Ole Miss Pharmacy Welcomes New Class of Pharmacy Residents

“Ole Miss has a longstanding reputation for excellence in residency training,” said Adam Pate, chair and clinical professor of Pharmacy Practice. “The dedication and leadership of our faculty members Courtney Davis, Lindsey Rayborn, and Ha Phan are second to none, and their passion for resident development is evident and always makes for a great residency year for our residents.” 

This year's class includes four residents whose experiences and interests have brought them to Ole Miss from across the region. From ambulatory care clinics in Jackson to community pharmacy practice in Jackson and Oxford, each resident is embarking on a year of intensive learning, professional growth, and patient care.

 
Kate Philpot

Kate Philpot didn’t have far to look before deciding Ole Miss was the right fit for her second year of residency. A native of Asheville, North Carolina, she completed her PharmD at the University of Kentucky, as well as a PGY-1 community-based residency program there. When it came time to choose a program for her PGY-2 in ambulatory care, Philpot applied to programs across the country, but ultimately opted for Ole Miss.

“Everyone has been so nice and kind, and very, very welcoming,” Philpot said. “I'm learning a lot, and it’s been easy to fit in, especially for someone who didn't go to school here.”

Philpot finished her Kentucky residency in June, and started at Ole Miss in July. Since then, she’s been busy attending orientations, meeting with the residency program director and getting to know the preceptors she’ll work with throughout the year.

In the coming year, Philpot will rotate through different clinics, including sites at the GV (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She's especially drawn to diabetes management and is leaning toward a career that splits her time between clinical practice and academia.

Taylor Chester

Madison, Mississippi, native Taylor Chester traveled a different state-to-state path, moving to Louisiana to complete the pharmacy program at Xavier University, where she graduated in 2025. She then returned home for a PGY1 community-based residency through Ole Miss in the Jackson area.

This first year of residency gave Chester valuable hands-on experience providing patient care in a community pharmacy setting. She enjoyed working directly with patients, educating them about their health conditions and treatment goals, and counseling them on medications to ensure they were safe, effective, and aligned with their needs.

“I think community-based pharmacy practice involves a lot more than many people realize,” Chester said. “You have opportunities every day to educate patients on what they can do at home, what to do when they see their doctors, and you have the opportunity to really make a difference in their lives.”

Now in her PGY-2 in ambulatory care pharmacy at Ole Miss, Chester looks forward to expanding her expertise in managing chronic diseases and working closely with patients over time to help them achieve their health goals. And while she hasn't decided if her long-term career will be in Mississippi or in another state, serving patients and helping them take ownership of their health is her goal.

Kennedy Broussard

Hailing from New Orleans, Kennedy Broussard always knew she wanted to work in healthcare, even if she wasn't sure exactly what that would look like. Watching family members navigate health issues influenced her decision to pursue a career in pharmacy to help those in need.

Broussard completed pharmacy school at Xavier University before joining Ole Miss for a community-based PGY-1 residency. For her, the retail pharmacy experience and hands-on learning opportunities are particularly appealing.

“I’ve had a fantastic experience with my onboarding, and everyone has been friendly and welcoming,” Broussard. “Mississippi is a change of pace from New Orleans, but I’ve fallen in love with the culture and I’m enjoying learning my way around in my new surroundings.”

Broussard is eager to educate patients about medication management and chronic disease care while working closely with them to improve their overall health. She's especially excited about the clinical experiences and patient interactions that come with being a practicing pharmacist. Although she is keeping her career options open, she is attracted to the prospect of a career in a community pharmacy or perhaps a primary care clinic. She believes her residency training will provide the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience needed to pursue either path.

Will Lambert

For Will Lambert, Ole Miss has been home for much of his academic journey. The Southaven, Mississippi native completed both undergraduate and pharmacy studies on campus, and along the way he found something else, too.

“The program has been challenging and enriching, and I’ve met some fantastic people here, including my fiancée,” Lambert said. “My mentors inspire me because they’re invested in the community and dedicated to helping others, and I want to give back like that in my own career.”

As a PGY-1 community-based pharmacy resident in Oxford, Lambert’s schedule is anything but routine, which is exactly how he likes it. His training includes providing ambulatory care services for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, conducting research, and contributing to pharmacy education through classroom teaching activities.

Lambert is especially excited about the School of Pharmacy's sports pharmacy program and the opportunity to work with student-athletes while exploring the pharmacist’s role in promoting health, performance, and wellness. When his residency wraps up next year, he will decide whether to pursue a second residency or begin his professional career. Ultimately, his goal is to build a career in a pharmacy school setting, potentially as a faculty member who also works in a community pharmacy.

Whether they’re native Mississippians or arrived from outside the Magnolia State, this year’s residents share a common desire to grow as clinicians and educators. Along with appreciation for the mentorship and community they’ve found at Ole Miss, they’re thankful for the education and training that’s preparing them to be healthcare leaders in their communities.

“I am delighted that they chose Ole Miss Pharmacy to deepen their clinical expertise, learn from exceptional mentors, and prepare for meaningful careers,” said Donna Strum, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “I’m inspired by their commitment to becoming medication experts and improving health outcomes, and I know they will be outstanding pharmacists and leaders in their communities.”