Advancing Pharmacy Practice: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Residency Spotlight
November 14, 2025
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Healthy Living, Colleague Stories, Residency Program
Pharmacy residents in the Pharmacy Residency Program at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) gain advanced training through specialized PGY-2 programs that prepare them for leadership roles and clinical excellence. These programs include Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Residency, which focuses on managing critically ill patients in fast-paced settings, and Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL), designed to train future pharmacy leaders in operations and strategic decision-making.
This year, two residents — Abigail Hall, PharmD and Connor Stengel, PharmD, RPh — are pursuing distinct paths, showcasing the diversity of pharmacy careers. Dr. Hall is completing a PGY-2 Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Residency while Dr. Stengel is advancing through a PGY-2 HSPAL program.
A Shared Passion for Pharmacy
For both residents, the journey began with a desire to help others through medication expertise and patient care.
Dr. Hall grew up in a small town and admired the close connection between her local pharmacist and patients — along with the milkshakes that pharmacy served.
“Upon entering pharmacy school, I met my mentor who spoke highly of residency and the vast opportunities it could provide,” she said. “Two months into pharmacy school, I was determined to complete a residency to obtain the direct patient care role I had always admired.”
Dr. Stengel’s inspiration came from a pharmacist in his hometown of Perry, Florida.
“She explained how she helped her patients and ensured they received the best medication therapies for their diseases,” he said. “Throughout pharmacy school, I gained experiences in different practice settings and ultimately felt that health-system pharmacy administration was my calling.”
Why TMH?
Both residents found what they were looking for at TMH — a strong clinical foundation, supportive mentorship and opportunities to grow in their chosen specialties.
“TMH met all of my criteria, serving as the region’s only Level II Trauma Center and having a strong team of emergency medicine pharmacists dedicated to lifelong learning and high-quality training,” Dr. Hall shared.
Dr. Stengel agreed. “I was looking for a program with specialized clinical rotations and a commitment to fostering resident growth,” he said. “The pharmacy department had a familial atmosphere and from the moment I stepped through the doors, I could picture myself at TMH.”
A Day in the Life
Dr. Hall’s week blends hands-on patient care, research and teaching.
“Within the emergency department, my daily tasks involve patient workups, responding at the bedside for critical patients, collaborating with the healthcare team and addressing drug information questions,” she explained. She also participates in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ride-alongs for insight into pre-hospital care.
Dr. Stengel’s schedule reflects leadership responsibilities.
“One of the unique attributes of an HSPAL program is the merging of clinical and operational leadership,” he said. “Responsibilities can range from researching new medications for the formulary to implementing new clinical initiatives within the department.” While the workload can be heavy, he stays motivated by the impact his work has on patients. “Even though administrative roles aren’t at the bedside, our decisions ultimately reach the patient.”
Growth Through Challenge
Dr. Hall’s Emergency Medicine I rotation was one of her most rewarding experiences.
“I learned to navigate the high level of reliance placed on pharmacists by other healthcare professionals and developed the ability to anticipate their needs in a fast-paced environment,” she said.
Dr. Stengel’s academia rotation at Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy was particularly meaningful.
“As a graduate of the school, I took immense pride in developing and presenting clinical lectures to pharmacy learners and giving back to the institution that invested in me,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Hall plans to pursue board certification in Emergency Medicine Pharmacy (BCEMP) and continue advancing her skills in high-acuity patient care.
“Residency has strengthened my ability to assess and manage critically ill patients and apply evidence-based pharmacotherapy under pressure,” she said.
Dr. Stengel aims to become an educated, confident leader in health-system pharmacy.
“The first year of the HSPAL residency focuses on expanding clinical knowledge and the second year allows us to take on leadership roles within the pharmacy department and organization,” he said.
Advice for Future Residents
Hall advises:
“Work hard and embrace every opportunity to learn. Residency can be demanding, but every experience, no matter how small, contributes to your growth.”
Dr. Stengel recommends:
“Begin researching programs and reaching out to current or past residents for insight. And for those interested in leadership programs — start gaining leadership experience as soon as possible.”
Learn more about TMH residency programs, specialties and application details at TMH.ORG/residency.
