2025 Residency and Fellowship Placement of Texas A&M Pharmacy Students and Alumni
"The College of Pharmacy at Texas A&M University played a pivotal role. The experience I gained during my clinical rotations at University Health and the VA, combined with the close mentorship I received from faculty, prepared me to stand out as a candidate. What truly set UIW apart was the way the community and my former preceptors advocated for me behind the scenes. I later found out that the RPD at University Health had personally called the RPD of the program I matched with, reinforcing the strong network and reputation of UIW graduates. The flexibility of the residency program I accepted allows me to practice where I originally hoped, with added opportunities for rotations at multiple sites, potential international experience through a teaching certificate program, and the ability to meet my military obligations. I’m incredibly grateful to the College for providing me with the clinical training, confidence, and connections to achieve this milestone. ”
Monet Giles
University of Incarnate Word
"When I first got into pharmacy school, I did not want to do residency. I wanted to take the easy route and go into retail, then potentially transition into hospital pharmacy, then teach. During my P2 year I took a residency elective, and I learned more about specialties, and what went into being a resident pharmacist. That summer I also started a new job with Walgreens, and I was able to experience something I had never heard of before, Specialty Pharmacy. I really enjoyed my time there and I was constantly telling my friends about what I learned and how it impacted me. In that moment residency came into my head, but I still was not sold on the whole idea. During P4 year, residency was still in my head, but faintly. I didn't know where to start. I was overwhelmed with everything that came with applying, and I just felt that if I was overwhelmed, then maybe residency wasn't for me. I continued on with APPEs and let the deadline pass for Phase 1. After the results for Phase 1 came out, my friends showed me which programs were in Phase 2 and they told me to apply. I shared my concern with them, and they were truly a lifeline when it came to everything. They helped me fix my CV, helped with interview prep. When it came time for interviews, I think I did well. The school helped me achieve this goal by providing resources and faculty to reach out to when I needed advice, and in the end I ultimately matched with CVS Health. I am grateful for the people who helped me along the way in helping me build my confidence in who I am a student.”
Sefa-akor Apedo
CVS Health Residency
"What sparked my interest in residency was my 7-month LAPPE experience at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. I had the opportunity to work alongside clinical pharmacists, present topic discussions, attend rounds, and complete a major project that I later presented at ASHP Midyear. Being immersed in that environment showed me the impact pharmacists can make on a healthcare team—and I knew I wanted to keep growing in that space. Throughout pharmacy school, I stayed involved in organizations like SSHP, APHA, and SNPhA, which connected me to mentors and pharmacists who encouraged me along the way. Even our school’s Dean’s Hour played a role by introducing us to residency programs and LAPPE opportunities. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been so worth it. I’m grateful for every rotation, preceptor, professor, and late night that got me here. If residency is on your heart, go for it. Pray about it, prepare for it, and trust that your path will align. ”
Taylor Roberson
Baylor St. Luke Medical Center
"I’m grateful for the opportunities I was able to create and for the mentors who generously offered their guidance along the way. The College provided a strong academic foundation and meaningful clinical experience, both of which played an important role in shaping my path. While the journey had its challenges, it also offered countless moments of growth and learning. Through persistence, dedication, and a genuine commitment to developing both personally and professionally, I feel fortunate to have reached this point—and motivated to keep building on it.”
Kristina DeVoy
Covenant Medical Center
"If you were to tell me when I had started pharmacy school that I would end up applying for residency, I would have replied, “what is residency?” Upon entering pharmacy school, all I really knew of was community pharmacy. However, through various organizations at school, as well as through my APPE rotations, I was able to be exposed to different areas of pharmacy that one could specialize in. Through these exposures, I developed a true appreciation for clinical pharmacy. I loved how there was so much to learn, and, in the hospital setting, I felt as though I was able to apply more of what I learned in school, and then some. With this being said, I believe residency is the perfect opportunity to continue building that foundation of clinical knowledge that is so pertinent to hospital pharmacy. I would advise anyone that is embarking on their pharmacy school journey to keep an open mind! Be open to networking, as well as to what each APPE rotation has to offer because there are a plethora of opportunities out there for you. ”
Iliana Rodriguez
Valley Baptist Medical Center - Brownsville
"In my path toward obtaining a pharmacy residency, I have met many great mentors and teachers who have helped set goals of attaining the most out of my education and work experience. Professors and mentors of the college have consistently encouraged the advancement of my learning career after recognizing my capabilities especially through my APPE's. After pharmacy school, I have effectively worked as a pharmacist in both the retail and hospital setting. Through my education and experience, I found a directive in which I want to take my career which brings me to pharmacy residency. I am grateful for the professors and leaders who have helped pave my path toward this residency and encourage anyone looking to advance their career, in each respective field of interest, to take advantage of the abundant resources provided by the college of pharmacy.”
Sreya Varghese
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program
"Before starting pharmacy school, I didn’t fully understand the range of career paths the profession offered. I mostly thought of pharmacy in terms of retail or hospital roles and didn’t realize how many other possibilities were out there. I knew I wanted to give myself the chance to explore, so I applied for a job as an intern at a hospital and ended up being one of the best decisions I made. I landed the position and quickly found myself in an environment that challenged me to be responsible, focused, and more ambitious about my future. Watching pharmacists play such an active role in patient care and clinical decision-making really opened my eyes. That’s when I started to see residency as something I genuinely wanted to pursue. As I moved through my rotations, that desire only grew stronger. I kept gravitating toward clinical work and knew I wanted to keep building on those skills. The residency process was definitely tough. It was full of long hours, nerves, and moments of doubt. But I was surrounded by incredible mentors, preceptors, friends, and family who encouraged me every step of the way. My advice to anyone who’s unsure about residency: give yourself the space to explore and grow. You don’t need to have all the answers, just stay open, take the opportunities that come your way, and trust that you’re more capable than you think.”
Ricardo Ibarra
CHRISTUS Spohn Shoreline
"My journey toward obtaining a residency program has been shaped by a combination of mentorship, hands-on clinical experience, and the strong support system provided by Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy. From the beginning, the College emphasized not only academic excellence but also personal and professional development. Through rotations in diverse settings—ambulatory care, hospital, and pain management—I gained valuable insight into patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration. The faculty’s dedication to student success was instrumental throughout my residency pursuit. They provided continuous guidance on CV development, interview preparation, and navigating the residency application process. My participation in student organizations and leadership roles, including mentorship through Phi Lambda Sigma, further refined my communication and organizational skills. The College’s emphasis on service, leadership, and innovation helped me develop the confidence to pursue a PGY1 Community-Based Pharmacy Residency. I am deeply grateful for the foundation I received and proud to represent Texas A&M as I continue my journey in pharmacy practice.”
Kardon Payne
CVS PGY-1 community pharmacy
"Pharmacy school is not only about mastering the profession but also about discovering who you are and where you thrive. I did not identify my passion for Regulatory Affairs until my third year, which reinforced the value of staying open to new possibilities. Securing a two-year fellowship with Amgen Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with Howard University, taught me that self-belief is essential. ”
Nana Kwesi Owusu-Boakye
2-year fellowship in Global Regulatory Affairs with Amgen Pharmaceuticals affiliated with Howard University
"When I first started pharmacy school, I knew I wanted to make a difference in patient care—but it wasn’t until I engaged in my clinical and leadership experiences that I realized my passion extended beyond the bedside. I became inspired by the potential to impact healthcare systems through pharmacy leadership and innovation, and Texas A&M provided the perfect environment to explore and refine this vision. Through the support of faculty mentors, immersive hospital experiences, and opportunities to serve in student organizations, I developed the confidence and skills needed to pursue a residency in health-system pharmacy administration. The guidance I received and the challenges I was encouraged to embrace prepared me not only to match into my top-choice residency, but also to grow into a future pharmacy leader who advocates for patients, teams, and the profession.”
Oscar Corona
PGY-1 & PGY-2 Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership with Masters, Texas Children's Hospital
"Matching into a residency program has been one of the most fulfilling milestones of my professional journey. Much of that success came from the strong foundation I built through my own determination, the skills I developed over time, and the invaluable experiences I gained during clinical rotations at Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy. From my first year of pharmacy school, I knew I wanted to pursue a residency. I was particularly drawn to ambulatory care and hospital pharmacy settings. Throughout pharmacy school, I focused on strengthening my clinical knowledge, communication, and problem-solving abilities—knowing these would be essential for residency. The college provided the environment and opportunities for me to put that into practice. My rotations exposed me to diverse patient populations, challenging cases, and real-time decision-making, all of which helped me grow into a more confident and capable clinician. While I leaned heavily on my own work ethic and ability to adapt, the resources and training offered by the college ensured I was well-prepared for the demands of postgraduate training. From high-quality rotations and professional development opportunities, I was able to refine my skills and showcase my readiness for a residency focused on clinical care. Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy gave me the platform I needed to excel, and I’m proud to have matched into a residency program that reflects my dedication to ambulatory and hospital pharmacy practice, patient care, and lifelong learning.”
Ricco Rizo
DHR Track B - Ambulatory Care
"During the P1 orientation, I remember hearing upperclassmen speak about their leadership roles, internships, and research experiences. Initially, it all felt unrealistic to juggle all those responsibilities while managing school work. Coming from a competitive undergraduate program focused mainly on academics and GPA, it was hard to imagine myself stepping into those kinds of opportunities. But now, four years later as an incoming PGY1 pharmacy resident, I’m proud of how much I have grown both professionally and personally. My journey through pharmacy school was shaped not just by academics, but by immersing myself in leadership roles, extracurricular activities, and building relationships with my classmates. Serving as a class representative gave me lasting friendships and opened doors for mentorship, both giving and receiving. I was incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by peers and upperclassmen who were always willing to help, support, and encourage each other through every challenge. Pursuing a residency became possible through the mentorship of incredible preceptors, a strong educational foundation from my undergraduate years, and a lot of personal resilience and self-motivation. My background in math and science helped sharpen the critical thinking skills that became essential throughout my training. If there is one piece of advice I would share, it is to approach your APPE rotations with seriousness and purpose — they are where all the true learning happens. It was during my rotations that I was challenged the most, learned the most, and truly found my passion for clinical pharmacy. My experiences during the LAPPE program, working alongside residents and interns from different schools, also allowed me to grow and provided me a clearer vision of what I wanted for my future.”
Yurim (Kristy) Lee
Wellstar Kinnestone PGY1 Residency
"Throughout pharmacy school, I wasn’t completely sure about applying for a residency, but I finally decided I would try at the beginning of my P4 year. I was able to meet with several professors who looked over my CV and letters of intent and provided me with lots of invaluable feedback. I’m extremely grateful to the pharmacy residents and preceptors during my APPE rotations who took the time to talk to me and tell me what it was like to go through a residency program. Their advice and perspectives encouraged me to apply for a residency and I am extremely grateful to all the people who supported me throughout this journey.”
Roxana Merino
VA Corpus Christi PGY1
"I am grateful for the College of Pharmacy and every faculty member who supported me in seeking out opportunities so I could get a holistic experience in all that pharmacy entailed. It was through these experience I acquired which helped me realize I would be successful in clinical pharmacy. Although I would be uncertain about my future path, faculty members would be open to speak with me and help me identify my own strengths. I got support in every step, which has helped make residency a possibility for me.”
Shreya Kumar
PGY1 at Corpus Christi Medical Center
"Coming into my final year, I didn't plan on pursuing a residency. But as I progressed through my APPE rotations, everything changed. Each experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and exposed me to the depth and impact of clinical pharmacy. I found myself thriving in fast-paced environments, collaborating with healthcare teams, and making meaningful contributions to patient care. Texas A&M's pharmacy program provided me with opportunities and support that prepared me to excel in these settings. My rotations not only built my confidence but also sparked a passion for continued growth and advanced clinical training. It was through these experiences that I realized a residency was the natural next step in becoming the pharmacist I aspire to be.”
Heston Bugai
BSWH PGY1 Inpatient
"When I first entered pharmacy school, I had no clear vision of where my path would lead. I was passionate about healthcare but unsure of how I wanted to make my mark. It was through meaningful conversations with professors, encouragement from staff, and the guidance of alumni that I began to explore the world beyond traditional pharmacy roles. Student organizations, especially IPhO (Industry Pharmacists Organization), played a pivotal role in shaping my interest in the pharmaceutical industry path. One of the most transformative experiences in my journey was securing an internship with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine as a Global Regulatory Affairs intern. That experience illuminated my passion for global regulatory affairs and gave me a front-row seat to how innovation in medicine is guided through complex regulatory landscapes to reach patients in need. I realized this was the space where I could make a lasting impact. Throughout this process, the college of pharmacy stood behind me every step of the way. Whether it was resume reviews, personal statement editing, mock interviews, or connecting with alumni who had once stood where I stood, Texas A&M made sure I was prepared to compete at the highest level. With their support and the experiences I had gained, I earned a highly competitive Regulatory Policy & Intelligence Fellowship with Boehringer Ingelheim. I pursued a fellowship because I believe in the power of innovation to transform lives. In regulatory affairs, I found a place where I could help bring groundbreaking therapies and devices from concept to patient care. Texas A&M College of Pharmacy didn’t just help me find my path. it helped me forge it. Now, as I stand at the intersection of science and innovation, I carry the Aggie spirit with me into every room, every decision, and every breakthrough.”
Chinonso Paul
Regulatory Policy & Intelligence Fellow at Boehringher Ingelheim
"Attending both the ASHP Midyear and state residency showcases played a crucial role in my journey toward securing a residency. These events provided valuable opportunities to network and helped residency program directors become familiar with my name and face. Additionally, the support I received from the College, especially from Mrs. Mathews, was instrumental. Her guidance on CV formatting and interview preparation was incredibly helpful and gave me the confidence I needed throughout the application process.”
Carissa Gomez
St. Joseph Hospital