Pharmacy Residency Program: Current Resident Biographies

Dr. Mathew Jones is originally from Holly, Michigan. In May 2011, he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. While attending Wayne State, Dr. Jones was an active member of APhA-ASP, assisting in the organization and implementation of multiple health screening events both on campus and in underserved areas of the community. He is currently a PGY1 pharmacy practice resident at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. After PGY1 residency, Dr. Jones plans to pursue a specialty residency in the area of critical care and continue on to a position as a clinical specialist at an academic medical institution. Outside of professional interests, he enjoys listening to live music and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Jones is extremely grateful for the continuous support and encouragement he receives from friends, family, and mentors.

Dr. Raymond Lamore is originally from Cranston, Rhode Island. He earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from St. John’s University in 2011. Dr. Lamore’s professional interests include critical care, infectious disease, and emergency medicine. He also has a passion for leadership development and academia. His current research focuses on the characterization of steroid prescribing habits and associated complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing abdominal surgery. Following his pharmacy practice residency, Dr. Lamore plans to pursue a specialty residency and afterward practice as a clinical specialist in an academic medical institution. In his spare time, Raymond enjoys water sports, snowboarding, traveling, and cooking. Dr. Lamore is grateful to his family, friends, and mentors for their continued support.

Dr. Kate Jeffers is originally from Severna Park, Maryland. She earned B.S. degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and received her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Dr. Jeffers’ professional interests include solid and hematologic malignancies, heart and lung transplantation, and critical care. Her research project is focused on examining the safety and efficacy of induction therapy in pediatric heart transplant patients. Dr. Jeffers is an active member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Maryland Society of Health-System Pharmacists, with an interest in advocacy. In her free time, Kate enjoys boating, attending Ravens football games, and spending time with family and friends. Kate would like to thank her husband, family, friends and mentors for their continuous support throughout her education and training.

Dr. Brandon Shank is originally from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in May 2011. After completing his pharmacy practice residency, he plans to pursue a PGY-2 specialty residency in Oncology, while working towards a career in clinical practice and academia. In addition to oncology, Dr. Shank’s professional interests include research, pharmacoeconomics, and administration. His research project is focused on studying moxifloxacin and Clostridium difficile in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients. Currently, he serves on the ASHP New Practitioners Forum Science and Research Advisory Group. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising, the outdoors, and spending time with friends. Dr. Shank would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their continued support.

Dr. Astrela Sison is originally from Howell, New Jersey. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University in May 2011. Dr. Sison’s professional interests include pediatrics, internal medicine, and infectious disease. Her current research project focuses on the utility of Roe’s solution for cold preservation of the harvested pediatric donor heart. Following completion of her pharmacy practice residency, she plans to pursue further training in pediatrics. Astrela enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping, listening to and playing music, and exploring the city of Baltimore. Astrela would like to extend her most sincere appreciation to her family, friends, and mentors for their encouragement and support throughout her academic and professional endeavors.

Dr. Michael L. Spinner is a native of Hillsboro, IL., and a long-time resident of St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating in 1995 with a B. S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from Bradley University in Peoria, IL., he spent nearly ten years in a laboratory setting performing research which included diagnostics of environmental pathogens, Alzheimer’s disease, and traumatic brain injuries. During that time he also earned a M. A. degree in Biology from Washington University in St. Louis in 2001. With an ever-increasing interest for patient interaction and advocacy, Michael decided to transition into a career in pharmacy, and in 2011,received his Doctorate Degree of Pharmacy from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Dr. Spinner’s professional interests include solid organ transplant, oncology, and pharmaceutical research. His residency research project is a prospective study correlating the use of INR measures from different sources (point-of-care device or laboratory) to clinical decision-making. After completion of his pharmacy practice residency, he intends to pursue a specialty residency in solid organ transplant. Dr. Spinner’s long-term career goals are to practice as a clinical specialist and have an active role in both investigator and industry sponsored clinical research. Outside the hospital, Michael enjoys following his two hometown sports teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues, dining his way through some of the best restaurants in Baltimore, and attending Broadway shows in New York City. He would like to thank his family for their love and support throughout his recent career change into pharmacy – especially his partner, Michael, his parents, Nancy and Harold, and sister, Nancy Ann.

Dr. Sarah R. Thiel is from Kentwood, Michigan. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Cellular, Molecular Biology with a Minor in Germanic Studies from the University of Michigan in 2007. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy in May 2011. Dr. Thiel’s professional interests include pediatrics and women’s health, with a particular interest in pregnancy, obstetrics, and neonatal pharmacotherapy. Her current research project focuses on outcomes of anticoagulation in pregnant and post-partum women with venous thromboembolism. Following completion of her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice residency, Dr. Thiel plans on pursuing a PGY2 specialty residency in pediatrics. In her free time, Sarah enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, exploring the great outdoors, and relaxing while reading a good book. Sarah would like to give her utmost thanks and appreciation to her family, friends, and mentors back home for all of their love, support, and encouragement over the years (Go Blue!).

Dr. Jennifer Yen is originally from Sparks, NV. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Yen then completed her pharmacy degree at the University of California, San Francisco in 2011. Her professional interests include pediatrics, critical care, and health policy. Upon completion of her pharmacy practice residency, Dr. Yen plans to pursue a specialty residency in pediatrics. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Yen loves to spend time with family and friends, watch international films, and read a good novel. She also likes to spend time outdoors and enjoys swimming and hiking. Dr. Yen is forever grateful for the unwavering support and inspiration from her family, friends, and mentors over the years.

Dr. Joshua Fleming is from New Site, Mississippi. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B.A. in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry in 2006. He then obtained his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in 2010. Dr. Fleming completed his PGY-1 Residency with an emphasis in Primary Care at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Dr. Fleming’s professional interests include diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and academia. Upon completion of his PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Residency, Dr. Fleming plans to pursue a clinical faculty position where he will have the opportunity to interact with patients and students. When he is not involved with work related activities, Dr. Fleming likes to spend time with friends and family. He is also an avid runner and loves to spend time outdoors. Dr. Fleming is grateful for the unwavering support of his family, friends, and mentors throughout his personal and professional endeavors.

Dr. Rachel Kruer is from Covington, Kentucky. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology with a Concentration in Natural Science from the University of Louisville in 2006, and earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati in 2010. Dr. Kruer completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Kruer’s professional interests include critical care, emergency medicine, outcomes research, and leadership within the profession of pharmacy. Following the completion of her PGY-2 specialty residency in critical care, Dr. Kruer plans to pursue a clinical specialist position in an intensive care unit at an academic medical institution where she has the opportunity to provide pharmaceutical care to her patients as well as precept students and residents. Outside of the hospital, Rachel enjoys listening to live music, camping and enjoying the great outdoors, shopping, and traveling. Rachel is grateful for the continuous support from her husband, family, friends, and mentors throughout her educational endeavors. 

Dr. Whitney Redding is originally from Vancouver, WA. She graduated from Purdue University with a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree in 2010 and continued to move east, completing her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She has a broad interest in all infectious diseases, and her current practice interests include antimicrobial stewardship, pediatric infectious diseases and public health. Her research this year will be focused on appropriate antimicrobial therapy for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and salvage therapy for persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Upon completion of her PGY-2 Infectious Diseases Residency, she plans to practice as an infectious diseases clinical specialist as a part of an antimicrobial stewardship team and to help train future pharmacists. Her long term goals include contributing to the international infectious diseases community and be actively involved in infectious diseases research. In her spare time, she enjoys the arts, rowing and traveling. Dr. Redding is grateful to her family, friends, and mentors for their continued support.

Dr. Dina Benani is from Manassas, Virginia. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy at the Medical College of Virginia located in Richmond, VA. She completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and is continuing on to complete a PGY-2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency. Dr. Benani has developed a strong interest and passion for outpatient oncology practice, but also continues her interests with experiences in oncology throughout the institution. Her current research interests include the role of a clinical pharmacist in outpatient oncology clinics, specifically in the areas of anticoagulation and pain and palliative care. Upon completion of her residency, Dr. Benani hopes to practice as a clinical pharmacy specialist in an academic medical institution with opportunities to provide quality care to her patients, precept students and residents, educate healthcare providers, and act as a leader in the organization. For fun, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking, and reading a good book. Dr. Benani would like to thank all who contribute to her training. She would specifically like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their support and encouragement, especially her loving husband Jimmy. 

Dr. DiTomaso is originally from Fort Myers, Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences in 2006. He then earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy Jacksonville in 2010. Dr. DiTomaso completed a pharmacy practice residency with a geriatrics focus at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. He is currently the Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Specialty Resident at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Apart from palliative care and pain management, Dr. DiTomaso’s professional interests include geriatrics, hospice care, long-term care, pharmacoeconomics, and pharmacy leadership. Upon completion of his residency, Christopher will pursue a clinical specialist position at an academic medical institution. In addition to his professional priorities, Dr. DiTomaso is a devoted “Gator” and enjoys traveling, vintage and antique automotive restoration, watching live music and theater, supporting Gator athletics, and having playtime with his two chihuahuas. Dr. DiTomaso is grateful for the love and unwavering support of his family, friends, and mentors who continue to inspire him, especially his fiancée, Elizabeth, his parents, Gregory and Deborah, and sister, Jessica.  

Dr. Emily Pherson is originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania. She earned B.S. degrees in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park and received her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Dr. Pherson’s professional interests include internal medicine, infectious disease, outcomes research and clinical services development. Her research project is focused on exploring the role of the pharmacist in decreasing hospital readmissions through home based medication reconciliation. Dr. Pherson is an active member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists where she currently serves on the New Practitioners Forum Professional Practice Advisory Group. In her free time, Emily enjoys running, attending Maryland football games, and traveling to visit family and friends. Emily would like to thank her husband, family, friends and mentors for their continuous support throughout her education and training.  

Dr. Stacy Elder is from Clemmons, North Carolina. She received both her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Elder’s professional interests include internal medicine, cardiology, critical care and academia. Her research project is both a quantitative and a qualitative analysis of nursing and patient knowledge, beliefs and practices associated with pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Following residency, Dr. Elder plans to pursue a career as a clinical specialist. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, UNC Basketball and being outdoors. Dr. Elder would like to thank her family, friends and mentors for supporting her in her academic and extracurricular endeavors.

Dr. Chelsea Leeper is from West Lafayette, Indiana. She graduated in May of 2011 with her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the Purdue University College of Pharmacy. While at Purdue she was active in various pharmacy organizations including APhA-ASP, most recently serving at Region IV Member-at-Large during 2009-2010. She is currently in the first year of the two year Health-System Pharmacy Administration Residency, which includes a MBA in Medical Services Management from the Carey School of Business. Her professional interests include involvement in professional pharmacy organizations, pharmacy based leadership development, practice in academia, and improving patient safety through medication safety based initiatives. In her free time Dr. Leeper enjoys spending time with her husband Wes and puppy Bogart, running half-marathons, baking, and exploring Baltimore. She would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for all of their love and support.

Dr. Brian Marlow is from Jacksboro, Tennessee. He earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the University Of Tennessee College Of Pharmacy located in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Marlow is in his second year of the two years Health-System Pharmacy Administration Residency, which includes the completion of a Masters of Business Administration in Medical Services Management at the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business. He has developed a strong passion for quality improvement, leadership development, and workforce education. Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Marlow will pursue a pharmacy leadership position in an academic medical center. For fun, he enjoys the company of his friends and family, particularly his wife Kendall. He also is an avid tennis player and loves to watch football (go Vols!). Dr. Marlow is blessed with a wonderful support system. He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support.

PGY-1 Informatics

Dr. Van Do is from Omaha, Nebraska. He earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science from Creighton University in May 2011. Dr. Do is in his first year of a two-year Pharmacy Informatics Residency. Dr. Do’s professional interests include clinical decision support, human factors engineering, and medication safety. Presently, Dr. Do is serving on the ASHP Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology Advisory Group on Clinical Information Systems. In his spare time, Dr. Do enjoys graphic and web design, watching football, NCAA basketball, and landscape drawing. Dr. Do would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for all their support and humor throughout all these years.  

Dr. Hinton is originally from Midwest City, Oklahoma. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma in 2005. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy with a Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2010. Dr. Hinton completed a pharmacy practice residency at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. He is currently the Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Specialty Resident at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Hinton’s professional interests include pharmacogenomics, improving health literacy, and advocacy for the advancement of pharmacy practice in the emergency department. Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Hinton plans to pursue a specialist position at an academic medical center. In his free time, Matthew is an avid sports fan. He enjoys watching Oklahoma Sooner athletics and Oklahoma City Thunder basketball. Matthew is extremely grateful for the continued support he receives from his family, friends, and mentors.

Dr. Liana Mark is from Maywood, New Jersey. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University and completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Though Dr. Mark enjoys a variety of pediatric practice areas, she is especially interested in pediatric oncology and pediatric bone marrow transplantation. Her current research focuses on oral chemotherapy adherence in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Upon completion of her residency training, Dr. Mark hopes to practice as a clinical pharmacy specialist in an academic medical institution where she has the opportunity to provide pharmaceutical care to her patients, precept students and residents, educate patients, their families, and other healthcare providers, and act as a leader in the organization. Outside of her professional interests, Liana enjoys practicing yoga and being active, live music, and spending time with her wonderful friends and family. Dr. Mark is grateful for the perpetual support and encouragement of her family, friends, and mentors.