Current Residents
Kristen Brown, PharmD
Where are you from? Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in King City, MO. I stayed here throughout high school before moving to Springfield, MO to attend college. After completing my prerequisites for pharmacy school, I moved to Searcy, AR where I obtained my PharmD. My family and I now live in Angier, NC.
Education and Training:
My college education began at Missouri State University. I received a certificate for Foundations of Pharmaceutical Sciences before working toward my PharmD at Harding University. Beyond schooling, I have worked at Walgreens for 5 years starting as a pharmacy technician, intern, and now pharmacist. I am currently completing a PGY1 residency at UNC Health Johnston.
Interests and Long-Term Goals:
I have a wide range of interests including critical care, oncology, pediatrics, and cardiology. I would love to become a critical care pharmacist in the future.
Hobbies and Favorites:
My hobbies include running, drawing, and painting. My favorite food is chicken of any kind and I love a good sweat treat! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, traveling, and occasionally napping.
Why Johnston?
I chose Johnston Health to complete my PGY1 residency because of the variety of rotation options and the immediate connection with the pharmacy team. Through this residency I will be able to narrow down my specific interests and become a more well-rounded pharmacist.
Why Pharmacy?
Initially, I wanted to become a pharmacist because I was interested in the chemistry behind medication. After getting a job in a pharmacy and completing some job shadowing, I discovered I have a passion for making sure patients feel confident in their treatments by allowing them to ask questions and provide honest answers without judgement.
Jayana Hooker, PharmD
Where are you from? Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. I currently live in Durham, North Carolina, but I intend to relocate to Clayton, North Carolina, to be closer to my residency site.
Education and Training:
I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences in 2026. Prior to that, I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Pre-Health from East Carolina University in 2022. My previous work experience includes being a pharmacy intern at UNC Rex Raleigh and Holly Springs, as well as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens. Currently, I am completing my PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at UNC Health Johnston.
Interests and Long-Term Goals:
I am passionate about internal medicine, emergency medicine, and critical care. Long-term, I aspire to practice as an inpatient clinical pharmacist.
Hobbies and Favorites:
Outside of pharmacy, I enjoy photography, playing tennis, and spending time with my friends and family. My favorite food is anything Italian, and Sour Patch Kids have been my favorite candy since I was in elementary school. I also enjoy exploring new parks and trails that my friends and I can walk on.
Why Johnston?
I chose UNC Health Johnston because it offers comprehensive and well-rounded clinical training in a supportive community hospital setting. This residency program provides extensive exposure to acute care, close mentorship, and meaningful autonomy, empowering residents to take real ownership of patient care and develop confidence and clinical judgment. Additionally, residents have the opportunity to participate in stewardship, quality initiatives, and precepting, all while fostering a collaborative culture.
Why Pharmacy?
I chose pharmacy because it combines my love for science with my desire to directly influence patient care. Pharmacists serve as the bridge between medicine and patients, simplifying complex therapies, ensuring treatments are safe and effective, and advocating for individuals when they need it most. Pharmacy provides the ideal blend of clinical decision-making, problem-solving, and meaningful human connection, enabling me to contribute significantly to improving health outcomes daily.
