meet pennsylvania’s 2018 – 2019 residents! · 2018-09-20 · meet pennsylvania’s 2018 –...
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MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Dana Achenbach, PharmD, Lebanon VA Medical Center, PGY1
Graduate of: Wilkes University—2018
Project/Research Question: Planning to complete a project to help improve the
quality of care provided to the Veterans of central Pennsylvania.
Vince Anthony, PharmD, Reading Hospital, PGY1, Infectious Disease
Graduate of: Temple University—2018
Project/Research Question: Considering a project in Infectious Disease regard-
ing treatment optimization for VRE bacteremia.
Joel Arceo, PharmD, Springfield Pharmacy, PGY1
Graduate of: Chapman University—2018
Project/Research Question: I intend to implement ways to improve both effi-
ciency and productivity, and all the while increase revenue. Also, I plan to ex-
pand new services that will promote greater patient outcomes and patient satisfac-
tion.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Lauren Ball, PharmD, UPMC Pinnacle, PGY1
Graduate of: University of South Carolina—2018
Project/Research Question: While my research project has not been decided yet,
it may be on a topic related to critical care.
Christine Barrett, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY1, Acute Care
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2018
Project/Research Question: Assessing efficacy of an as-needed filgrastim regi-
men, in comparison to PEG-filgrastim prophylaxis, to prevent neutropenia in pa-
tients with malignancies.
Nayanika Basu, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY1
Graduate of: University of Pittsburgh—2018
Project/Research Question: My research will focus on describing the use of
second line VTE treatment options in oncology patients who have failed LMWH
therapy.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Jonathan Burns, PharmD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PGY2,
Infectious Diseases
Graduate of: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy—2017
Project/Research Question: To be determined.
Brittany Carney, PharmD, Mainline Pharmacy, PGY1
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2018
Project/Research Question: I am excited to learn more about independent phar-
macy ownership and continue to expand the point of care services for patients of-
fered at Mainline Pharmacy.
Danielle Cenin, PharmD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PGY1
Graduate of: Ohio Northern University—2018
Project/Research Question: Incidence of invasive fungal infections in Acute
Lymphocytic Leukemia.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Katharine Chambers, PharmD, West Penn Hospital and Forbes Regional Hos-
pital, PGY1
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2018
Project/Research Question: AML patients have an increased risk for developing
infection with VRE. West Penn Hospital follows a febrile neutropenia algorithm
to guide providers to assess the need for vancomycin after 48 hours of initiation.
We will be assessing risk factors associated with the colonization of VRE in AML
patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Taylor Chapman, PharmD, Giant Eagle, PGY1
Graduate of: West Virginia University—2018
Project/Research Question: I will be assessing the Giant Eagle reminder system
for Hepatitis B vaccine series to see if it increases the completion rate of the full
series. I will then compare that data to a pharmacy that does not utilize a reminder
system. Lastly, I will survey Giant Eagle patients, regarding the reminder system,
to get feedback about the system.
Christian Cho, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY2, Infectious Dis-
eases
Graduate of: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy—2018
Project/Research Question: I plan to further investigate the use of oral antibiot-
ics for the treatment of gram-negative bloodstream infections. Each treatment
arm will consist of one of three highly bioavailable oral antibiotics (ciprofloxacin,
levofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) for clinical cure and safety
outcomes. Optimal durations of antibiotic therapy will also be investigated.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Claudia Cho, PharmD, Abington Hospital, PGY1
Graduate of: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy—2018
Project/ Research Question: During my PGY-1 year, I hope to perform a re-
search with a focus on pharmacists in a critical care setting.
Zareena Chughtai, PharmD, Forbes and West Penn Hospitals, PGY1
Graduate of: West Virginia University—2018
Project/ Research Question: My project will look retrospectively at patients
who have had an interruption in their anticoagulation therapy for an elective pro-
cedure and look at the incidence of bleeding/thromboembolism in patients being
bridged with enoxaparin compared to the no bridge group with an indication of A
-fib, DVT, PE, and CVA history.
Hal Clark, PharmD, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, PGY1
Graduate of: University of New Mexico—2018
Project/ Research Question: Evaluating various endpoints (TTR, bleeding/
thrombosis rates, etc.) after transitioning IV heparin nomograms from aPTT-
based to anti-Xa-based protocols.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Sean Clark, PharmD, Center for Pharmacy Care, PGY2, Ambulatory Care
Graduate of: West Virginia University—2017
Project/ Research Question: Evaluating various endpoints (TTR, bleeding/
thrombosis rates, etc.) after transitioning IV heparin nomograms from aPTT-based
to anti-Xa-based protocols.
Colton Collier, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY2, Critical Care
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2017
Project/ Research Question: I plan to assess the effect that either desmopressin
or 4 factor prothrombin complex concentrate has on thromboelastography param-
eters in critically ill patients.
Monica Coulson, PharmD, UPMC Pinnacle, PGY1
Graduate of: Jefferson College Pharmacy—2018
Project/ Research Question: My research project has not been decided yet, but
will likely be done on a topic in infectious diseases.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Taylor Dean, PharmD, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC,
PGY2, Psychiatry
Graduate of: University of Texas at Austin—2017
Project/ Research Question: The objective of this study is to assess PRN admin-
istration patterns, appropriateness, and safety through retrospective study of pa-
tients ≥65 years old with an ICD-10 diagnosis of major neurocognitive disorder
and administered at least one PRN for acute agitation.
Alexis DeLeo, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY2, Oncology
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2017
Project/ Research Question: I intend to conduct a research project evaluating
progression free survival and overall survival in patients with non-small cell lung
cancer who progress through second line immunotherapy onto a third line regi-
men.
Keri Diehl, PharmD, Geisinger Medical Center, PGY1
Graduate of: Wilkes University—2018
Project/ Research Question: My research project will be studying the prescrib-
ing patterns of opioids in post-operative obstetric patients.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Mia DiGiammarino, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY1, Acute Care
Focus
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2018
Project/ Research Question: I have not decided on my research project yet, how-
ever, it will be a critical care related topic.
Alesha Falzone, PharmD, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, PGY1,
Clinical Pharmacy Practice
Graduate of: Wilkes University—2018
Project/ Research Question: Assessment of Appropriate Use of IV Hydration in
Patients Receiving Contrast.
John Fawzy, PharmD, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, PGY1, Health System
Pharmacy Management
Graduate of: Long Island University—2018
Project/ Research Question: I have not decided on my research project yet,
however, it will be a critical care related topic.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Erlynn Frankson, PharmD, Duquesne University/St. Barnabas Health System,
PGY1, Pharmacy Practice
Graduate of: University of Colorado—2018
Project/ Research Question: We are interested in comparing antibiotic treatment
and monitoring standards of care to the actual treatment and monitoring of pa-
tients in a skilled nursing facility. This may help us reinforce or modify current
antibiotic usage practices for our geriatric patients.
Stacy Fredrick, PharmD, UPMC Presbyterian, PGY1, Acute Inpatient Care
Graduate of: University at Buffalo—2018
Project/ Research Question: Outcomes of using apixaban for anticoagulation in
renal transplant patients.
Jenna Gray, PharmD, Abington-Jefferson Health, PGY1
Graduate of: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy—2018
Project/ Research Question: I hope to research the efficiency and accuracy of
Abington’s technician based medication reconciliation program.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Nicole Handlow, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY2, Ambulatory
Care
Graduate of: University of Colorado—2018
Project/ Research Question: What is the impact of multidisciplinary primary
care teams on glycemic control in patients with diabetes?
Phuong (Pauline) Hoang, PharmD, ACME Sav-On Pharmacy, PGY1, Acute
Inpatient Care
Graduate of: University of Pittsburgh—2018
Project/ Research Question: My research project will focus on patients’ choice
of community pharmacy and patients’ preference in pharmacy services. The re-
search aims to help pharmacists understand how to recruit customers to the phar-
macy, how to maintain customers’ loyalty and how to improve pharmacy services
per customers’ preference.
Alexa Hospodar, PharmD, CVS Caremark, PGY1
Graduate of: University of Pittsburgh—2018
Project/ Research Question: I hope to research the efficiency and accuracy of
Abington’s technician based medication reconciliation program.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Linh Yen Huynh, PharmD, ACME Sav-On Pharmacy, PGY1, Community
Pharmacy
Graduate of: Temple University —2018
Project/ Research Question: What are the prescriber-perceived barriers to medi-
cation administration of long-acting antipsychotics by pharmacists in community
pharmacies in Pennsylvania?
Linsey Jachim, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY2, Ambulatory Care
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2018
Project/ Research Question: My research project is designed to evaluate Entres-
to (sacubitril/valsartan) initiation in outpatient heart failure patients. The purpose
of this project is to identify real-world clinical experience of prescribing angioten-
sin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) therapy in terms of appropriate patient
selection, tolerability, and adjustment of concomitant HF medications.
Taylor Jones, PharmD, Temple University School of Pharmacy, PGY2, Internal
Medicine
Graduate of: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy—2017
Project/ Research Question: Previous studies have suggested a relationship be-
tween benzodiazepine use and an increased risk for hospitalization due to pneu-
monia. This study is aimed to explore an association between non-
benzodiazepine hypnotics, specifically zolpidem tartrate, and an increased risk of
hospitalization due to pneumonia.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Didi Kim, PharmD, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, PGY1
Graduate of: University of Maryland —2018
Project/ Research Question: Drug usage evaluation of dose adjustment of re-
nally adjusted medications when indicated.
Nathan Kubus, PharmD, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, PGY1, Ambulatory
Care
Graduate of: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy—2018
Project/ Research Question: Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Pharmacist
Intervention Post-Discharge for Smoking Cessation.
Kaitlin Landolf, PharmD, UPMC Presbyterian, PGY1, Acute Care Focus
Graduate of: University at Buffalo—2018
Project/ Research Question: I will be investigating the use of continuous infu-
sion hydromorphone versus fentanyl-based sedation in patients receiving extra-
corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This research is particularly helpful
in a time of narcotic related drug shortages.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Scarlet Lau, PharmD, West Penn Hospital and Forbes Hospital, PGY1, Acute
Care
Graduate of: Cedarville University —2018
Project/ Research Question: To determine rates of bleed and thromboembolic
events with use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in obese patients (>120 kg).
Based on these agents’ fixed dosing without need for monitoring, there are cur-
rently no randomized controlled trials assessing safety and efficacy of DOACs in
large obese patient populations. This gap will be met through the purposes of this
study.
Jessica Laub, PharmD, Hahnemann University Hospital, PGY1
Graduate of: Jefferson College of Pharmacy—2018
Project/ Research Question: I plan to evaluate appropriateness of use and preva-
lence of QTc prolongation in adult intensive care unit patients receiving antipsy-
chotics.
Gina Lee, PharmD, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, PGY1
Graduate of: Northeastern University—2018
Project/ Research Question: The goal of my residency project is to improve na-
loxone prescribing to patients prior to discharge from the inpatient setting.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Kerry Lenzi, PharmD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PGY1
Graduate of: Jefferson College of Pharmacy—2018
Project/Research Question: Infectious Diseases – topic specifics TBD.
Karen Lin, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY1, Health System Phar-
macy Administration
Graduate of: St. Johns Fisher College—2018
Project/Research Question: My project will ideally be focused on reducing re-
admission rates by targeting high risk population for medication-related readmis-
sions through patient medication discharge counseling and education.
Dennis Marjoncu, PharmD, Geisinger Medical Center, PGY2, Oncology
Graduate of: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy—2017
Project/Research Question: My research project will seek to determine appro-
priate hold-times for oral VEGF inhibitors and certain TKI with VEGFi proper-
ties around certain procedures.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Alex Matika, PharmD, Abington-Jefferson Hospital, PGY2, Infectious Diseases
Graduate of: Wilkes University—2017
Project/Research Question: One potential research project I may conduct this
year is a retrospective analysis of all antimicrobial agents used to treat car-
bapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae at Abington-Jefferson Health, focusing on
morbidity/mortality outcomes. Another potential project would be looking at the
impact of a new beta-lactam allergy policy and determining its impact on utiliza-
tion of costly alternative agents to beta-lactams such as vancomycin and aztre-
onam.
Hannah Mazur, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY2, Critical Care
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2017
Project/Research Question: Titration of antiplatelet agents in patients with left
ventricular assist devices by using thromboelsatography platelet mapping to de-
crease risk of bleeding and thromboembolic events.
Michael McCall, PharmD, AllianceRx Walgreens Prime/Duquesne University,
PGY1, Community with a focus in Specialty Pharmacy
Graduate of: St. Johns Fisher College—2018
Project/Research Question: My research question is not yet finalized, however,
I intend to do a project surrounding adherence or clinical outcomes in specialty
pharmacy.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Mary McIntyre, PharmD, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy/Cooper University
Hospital, PGY2, Critical Care
Graduate of: Temple University—2017
Project/Research Question: One potential research project I may conduct this
year is a retrospective analysis of all antimicrobial agents used to treat car-
bapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae at Abington-Jefferson Health, focusing on
morbidity/mortality outcomes. Another potential project would be looking at the
impact of a new beta-lactam allergy policy and determining its impact on utiliza-
tion of costly alternative agents to beta-lactams such as vancomycin and aztre-
onam.
Lloyd McKee, PharmD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PGY1,
Critical Care
Graduate of: Jefferson College of Pharmacy—2018
Project/Research Question: In patients with presumed intracranial hypertension,
what is the safety and efficacy of hypertonic saline 5% boluses compared to 3%
continuous infusion?
Katherine Mersinger, PharmD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
PGY1, Community with a focus in Specialty Pharmacy
Graduate of: University of Maryland—2018
Project/Research Question: Infectious Diseases topic - TBD.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Benton Miller, PharmD, Waynesboro/Chambersburg Hospitals (Summit
Health), PGY1, Inpatient Hospital
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2018
Project/Research Question: I aim to examine how much a small change to an
electronic order set can affect drug utilization for a health system. More specifi-
cally, I will investigate the extent to which a small order set alteration decreases
fluoroquinolone usage in our health system.
Nicole Modany, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY1, Critical Care
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2018
Project/Research Question: I am interested in focusing my research on pharma-
cist involvement with transitions of care and discharge education. I believe that
more pharmacist involvement in these areas will lead to better patient compliance
and less re-admission.
Elissa Muller, PharmD, SunRay Drugs, PGY1
Graduate of: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy—2018
Project/Research Question: I will be completing a business plan to acquire/start
an independent pharmacy while completing quality improvement projects for
SunRay Drugs.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Melissa Murphy, PharmD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PGY2,
Ambulatory Care
Graduate of: Jefferson College of Pharmacy—2017
Project/Research Question: Do specific medications and doses impact ejection
fraction or right ventricular (RV) function in patients with left-ventricular assist
devices (LVADs)?
This is a retrospective cohort that will evaluate if ACE-inhibitors, ARBs, and/or
beta-blockers lead to improvement in ejection fraction or preservation of RV func-
tion in LVAD patients.
Jerika Nguyen, PharmD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PGY2,
Critical Care
Graduate of: University of Michigan—2017
Project/Research Question: I am interested in focusing my research on pharma-
cist involvement with transitions of care and discharge education. I believe that
more pharmacist involvement in these areas will lead to better patient compliance
and less re-admission.
Sydney Nguyen, PharmD, Penn State Health St. Joseph, PGY1, Internal Medi-
cine
Graduate of: Temple University—2018
Project/Research Question: I intend to conduct my research project in determin-
ing a multidisciplinary approach to decrease the use of hydromorphone in the
emergency department.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Maxwell Norris, PharmD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PGY1
Graduate of: University of Michigan—2018
Project/Research Question: Occurrence of AKI in liver transplant patients man-
aged on triple therapy.
Adesumbo Odunlami, PharmD, Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, PGY1
Graduate of: Temple University—2018
Project/Research Question: Clinical Effectiveness of PCSK-9 Inhibitors in Vet-
eran Population.
Song Oh, PharmD, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy/Cooper University Hospi-
tal, PGY2, Critical Care
Graduate of: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy—2017
Project/Research Question: Critical care pharmacotherapy.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Courtney Olesky, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY1, Acute Care Fo-
cus
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2018
Project/Research Question: I am working on identifying my research topic in
critical care pharmacy practice.
Jessica Olsen, PharmD, Hahnemann University Hospital, PGY1
Graduate of: Jefferson College of Pharmacy—2018
Project/Research Question: I will be performing a DUE on lidocaine patches to
assess the utilization and cost associated with off-label prescribing in the hospital.
Robbie Ortiz, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY1, Acute Care
Graduate of: West Virginia University—2018
Project/Research Question: I plan to do my project in critical care. I am still
deciding between two projects. One is “Standard dose vs High dose VTE Prophy-
laxis in Obese Trauma Patients” and the other is “Achievement of Euglycemia in
Patients with Stress Induced Hyperglycemia.”
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Nishta Patel, PharmD, CVS Caremark, PGY1, Managed Care
Graduate of: University of California, San Francisco—2018
Project/Research Question: For my residency research project, I would like to
focus on analyzing the impact of performance-based risk-sharing agreements on
costs and utilization and using those findings to educate clients on the benefits of
implementing these types of agreements.
Marisa Perrella, PharmD, Abington Hospital– Jefferson Health, PGY1
Graduate of: Wilkes University—2018
Project/Research Question: I would like to conduct research focusing on bed-
side pharmacokinetics to deliver patient-specific doses of antimicrobial therapy. I
intend to determine the impact on patient outcomes and length of stay.
Theo Pham, PharmD, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, PGY2, Ambulatory Care
Graduate of: University of Washington—2017
Project/Research Question: Theo plans to investigate social and behavioral de-
terminants of health that contribute to uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, and
asthma among medically underserved patients in the outpatient setting. The re-
sults of their research will be used to consider changes in clinic workflow and
services to improve patient care.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Haylie Phillips, PharmD, Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, PGY1
Graduate of: Wilkes University—2018
Project/Research Question: Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Pharmacist in-
tervention post discharge for COPD Management.
Keri Jo Putulowski, PharmD, Forbes and West Penn Hospital, PGY1
Graduate of: Belmont University—2018
Project/Research Question: Assessment of readmission rates among patients
discharged on long-acting injectable antipsychotics vs. oral antipsychotics.
Jose Roman, PharmD, Forbes and West Penn Hospital, PGY1
Graduate of: Belmont University—2018
Project/Research Question: Analyzing the practices of an outpatient infectious
diseases clinic in regards to optimization of HAART therapy, opportunistic infec-
tion prophylaxis, and immunizations, and identify areas for improvement.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Philip Scavo, PharmD, Geisinger Wyoming Valley, PGY1, General Clinical
Pharmacy Practice
Graduate of: Wilkes University—2018
Project/Research Question: Evaluation of Carafate suspension in post-operative car-
diac ablation patients on warfarin and its effects on INR.
Marilyn Schoenle, PharmD, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, PGY1
Graduate of: Butler University—2018
Project/Research Question: Drug usage evaluation of dose adjustment of renally
adjusted medications according to hospital protocol: I plan to assess the current
rate of renal dose adjustment without routine pharmacist review.
Natasha Singh, PharmD, Duquesne University/Hometown Pharmacy, PGY1,
Advanced Community
Graduate of: Long Island University—2018
Project/Research Question: My research project will encompass clinical out-
comes or adherence rates in a community pharmacy setting.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Rachel Smith, PharmD, Reading Hospital, PGY1, Pharmacy Practice
Graduate of: University of Maryland—2016
Project/Research Question: Develop process for preparing patient-specific oral
doses for pediatric and NICU patients to be dispensed from pharmacy. Evaluate
impact of process to pharmacy operations, and required resources for implementa-
tion.
Khalid Srour, PharmD, MS, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, PGY1, Pharmacy
Practice
Graduate of: Jefferson College of Pharmacy —2018
Project/Research Question: I am involved in a system wide project focusing on
CHF readmissions using a multidisciplinary team including pharmacists to reduce
readmissions, by focusing on outpatient follow-up. Readmission rates will be
measured with surrogate of ED visits for medication issues.
Kara Stiely, PharmD, Reading Hospital, PGY1, Acute Care
Graduate of: Duquesne University—2018
Project/Research Question: Implementing new practice guidelines for kcentra
use at our hospital site.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Connie Suen, PharmD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PGY2, On-
cology
Graduate of: University of Florida—2017
Project/Research Question: Evaluation of the Incidence of Invasive Fungal In-
fections in Patients with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the Hospital of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania.
Swana Thomas, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY1, Ambulatory
Care
Graduate of: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy —2018
Project/Research Question: The focus of my research project will be centered
on ambulatory care.
Jesica Truong, PharmD, Lehigh Valley Health Network, PGY1
Graduate of: Temple University—2018
Project/Research Question: Characterization of antibiotic use for otitis media in
physician practices.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Adrian Tsui, PharmD, Allegheny General Hospital, PGY2, Oncology
Graduate of: University of New England—2016
Project/Research Question: I am researching a project about the use of glucocor-
ticoids for immunotherapy adverse effects.
Holly Unger, PharmD, Geisinger Medical Center, PGY1, Hospital/Health Sys-
tem
Graduate of: University of Pittsburgh —2018
Project/Research Question: Medication Usage Evaluation of Naloxone and
Flumazenil as Reversal Agents at Geisinger Acute Care Hospitals. The purpose of
this MUE is to examine the prescribing patterns and indications for use of nalox-
one and flumazenil in hospitalized adult patients at Geisinger acute care hospitals.
Quintin Wright, PharmD, Center for Pharmacy Care, PGY1, Community
Graduate of: University of California, San Francisco—2018
Project/Research Question: A prospective study on naloxone utilization in pre-
venting opioid-related deaths in Allegheny County.
MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S 2018 – 2019 RESIDENTS!
Melanie Yabs, PharmD, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic of UPMC, PGY1
Graduate of: University of Texas at Austin—2018
Project/Research Question: I intend to evaluate the medication profiles of pa-
tients experiencing their first episode of psychosis by looking at the prescribing
habits of our psychiatrists and areas where a pharmacist could have intervened to
improve therapy and outcomes for the patients.
Christine Zdaniewski, PharmD, UPMC Hamot Medical Center, PGY1, ASHP
Accredited Pharmacy Practice Residency
Graduate of: University of Pittsburgh—2018
Project/Research Question: It is my plan to assess the appropriate use of antibi-
otics in the neonatal intensive care unit at UPMC Hamot Medical Center during
the rule-out period for suspected, early-onset sepsis in newborns.