Baptist Golden Triangle PGY1 Pharmacy Residents

Victoria (Tori) Byerly, PharmD

PGY 1 Resident

Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; Union University College of Pharmacy; Jackson, TN

About Tori
Tori is from a suburb of Dallas, Texas, and loves reading true crime novels and working out, though she admits to have a love/hate relationship with the latter. She also enjoys a good road trip.

Why did you choose Baptist?
I chose Baptist because everyone was so nice and welcoming! I felt more relaxed and comfortable in the interview here than in any other I had.

What is your day like?
Transitioning from a pharmacy student to a resident has been somewhat challenging. Putting everything you've learned into practice doesn't always go how you'd expect, but I've learned so much while being here and it's motivation for the next day.

Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I always knew I wanted a career in medicine even though I wasn't always set on pharmacy. I do have family members in pharmacy, but no one ever pushed me towards it. It just seemed like the best fit for me.

Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
Baptist Golden Triangle has a smaller pharmacy, but I think that's what makes it great. It's small enough to where you don't feel like you're slipping in between the cracks while also being big enough to experience a lot. All of the pharmacy staff is so kind and willing to help where they can.

Emily Goforth, PharmD

PGY 1 Resident

Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in biology; Troy University; Troy, AL

Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy; Auburn, AL

About Emily
Emily grew up in Troy, Alabama. She enjoys gardening and playing with her two cats, who like to lounge around while she’s away and run around when she gets home. Emily and her spouse have been together for six years.

Why did you choose Baptist?
I chose Baptist because I enjoy the community hospital setting and Baptist has many opportunities for pharmacists, even in a smaller hospital. The atmosphere is very welcoming, and I felt at home immediately. I felt welcomed not only by the pharmacy, but also by the entire hospital staff. It is very important to me to work in a warm, welcoming environment.

What is your day like?
My days can be very different from day to day. My days typically consist of talking to preceptors, interacting with other health professionals, and caring for patients. This can look very different depending on the rotation I am on, and ranges from speaking on the phone about patients to participating in codes. The preceptors have high goals and expectations for their residents, which can be difficult at times. My preceptors set their expectations and instruct and guide me so that I can excel in the rotation. This makes the environment both challenging and rewarding. 

What's your favorite thing about Columbus, MS?
My favorite thing about Columbus is the small-town environment. Columbus is very similar to the town I grew up in, so I feel very at home and comfortable here. 

Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I chose pharmacy because I want to work in the health care field and help others. Pharmacy provides a great opportunity to interact with other health care providers and provide specialized knowledge to help improve patients’ health.

Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
Baptist has amazing pharmacists and staff who challenge you, but always with support so that you have the tools to excel in whatever you are working towards. The hospital is a great size to be able to have a variety of experiences, but still know everyone in the hospital by name. This program is very accommodating to your interests and needs, even as they change throughout the year. Preceptors and mentors are always available to help you meet your goals and have a personal interest in you.

Victoria (Tori) Wright, PharmD

PGY 1 Resident

Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in general studies; University of Mississippi; Oxford, MS

Pharmacy Degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; Harding University College of Pharmacy; Searcy, AR

About Tori
Tori grew up in the small town of Durant, Mississippi. As a student, she worked at a chain retail pharmacy and as a medication history technician at an inpatient facility. She likes binge-watching TV shows, listening to audiobooks and trying new foods. Her current interests include mental health and ambulatory care.

Why did you choose Baptist?
I chose Baptist because this particular program offered several learning experiences that I was interested in. Then I was completely sold at my interview at how nice and friendly everyone was. 

Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
I chose pharmacy as a career after growing up and seeing many family members deal with chronic disease states. They would usually be intimidated by their PCPs and would not ask questions. They would rely heavily on other people with the disease states for advice which was not always beneficial to them. I wanted to be able to bridge the gap with appropriate information and resources so I could help them.

Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
I would recommend Baptist because the transition from student to pharmacist is hard, but here they help you with the transition. They ease you into this new world of responsibility and provide you with so many resources to help you succeed.