in 2022 from the University of Mississippi. After graduation, she completed a PGY-1 residency at NMMC (2023). After residency, she joined the NMMC team as a PRN pharmacist and further transitioned to be the clinical pharmacist at the Internal Medicine Residency Clinic. In her role, she participates in interprofessional discussions with residents, physicians, social work, and clinic staff. She provides anticoagulation services, chronic care management, prior authorization requests, and presentations for residents and patients. Dr. Holley is a residency preceptor for one of the longitudinal ambulatory care rotations.
All residents receive employment benefits through North Mississippi Health Services.
- Education Tupelo is a family-oriented city with a strong education system. The Tupelo Public School District was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Ford Foundation and been cited as an exemplary public/private partnership in education by Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Two major universities, Mississippi State University and The University of Mississippi, as well as two community colleges, are located within 60 miles of Tupelo. Opportunities for academic enrichment, appreciating the arts and enjoying Southeastern Conference (SEC) athletics are available through these universities.
- Arts Tupelo is one of the few cities its size to support a symphony orchestra. The Community Concert Series highlights nationally known entertainment several times each season. Tupelo Community Theater presents numerous productions each year in its own theater building located in the heart of downtown. Gumtree Museum of Art offers a wide range of contemporary and traditional art exhibits.
- Entertainment Each spring, Tupelo hosts the Gum Tree Festival, which includes a juried art exhibition, songwriting and writing competitions and a variety of entertainment. The Gum Tree 10K run is one of the largest foot races in Mississippi. The Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo specializes in exotic animals with the first ones coming from Canada. Some of the exotic animals include monkeys, a Bengal tiger, an African lion, a reticulated giraffe, an American black bear and a reptile section. Feature attractions to the park include a live pony carousel, horse trail rides and petting zoo complete with pigmy goats, miniature horses, sheep and other friendly animals. The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association regularly provides free outdoor concerts, festivals and many other events. The most significant landmark of Tupelo’s modern history is a modest, two-room house where the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley, was born on January 8, 1935.
- Recreation Year-round sporting events for all ages are available, including baseball, basketball, golf, gymnastics, softball, soccer and swimming. Numerous parks in Tupelo offer activities such as swimming, tennis and just relaxing. Several state parks and recreational areas are within an hour of Tupelo that offer outstanding boating, fishing, skiing, hunting and camping. The headquarters for the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, which connects Nashville and Natchez, is located in Tupelo. The Natchez Trace offers scenic trails for hiking and cycling. For shoppers, Tupelo offers The Mall at Barnes Crossing and many specialty boutiques. Within the downtown district are a variety of stores that offer many one-of-a-kind items. Learn more about Tupelo.