2023 - 2024

Mesay Abomsa, PharmD., originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, moved to the United States six years ago to pursue his educational and professional goals. He completed his prerequisite coursework at a community college before earning his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. His current professional interests include emergency medicine, oncology, and informatics. Committed to education and mentorship, he plans to participate in a teaching certificate program during his residency and aspires to become an influential educator and preceptor for future pharmacy professionals. In his free time, Mesay enjoys playing and attending soccer games as well as exploring new restaurants.

Sarah Fadhil, Pharm.D., is a pharmacist originally from Iraq. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Shenandoah University, where she was awarded the 2023 Outstanding Graduate Award for her involvement in various public, community, and school service projects. Her current professional interests include infectious disease, oncology, and drug development. With enthusiasm and a desire to be part of Sibley Memorial Hospital's integral pharmacy team, Sarah is excited about the opportunity to contribute her skills and passion to the residency program. After completing her PGY-1 residency program, she plans to pursue specialty residency training to become a board-certified clinical pharmacist in one of her interests. Outside of pharmacy, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, learning new coffee-making methods, and playing with her parrots.

Eunice Nam is originally from Ellicott City, Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Richmond in Virginia. She went on to receive her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore, MD. During her time in pharmacy school, she was involved in various leadership positions and organizations, such as the American Pharmacist Association ? Academy of Student Pharmacists. Her current professional areas of interest include hematology/oncology, chronic disease management, and geriatrics. Upon completion of her PGY1, Dr. Nam is eager to become a board certified clinical pharmacist. In her free time, she partakes in oil painting, playing the piano, visiting art museums, paddleboarding, and checking out new seafood spots in DC.

2022-2023

Michelle Montoya, Pharm.D., M.S. hails from south Florida from where she received her Bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Later, she obtained a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master's in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Her current professional interests include emergency medicine, critical care, oncology, and research/drug development. Through preceptorship and involvement with professional pharmacy organizations, she hopes to mentor pharmacy students as she has been mentored in the past; thus, she seeks to complete the residency teaching certificate. She is also eager to seek publication for her research endeavors in pharmacy journals. Besides pursuing her career ambitions, she enjoys painting, reading, and writing, playing guitar and piano, and exploring the beautiful city of Washington DC.

Yiwen (Kristy) Zhang., Pharm.D., is from Massachusetts and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. During her academic career, she was involved with various community service projects, research, and professional organizations. Her current professional interests include oncology and infectious diseases. Upon completion of her PGY-1 residency program, she plans to pursue specialty residency training. Ultimately, her goal is to practice as a board-certified clinical pharmacist in one of her areas of interest. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exercising, exploring new restaurants, and is excited to explore DC areas. Dr. Zhang would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their continued support and encouragement.

2021-2022

Joy Leonard, Pharm.D., was born in Massachusetts and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Northeastern University in Boston. She is a member of Lambda Kappa Sigma, a professional fraternity elevating women in pharmacy. Her professional interests include ambulatory care and oncology. Joy enjoys academia and is looking forward to precepting students and obtaining the residency teaching certificate. During her free time, she enjoys trying new foods and going on spontaneous trips. Following completion of her PGY1 residency, Joy hopes to pursue further training as a PGY2 to ultimately obtain board certification.

Zara Mirza, Pharm.D., is from Rome, New York. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy as part of an accelerated six year program. During her academic career, she enjoyed educating pediatric populations on medicine safety through her role in the American Pharmacist Association- Academy of Student Pharmacists. Her current professional interests include critical care and ambulatory care but she looks forward to exploring other avenues during her residency. Throughout the residency year, Zara hopes to hone her clinical skills and provide excellent patient-centered care, no matter the area of pharmacy she ends up pursuing. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys cooking, baking, finding new coffee and bubble tea shops, and is excited to explore DC's many museums and art galleries.

Alexis Z. Streets, Pharm.D., was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University College of Pharmacy and her Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh. During her academic career, she enjoyed serving the community through her leadership roles, especially in the Student National Pharmacists Association and the Distant Relatives Project-DC. Her professional interests include emergency medicine and critical care, and she hopes to play a major role in improving quality of life and patient outcomes within the inpatient setting. Given her passion for mentorship and teaching, she is eager to take part in the teaching certificate program during her residency. Upon successful completion of the PGY-1 residency program Dr. Streets hopes to pursue further training in a specialty residency and ultimately become a board certified clinical pharmacist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her dog, Lucky, and immersing herself in the different cultures of the world by traveling.

2020-2021

Amirah Assabahi, Pharm.D., is a native of New York City and received her Bachelor of Clinical Pharmacy from the Lebanese International University in Yemen. She went on to receive her Doctor of Pharmacy from the Lebanese International University School of Pharmacy in Lebanon. She is a member of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, the American Pharmacist Association, and the Infectious Disease Society of America. Her professional interests include infectious disease, emergency medicine, and critical care. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, Amirah hopes to complete a PGY2 training and obtain board certification.

Melody Fakhrzadeh, Pharm.D., is originally from East Brunswick, New Jersey. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University after completing a six year accelerated Pharm.D program. Her professional interests include emergency medicine and critical care. Given her passion for academia, she is eager to take part in the teaching certificate program during her residency. Dr. Fakhrzadeh hopes to pursue further training in a specialty residency and ultimately become a board certified clinical pharmacist upon completion of the residency program. In her free time, she enjoys running half-marathons and marathons and looks forward to enjoying the many races that DC has to offer. 

Vicky Zhu, Pharm.D., is originally from Rockville, Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology of Global Health from Georgetown University and her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. During her academic career, she enjoyed serving the community through her leadership roles especially in the American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists. Her current professional interests include geriatrics and oncology.  No matter what pharmacy field that she finds herself practicing in the future, she hopes to always improve the quality of life for patients in addition to optimizing their medication treatment. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys anything music-related, such as playing piano, making covers, and dreaming of becoming a Broadway star. 

2019-2020

Adebayo Ajifolokun, R.Ph., is a resident of Bowie, MD. He received a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Kaplan University, Davenport, IA. He is also a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate at Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA. Adebayo has interest in oncology informatics. Upon completion of his PGY1, Adebayo hopes to complete a PGY2 training, obtain board certification, and then pursue a career in Oncology Clinical Decision Support. 

Sabeen Ali, Pharm.D., is originally from Ellicott City, Maryland. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She then spent two years conducting research in neuropathology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital before going on to receive her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include psychiatry and infectious diseases. Upon completion of the residency program, Dr. Ali hopes to pursue further training in a specialty residency and ultimately become a board certified clinical pharmacist. In her free time, she enjoys being a foodie, binging Netflix, going to concerts, and spending time with her family and cats.

Leanna Winnick, PharmD., was born and raised in Sonora, CA, located near Yosemite National Park. She received her Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2014, and her Doctor of Pharmacy from California Health Sciences University in Clovis, CA in May 2019. She worked in community pharmacy and long-term care pharmacy for 12 years prior to starting pharmacy school. While in pharmacy school, she served heavily in different leadership roles, including the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists, California Pharmacists Association, Phi Delta Chi, and Phi Lambda Sigma. Upon graduating, she earned an award from the university for her collaboration and leadership. Her professional interests include hematology/oncology, chronic disease management, and medication therapy management. After completing her residency, Leanna wants to pursue PGY-2 in oncology, and become a board certified oncology pharmacist.

2018-2019

Dorinne Mettle-Amuah, Pharm.D., is originally from Hyattsville, MD. She received her Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland, College Park. She went on to receive her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore, MD in May 2018. During her time at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, she was involved with various community service projects and organizations like the American Pharmacists Association, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group. Prior to starting residency, her pharmacy background includes oncology inpatient pharmacy, clinical research pharmacy, and investigational drug services. Dr. Mettle-Amuah's interests include oncology, clinical research pharmacy and internal medicine.  During her residency, she intends to further sharpen her clinical competence and explore other facets of clinical pharmacy. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, Dr. Mettle-Amuah hopes to pursue a career as a clinical pharmacy specialist in one of her areas of interest.

Alexa Newhart, Pharm.D., grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended the University of Georgia where she received both a minor in Public Health and Doctor of Pharmacy degree. During her time at the University of Georgia, Alexa was a member of various organizations and served on the executive board of the Student Oncological Advocates in Pharmacy (SOAP). She enjoyed participating in many service projects, as well as volunteering at a local health center in Athens, Georgia that’s main focus was to provide health services and medications to the underserved population. Alexa’s professional interests include ambulatory care, advanced heart failure, hematology/oncology, and public health. Upon completion of the residency program, Dr. Newhart plans to become board certified and pursue a career as a clinical pharmacy specialist in one of her areas of interest with the intention of focusing on health differences and disparities among populations.

2017–2018

Susie Park, Pharm.D, is originally from Columbia, MD. She completed her pre-pharmacy coursework at the University of Maryland College Park with a major in Behavioral and Community Health. Susie received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include oncology and infectious diseases. Upon completion of the residency program, she hopes to pursue a PGY-2 in one of her areas of interest.

Stephanie Liu, Pharm.D., is originally from Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neurobiology from the University of Maryland in College Park. She went on to receive her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore. During her time at the University of Maryland, Stephanie was a member of various organizations and served on the executive board of the American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists. Her professional interests include ambulatory care, medication safety and academia. Upon completion of the residency program, Dr. Liu plans to become board certified and pursue a career in ambulatory care while precepting residents and pharmacy students.

2016–2017

Uzoma Obi, Pharm.D., is originally from Minneapolis, MN. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Physiology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Minnesota and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University College of Pharmacy. During her time at pharmacy school Dr. Obi was a member of various organizations as well as serving on the executive board for Capitol City Pharmacy Medical Reserve Corps, founded at Howard University College of Pharmacy. Her interests include ambulatory care, oncology, and internal medicine. Upon completion of her PGY1, Dr. Obi plans to become board certified, pursue a career as an ambulatory care pharmacist, and precept pharmacy students. 

Sorana Gabriela Pisano, Pharm.D., grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. She received her Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. Before applying to pharmacy school, she conducted research for two years at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. Sorana graduated from LECOM School of Pharmacy in Erie, Pennsylvania. After graduation she worked as a pharmacist for Walgreens. Her professional interests include oncology and infectious diseases. Upon completion of the residency program, she plans to pursue additional training with a second year residency in oncology. Ultimately, she would like to practice as a clinical specialist in an academic medical center that offers teaching and precepting opportunities. 

2015–2016

Rachel Lim, Pharm.D., is a resident of Northern Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Virginia and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Lim’s professional interests include internal medicine, geriatrics, critical care, and emergency medicine. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, Dr. Lim plans to continue her training with specialty residency in one of her interest areas and become board certified in pharmacotherapy. Her long term goals include becoming a clinical specialist and precepting residents and pharmacy students.

Maureen Muthoni, Pharm.D., is originally from Kenya but immigrated to the United States in 2001. She resides in Lowell, Massachusetts and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Rhode Island. During pharmacy school, Maureen was a member of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association. Her interests include ambulatory care, global health, pursuing a teaching certificate and staying involved in pharmacy organizations. After completion of the residency program, Dr. Muthoni plans to complete a PGY2 in ambulatory care or global health, become board certified, pursue a career as an ambulatory care pharmacist, open a free clinic for underserved patients, teach and precept pharmacy students.

2014–2015

Paul Norris, Pharm.D., grew up on Long Island, NY. He received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies and Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. While a student at Northeastern University Paul gained diverse experience in hospital care, community care, and academia. During this time Paul also worked as a hospice volunteer. His interests include: geriatrics, infectious disease and informatics. Paul plans to hone his clinical and professional skills at Sibley in preparation for a PGY2.

Charrell S. Porter, Pharm.D., is a native and resident of Northern Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She then continued on to complete her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the Medical College of Virginia VCU School of Pharmacy also in Richmond. During her time at Virginia Commonwealth University, Charrell served on the executive boards of the Alpha Delta Chapter of Phi Delta Chi and the Student National Pharmaceutical Association as well as her class executive board. She is a member of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the American Pharmacist Association. Charrell’s professional interests include Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, and Geriatrics. Upon completion of her residency, she hopes to pursue a PGY2 in Infectious Disease and become a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist. 

2013–2014

Cristen Lambert, Pharm.D., a native of Carlisle, Pa., received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Richmond in Richmond, Va. She went on to receive her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore, Md. During her time at University of Maryland, Cristen served on the executive boards of the Lambda Kappa Sigma Epsilon Chapter and the DC-Metro Student Pharmacists Association. She is a member of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, the American Pharmacist Association, and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. Cristen’s pharmacy interests include geriatrics, ambulatory care, and internal medicine.

Samantha Al-Faruque, Pharm.D., M.P.A., is originally from Jefferson City, Mo. She received her Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Missouri. She continued her education at the University of Missouri – Kansas City where she obtained a Masters in Public Administration with an emphasis in Health Services Administration in December 2010 and completed a Doctorate of Pharmacy in May 2013. Her professional interests include: hematology/oncology, ambulatory care, and management. Samantha aims expand and refine her clinical and management skills while completing her residency at Sibley Memorial Hospital. Upon completion of her residency, she intends to pursue a PGY2 residency and Board Certification.

2012–2013

Melonie Blake, Pharm.D., is originally from Miami, Fla. She received a Bachelors of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition, specializing in nutritional sciences from University of Florida. She then attended Howard University and completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in May 2012. During pharmacy school, Melonie was involved with various community service projects and organizations like Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity Inc., Phi Lambda Sigma and American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists. Melonie intends to build her clinical skills while completing a PGY-1 residency at Sibley Memorial Hospital. Her interests include ambulatory care, internal medicine and academia. Melonie intends to apply all her knowledge and experiences to become a clinical pharmacist and participate in public health endeavors.

Lindsay Samuel, Pharm.D., is a resident and native of Northern Virginia. She completed her pre-pharmacy course work and Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. She is a member of American Pharmacist Association, American Society of Consultant Pharmacist, and American Society of Health System Pharmacy. Her pharmacy interest includes: geriatric medicine, internal medicine and transitional care.

2011–2012

Shasa Yazigi, R.Ph., a University of Damascus School of Pharmacy alumni, was raised in Damascus, Syria. After graduation from pharmacy school she worked for Novartis Oncology as a product specialist for two years. She decided to pursue her lifelong goal of becoming a clinical pharmacist and moved to the United States. She successfully completed her Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Certification for USA licensure. During her internship Shasa worked as a licensed pharmacy intern at Saint Francis Memorial hospital in San Francisco, Ca. and at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md. She was accepted into Sibley Memorial Hospital’s PGY1 residency program in order to further develop and refine her clinical skills. After completion of the residency program she intends to pursue a PGY2 residency and obtain a clinical position in which she plays an integral role in a multidisciplinary medical team.

Danielle Massee, Pharm.D., originally from West Hurley, N.Y. received her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston. During her pharmacy studies, Dr. Massee worked as a pharmacy intern in Massachusetts in the hospital and ambulatory care settings. She is a member of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the American Pharmacists Association. Dr Massee’s professional interests include medication safety, clinical research, and academia. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, Dr. Massee has professional goals to become a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and to pursue a career as a medication safety specialist.

2010–2011

Kasey C. Dumas, Pharm.D., a University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy alumni, is from New Bedford, Mass. During undergraduate and graduate education Dr. Dumas was a licensed pharmacy intern in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She joined Sibley Memorial Hospital’s PGY1 residency with certificates for first aid, immunization and physical assessment. Dr. Dumas is utilizing the personalized and flexible PGY1 residency training program to expand her clinical and instructional skills. Her areas of interest include infectious diseases, pediatrics and academia. After completion of the residency program she intends to complete a PGY2 residency and pursue a career combining clinical practice and academia.

Jason Perry, Pharm.D., was born in Florida and graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy in 2008. After graduation, he worked as a clinical-staff pharmacist for two years at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, Fla. His interests are predominantly in nutrition support and infectious disease pharmacy. He is a member of ASPEN and will pursue a second year residency in nutrition support pharmacy after completing his PGY1 year at Sibley. He plans to obtain board certification in nutrition support pharmacy.

2009–2010

Amy Birkhimer (Barber), Pharm.D., was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa. Dr. Birkhimer received her Bachelors in Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from LECOM School of Pharmacy in Erie, Pa. During her undergraduate and pharmacy studies she worked for Giant Eagle pharmacy in Pennsylvania both as a technician and an intern. During her residency, Amy studied discharge medication discrepancies for geriatric patients. Upon completion of her PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Dr. Birkhimer accepted an inpatient clinical pharmacy position at Danville Regional Medical Center in Danville, Va. Her areas of interest include geriatrics and psychiatric pharmacy. Future goals include contributing to the creation of a new PGY1 residency program and becoming BCPS certified.

Ha B. Trinh, Pharm.D., a native of San Jose, Ca., received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Business Management from the University of the Pacific in Ca., and her Doctor of Pharmacy from Touro University. During her PGY1 residency Dr. Trinh was involved in creation and implementation of a venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment and treatment algorithm. Her research involved determining appropriate use of the VTE order set. Given her professional passion for oncology, Dr. Trinh pursued additional residency training; she is currently a PGY2 oncology resident for Kaiser Permanente in Fontana, Ca. In the near future, she hopes to become an oncology clinical specialist and be Board Certified in Pharmacotherapy and Oncology. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, learning a second language and traveling.

2008–2009

Afua A. Addo-Abedi, B.M.Sc., M.B.A., Pharm.D., is a Canadian of Ghanaian descent. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in May 2008 from University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and her Masters in Business Administration from the University Baltimore as part of the dual Pharm.D./M.B.A. program. She is a member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. Her passion is psychiatric pharmacy. After completion of her pharmacy practice residency, Dr. Addo-Abedi joined the clinical staff of Sibley Memorial Hospital’s Department of Pharmacy where she continues to incorporate psychiatric pharmacy into her daily practice. One of her future goals is to become Board Certified in Psychiatric Pharmacy.

2007–2008

David J. Copelin, Pharm.D., was born in Washington, D.C. and resides in Lanham, Md. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in May 2007 from Hampton University School of Pharmacy in Hampton, Va. While preparing to graduate, he worked as a pharmacy intern at Wal-Mart pharmacy in Suffolk, Va. Since graduating in 2007, he pursued at residency at Sibley Memorial Hospital, which provided him with clinical confidence and competence that prepared him to excel in the profession. He is an active member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), has participated in several HIV awareness projects and presentations, and is an active volunteer for heath fairs in the metropolitan area. His professional areas of interest include HIV/AIDS, geriatrics, diabetes education and cardiology.

2006–2007

Trent Pham, Pharm.D., came to Sibley with interests in critical care, nutrition support and cardiology, and clinical pharmacy experience at St. Mary’s Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital. Trent wrote in his initial resident assessment that his vision of hospital practice included “more autonomy for clinical pharmacists…where [pharmacists] can manage patient’s therapy.” Dr. Pham has taken this vision to heart, and as of 2009 he is doing his part as a clinical pharmacist practicing in the Emergency Department at Tampa General Hospital.