Just months after returning to Kettering Health as a clinical oncology pharmacist, Annie Weckesser has received one of Ohio’s top honors for pharmacy residents.
The Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacy, a statewide professional organization representing pharmacists, pharmacy residents, technicians and students, selected Weckesser as its PGY2 Pharmacy Resident of the Year. The award recognizes excellence among pharmacists completing advanced residency training in Ohio.
For Weckesser, the recognition came as a surprise.
“I had no idea,” she said. “I was very honored to find out that a group of preceptors from Ohio State nominated me for the award. Among a group of very talented pharmacy residents, it was heartwarming to know that I was nominated. It made me feel appreciated and showed that they noticed the hard work I was putting in.”
A Dayton-area native and graduate of Ohio Northern University’s Raabe College of Pharmacy, Weckesser completed her PGY1 pharmacy residency at Kettering Health before pursuing specialized oncology training at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. She returned to Kettering Health this summer as a member of the oncology pharmacy team.
“Kettering really felt like home,” Weckesser said. “Every preceptor made it feel like I was welcome to ask questions and learn. I felt the growth that I had with those preceptors, and being able to come back and work here full time was a goal for me.”
Brendan Rasor, manager of pharmacy infusion services, said Weckesser has consistently stood out for her commitment to patients, teammates and professional growth.
“She’s an absolute go-getter,” Rasor said. “She’s one of those team players who, no matter what is asked of her, says, ‘How can I help?’ She volunteers for every opportunity that’s out there, but then also does an amazing job with everything. If she does something, she’s going to do it right because she wants it to be the best possible for her teammates and for our patients.”
Weckesser credits much of her success to the mentors who supported her throughout both residency programs.
“My first year at Kettering really built my confidence and gave me the courage to pursue that second year at Ohio State,” she said. “Without my preceptors, I would not have been nominated. I have to give a big thanks to them.”
Weckesser will receive the award during a ceremony in November in Columbus.
For Rasor, the award reflects both Weckesser’s accomplishments and her future potential.
“It’s a standout award that can follow her throughout her career,” Rasor said. “Pharmacists like Annie are absolutely our next generation of clinical pharmacists and pharmacy leaders within Kettering Health.”