Community-based Veterinary Pharmacy Residency
We are excited to launch this brand-new program!
In alignment with our School’s vision, mission and values, we are advancing BEYOND existing practice to create a novel training program. This first-of-its-kind training program has been designed by experts in community-based pharmacy and veterinary pharmacy and is led by the #1 School of Pharmacy in the nation and a statewide leader in veterinary practice.
The Community-based Veterinary Pharmacy Residency Program provides an opportunity for a highly motivated pharmacist, who is passionate about the advancement of community-based pharmacy and veterinary pharmacy, to train in a unique and progressive environment. This program is one year in duration, starting on June 15 and concluding on June 30 the following year. Our first resident will begin in the 2025-2026 year!
The Community-based Veterinary Pharmacy Residency Program will prepare the resident to be an innovative clinical practitioner who can be a leader in the profession. The resident will have the skills, confidence, and experience to create change and advance patient care services in community-based (outpatient) settings.
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is a nationally recognized leader in progressive pharmacy practice, education, and research. Founded in 1897, it is the only public school of pharmacy in the state of North Carolina and one of the oldest in the nation. The School is accredited by the American Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and is ranked #1 among the nation’s doctor of pharmacy programs by U.S. News & World Report. In alignment with our School’s vision, mission and values, we are advancing BEYOND existing practice to create a novel training program. This first-of-its-kind training program has been designed by experts in community-based pharmacy and veterinary pharmacy. This program builds from the success of our PGY1 Community-based Pharmacy Residency Program, which is one of the oldest and the largest accredited residency programs of its kind in the nation. With over 150 graduates, our residency program has prepared pharmacists to be innovative clinical practitioners who can be leaders in the profession. We are excited for our first community-based veterinary pharmacy resident to begin in the 2025-2026 year and start its own tradition of excellence!
Vets Pets
Vets Pets stands at the forefront of addressing the evolving needs of veterinary patients. In 2025, Vets Pets will launch the first independent community-based pharmacy, Companion Pharmacy. This site will encompass a wide range of pharmacy services, including patient-centered dispensing, compounding, enhanced patient care services, interprofessional collaborations and clinical consultations, practice management and project management, thereby equipping pharmacists with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the field of veterinary pharmacy. Moreover, the demand for veterinary medical support is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where many of Vets Pets hospitals and clinics are located. These regions often suffer from limited access to specialized veterinary care and pharmacotherapy expertise. This site aims to bridge this gap and enhance the availability and quality of veterinary pharmacy patient care in underserved rural communities. The Community-based Veterinary Pharmacy Residency program is a pioneering step, aiming to improve care quality for animal patients, acknowledge pets’ evolving societal role, and contribute to pharmacists’ professional growth. As a trailblazer, this program is poised to fill a crucial educational void and establish a benchmark for veterinary pharmacy advancements.
The realm of veterinary medicine is evolving rapidly, characterized by significant expansions in treatment options and a profound shift in societal attitudes towards the role of animals in our homes and lives. Increasingly, pets are regarded as integral family members, meriting substantial investments in their health and well-being. This evolution in pet care philosophy has led to a surge in the demand for veterinary prescription medications, presenting both opportunities and challenges within the field of pharmacy.
Despite the growing demand for veterinary prescriptions, a notable gap exists in the pharmacological care provided to animal patients. Most community-based pharmacies, which are now seeing a rise in veterinary prescriptions, often lack the necessary knowledge and skills in veterinary pharmacotherapy. This deficiency poses a significant risk to animal health, given the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and species-specific toxicology associated with non-human patients.
Currently, veterinary pharmacotherapy is scarcely covered in pharmacy education, with few institutions offering relevant electives, experiential learning, or specialized training opportunities. The existing veterinary hospital-based pharmacy residencies, though valuable, do not adequately prepare pharmacists for the community-based pharmacy setting, where a significant portion of veterinary prescriptions are now being managed.
Recognizing the urgent need for specialized training in veterinary pharmacy, we established the first Community-based Veterinary Pharmacy Residency program in the nation. This program aims to bridge the educational gap by providing comprehensive post-raduate training in veterinary pharmacotherapy, thus preparing pharmacists to effectively contribute to the veterinary care team.
Leveraging Vets Pets’ extensive resources and connections within the veterinary and pharmacy communities, the program offers a unique and robust training environment. Vets Pets stands at the forefront of addressing the evolving needs of veterinary medicine. With its vast network of veterinary hospitals and the pioneering role of its pharmacy, Vets Pets provides an ideal setting for a community-based pharmacy residency program.
Moreover, the demand for veterinary medical support is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where many Vets Pets clinics are located. These regions often suffer from limited access to veterinary care and pharmacotherapy expertise. We aim to bridge this gap and enhance the availability and quality of veterinary pharmacy care in underserved rural communities.
This Community-based Veterinary Pharmacy Residency program is a pioneering step towards integrating pharmacy and veterinary medicine, aiming to improve care quality for animal patients, acknowledge pets’ evolving societal role, and contribute to pharmacists’ professional growth. As a trailblazer, this program is poised to fill a crucial educational void and establish a benchmark for veterinary pharmacy advancements.
About the Program
How long is the residency?
The Community-based Veterinary Pharmacy Residency Program is one year in duration, starting on June 15 and concluding on June 30 the following year.
With whom will I work?
There are multiple preceptors, including pharmacists and veterinarians. A site coordinator, who will be your primary contact, oversees your training and works with other preceptors to ensure that you receive the required learning experiences.
What will I do in the residency?
As a fully integrated member of the team at the residency site, you will
- learn first-hand what works and what areas could be improved upon in a community-based veterinary pharmacy;
- partner with experienced practitioners to initiate new programs and expand and enhance existing services; and
- provide fresh perspectives and insights for the site staff.
What are the required learning experiences?
These are the required learning experiences: Orientation, Patient-centered Care, Practice Management, Teaching and Education, Practice Advancement Projects and Seminar.
- Training: Our residents are mentored by dedicated preceptors with various areas of expertise in community-based pharmacy and veterinary pharmacy. Our preceptors are state and national role models in practice advancement, serving in appointed and elected leadership positions within state and national professional organizations, such as the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists (NCAP), the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), and the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, among others.
- Presenting & Publishing: Residents must complete a major (research) project, which they then present at professional meetings and submit for publication. Residents also complete a minor (business plan) project, which they present to fellow trainees and site leadership and create a final written plan.
- Professional Development: Residents are provided with a stipend for attending professional meetings and are encouraged to attend with their preceptors. During the year, residents can complete complimentary or reduced cost educational programs and certificate training programs, in collaboration with partners such as the School’s Office of Lifelong Learning (OLL), the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists (NCAP), and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).
- Teaching and Education: Residents responsibilities include precepting students at the practice site, teaching in a classroom setting at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and attending resident seminars. Residents can provide interprofessional teaching and continuing education programs in collaboration with the School’s Office of Lifelong Learning. An optional Teaching and Learning Certificate program through the School’s Center for Innovation Pharmacy Education and Research (CIPhER) is available to residents.
- Salary and Benefits: Resident benefits include a $47,500 salary stipend, an additional $2,500 stipend for professional development and travel-related expenses, health insurance (premium paid by School, and not by resident), paid holidays and paid time off days. Our program provides complimentary membership for the resident in the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists (NCAP) and the NC Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Study Guide. Throughout the year, residents complete the Academy for Leader Development, a longitudinal immersive leadership experience, in collaboration with the Pharmacy Leadership and Education Institute (PLEI).
Applying to Our Program
The Community-based Veterinary Pharmacy Residency Program is not accredited. This program does not participate in The Match. This program does not participate in PhORCAS. The program application fee is $25.
The deadline for applications is January 2.
Candidates who have completed a Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) Community-based Pharmacy Residency Program or have equivalent experience are also welcome to apply.
Selected candidates will be required to complete a background check.
- Letter of Intent: The letter of intent, addressed to the Program Director, should describe your reasons for pursuing this residency and how completion of this program will help achieve your career goals.
- Curriculum Vitae: The curriculum vitae (CV) should include, but is not limited to, the following content areas: Education and Training, Professional Experience, Experiential Education, Professional Memberships, Leadership Experience, and Honors and Awards.
- Leadership Statement: A leadership statement answering the question, “What is your philosophy on leadership?” should be provided (limit 500 words).
- References: References should include information for three (3) individuals who will provide a letter of recommendation to support the application (see Letters of Recommendation below). Please include the reference name with degree/credentials, title, employer, phone number and email address.
- Letters of Recommendation: The candidate should ensure submission of three (3) letters of recommendation via this online recommendation form.
- Transcript: An unofficial transcript should be included with the application. An official transcript should be submitted directly by the school or college of pharmacy via email to the Program Director.
- Submit the online application form, which includes upload of one PDF document that includes the candidate letter of intent, CV, leadership statement, information of three (3) references and unofficial transcript. Please name the file “Last Name_First Name_Veterinary_Application” (example: Marciniak_Macary_Veterinary_Application).
- Pay $25 application fee via the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Office of Lifelong Learning.
- Communicate with references to ensure submission of the letters of recommendation via the online recommendation form.
- Communicate with school or college of pharmacy to ensure submission of official transcript.
- Applications will be shared with the Application Review Committee.
- Candidates will complete virtual interviews with the program and site, as well as a medication therapy management (MTM) case. The interview process will be conducted from January through February.
- Candidates will be notified of their status in the program on or around March 1.
- The successful candidate will complete onboarding processes starting in March, with the residency year beginning on or around June 15.
Natalie W. Young, PharmD, BCSCP, FACVP, FSVHP
Site Coordinator
A North Carolina native, Natalie’s early fascination with medicine and animal health set the stage for a distinguished academic and professional journey. She honed her expertise at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, followed by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her professional path took a notable turn following a post-doc year as an independent pharmacy fellow and a visiting scholar at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Joining Realo Drugs as the Veterinary Pharmacy Director, Natalie was instrumental in establishing Realo Veterinary Pharmacy (RVP) and securing its PCAB accreditation. Under her guidance, RVP’s trailblazing methods garnered industry-wide attention, leading to a series of mergers, national acclaim, and a pivotal acquisition in 2023. Natalie achieved Board Certification in Sterile Compounding from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties in 2022. Natalie’s influence extends into academia, underscored by her role as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Education at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Eshelman School of Pharmacy, where she helps nurture the next generation of pharmacists.
Tanner Trantham, PharmD, BCSCP, FACVP
Preceptor
Tanner Trantham is a UNC Class of 2020 alum who currently serves as the Pharmacist-In-Charge at Vets Pets. His journey started in veterinary pharmacy on his first day of PY4 rotations with Dr. Natalie Young at Realo Veterinary Pharmacy (RVP). At the completion of this rotation, Tanner was offered an internship position with Dr. Young to continue his training in veterinary pharmacy. Upon graduation, Tanner joined RVP – a PCAB accredited, USP <800> compliant, veterinary-exclusive compounding pharmacy in North Carolina – as a veterinary pharmacist and led their sterile compounding program. In 2021, he became a Fellow of the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists (ACVP) and served on their Board of Directors from 2022-2024. He currently serves as the Education Committee Chair for ACVP. He is also a Board-Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist (BCSCP) and serves as lead of the Sterile Compounding Community for the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). Tanner additionally assists in teaching veterinary pharmacy to students at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and serves as a preceptor for immersion experience students.
Hans Bernhard, DVM
Preceptor
Dr. Bernhard is the Director of Business Operations for Vets Pets. He is a Raleigh native. He has been a member of the Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital team since completing veterinary school at North Carolina State University in 2005. In 2018, he joined forces with NC based Vets Pets veterinary management group to become a managing partner at Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital. He has a deep passion for client, employee, and patient care.
Away from the office, “Dr. B” loves spending time with his husband Mitch and their two children, Eva and Landon – often taking trips to the beach or traveling to the nearest baseball park to watch a game. During the winter, he enjoys traveling to the most majestic mountain he can find to go downhill skiing. His personal pets include dogs, Molly & Belle and cats, Myrtle & Stormy.
Shannon Bass, DVM, CVA
Preceptor
Dr. Bass joined Vet Pets in 2023 and serves as Vice President of Medical Leadership. Dr. Bass supports our general practices, emergency hospitals, and a specialty hospital in the development of leadership and excellent communication.
Dr. Bass is a native Texan who attended Texas A&M University for undergraduate and veterinary school. After graduating with her DVM in 1998, she moved to North Carolina, where she worked as a general practice veterinarian, emergency veterinarian, medical director of a 24-hour emergency and specialty practice, and veterinary recruiter. She became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in 2010.
Organized veterinary medicine is something Dr. Bass is passionate about. She enjoys serving as the President Elect of the NCVMA and co-chairs a VECCS committee working on an Emergency Medicine Certificate for veterinary students.
Outside of work, Dr. Bass enjoys traveling with her husband, two sons, and three-legged Labrador mix. She is an endurance athlete, yoga instructor, and adventurous cook.
For more information or questions:
Macary Weck Marciniak, PharmD, BCACP, BCPS, FAPhA
Associate Professor
Director, Community-based Veterinary Pharmacy Residency Program
macary_marciniak@unc.edu