Mississippi Baptist Medical Center PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residents
Chasity Caston, PharmD
PGY1 Resident
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences; University of Mississippi; Oxford, MS; 2021
Pharmacy degree
Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Mississippi; 2024
About Chasity
Chasity is a proud native of Utica, Mississippi. Throughout pharmacy school, she held various leadership roles in the Student National Pharmaceutical Association, the Student College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists, while being involved with community service. She is also an inductee of the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society and Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society. She enjoys shopping, photography, and being with family and friends. Her areas of interest include chronic disease state management focused on hypertension, diabetes and heart failure.
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
One of the main reasons I chose to pursue a career in pharmacy stems from my relationship with my grandmother who played a significant role in raising me. During my senior year of high school in 2015, my grandmother’s cancer returned, and she was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Witnessing her health decline and observing my mother’s interactions with physicians and pharmacists during this time sparked my initial interest in health care. These experiences, along with the special moments I shared with my grandmother, fueled my passion for serving others. Tragically, my grandmother passed away just as I was beginning my freshman year of college. Her loss inspired me to exceed my academic expectations and build a strong foundation of clinical knowledge. I am committed to making a significant impact by addressing health care barriers, creating safe spaces for patients to advocate for themselves, and improving health literacy and patient outcomes.
Why did you choose Baptist?
I chose Baptist because of its strong commitment to providing optimal patient care and its reputation for creating a supportive learning environment for residents. Baptist's focus on healing and teaching aligns perfectly with my career goals and values. The opportunity to work alongside professionals of various disciplines and contribute to a health care system that prioritizes patient-centered care made Baptist the ideal choice for advancing my clinical skills.
What is your day like?
Each day varies, but generally, I start by reviewing the charts of my heart failure patients to ensure that they are on guideline-directed medication therapy before discharge. I also focus on medication affordability, making sure patients receive their prescriptions at the most cost-effective prices to promote adherence. I also deliver medications to patients' rooms and provide discharge counseling to facilitate a smooth transition of care. Alongside these responsibilities, I work in the retail pharmacy, verifying and dispensing medications for employees, the Meds2Beds program, and the shipping program. The most rewarding part of my day is interacting with patients. It means the world to me to serve and educate individuals from my hometown and surrounding areas.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
I would highly recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant for many reasons. The residency program here invests in the professional development of its residents, by providing mentorship and exposure to various aspects of health care, enhancing the clinical experience. There are also endless research opportunities here to step beyond one’s comfort zone to learn more. Additionally, Baptist is dedicated to making a difference in the community. As a community resident, interested in community-oriented care, this is a rewarding aspect to my training. The program also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, providing a supportive environment that helps residents manage their professional responsibilities while maintaining personal well-being and avoiding burnout.