CHI St. Vincent Academic and Faculty Affairs

A pharmacy residency is a postgraduate training program that allows licensed pharmacists to practice under the guidance of an experienced preceptor. The core components of a PGY1 residency include direct patient care and practice management. This training enhances clinical skills, accelerates professional growth beyond entry-level experience, and provides exposure to diverse hospital settings.

The PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock is designed to prepare pharmacy practitioners for an advanced level of practice at a community-based hospital. Our residents get in-depth experience in broad areas of pharmacy practice, including internal medicine, critical care, infectious disease, cardiology, medication safety, emergency medicine and antimicrobial stewardship. 

Residents engage in a variety of activities, including participating in multidisciplinary rounds, precepting pharmacy students, conducting major research projects for resident conference presentations, presenting posters, contributing to pharmacy committees, conducting medication use evaluations (MUEs) and new drug reviews, and completing both teaching and research certificate programs. Residents are eligible for board certification postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training.

• The program listing in PhORCAS:  CHI St. Vincent Infirmary

• National matching service code: 259013

• Number of positions: 2

• Duration: 12 months

• Application deadline: The application deadline varies; please check our website or contact us for the most up-to-date information

• Starting date: June 23

Benefits

As health systems increasingly require residency training for clinical roles, completing a residency offers a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, residents gain valuable networking opportunities and a clearer perspective on their career goals and areas of interest. Additional benefits include:

• Dedicated pharmacy resident office space

• Competitive Salary - $49,920

• ACLS Certification

• Professional travel reimbursement

• Insurance: medical, dental, vision, accident, and life

• 22 Days of paid vacation/sick leave/holiday leave (paid out at the end of residency if not used)

• Discounted meals

• Free parking

Application Requirements

• A strong academic record and desire for professional accomplishment

• Employment experience in a pharmacy setting while pursuing Doctor of Pharmacy degree highly preferred

• Graduation from an ACPE accredited college of pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree

• Eligible for licensure in the state of Arkansas

• Registered with the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS®)

• Participation in the ASHP Resident Matching Program, administered by National Matching Services Inc.

• Submission of a detailed letter of intent, current curriculum vitae, official academic transcripts, and three letters of recommendation through PhORCAS®

• Application deadline: The application deadline varies; please check our website or contact us for the most up-to-date information

Resources

The following resources offer essential information about our program, including application requirements, benefits, learning experiences and work expectations. Whether you’re considering applying or preparing to start your residency, these comprehensive resources will help you make informed decisions and succeed in your journey.

• Resident responsibilitiesopens in a new tab

• Requirements: definitions and complete checklistopens in a new tab

• Resident disciplinary actionopens in a new tab

• Frequently asked questionsopens in a new tab

Our 2025 pharmacy residents are a talented group of professionals dedicated to advancing patient care and pharmacy practice. These residents will work closely with our exceptional preceptors—experienced pharmacists who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide, mentor and inspire the next generation of pharmacy leaders.

Meet our 2024-2025 residents

Melanie Meng, PharmD

Melanie Meng earned a Doctor of Pharmacy in her hometown at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Pharmacy. Melanie's decision to pursue a residency at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary stemmed from her desire to strengthen her clinical skills and build confidence as a well-rounded, independent practitioner.   During her residency, she will be completing the research and teaching certificate programs through UAMS. Her PGY1 research project will compare the safety and cost effectiveness of IV push lacosamide versus IV piggyback administration. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, Melanie hopes to pursue board certification and a PGY2 residency, as well as become a preceptor to future pharmacists. Outside of residency, she enjoys remaining active through exercise, traveling, or relaxing at the pool.

Leslie TraylorLeslie Traylor, PharmD

Leslie Traylor attended the University of Mississippi where she received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences in May of 2021, followed by her Doctor of Pharmacy in May of 2024. Originally from Oxford, Mississippi, Leslie joined the CHI St. Vincent pharmacy team as a PGY1 resident for the 2024-2025 year. During her residency, she will be completing the research and teaching certificate programs through UAMS. She will also conduct a research project comparing tenecteplase and alteplase for acute ischemic stroke. Upon completion of residency, Leslie plans to potentially pursue a PGY2 in critical care or emergency medicine, pursue board certification, and look into preceptorship for students and residents. In her spare time, Leslie enjoys reading, playing with her dog, Baker, and listening to music.

Meet our preceptors

Brandy Hopkins, PharmD, BCCP

Pharmacy Clinical Manager

Brandy Hopkins leads CHI St. Vincent’s Pharmacy Residency Program and Medication Safety initiatives. A Jasper, Arkansas, native, she earned her PharmD from UAMS in 2007. Passionate about cardiology, she pioneered a Medication History Program and received AAHP’s Clinician of the Year Award in 2015. She helped achieve ASHP accreditation for the residency program and became Arkansas’ first board certified cardiology pharmacist in 2020. Brandy chairs the AAHP NRS Council and precepts Medication Safety. She lives in Conway with her husband, Nathan, their children, Lily and Eli, and their papillon, Pepper.et our preceptors

Chad Krebs, PharmD, MBA, BCPS

Pharmacy Clinical Manager

Chad Krebs earned his PharmD from UAMS in 2006, becoming board certified in 2012. He joined CHI St. Vincent in 2016 and completed his MBA in 2017. Chad manages clinical services and chairs the Antimicrobial Stewardship and P&T Committees. An active ASHP, APA and AAHP member, he was named AAHP Manager of the Year in 2019 and serves on its board. He precepts Pharmacy Administration and Antimicrobial Stewardship. Chad lives in Alexander with his children, Afton and Linley.

Ashley Bell, PharmD, BCCP

Cardiovascular Clinical Pharmacist Specialist

Ashley Bell earned her PharmD from UAMS in 2018 and completed PGY1 and PGY2 cardiology residencies at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. She joined CHI St. Vincent in 2020, specializing in advanced heart failure, mechanical circulatory support and pulmonary arterial hypertension. A board certified cardiology pharmacist, she precepts Advanced Cardiology and conducts research on anticoagulation therapy. Outside work, Ashley enjoys traveling, exercising, reading and family time.

Cheryl Brantley-Finley, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacist

Cheryl Brantley-Finley earned her PharmD from UAMS in 2004 after completing research at its biochemistry department. She worked in retail, long-term care and home infusion before joining CHI St. Vincent in 2015. Passionate about oncology, she co-precepts the Oncology Operations learning experience. She enjoys mountain biking, kayaking, fishing and spending time with family.

Christine Creekmore, PharmD, BCPS

Clinical Pharmacist

Christine Creekmore earned her PharmD from UAMS in 2011, completing a PGY1 residency there in 2012. She has since worked at CHI St. Vincent, co-precepting Internal Medicine. Christine enjoys traveling and time with family and friends.

Rebecca Fresneda, PharmD, BCPS

Clinical Pharmacist

Rebecca Fresneda earned her PharmD from the University of Tennessee in 2021 and completed a PGY1 residency at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Center in 2022. She is board certified in pharmacotherapy and co-precepts Internal Medicine. Rebecca enjoys travel, outdoor activities and family time.

George Gann, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacist

George Gann earned his PharmD from UAMS in 1996 and has practiced at CHI St. Vincent for 36 years. He precepts Critical Care and IV Nutrition. Outside work, he enjoys volunteering, gardening and family time.

Amanda Galiano, PharmD, BCPS, MSHI

Clinical Pharmacist

Amanda Galiano earned her PharmD from UAMS in 2007 and a master’s degree in Healthcare Informatics from Arkansas Tech in 2021. After years in critical care, she joined CHI St. Vincent in 2024. She is active in ACCP and BPS and precepts Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infectious Diseases.

Jayme Holland, PharmD, BCPS

Clinical Pharmacist

Jayme Holland earned her Pharm.D. from UAMS in 2020. She completed her PGY1 residency at CHI St. Vincent and now precepts Cardiology and Critical Care. She enjoys Disney vacations, reading and playing with her goldendoodles.

K. Claire Lieblong, PharmD, MBA, BCPS

Population Health Pharmacist

Claire Lieblong earned her PharmD from UAMS and her MBA from UA Little Rock in 2008. Board certified in 2015, she joined Arkansas Health Network/CHI St. Vincent in 2019, working on prescription analysis and formulary management. She precepts Managed Care/Population Health and lives in Little Rock with her three children.

Kristyn McKnight, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacist

Kristyn McKnight earned her PharmD from the University of Wyoming after a nursing career. She completed her PGY1 at UAMS in 2022 and now focuses on critical care and emergency medicine at CHI St. Vincent. She enjoys gardening, baking and family time.

Gabriella Nepomuceno, PharmD, BCPS

Clinical Pharmacist

Gabriella Nepomuceno earned her PharmD from UAMS in 2021 and completed a PGY1 residency at Presbyterian Healthcare Services. She specializes in internal medicine and oncology. Outside work, she enjoys hiking, biking and cooking.

Monal Patel, PharmD, BCIDP

Clinical Pharmacist

Monal Patel earned her PharmD from Drake University in 2011 and completed a residency at Mayo Clinic Health System. She joined CHI St. Vincent in 2014 and now leads the Medication History Program. She precepts Orientation, Internal Medicine and Antimicrobial Stewardship. She enjoys traveling and family time.

Mason Schroeder, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacist

Mason Schroeder earned his PharmD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2023 and completed his PGY1 at North Kansas City Hospital. He joined CHI St. Vincent in 2024. He enjoys sports, travel and hopes to win Survivor one day.

Natalie Stirrup, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPS

Clinical Pharmacist

Natalie Stirrup earned her PharmD from Harding University in 2021 and completed PGY1 and PGY2 critical care residencies at UAMS. Board certified in pharmacotherapy and critical care, she precepts Emergency Medicine and Cardiovascular Critical Care. She enjoys national parks, baking and time with family and her Australian shepherd, Remmy.

Erica Thompson, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacist

Erica Thompson earned her PharmD from UAMS in 2023 and completed her PGY1 at CHI St. Vincent, where she researched cefepime-induced encephalopathy. She precepts Cardiology and enjoys reading, tennis and family time.

At CHI St. Vincent, we offer diverse clinical experiences for allied health and nursing students across various disciplines, including nursing (undergraduate and graduate), dietary, EMT, PA, counseling, therapy (OT/PT/SLP) and laboratory sciences.

• If you are completing a clinical rotation as an individual, please follow the Individual/Graduate instructions.

• If you are part of a student cohort, your instructor should follow the Group/Undergraduate guidelines.

Orientation Requirements

All students must complete the CareLearning Passport Orientation, which includes mandatory training for regulatory compliance with OSHA, CMS and The Joint Commission. This orientation requires an annual $15 fee and can be accessed at CareLearning Passport.

Instructors and students must complete all required modules, including:

• CHI St. Vincent Health System – All Facilities

• CHI-Cerner Tips (if EHR access is needed)

• CommonSpirit Workplace Violence Prevention

To add and complete these modules, use the search function within CareLearning Passport. For assistance, contact CareLearning Support at (866) 617-3904 or email support@carelearning.com.

Files to download or fill out online:

• St Vincent Central Ark. Clinical Request Form

• Language Interpreter-Service Animals Information for Students

• Exhibit A

  • Standards of Conduct

  • Ethical Religious Directives

• Exhibit B

• Workplace Violence Prevention Attestation

Instructor Information

Clinical faculty for traditional nursing students serve as preceptors and must be present on the unit. Faculty are required to submit a list of validated skills to the clinical student manager for posting, allowing nursing staff to review prior to clinical.

Students may assist unlicensed nursing staff with basic patient care under the collaborative direction of clinical faculty and an RN. During clinical orientation, students may observe diagnostic procedures with patient and family permission, followed by approval from the RN, clinical faculty and technician.

Preceptorship

For traditional nursing students requiring a 1:1 preceptor, placements are pre-arranged by the clinical student manager and subject to manager/RN approval. The student clinical request form must indicate the need for a preceptor and be emailed to studentaccess@commonspirit.org at least eight weeks before the requested start date.

Affiliation agreement requirements

CHI St. Vincent Health System requires a current institutional affiliation agreement for all students participating in clinical rotations.

Students must verify with their program director or instructor that an active agreement exists and remains valid throughout their rotation. The agreement must be specific to both the school and the program. Per policy, students must complete a physical exam, Hepatitis B series, annual TB test, MMR vaccine or positive titer, varicella vaccine or titer, a 10-panel drug screen and a criminal background check. The school or student is responsible for related fees, and documentation must be maintained by the student’s institution.

For cohorts of more than six students, CHI St. Vincent conducts an immunization audit. The clinical student manager will send an audit form to the institution, which must be completed and returned within 24–48 hours.

If no current affiliation agreement is on file, contact the contract services department at lori.musser@commonspirit.org to initiate a new agreement. The process may take up to six months.

Our 24-month program in radiologic technology combines didactic instruction on using radiation to provide images of tissues, organs, bones and blood vessels of the human body. The St. Vincent School of Radiologic Technology has articulation agreements with University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College and University of Central Arkansas. We provide three educational tracks of completion: 

• An associate’s degree through the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College

• A bachelor’s degree through the University of Central Arkansas

• An independent track for individuals that have previously completed an undergraduate degree

Build your career

Many of our graduates enjoy careers in general radiography, but most of them pursue careers in specialty areas.  The CHI Radiology Residency Program offers training in specialty areas such as ultrasonography, interventional radiography, CT, MRI and mammography. These tracks offer full-time employment status while gaining the knowledge and expertise to qualify for specialty certifications.

More about the program

The radiologic technologist or radiographer is a vital part of the radiology department and the health care team. Responsibilities include providing patient care, operating radiographic equipment, performing radiologic procedures and assisting the radiologist. Upon successfully completing the program, graduates are eligible to apply for admission to the certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologistsopens in a new tab. Upon passing the registry examination, the graduate is certified as a registered technologist with the credentials ARRT(R)opens in a new tab. These credentials allow you to apply for active membership in the American Society of Radiologic Technologistsopens in a new tab.

Program goals

             1. The program will develop clinically competent radiation technologists who can adapt to unique clinical situations in all entry level clinical procedures.

Student learning outcomes:

• The student will be able to properly position all required competencies.

• The student will be able to formulate correct exposure techniques.

• The student will be able to accurately evaluate radiographic images compensatory to the clinical competency level.

  2. Graduates will be prepared to demonstrate acceptable critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Student learning O\outcomes:

• Using cognitive reasoning skills, first year students will be able to identify problems and relevant information as well as explore interpretations to modify procedures in order to produce diagnostic images.

• Using transition and mastery cognitive reasoning skills, second year students will be able to develop alternatives and integrate, monitor and refine strategies to produce diagnostic images when standard imaging methods are not possible.

• Both first and second year students will demonstrate critical thinking skill patterns that identify problems, organize information, and prioritize factors, resulting in an option that provides reasonable concrete and theoretical modifications and outcomes.

  3. The program will develop professionals who demonstrate a desire to seek further professional growth and display a professional image and attitude.

Student learning outcomes:

• Students will be encouraged to be active members of the State Society of Radiologic Technologist or the ASRT.

• Students will participate in state or national professional organization activities.

• Students will display effective sensitivity skills, including caring, pride in schoolwork and profession, ethical practice and emotional maturity, which constitutes a positive and professional attitude.

  4. The program will educate students to be effective communicators.

Student learning outcomes:

• The graduate can communicate with the patient before, during and after the exam to obtain an accurate patient history and effectively communicate with the patient. 

• The graduate can communicate with peers and other health care professionals in a group or as a team member.

  5. The program will provide the community and CHI St. Vincent Health System with qualified radiographers.

Program effectiveness

• Employers will indicate that they are pleased with the fact that the graduates they hired are qualified for the entry level position.

• Graduates will show satisfaction with the quality and quantity of their clinical education and indicate that they were prepared to meet the needs of the community.

• Graduates will pass the ARRT certification examination test on the first try.

• Program completion- rate completed within 3 years (150%)

• Job Placement-based on one year post graduation. 

The JRCERT has defined “not actively seeking employment” as:

• Graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts OR

• Graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation, OR

• Graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours, OR

• Graduate is on active military duty, OR

• Graduate is continuing education.

Program accreditation

The CHI St. Vincent School of Radiologic Technologist program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.orgopens in a new tab

The program’s current award is 3 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found hereopens in a new tab.