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Pathways to Pharmacy Careers 2026 Flipbook

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presents


Table of Contents:

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Welcome from Dean Cavanaugh

Page 3

Day-Of Schedule

Page 4

Speaker Slate

Page 5

Speakers’ Biographies

Page 6

A Moment of Thanks

Page 15

Exhibitor Hall Companies

Page 16

Residency Showcase Programs

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elcome to the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s Pathways to Pharmacy Careers and Residency Showcase! We are excited to bring together student pharmacists from across all UF campuses for a day dedicated to exploration, growth, and professional development. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from pharmacists representing a wide range of career paths, gain insights from personal and professional development experts, connect with potential employers through interviews, and engage with organizations in our exhibit hall to discover the many opportunities available within the profession.

We are especially thrilled to introduce our first-ever All-Campus Inclusive Residency Showcase, providing students with unprecedented access to residency programs and mentors from across the state and beyond. As you network with peers over lunch and participate throughout the day, we encourage you to reflect on the pharmacist you aspire to become. Whether you are just beginning your professional journey or preparing for your next career step, this conference is designed to strengthen your professional identity, expand your vision of what is possible in pharmacy, and inspire your continued growth as a future leader in the profession. We are delighted to have you here and look forward to an engaging and transformative experience together.

- Dr. Teresa Cavanaugh

Associate Dean of Student Affairs

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Day-Of Schedule:

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Time

Event

Location

8:30 am

Arrival & Check-In

Reitz Union 2nd Floor

9:00 am

Exhibitor Hall Opens

Exhibition Hall

9:00 am

Speaker Session 1

9:45 am

Speaker Session 2

Reitz Grand Ballroom & Auditorium

10:20 am

Coffee & Networking Break

Reitz Union 2nd Floor

10:35 am

Speaker Session 3

11:20 am

Speaker Session 4

Reitz Grand Ballroom & Auditorium

12:00 pm

Lunch Social

Reitz Union 2nd Floor

1:00 pm

Residency Showcase

Reitz Union 2nd Floor


Speaker Slate Session

Topic

Speaker(s)

1 GB

Navigating the Pharmacy Residency Interview

Dr. Bernadette Belgado & Dr. Stephanie McCormick

1A

Federal Aid Changes and Financial Strategies

Nolan Simmons & Dr. Tina Lamb

2 GB

Industry Cancer Center Partnership

Dr. David Deremer

2A

Salary Negotiation

Brendan Daigle

Beyond the Counter: Building a Career in Managed Care Strategies to Reframe Difficult Feedback

Dr. Meredith Diamond

4 GB

The New Community Pharmacy Model

Dr. Carl Allison & Dr. Shivani Mehta

4A

Standing Out When AI Makes Everyone Competent

Dr. Matthew Kirchoff

3 GB 3A

Pathways Track Grand Ballroom (GB)

Dr. Amanda Haddad

Development Track Auditorium (A)

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UF Health Jacksonville’s

Dr. Bernadette Belgado presents

Navigating the Pharmacy Residency Interview: Strategies for Success Bernadette Belgado, Pharm.D. currently serves as the Director of Pharmacy at UF Health Jacksonville and as a Clinical Associate Professor at the UF College of Pharmacy on the Jacksonville campus. In 2022, she was recognized as a Trailblazing Woman in Medicine and Health Care by UF Health. Dr. Belgado received her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida after completing a B.S. in Pharmacy at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Following graduation, she completed a pharmacy practice (PGY1) residency at UF Health Jacksonville and a Specialty Residency Program in Drug Information Practice (PGY2) at UF Health Shands in Gainesville. Dr. Belgado has served at UF Health Jacksonville for over 20 years, first as the Manager of the Therapeutic Policy Division and now as the Director of Pharmacy.

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UF Health Jacksonville’s

Dr. Stephanie McCormick presents

Navigating the Pharmacy Residency Interview: Strategies for Success Stephanie McCormick, Pharm.D. is Manager, Education and Training and PGY1 Residency Program Director at UF Health Jacksonville. Dr. McCormick received her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida in 1994. She then completed an Ambulatory Care Residency at University Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. She has overseen the residency programs at UF Health Jacksonville for almost 30 years and has expanded the programs to include 15 residents in PGY1, PGY2 Ambulatory Care, PYG2 Critical Care, PGY2 Emergency Medicine, PGY2 Infectious Diseases, and PGY2 Pain Management/Palliative Care programs. Her areas of responsibility include resident and student training, new employee onboarding, policy management and performance improvement. In her free time, Dr. McCormick loves to travel, visit with her family, read, and spend time outdoors.

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UF Office of Financial Aid’s

Nolan Simmons presents

Federal Aid Changes and Financial Strategies Nolan Simmons serves as an Associate Director in the University of Florida’s Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, where he has spent the past 27 years helping students navigate the financial aid process and pursue their educational goals. Throughout his career, Nolan has worked closely with students, families, campus partners, and university leadership to support access to higher education and help ensure students have the resources they need to succeed. He is especially passionate about making financial aid policies and processes easier to understand and helping students feel confident as they navigate what can sometimes be an overwhelming part of the college experience. A proud Double Gator, Nolan earned both his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and his master’s degree in Education from the University of Florida. Having experienced UF firsthand as a student and now serving students as a financial aid professional, Nolan brings a unique perspective and a genuine commitment to helping students make the most of their college experience. After 27 years at UF, he continues to find great satisfaction in making a difference in the lives of students and helping them take the next step toward achieving their goals.

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UF Office of Financial Aid’s

Dr. Tina Lamb presents

Federal Aid Changes and Financial Strategies Dr. Tina Lamb is the Executive Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA). Tina is responsible for administering over $950 million annually in financial assistance from federal, state, university, and private sources. Informed by her own struggles as a Pell-eligible and federal workstudy student, Tina is passionate about higher education access and providing every student with the experience, tools, and preparation they need to lead successful, fulfilling lives after graduation. Tina has more than 23 years of service to the University of Florida and is one of just 1,000 in the nation to hold a Certified Financial Aid Administrator® license from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. She earned a bachelor's degree from UF in classical studies, a master's degree from the University of West Florida in public and non-profit administration, and a doctoral degree from UF in higher education.

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Daiichi Sankyo Inc.’s

Dr. David Deremer presents

Industry Cancer Center Partnership David DeRemer, Pharm.D., BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA is a medical science liaison with Daiichi Sankyo Inc. on the early development team. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Pharmacy in 2002. Following graduation, he completed a pharmacy practice (PGY1) residency and a hematology/oncology residency (PGY2) from the UK Medical Center. Following residencies, he completed a 1- year oncology fellowship with emphasis on drug discovery and development at UK.

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UF Career Connections Center’s

Brendan Daigle presents

Salary Negotiation Brendan is originally from the greater New Orleans area of Louisiana and is an alumna of Southeastern Louisiana University. She has worked in education for many years, both in higher education and as an art teacher in K-12 schools. Most of her career has been in student affairs in higher education, serving in various roles at her alma mater before joining the UF Career Connections Center in June 2023. As Senior Manager for Career Pathways for Health and Life Sciences, she is a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) and strives to empower students exploring and pursuing careers in both individual and public health. She does this through facilitating workshops and personalized career planning appointments.

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CarelonRx’s

Dr. Meredith Diamond presents

Beyond the Counter: Building a Career in Managed Care Dr. Meredith Diamond is a Formulary Strategy Director at CarelonRx, where she helps shape which medications are covered and how pharmacy benefits are designed. She works with teams across the organization to evaluate new treatments, consider their clinical and financial impact, and develop strategies that support access to effective, affordable medications. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 2019 and completed a PGY-1 Managed Care Residency with IngenioRx. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Clinical Pharmacist at CarelonRx, leading formulary and utilization management initiatives that enhanced access to care and supported high-quality, costeffective treatment. During pharmacy school, Meredith served as President of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP), reflecting her early commitment to leadership and advocacy within the profession. She is a founding member of the University of Florida Young Alumni Council and remains actively engaged in the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), continuing her commitment to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

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Aspen RxHealth’s

Dr. Amanda Haddad presents

Strategies to Reframe Difficult Feedback Amanda Haddad, PharmD, MBA, AAHIVP, is a pharmacist, healthcare leader, and advocate with experience spanning clinical practice, pharmacy operations, and organizational leadership. She currently serves as a Pharmacy Director in ambulatory care, where she leads interdisciplinary initiatives focused on HIV treatment and prevention, medication access, and improving patient outcomes. Throughout her career, Amanda has held leadership roles in both clinical and community pharmacy and has remained actively involved in advancing the profession. She serves in multiple leadership capacities within the Florida Pharmacy Association and has represented Florida nationally through the American Pharmacists Association House of Delegates. She is also a dedicated preceptor and mentor to future pharmacists. Amanda earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida and an MBA in Healthcare Management and is credentialed as an HIV Pharmacist through the American Academy of HIV Medicine. Her work reflects a strong commitment to advancing pharmacy practice, developing future leaders, and expanding the role pharmacists play across healthcare.

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Baya Pharmacy’s

Dr. Carl Allison presents

The New Community Pharmacy Model: Pharmacy-Centered Community Care Carl Allison, the visionary owner and founder of Baya Pharmacy in Lake City, Florida. With over 40 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Carl has dedicated his career to serving the community’s health care needs. Carl’s journey in pharmacy began many years ago, and his commitment to excellence has been unwavering. Under his leadership, Baya Pharmacy has grown to include multiple locations, offering a wide range of services such as immunizations, clinical services, compounding, medical supplies, and urgent care. His innovative approach and dedication to patient care have made Baya Pharmacy a trusted name in North Central Florida. Beyond his professional achievements, Carl is deeply rooted in the community. His family’s farm, which has been in the Allison family since 1914, reflects his strong ties to the area. Carl’s passion for both pharmacy and community service is evident in everything he does.

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Baya Pharmacy’s

Dr. Shivani Mehta presents

The New Community Pharmacy Model: Pharmacy-Centered Community Care Dr. Mehta is a dedicated pharmacist and the Director of Clinical Services at Baya Pharmacy in Lake City, Florida. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 2022. Born in India and raised in Canada, Dr. Mehta’s diverse background has given her a unique perspective on global health care systems. Her passion for pharmacy was inspired by her father, a pharmacist, and her own desire to make a direct and positive impact on patient health. Since joining Baya Pharmacy, Dr. Mehta has been instrumental in expanding their services. She has established a clinical services department, developed an obesity management program, and created a health equity program. Most recently, she designed and managed the buildout of a sterile compounding cleanroom. Dr. Mehta is a strong advocate for community pharmacy, emphasizing the importance of clinical expertise, patientcentered care, and innovation. Her commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing the pharmacy profession is truly inspiring.

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The U.S. Defense Health Agency’s

Dr. Matthew Kirchoff presents

Standing Out When AI Makes Everyone Competent: The Curve Moved. So Must You. CAPT Matthew Kirchoff, PharmD, MS, MBA, CPH, BCPS, is a U.S. Public Health Service officer and Deputy Chief for the Defense Health Agency’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, which supports HIV-related initiatives across 40 militaries in ally countries. His career spans global health, clinical research, emergency response, and the use of technology to advance pharmacy and public health. He helped establish the USPHS Ready Reserve, led international research pharmacy operations at NIH, and developed drug surveillance tools and mobile clinical trial initiatives at FDA. He has precepted more than 20 University of Florida students and received three Meritorious Service Medals. He earned his PharmD and MS at UF and his MBA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is Certified in Public Health and a Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist.

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hank you to our incredibly devoted UF College of Pharmacy sponsors: Baya Pharmacy, CVS, and Walgreens. Without your immeasurable support, the Pathways to Pharmacy Careers and Residency Showcase events would not be possible. It is because of your generosity and dedication to the field of pharmacy’s future that UF PharmD students can gather today for professional and personal development. Thank you for your continued investment in past, present, and future Gator pharmacists.

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Exhibition Hall Companies AHF Pharmacy

Baya Pharmacy

CEimpact

CVS

Florida Pharmacy Association

Health First

Lee Health

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Medwatchers

Orlando Health Children’s Arnold Palmer Hospital

The University of Florida College of Pharmacy

UF Health Shands Hospital

The U.S. Navy

The U.S. Naval Hospital Jacksonville

Walgreens

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Residency Showcase Programs AdventHealth Apopka

AdventHealth East Orlando

AdventHealth Orlando

AdventHealth Winter Garden

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Baptist Health South Florida

Baya Pharmacy & UF COP

BayCare

CEimpact

Cleveland Clinic Martin North

Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital

CVS

HCAFloridaNorth FloridaHospital

Heath First Holmes Regional Medical

Lee Health

Mayo Clinic

NicklausChildren’s Hospital

North Florida/South GeorgiaVeterans Health System

Orlando Health Children’sArnold Palmer Hospital

Thomas H. Corey VAMedical Center

UF Health Jacksonville

UF Health Shands

UF Health Spanish Plaines

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