Pharmacy Residency Program
PGY-1 Pharmacy
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Dr. Ameha Aynalem originally grew up in Ethiopia before moving to Maryland. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Upon completing his PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, Dr. Aynalem plans to pursue a specialized oncology and infectious disease residency program. His long-term career goals include practicing as a board-certified clinical pharmacist in an academic hospital. Dr. Aynalem acknowledges and appreciates the support and guidance he has received from his wife, mom, and mentors throughout his journey.
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Dr. Michelle Johnston is originally from Dayton, Ohio. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. Dr. Johnston’s professional interests include pediatrics and oncology. Upon completion of her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, she plans to pursue specialty residency training. Ultimately, her goal is to practice as a board-certified clinical specialist at an academic medical center. In her free time, she enjoys long-distance running, rock climbing, sand volleyball, traveling, and backpacking. Dr. Johnston would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their endless support and guidance along this journey!
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Dr. Alex Killough is originally from Birmingham, Alabama. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama and his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. Dr. Killough’s professional interests include oncology, infectious diseases, and pediatrics. Ultimately, he would like to practice at an academic medical center as a board-certified clinical specialist where he will have opportunities to precept students and residents. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, traveling, and reading. Dr. Killough would like to thank his friends, family, and mentors for their ongoing guidance and support throughout his education and career.
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Dr. Joshua Posner is originally from Owings Mills, Maryland. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy. Dr. Posner’s professional interests include emergency medicine, critical care, and academia. Upon completion of his PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, he plans to pursue a specialty residency training in one of his interest areas. Ultimately, he would like to practice at an academic medical center as a board-certified clinical specialist where he will have opportunities to precept students and residents. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, playing the piano, and watching movies and sports. Dr. Posner would like to thank his, friends, family, preceptors, and mentors for their continued guidance and support.
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Dr. Besen Sanga earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy. Dr. Sanga’s professional interest is in infectious diseases. Upon completion of her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, Dr. Sanga plans to pursue specialty training her area of interest. Her long-term career goal is to practice as a board-certified clinical specialist along with the precepting students and residents in institutional setting and possibly engage in clinical research. During her spare time, she enjoys randomly exploring new places, traveling, and spending time with family & friends. Dr. Sanga would like to thank her family, friends, coworkers, and mentors for their continued support and encouragement.
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Dr. Kari Starbeck is from Cedar Falls, Iowa. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Dr. Starbeck’s professional interest include palliative care, substance use disorder, pain management, and solid organ transplant. Upon completion of her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, she plans to pursue specialty residency training. Ultimately, she would like to practice as a board-certified clinical specialist at an academic medical center. She hopes to serve as a preceptor and mentor for residents and students. In her free time, she enjoys baking, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. She is also a certified scuba diver and loves going on scuba diving trips. Dr. Starbeck would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their support, guidance, and encouragement.
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Dr. Justin Suero is originally from Davie, Florida. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Florida, followed by his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Dr. Suero’s professional interests include infectious diseases and solid organ transplant. Upon completion of his PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, he plans to pursue specialty residency training. His ultimate career goals include practicing as a board-certified clinical specialist at an academic medical center with opportunities to participate in research and precept residents and students. In his spare time, he enjoys going to local coffee shops, attending concerts, being outdoors, and spending time with family, friends, and his two cats Eduardo and Mackerel. Dr. Suero would like to sincerely thank his family, friends, and mentors for their continued support and encouragement.
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Dr. Mai Vestergaard is originally from Glastonbury, Connecticut. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy Studies and Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, with a focus on Violin Performance, followed by a Master of Public Health and Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Vestergaard’s professional interests include critical care, emergency medicine, and cardiology. Upon completion of her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, she plans to pursue specialty residency training. Her ultimate career goals include practicing as a board-certified clinical specialist at an academic medical center, where she hopes to precept students and contribute to guidelines and policies. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys playing the violin, knitting, cooking, and enjoying outdoor activities. Dr. Vestergaard would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their endless support and encouragement.
PGY-1 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership
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Dr. Amanda Fairbanks is from Seattle, Washington. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Washington State University. After completing her bachelors, Amanda earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Washington. She is in her first year of the two-year Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, which includes completing a Master of Business Administration degree in Health Care Management at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Her professional interests include clinical pharmacy management, medication safety, providing access to care for underserved populations, mentoring students, and advancement of pharmacy clinical practices. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching hot yoga, taking ceramics classes, and hiking. Dr. Fairbanks would like to thank her family, friends and mentors for their consistent support throughout her education.
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Dr. Emily Vanerian is originally from Plymouth, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomolecular Sciences from the University of Michigan, followed by her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Dr. Vanerian is in her first year of the two-year Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residency, which includes completing a Master of Business Administration degree in Health Care Management at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Her professional interests include addressing social determinants of health, pharmacy practice advancement, data science and pharmacy informatics, and leadership development and mentorship. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, baking, and watching movies with her dog, Sadie. Dr. Vanerian would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their endless support and love.
PGY-2 Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership
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Dr. Erin Ballentine is from Frederick, Maryland. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Cedarville University. After completion of her BSPS, Erin remained at Cedarville University to earn her Masters of Business Administration concentrated in Healthcare Administration and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Erin is in her first year of the two-year Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residency, which includes completing a Master of Science degree in Health Care Management at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Her professional interests include enhancing the quality and safety of patient care, pharmacy practice advancement, and clinical leadership and management. In her spare time, she enjoys running, watching football (go Steelers!), and spending time with her husband and three cats. Dr Ballentine would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their constant support and encouragement.
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Dr. E. Alexandra Barany is originally from Toronto, Ontario. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of Toronto School of Pharmacy and is in her second year of the two-year Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residency, which includes completing a Master of Business Administration degree in Health Care Management at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Her professional interests include pharmacy practice advancement, systems-level quality improvement, interprofessional collaborative practice, team science, and leadership development. She currently serves on the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders on the Strategy and Industry Disrupters Advisory Group. In her spare time, Dr. Barany enjoys learning how to cook new recipes. Dr. Barany would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their tireless support, guidance, and love.
PGY-1 Informatics
Dr. Stephen Wu
Dr. Stephen Wu is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. He completed both his pre-pharmacy coursework and his Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Georgia. Dr. Wu is in his first year of the two-year Pharmacy Informatics Residency. His professional interests include medication safety, design of clinical tools and applications, data analytics, and automation. In his free time, he enjoys recipe development, exploring new restaurants, spending time with friends, and doing crossword puzzles. Dr. Wu would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their encouragement, guidance, and support throughout his life.

PGY-2 Informatics
Dr. Hai Pham
Dr. Hai Pham is originally from Chicago, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, followed by his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy. Dr. Pham is currently in his second year of the two-year Pharmacy Informatics Residency. His professional interests include data analytics, development and optimization of clinical decision support tools, and pharmacy technology/automation. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, preparing nigiri sushi, watching dramas, and spending time with friends. Dr. Pham would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their continued encouragement, guidance, and support.

PGY-1 Investigational Drugs and Research
Dr. Emma Meyer
Dr. Emma Meyer is originally from Waunakee, Wisconsin. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Dr. Meyer is in her first year of the two-year Investigational Drugs and Research Pharmacy Residency Program. Her professional interests include optimization of IDS pharmacy services, regulatory affairs, and the engagement of transgender and nonbinary communities in clinical research. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys traveling, running, and spending time outside. Dr. Meyer would like to sincerely thank her family, friends, and mentors for their continued support and encouragement.

PGY-2 Investigational Drugs and Research Pharmacy
Dr. Chaohao Chen
Dr. Chen is originally from New Haven, Connecticut. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Dr. Chen is in his second year of the two-year Investigational Drugs and Research Pharmacy Residency Program. His professional interest includes oncology, clinical research, regulatory affairs and medication safety. During his free time, Dr. Chen enjoys video games, watching dramas, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Chen would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their continuous encouragement, guidance, and support throughout his life.

PGY-1 Pharmacotherapy
Dr. Ines Medel
Dr. Ines Paulina Medel is originally from El Paso, Texas. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from The University of Texas at EL Paso School of Pharmacy. Dr. Medel is currently in her first year of the two-year Pharmacy Pharmacotherapy Residency. Her professional interests include internal medicine, infectious disease, cardiology, and academia. In her free time, she enjoys running with her dog, Donatello, spending time outdoors, and self-care. Dr. Medel would like to thank God, her family, friends, and mentors for their unconditional love and support.

PGY-2 Pharmacotherapy
Dr. Emma Baker
Dr. Emma Baker is originally from Granger, Indiana. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Purdue University College of Pharmacy. Dr. Baker's professional interests include internal medicine, thrombosis and hemostasis management, medication safety, formulary management, and academia. Upon completion of her two-year pharmacotherapy residency, Dr. Baker would like to practice as a clinical pharmacy specialist and as an assistant professor of pharmacy practice. In her spare time, Dr. Baker enjoys cheering on the Boilermakers in football and basketball, hiking, traveling, experiencing Baltimore's wide variety of restaurants, and spending quality time with friends, and loved ones. Dr. Baker would like to thank her fiancé, family, friends, mentors, and amazing co-residents for their endless support and encouragement.

PGY-1 Medication-Use Safety and Policy
Dr. Coral Andrews
Dr. Coral Andrews is originally from Kirkland, Washington and served in the United States Air Force as a Cryptologic Language Analyst for 10 years. After receiving three Associate degrees, Dr. Andrews earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and is currently in the first year of the newly combined two-year Medication Use Safety and Policy Residency. Her professional interests include medication safety and promoting Just Culture. In her spare time, Dr. Andrews enjoys knitting and playing video games. Dr. Andrews would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their unrelenting support and encouragement throughout these major life changes.

PGY-2 Ambulatory Care
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Dr. Emma Eibye is originally from Walpole, Massachusetts. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Northeastern University and completed PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System. Dr. Eibye’s interests include primary care, transitions of care, and pharmacy education. Upon completion of her PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency, she plans to pursue board-certification in ambulatory care pharmacy. Dr. Eibye hopes to work at an academic medical center with the opportunity to precept pharmacy students and residents. In her free time, she enjoys running, trying new recipes, and watching reality TV shows. Dr. Eibye would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their support and guidance.
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Dr. Catherine Wymer is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. She then went on to complete her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Wymer's professional interests include internal medicine, transitions of care, and academia. Upon completion of her PGY-2, Dr. Wymer plans to practice as a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist at a large academic medical center with opportunities for precepting students and residents. In her spare time, Dr. Wymer enjoys attending workout classes, trying new restaurants, and traveling. Dr. Wymer would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their support and encouragement.
PGY-2 Cardiology
Dr. Blair Yesko
Dr. Blair Yesko is originally from Berlin, MD. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy. Dr. Yesko’s professional interests include heart failure, general cardiology, and heart transplant. Upon completion of her PGY-2 Cardiology Pharmacy Residency, Dr. Yesko would like to pursue a position as a board-certified clinical specialist at an academic medical center where she will have opportunities to precept students and residents. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and watching lacrosse or basketball. Dr. Yesko would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their continued guidance and support.

PGY-2 Critical Care
Dr. Hailey Burns
Dr. Hailey Burns is originally from Nashville, Tennessee. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy and went on to complete her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. Dr. Burns’ professional interests include neurocritical care and emergency medicine. Upon completion of her PGY2 Pharmacy Residency, she plans to pursue critical care and emergency medicine board-certification (BCCCP and BCEMP). She hopes to practice in both areas as a clinical specialist at an academic medical center with opportunities to precept residents and students. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog (Chip!), trying new restaurants, shopping, and spending quality time with friends and family. Dr. Burns would like to thank her friends, family, co-residents, and mentors for their continued love, support, and guidance.

PGY-2 Emergency Medicine
Dr. Kara Kassekert
Dr. Kara Kassekert is originally from Lino Lakes, Minnesota. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy and went on to complete her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Kassekert’s professional interests include trauma, medical emergencies, and toxicology. Dr. Kassekert plans to practice as a board-certified clinical specialist (BCEMP) at an academic medical center with opportunities to precept residents and students upon completion of her PGY2 Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Residency. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Albie. Dr. Kassekert would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their never-ending love, support, and guidance.

PGY-2 Infectious Diseases
Dr. Garrett Crawford
Dr. Garrett Crawford is originally from Annapolis, Maryland. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech and went on to earn his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. He completed his PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Crawford’s professional interests include antimicrobial stewardship and research. Upon completion of his PGY-2 infectious diseases residency, he hopes to pursue a career as a board-certified infectious diseases clinical specialist at an academic medical center with opportunities for teaching and research. In his spare time, he enjoys trying new restaurants, boating, traveling, taking long city walks, and spending time with family and friends. Dr. Crawford would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their continued support and encouragement.

PGY-2 Oncology
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Dr. Shannon Purcell is originally from Elkhart, Indiana. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Purdue University College of Pharmacy and completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Purcell’s professional interests include hematologic malignancies, supportive care and medication safety. Upon completion of her PGY-2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency, Dr. Purcell plans to ultimately practice as a board-certified clinical specialist at an academic medical center where she will have ample opportunities to precept pharmacy residents and students. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, exploring the east coast, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Purcell would like to thank her family, friends, mentors, and dogs for their endless encouragement and support.
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Dr. Michelle Ann Wasan originally grew up in the Philippines before moving to Renton, WA ten years ago. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy and completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Wasan’s professional interests include hematologic malignancies, benign hematology, and oncology critical care. Her long-term career goals include practicing as a board-certified clinical pharmacist in an academic medical center, where she will have the opportunity to teach and precept students and residents. In her spare time, Dr. Wasan enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, watching movies and dramas, traveling, and overall exploring new things. Dr. Wasan would like to thank her family, boyfriend, friends, and mentors for their continuous love, support, guidance, and encouragement.
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Dr. Jonathan (Jack) Kissam is originally from Runnemede, New Jersey. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Rutgers University and completed his PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Kissam’s professional interests include hematologic malignancies and bone marrow transplant. His long-term career goals include practicing as a board-certified clinical pharmacist in an academic medical center, where he will have the opportunity to precept students and residents. In his free time, Dr. Kissam enjoys video games, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Kissam would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their continued support, guidance, and encouragement.
PGY-2 Pain Management and Palliative Care
Dr. Aicha Fokar
Dr. Aicha Fokar is originally from Lubbock, Texas. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth College of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Fokar’s professional interests include palliative care, acute and chronic pain management, psychiatry, and substance use disorder. Dr. Fokar’s professional goals include practicing as a clinical pharmacy specialist at an academic medical center and becoming an associate professor at a college of pharmacy. Outside of pharmacy, Dr. Fokar enjoys exploring different cultural cuisines, traveling, and hosting dinner parties. She loves spending time with cats, reading books, and exercise. Dr. Fokar would like to thank her wonderful family and mentors who continue to help her reach her dreams!

PGY-2 Pediatrics
Dr. Ann McArn
Dr. Ann McArn is originally from Bay Village, Ohio. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University, Raabe College of Pharmacy and completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her professional interests include critical care, oncology, and research. Upon completion of her PGY-2 Pediatric Pharmacy Residency, her career goals include practicing as a board-certified clinical specialist at an academic medical center with opportunities to teach and precept pharmacy residents and students. Additionally, Dr. McArn hopes to train her puppy to be a therapy dog in the future. In her spare time, she enjoys running, cooking, and spending time outside. Dr. McArn would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their endless support and guidance as she continues through her pharmacy career.

PGY-2 Transplant
Dr. Bona Shin
Dr. Bona Shin is originally from Mokena, Illinois. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy and completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency at Reading Hospital. In addition to solid organ transplant, Dr. Shin’s professional interests include infectious diseases, transitions of care, and health equity. Upon completion of her PGY-2 solid organ transplant residency, Dr. Shin hopes to practice as a board-certified solid organ transplant clinical specialist at an academic medical center where she will have the opportunity to pursue research opportunities as well as precept learners. When not practicing pharmacy, you can find her baking many renditions of chocolate chip cookies, exploring new coffee shops and bakeries, and watching Grey’s Anatomy on repeat. Dr. Shin would like to sincerely thank her family, partner, friends, colleagues, and mentors for their unwavering love, support, and guidance.

PGY-2 Thrombosis and Hemostasis Management
Dr. Taylor Robichaux
Dr. Taylor Robichaux is originally from New Iberia, Louisiana. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy. He went on to complete his PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. Robichaux’s interests include hemostatic and antithrombotic stewardship, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, and benign hematology. Upon completion of his PGY2 Thrombosis and Hemostasis Management Pharmacy Residency, Dr. Robichaux plans to practice as a board-certified clinical specialist at an academic medical center, where he will have the opportunity to continue teaching and research. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, exercising, watching movies, and being a dog dad. Dr. Robichaux would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their endless encouragement, love, and support.
