PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Aza Health

ASHP–APhA Accredited | Palatka, Florida

 

Welcome from the Residency Program Director

Welcome to the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Aza Health. We are excited that you are considering taking the next step in your professional journey with us. Our program is designed to cultivate compassionate, skilled, and forward-thinking pharmacists who are prepared to excel in community and ambulatory care settings.

At Aza Health, residents are immersed in a collaborative, patient-centered environment where they develop strong clinical judgment, leadership abilities, and a passion for advancing pharmacy practice. Our goal is to support your growth while empowering you to make meaningful contributions to the diverse communities we serve.

We look forward to guiding you through a transformative year of learning, discovery, and professional development.

Drakeria Barr Sanchez, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, AAHIVP, CPh
Clinical Pharmacy Services Coordinator, Residency Program Director
PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Aza Health

 

 

Program Overview

The PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Aza Health is an accredited ASHP-APhA 12-month community-based residency designed to prepare pharmacists for advanced patient care roles in community and ambulatory care settings. Residents gain experience in direct patient care, population health, practice management, and the development of innovative pharmacy services within an integrated community health system.

ASHP–APhA PGY1 Purpose
PGY1 pharmacy residency programs build upon the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education to develop pharmacist practitioners with clinical knowledge, skills, and abilities in accordance with national competency areas, goals, and objectives.

Residents who successfully complete a PGY1 program are prepared to:
• Provide high-quality, patient-centered care
• Manage practice settings and lead service advancement
• Educate patients and healthcare providers
• Pursue board certification (e.g., BCPS)
• Enter advanced training, including PGY2 residencies

Program Details:
• Location: Palatka, Florida
• Accreditation: ASHP–APhA
• Duration: July – June
• Positions Available: 1

 

Resident Learning Experiences

Residents will participate in a variety of experiences designed to strengthen clinical skills, leadership abilities, and practice management. These may include:

  • Direct Patient Care – Opportunities to provide medication-related care and support for chronic disease management and preventive health services.
  • Practice Management & Leadership – Exposure to operational processes, compliance, and strategies for advancing pharmacy services.
  • Population Health & Medication Optimization – Activities focused on improving medication use and addressing care gaps through data-driven approaches.
  • Practice Advancement Projects – Involvement in initiatives that enhance patient care or expand pharmacy services.
  • Patient-Centered Dispensing – Participation in dispensing processes that emphasize safety, adherence, and patient education.
  • Teaching & Preceptorship – Experiences in educating patients, providers, and mentoring student pharmacists.
  • Elective Opportunities – Additional experiences may be available based on resident interests and program resources.

Residency Program Director

Drakeria Barr

 

Drakeria Barr Sanchez, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, AAHIVP, CPh

Dr. Barr Sanchez brings extensive expertise in ambulatory care, chronic disease management, geriatric pharmacotherapy, HIV care, and community-based clinical service development. She leads the residency with a strong focus on mentorship, innovation, and patient-centered care.

 

 

 

Application Process + Requirements

Eligibility Requirements:

Pharmacy Residents must:

  • Hold a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited institution.
  • Be eligible for Florida pharmacist licensure
  • Demonstrate strong interest in community pharmacy practice
  • Submit all required materials by the deadline

Required Documents

  • Letter of Intent
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Official Transcripts

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Application Deadline: January 4, 2026
  • Interviews: January – February 2026

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your completed application through the online residency application portal (PhorCas). Selected applicants will be contacted with interview scheduling options.

Aza Health’s PGY 1 Community-Based Residency program is accredited by ASHP–APhA. Additionally, Aza Health is accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and has Primary Care, Medical Home, and Dental Home certifications.