2020-2021
Pharmacy Residents
PGY2 Pharmacy Residents
Critical Care
Katherine Spezzano, PharmD, MBA
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Pharmacy School: University of Kentucky
PGY1: University of Chicago Medicine
Professional Interests: Critical care, Toxiciology
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Eat all of the delicious food on Chicago patios!
PGY2 Research: Preferred Vasoactive Agent in the Setting of Right Ventricular Failure Caused by Pulmonary Hypertension
PGY1 Research: Role of angiotensin II in the management of shock in the intensive care units
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: In my biased opinion, residency at the University of Chicago has allowed me to have the best of both a clinical foundation with specialized rotations and the 24-hour on-call program but also with emphasis on well-being. This translates into all of the great people who I am lucky to call my co-residents and I wouldn't trade them for anything!
Kerilyn Petrucci, PharmD
Hometown: Weymouth, MA
Pharmacy School: MCPHS University (Boston, MA)
PGY1: University of Chicago Medicine (Chicago, IL)
Professional Interests: Critical care, emergency response
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Going out to eat with my co-residents! (socially distanced of course)
PGY2 Research: Impact of inhaled epoprostenol on right sided heart failure in high-risk cardiac surgery patients
PGY1 Research: Investigating the impact of a beta-lactam allergy label on preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis administration
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The University of Chicago Medicine Pharmacy Residency Program provides its residents exposure to such a large variety of clinical scenarios and patients that help us to become well rounded practitioners. Aside from our 24-hour PDOC program, I think the best part of the program is the highly trained and supportive preceptor group. When working with our preceptors it is evident that resident support and success in addition to providing patient care is a top priority.
Cardiology
Alissa Shega, PharmD
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Pharmacy School: Ohio State University
PGY1: Rush University Medical Center
Professional Interests: Cardiology
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Try new restaurants and go to the lake!
PGY2 Research: Institutional Left Ventricular Assist Device Infection Treatment Pathway Evaluation
PGY1 Research: Evaluation of Heparin Dosing for Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Obese Patients
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The PGY2 Cardiology program and UCM encompasses everything I was looking for in a PGY2 program, including a diverse cardiology patient population, a large variety of rotation experiences, and a 24-hour on-call program. Through exposure to unique patient populations such as LVADs, ECMO, and heart transplant patients, as well as ambulatory opportunities, this program fully prepares residents for a variety of jobs in the future. Additionally, the preceptors are all extremely knowledgeable and supportive and go above and beyond to help residents reach their maximum potential.
Emergency Medicine
Paula Gawedzki, PharmD
Hometown: Park Ridge, IL
Pharmacy School: University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
PGY1: University of Chicago Medicine
Professional Interests: Emergency medicine, toxicology, critical care, cardiology, neurology
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Exploring new areas, trying different restaurants, and running on the lake front trail
PGY2 Research: Pharmacist Involvement with Anti-Epileptic Therapy for Status Epilepticus in the Emergency Department
PGY1 Research: Impact of the Implementation of a Pharmacist-Driven Immunosuppression Drug Monitoring Protocol for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The University of Chicago Medicine Residency Program offers a large selection of rotations with the opportunity to work with and learn from highly accomplished preceptors. The on-call program provides invaluable clinical experience that results in a high level of professional growth. Most importantly, residents are provided with constant support throughout the year to help facilitate success.
Hematology and Oncology
Kaitlin Kelly, PharmD
Hometown: Byron, IL
Pharmacy School: Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy
PGY1: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center(Chicago, IL)
Professional Interests: Oncology
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Attend the local farmer's markets
PGY2 Research: Development and implementation of pharmacist driven 6-MP and PO MTX dosing protocol during POMP maintenance therapy for ALL
PGY1 Research: Comparison of IV Oxytocin Infusion for Term Inductions Amongst Body Mass Index Groups
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency:
I love having the opportunity to learn about inpatient and outpatient HONC career options to help me explore my interests as well as gain experience at an NCI -designated institution. My preceptors are highly knowledgeable within the HONC specialty, and I am confident I will become a highly qualified clinical pharmacist from their teaching. Also, I value the on-call program as this helps me solidify what I learned in my PGY1 while allowing me to expand my knowledge in other areas.
Benjamin Bowar, PharmD
Hometown: Apple Valley, MN
Pharmacy School: Chicago State University College of Pharmacy
PGY1: Rush University Medical Center
Professional Interests: Hematologic malignancies and Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Try new restaurants and run on the lakefront
PGY2 Research: The utility of proton pump inhibitor prophylaxis in hematologic cancer patients
PGY1 Research: Evaluation of Change in Immunosuppression Protocol in Orthotropic Liver Transplant Recipients
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The University of Chicago Medicine Hematology/ Oncology Residency program is a challenging program that provides a well rounded experience. The variety of outpatient and inpatient rotations allows me to develop a understanding about a wide variety of malignancies. The preceptors provide the perfect balance between support and rigor to provide an excellent learning environment. The 24 on-call shifts, teaching opportunities, and presentations help develop confidence and clinical expertise. After this year I believe this program will help me achieve my short and long term career goals.
Informatics
Kendall Shoaf, PharmD
Hometown: Palatine IL
Pharmacy School: Butler University (Indianapolis, IN)
PGY1: North Memorial Health Hospital (Robbinsdale, MN)
Professional Interests: Data Analytics, Clinical Decision Support and Medication Safety
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Walking along the Lake Shore Path
PGY2 Research: Evaluation of Patient Specific Dosing Parameters for Medications in Computerized Provider Order Entry
PGY1 Research: Reforming Open Long Bone Fracture Antibiotic Practices in Trauma: A Focus on Antimicrobial Stewardship
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The Informatics pharmacy residency program provides a wide variety of informatics rotation experiences and provides the opportunity to complete projects which will support my development into a well rounded informatics pharmacist. The preceptor staff is very supportive of resident development and challenge me to grow in an encouraging environment.
Internal Medicine
Kanika Bhandari, PharmD
Hometown: Houston, TX
Pharmacy School: The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
PGY1: Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System
Professional Interests: Academia, anticoagulation, general medicine
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Walk along the lakefront!
PGY2 Research: Evaluation of Anticoagulant Prescribing Habits for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Obesity
PGY1 Research: Adverse Outcomes of Antibiotic Use in Relation to Urine Testing at the Spinal Cord Injury Annual Evaluation
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: I was drawn to the Internal Medicine Residency at UChicago because it provides rotations in all the clinical areas of practice I am interested in. The diverse elective experiences also allow me to broaden my knowledge in topics I wouldn't otherwise be exposed to. Being able to practice in a large academic center where pharmacist's recommendations are highly valued allows me to provide the best care for my patients. After the completion of this program, I know I will be well prepared for a career in internal medicine.
Pediatrics
Genevra (Genna) Galura, PharmD
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Pharmacy School: University of Michigan
PGY1: University of Chicago Medicine
Professional Interests: Pediatrics
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Walk by the lake
PGY2 Research: Evaluation of pediatric ECMO anticoagulation monitoring strategies
PGY1 Research: Hydrocortisone vs hydrocortisone plus fludrocortisone for septic shock
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The University of Chicago PGY2 in pediatrics provides opportunities to learn in a variety of clinical practice areas from incredible preceptors and leaders. The pediatric-specific on call program and other training incorporated into the program will equip me to become a pediatric pharmacy specialist in the future.
Malia Hain, PharmD
Hometown: Troy, MI
Pharmacy School: University of Minnesota
PGY1: University of Chicago Medicine
Professional Interests: Pediatric Critical Care, Infectious Disease, and Emergency Response
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Spend time by the lake!
PGY2 Research: Outcome Comparison for First-line Agents in Pediatric Autonomic Storming
PGY1 Research: Outcome Comparison for First-line Agents in Pediatric Autonomic Storming
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The University of Chicago PGY2 Pediatrics Pharmacy Residency program has numerous opportunities for growth at Comer Children's Hospital through its robust clinical learning experiences, pediatric specific on-call program and ability to participate in leadership. Completing a PGY2 Pharmacy Residency at an academic medical center fosters an environment for continuous improvement and the space to grow and ask questions about how to provide optimal care for our diverse patient population. This residency provides me with opportunities for all aspect of professional and personal growth due to the dedication of our preceptor team.
Solid Organ Transplant
Roshani Patolia, PharmD, BCPS
Hometown: Verona, NJ
Pharmacy School: Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University
PGY1: Boston Medical Center
Professional Interests: Solid Organ Transplant, Anticoagulation, Medication Safety, Opioid Stewardship
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Exploring different parts of the city, trying new restaurants
PGY2 Research: Systematic Evaluation of Immunosuppressant Drug Tolerability in Patients with Short Telomere Syndrome
PGY1 Research: Impacting intranasal naloxone prescribing patterns in a family medicine clinic through pharmacist driven interventions
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: As the transplant pharmacy resident at the University of Chicago Medicine, you have the unique opportunity to clinically evaluate and interact with a variety of patients who are at different points in their transplant journey. Whether it is counseling transplant patients on new immunosuppressant medications prior to discharge or working with providers in the clinic setting to assist in long term medication management, you are involved in all phases of care. With guidance from incredibly knowledgeable and supportive preceptors , who promote both personal and professional growth, I have no doubt that I will develop the necessary skills to become a transplant pharmacist.
Specialty Health System Pharmacy Administration
Keeyan Davis, PharmD
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Pharmacy School: Xavier University of Louisiana
PGY1: Xavier University of Louisiana
Professional Interests: Ambulatory Care/ Outpatient Administration
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Visit the Lake and exploring museums
PGY2 Research: Decreasing Payor Cost for Oral Oncology Dispenses through a High-Touch Integrated Specialty Pharmacy Model
PGY1 Research: Preventing HIV Among Youth in an Urban-based Clinic: Predictors of Duration and Early Termination of Therapy
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The University of Chicago Medicine’s PGY2 HSPA Specialty Pharmacy program is very innovative, open to advancing the field of pharmacy in both automation and clinical areas. Amazing opportunity to work with senior leadership which aids in growth and development of upcoming leaders. Everyone on the team values residents and welcomes them with warmth.
PGY1 Pharmacy Residents
Kathryne Dwyer, PharmD
Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA
Pharmacy School: University of Kansas
Professional Interests: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Walking the lake front trail and taking in the views of downtown!
PGY1 Research: Evaluation of lidocaine plasma concentrations in patients receiving intravenous lidocaine infusion for pain/Pain Management
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: A residency at UCM provides you with the autonomy you've always wanted along with endless support and mentor-ship. In spending 24 hours on call at UCM you will have so many experiences and encounters and that may have taken you the full year to get at another institution. I walk away everyday having learned something new. Whether it's related to patient care, drug delivery, working excel, or finally learning how to work a pager, there is always something to learn here at UChicago!
Liza Kenny, PharmD
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Pharmacy School: Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy
Professional Interests: Emergency Medicine, Cardiology
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Explore the Chicago restaurant scene and spend time with my dogs!
PGY1 Research: The Effect of Addition of Thiamine to Corticosteroids on Outcomes In Patients With Septic Shock
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The residency program at the University of Chicago Medical Center is one that is unmatched. Pharmacy residents develop autonomy and invaluable experiences by responding to all pediatric emergencies, adult cardiac arrests, and strokes through the 24-hour on-call program. Additionally, the extensive rotation opportunities paired with preceptor's dedication to resident development allows residents to practice in dynamic and challenging environments while developing clinical confidence. After completing my residency at UCM, I am confident that I will have a solid foundation to build upon when pursuing any PGY2 area of interest.
Maryam Naveed, PharmD
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Pharmacy School: University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy
Professional Interests: Critical care, Transplant
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Biking along the lakefront and movies in the park during the summer
PGY1 Research: Dexmedetomidine versus opioids for neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy undergoing therapeutic hypothermia
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The UCM pharmacy residency program provides a rigorous, well-rounded learning experience through diverse clinical rotations, a 24-hour on-call program, and numerous leadership opportunities. Having a large residency class and highly qualified, supportive preceptors provides a great learning environment to work in! I look forward to developing my clinical and critical thinking skills over the next year to become a confident and independent clinical practitioner.
Catherine Nguyen, PharmD
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Pharmacy School: University of Houston
Professional Interests: Cardiology, Critical Care
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Biking along Lake Shore Drive!
PGY1 Research: Oral P2Y12 Inhibitors for Double Antithrombotic Therapy
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The University of Chicago Medicine PGY-1 program is designed to develop well-rounded clinical pharmacists by providing a wide variety of learning experiences and ample opportunities for research. The program's ability to promote independence and growth is further enhanced by the 24-hour in-house on-call program. I firmly believe that after the completion of this program I will have the confidence and skills to pursue further training and specialization.
Zaheera Shabbir, PharmD
Hometown: Whitestone, NY
Pharmacy School: University of Illinois at Chicago
Professional Interests: Hematology/oncology, Transplant, Pain management
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Discover new coffee shops!
PGY1 Research: Impact of a Pharmacist-Driven Protocol for High-Dose Methotrexate Monitoring and Leucovorin Rescue
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The PGY1 program at UChicago Medicine offers seemingly endless robust training experiences for future pharmacists looking to further their professional development! Through our 24-hour on-call program, operational pharmacy practice experiences, longitudinal research and committee involvements, residents develop the confidence to practice their clinical autonomy and enhance their leadership skills. Additionally, UCM embodies such a strong culture of learning that makes for an exceptional training site! I am confident that the variety of opportunities afforded to me at UCM will enable me to cultivate various clinical proficiencies and challenge me in my pursuits of becoming a well-rounded clinical specialist.
Andrew Tiemann, PharmD
Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA
Pharmacy School: UNC-Chapel Hill
Professional Interests: Oncology
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Ride bikes along the lakefront trail
PGY1 Research: Gram Negative Bacteremia IV to PO stepdown
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: In short, the balance of challenge and support. The on call program is a great example; I feel both empowered to make decisions on my own and effectively mentored by knowledgeable and approachable preceptors in order to do so successfully.
Ashley Weaver, PharmD
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Pharmacy School: Butler University
Professional Interests: Pediatrics
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Divvy bike on the lakeshore trail
PGY1 Research: Evaluation of Vancomycin Dosing in Adolescentss
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: I knew from the first moments of my interview that the University of Chicago PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program was where I wanted to train. The depth of clinical experiences provided on rotations, strength of preceptors, Level I Adult and Pediatric trauma center, and 24-hour on-call program encompassed everything I was looking for. I immediately felt the connection between the residency class, as well as the independence and confidence they were already exhibiting. The unique on-call program's extremely challenging environment prepares you to critically evaluate situations on a whole new level. Combined with the support of the entire department and ample rotation opportunities in my interest area, I knew this program was going to develop me into a confident and capable new practitioner.
Kelly Moran, PharmD
Hometown: Lombard, IL
Pharmacy School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy
Professional Interests: Oncology, Infectious Disease, Neurology
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Attending cubs games, boating on Lake Michigan, going to musicals, shopping on Michigan Ave, getting pizza at Chicago Oven Grinder, and going to happy hours!
PGY1 Research: Intraoperative Redosing Among Colorectal Surgery Patients with Renal Impairment
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: I was originally attracted to UChicago because of the numerous specialties to work in, skilled preceptors to learn from, and the experiences of a 24-hour on call program that are offered to residents. As someone who was not exactly sure what I wanted to do as a PGY2, I knew UChicago would prepare me for anything that I decided to do. I quickly realized that the pharmacists here are the people that will help me achieve my professional and personal goals. Our infectious disease and oncology pharmacists have inspired me to dive deeper into both of these clinical areas. After completing this program, I am confident that I will become an independent clinical specialist no matter which area of pharmacy I pursue.
Katherine Moser, PharmD, BCPS (24-month Non-Traditional PGY1)
Hometown: Hanover Park, IL
Pharmacy School: Midwestern University (Downers Grove, IL)
Professional Interests: Informatics, medication safety, general medicine
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Trying new restaurants and breweries with friends
PGY1 Research: Impact of the Implementation of an Infusion Reaction Documentation Template at UChicago Medicine
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The Non-Traditional PGY1 program at UChicago Medicine provides me with the opportunity to receive PGY1 Resident training, while continuing to work as a pharmacist in an operational role. I have found that the clinical experiences have helped me to be a better pharmacist during my staffing blocks and vice versa. The program offers a wide range of clinical experiences, research and precepting opportunities. I look forward to completing the program and pursuing my career goals as a clinical pharmacist.
Jason Bugno, PharmD (24-month Non-Traditional PGY1)
Hometown: Arlington Heights, IL
Pharmacy School: University of Illinois at Chicago
Professional Interests: Research, Oncology, Pediatrics
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Live Music
PGY1 Research: Contribution of Ototoxic Medications to Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Pediatric Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma Exposed to High-Dose Platinum Chemotherapy
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The program has been extremely flexible in creating a customized program and working with me to concurrently pursue a residency and research fellowship. The staff and faculty are incredible teachers, mentors, and role models.
Combined PGY1/PGY2 Program
James A. M. Rhodes, PharmD
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Pharmacy School: University of Missouri-Kansas City (Kansas City, MO)
PGY1: University of Chicago Medicine (Chicago, IL)
Professional Interests: Pharmacy operations, finance, pharmacy automation and technology, and medication safety
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Enjoying all the West Loop Chicago restaurants and attending summertime concerts
PGY2 Research: Using scatter plot methodology to improve alert effectiveness and reduce smart pump technology alert fatigue
PGY1 Research: Determining feasibility of an optimized automated dispensing module on medication discrepancies
Professional Affiliations: Member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacist's Resident Advancement Advisory Group and member of Vizient's Business Pharmacy Enterprise committee.
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: The combined HSPAL residency program allows trainees to engage in immersive clinical training experiences, lead highly visible department initiatives, collaborate among thought leaders of our profession, and undergo didactic leadership training over the course of two years. The individualized training provides endless opportunities with the robust learning experiences I believe are necessary to my growth as an aspiring pharmacy leader. In addition, coursework provided through the ASHP Foundation's Pharmacy Leadership Academy and master's degree will help me foster the acumen necessary navigate the dynamic healthcare landscape in the future.
Austin Sack, PharmD
Hometown: Manchester, Iowa
Pharmacy School: University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
PGY1: University of Chicago Medicine (Chicago, IL)
Professional Interests: Pediatrics, palliative care, and health-system administration
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: I've enjoyed exploring restaurants with outdoor patios and going for walks along the lakeshore with my dogs
PGY1 Research: Retrospective chart review of fentanyl patch initiation on inpatient opioid naïve patients with head and neck cancer at a tertiary institution
Professional Affiliations: Member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacist's Resident Advancement Advisory Group and member of Vizient's Business Pharmacy Enterprise committee.
Value of University of Chicago Medicine Residency: I think the clinical experiences offered by UChicago Medicine are some of the best in the country. It's exhilarating being challenged and learning in such a supportive environment. I would be remiss not to mention how fantastic my co-residents, preceptors, and coordinators have been throughout the process thus far.