Current Residents PGY1

Makayla ArriagaMakayla Arriaga

Email: Makayla.Arriaga@hhchealth.org

School of Pharmacy: University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy

Professional Interests: Ambulatory Care and Transitions of Care

PGY-1 Residency Research Project: Efficacy of Oral Vancomycin Prophylaxis for Primary Prevention of Clostridioides Difficile Infection (CDI) in high-risk Adults

What attracted you to Backus Hospital? When applying to residency I was looking for a program that created a strong sense of community. Backus Hospital is part of a large healthcare system where I will be able to grow professionally and become a successful clinical pharmacist. This program offers the support and resources needed to succeed while being able to form meaningful connections for the years to come.

Personal Interests: Trying new restaurants, taking my dog Scout on walks, and spending time with family and friends


Isabella Hernandez

Email: Isabella.Hernandez@hhchealth.org

School of Pharmacy: University of Connecticut

Professional Interests: Ambulatory care, Oncology, Critical Care, Academia, Leadership

PGY-1 Residency Research Project: Impact of Prospective Audit and Feedback by Transitions of Care (TOC) Pharmacists on the Management of Community Acquired Pneumonia

What attracted you to Backus Hospital? As a resident of Norwich and as the daughter of a Cuban immigrant, Backus Hospital residency allows me to connect and serve my communities. As a smaller community hospital, Backus Hospital provides a friendly and supportive learning environment within the pharmacy and interdisciplinary teams. Backus Hospital offers unique rotation options such as oncology, transitions of care, and academia. Backus Hospital’s connection to the broader health system of Hartford Healthcare allows me to access even more rotations, such as medication safety. The Backus Hospital residency program provides flexibility and personalization while providing holistic opportunities such as teaching, volunteering, and participation in the system-wide P&T committee. 

Personal interests: Spending time with family, eating, and being creative

Pharmacy Residency Contact Information

Shally S. Singh, PharmD, CACP
Residency Program Director
Department of Pharmacy Services
Backus Hospital
326 Washington St.
Norwich, CT 06360
Shally.Sinha@hhchealth.org