ER Wait Time: 0 Minutes 
Mississippi Baptist Medical Center PGY1 Pharmacy Residents
Harleigh Aldridge, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences; University of Mississippi; Oxford, MS; 2019
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Mississippi; 2022
About Harleigh
Harleigh is from Star City, Arkansas. Her areas of interests include emergency medicine and critical care. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and playing with her golden retriever.
Why did you choose Baptist?
I chose Mississippi Baptist Medical Center because it offers the opportunity to be exposed to different facets of pharmacy practice while practicing at the top of your license. The hospitality and inviting atmosphere of the hospital and preceptors solidified my interest when applying for residency.
What is your day like?
Each day here brings something new, and each month a new service. The mornings involve working up patients, rounding with a team, and discussing our therapeutic recommendations. Throughout the day I attend clinical meetings, do pharmacy consults, and devote my afternoons to topic discussions, projects and research. The most rewarding part to me is being able to see my clinical recommendations make a difference and help optimize patient care.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I chose pharmacy because I always had an interest in the health care field and realized the multitude of career paths that are available in the pharmaceutical field. Pharmacy allows you to be a part of an interdisciplinary team while helping improve patient outcomes that have lasting effects.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
Mississippi Baptist Medical Center has a variety of clinical services and protocols that really allow you to immerse yourself. I would recommend this to someone who wants a work environment that is challenging and equally rewarding. The people at Baptist really make you feel like you're at home.
Kristen Hawkins, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences; University of Mississippi; Oxford, MS; 2018
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Mississippi; 2021
About Kristen
Kristen grew up in Houston, Mississippi, and then completed her undergraduate and pharmacy degrees at University of Mississippi. In May of 2021, she married her college sweetheart, Hunter. They now live in Madison with their dog. She enjoys reading, and she and her husband hope to visit all the national parks in the U.S. Kristen’s areas of interest include cardiology and nutrition support.
Why did you choose Baptist?
I felt really welcomed at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center during my interview. It felt more like they were just trying to get to know me and my practice interests. MBMC is also a place where you are given the opportunity to learn from people at the top of their field.
What is your day like?
Every day looks a little different depending on my rotation. Days typically include working up patients and rounding. Completing consults and engaging in topic discussions are other daily activities.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. I decided on the pharmacy profession due to my interest in learning how different medications work.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
Everyone in the Baptist residency program is very interested in your development as a resident, and they want you to succeed.
Jonathan O’Neal, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences; University of Mississippi; Oxford, MS; 2019
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Mississippi; 2022
About Jonathan
Jonathan was born and raised in Saucier, Mississippi, on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He’s a diehard University of Mississippi fan who likes to go to as many home football games as possible. He enjoys going to the gym and the great food we have here in Jackson. Jonathan also enjoys cooking and learning new cooking techniques and styles.
Why did you choose Baptist?
Mississippi Baptist Medical Center is home to a group of amazing people who care not only about their patients, but also about your growth as a pharmacy resident. At Baptist, I knew I would be able to practice at the top of my license while being surrounded by leaders in the pharmacy community.
What is your day like?
While no two days are ever the same, most days will consist of participating in pharmacy clinical services. This includes working up patients, going on rounds, creating treatment plans, learning from preceptors, and precepting students independently. We also participate in meetings, complete pharmacy consults, conduct research, and complete assignments and projects. The environment can be fast-paced and challenging, but pushes you to become a better pharmacist. The most rewarding part of my day is improving patient care.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
My dad was an independent pharmacist back in my home town of Saucier, so from a young age I was immersed in the world of pharmacy. Through this, I was able to see how much I liked the profession and how pharmacists can impact patients’ lives.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
The Mississippi Baptist Medical Center pharmacy residency program has a wide variety of rotation opportunities, exceptional preceptors, and a great work-life balance. The program also fosters the chance to have a close relationship with your co-residents and preceptors alike in a fun learning environment.