Meet the current residents and fellows enrolled at the University of Maryland.
Post-Graduate Year One Programs
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Kaitlyn Healy, PharmD Dr. Kaitlyn Healy is originally from Buffalo, NY. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from The University at Buffalo, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her professional interests include cardiology, oncology and academia. After completion of PGY1 residency, Kaitlyn is eager to purse a PGY2 residency position in her area of interest. Her career goals include practicing as a clinical specialist, while being able to teach and mentor student pharmacists. Outside of pharmacy, Kaitlyn enjoys cooking, traveling, exploring the city of Baltimore, and spending time with loved ones. Additionally, she is a huge Buffalo Bills fan (Go Bills)! Kaitlyn is grateful for all the support she has received from her family, friends, mentors and preceptors over the years. She is excited to train as a pharmacy resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center. |
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Ivanna Padilla, PharmD Dr. Ivanna Gómez Padilla was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Puerto Rico School of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include infectious diseases, solid organ transplant, and cardiology, and she looks forward to further developing her expertise in these areas during her PGY-1 residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Her career goal is to work as a clinical pharmacist at an academic medical center, where she can combine direct patient care with teaching to advance the field and mentor future pharmacists. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys traveling, exploring new foods, and staying active through cross-training workouts. |
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Alexander Ruehman, PharmD Dr. Alexander (Alex) Ruehman was born and raised in Dacula, Ga. He completed his undergraduate course work at the University of North Georgia before graduating with his PharmD from the University of Georgia. His professional interests include critical care, infectious diseases, and cardiology. Upon completion of his PGY-1 pharmacy residency, Alex plans to pursue a PGY-2 in one of his interest areas. Alex’s career goal is to practice as a clinical specialist at an academic medical center where he can teach and precept learners. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys running, hiking, and trying new coffee shops in the Baltimore area. Alex is grateful for the support he has received from friends, family, mentors, and preceptors, and is excited to train as a pharmacy resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center! |
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Castin Shulz, PharmD Dr. Castin Schulz was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Sciences and Doctor of Pharmacy from Ohio Northern University. His professional interests include critical care, emergency medicine, and infectious diseases. Castin's career goal is to practice as a clinical specialist at an academic medical center where he can teach, precept, and train the next generation of learners. In his free time, Castin enjoys running half-marathons and spending time with family and friends. Castin is very grateful for the support he has received from his friends, family, and mentors who have prepared him for this training. Castin is ecstatic to train at the University of Maryland Medical Center and looks forward to all of the amazing experiences the program will offer! |
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Sarah Thompson, PharmD, MS Dr. Sarah Jean Thompson was born and raised in Southern Maryland. She completed her undergraduate studies at the College of Southern Maryland before moving to North Carolina to obtain her PharmD from Wingate University. Following graduation, she returned to Maryland where she worked as a community pharmacist before joining University of Maryland Medical Center as a clinical pharmacist in 2020. While working for UMMC, she obtained her Master’s in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics in May 2023. Sarah is passionate about many areas of pharmacy, but feels pulled towards psychiatric pharmacy with the intention of working in the ambulatory space. Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, working on home-improvement projects, live music, and playing with her dogs - Quavo and Ping. She is very thankful for her supervisors and the medical center for giving her the opportunity to further pursue her education as a non-traditional resident. |
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Donyae Brown, PharmD Dr. Donyae Brown was born and raised in Baltimore County, Md. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania with a Minor in Black Studies. She then received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. She is also currently working towards a Master of Science in Palliative Care. Her professional interests include palliative care, geriatrics, and ambulatory care. Donyae’s career goal is to practice as a board-certified clinical pharmacy specialist. Outside of pharmacy, Donyae enjoys listening to music, crocheting, dancing, golfing, and spending time with her family, friends, and puppy, King. Donyae is thankful for her family, friends, mentors, and preceptors for supporting her thus far and is excited to continue her pharmacy journey as a PGY-1 resident at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. |
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Jillian Johnson, PharmD Dr. Jillian Johnson was born and raised in Frederick, Md. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science from University of Maryland, College Park, and then her Doctor of Pharmacy from University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include infectious diseases and emergency medicine. Jillian enjoys making crafts, caring for her plants, and spending time with friends and family. Jillian’s career goal is to practice as a clinical pharmacist and to continue making meaningful connections with colleagues and patients. Jillian is grateful for the encouragement and support from her family, friends, and mentors and is excited for the opportunity to train at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. |
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Gianna Mejia, PharmD Dr. Gianna Mejia is a Denton, Texas native, now residing near Washington, DC. She discovered her passion for community pharmacy over ten years ago when she started her journey as a technician. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of North Texas. In May of 2025, she graduated with both her PharmD and MBA from Howard University. As the 2025-2026 Safeway/UMB Community-based Pharmacy Resident, Gianna's goal is to grow into a devoted leader committed to making a lasting impact throughout community pharmacy. Outside of work, she’s a proud dog mom of four and enjoys traveling, watching anime, and solving a good puzzle. |
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Jagpreet Singh, PharmD Dr. Singh is originally from Baltimore, Md. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Penn State University and his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Notre Dame of Maryland University. He is currently exploring several post-residency paths, including ambulatory care, academia, and corporate pharmacy opportunities, though he is also open to continuing with his current company. In his free time, Jagpreet enjoys playing video games, watching movies and TV shows, trying out new restaurants, and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—he currently holds a purple belt. |
Post-Graduate Year One/Two Programs
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Annie Kurdziel, PharmD, MS Dr. Anastasia Kurdziel was born and raised in Monroe, N.Y. She completed her undergraduate course work at State University of New York at Buffalo before graduating with her PharmD and MS in Clinical Translational Therapeutics at University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her professional interests include internal medicine, infectious diseases, anticoagulation and academia. Outside of pharmacy Annie is a huge Buffalo Bills fan; Go Bills! She also enjoys running and spending time with her fiancé Alex and their two orange lady rescue cats Winnie and Charlie. |
Post-Graduate Year Two Programs
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Emma Brusio, PharmD Emma graduated from University of Maryland School of Pharmacy where she dedicated 4 years to connecting students and faculty through the Student Government Association. She has lived in Maryland her whole life and has worked in the community pharmacy setting for the past 8 years. Emma has a passion for creating life-long connections with her colleagues and patients and looks forward to doing the same through Safeway and in the ambulatory care clinics through the University. Being able to obtain a teaching certificate through the university that taught her everything she knows is quite the full circle moment! After residency, Emma strives to become a Board-Certified Ambulatory Care pharmacist and plans to hold an executive board position within a national pharmacy organization. In her free time, she enjoys reading mysteries, hanging out with family, and attending reformer pilates classes. |
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Maria Dolgova, PharmD Dr. Maria Dolgova was born in Transnistria and raised in Russia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy in Seattle, WA. Maria completed her PGY-1 residency training at VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle. Her professional interests include transitions of care, polypharmacy management, deprescribing strategies, multimorbidity management, palliative care and end-of-life care planning. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys hiking, traveling, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time with family and friends. Maria is excited to take the next step in her geriatric residency training at University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and is looking forward to new learning opportunities. |
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Adrian Gonzalez, PharmD Dr. Adrian Quezada Gonzalez is originally from Oxnard, CA and completed his Doctor of Pharmacy from West Coast University in California. Following graduation, he completed a PGY1 Acute Care Pharmacy Residency at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, CA, where he gained experience in critical care, internal medicine, and pharmacy administration. Adrian quickly fell in love with his administration rotations and decided to pursue a PGY2 in admin. Adrian is also completing an MBA through Strayer University and remains actively involved in pharmacy organizations and professional development. In his free time, Adrian enjoys hiking, running, and watching the latest movies. He also loves a good roller coaster and visiting different theme parks, his favorite ride is the VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando. His professional interests include medication safety, operations, formulary management, and advancing pharmacy practice through mentorship and leadership. Adrian is excited to continue his training as a PGY-2 Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center and looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. |
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Hitomi Iwasaki, PharmD Dr. Hitomi N. Iwasaki was born and raised in Pickerington, Ohio. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati. Following graduation, she completed her Acute Care PGY-1 at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and worked for a year as a clinical pharmacist at Boston Medical Center Brighton before pursuing PGY2. Outside of pharmacy, Hitomi enjoys spending time with her puppy, Ernie, watching television, and listening to audiobooks. She is excited to continue her residency journey in pain management and palliative care at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and MedStar Health! |
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Jessica Lai, PharmD Dr. Jess Lai is originally from Richmond, VA. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology and her Doctor of Pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her professional interests include infectious diseases and substance use disorders. Jess’ career goal is to practice as an infectious diseases clinical specialist while teaching and precepting learners. Outside of pharmacy, she loves hiking, weight-lifting, kombucha brewing, and enjoying oysters at Faidley’s Seafood in Lexington Market. She recently adopted her residency cat, named Soup. She is grateful to her friends, family, mentors, and preceptors for their support and guidance over the years. She completed her PGY1 residency at the University of Maryland and is excited to stay for another year! |
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Jacob McGregor, PharmD Dr. Jacob McGregor was born and raised in New Albany, Mississippi. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, and his PGY-1 residency training was completed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Professional interests include acute psychiatric care, addiction medicine, as well as preceptorship. In his free time, Jacob enjoys cooking, baking homemade bread, and finding a new indie film to watch. Jacob would like to thank his family, friends, preceptors, and mentors for their continued support and encouragement. Jacob is excited to live outside of Mississippi for the first time and to work with the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy to begin his psychiatric pharmacy training! |
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Safiya Nero, PharmD Dr. Safiya Nero was born in Central NJ and grew up in Ellicott City, Md. She earned her bachelor degree in Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY-1 pharmacy residency training at UPMC Harrisburg in Pennsylvania. Her professional interests include pediatrics critical care, emergency medicine, and precepting. Outside of pharmacy, Safiya loves to bike, bake, and spend time with family/friends and her cat, Tigger. She is extremely grateful for her family, friends, and mentors for all their guidance and support. Safiya is very excited to return to Maryland to pursue her goal of becoming a pediatric pharmacy clinical specialist! |
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Pamela Ramos Ramos, PharmD Dr. Pamela Ramos was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico before earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her PGY-1 pharmacy residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Outside of pharmacy, Pamela enjoys exploring new restaurants around the DMV area and working out. She would like to thank her family, mentors, and friends for their unwavering support. Pamela looks forward to continuing her professional growth as a pharmacist through training with the University of Maryland Medical Center. |
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Madison Savidge, PharmD, MBA Dr. Madison Savidge was born and raised in Williamsport, Pa. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration at the University of Rhode Island. She completed her PGY1 pharmacy residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Her professional interests include resuscitation, trauma, toxicology, acute psychiatric conditions, and pediatrics. Her goal is to practice as a board-certified emergency medicine pharmacist (BCEMP) at an academic medical center where she has the opportunity to mentor students and residents. Outside of pharmacy, Madison enjoys traveling, exploring the city of Baltimore, and playing pickleball. She is grateful for the endless support she has received from her family, friends, mentors, and preceptors and is elated to train as a PGY2 emergency medicine pharmacy resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center. |
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Christine Tran, PharmD Dr. Christine Tran was born and raised in Alexandria, Va. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of Virginia and her Doctor of Pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University. Christine completed her PGY1 training at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Her career goal is to practice as a clinical specialist at an academic medical center where she can teach and precept students. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys running, going to work out classes, and trying new restaurants in Baltimore. Christine is grateful for the support she has received from friends, family, mentors, and preceptors, and is excited to train as an oncology pharmacy resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center this year! |
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Sam Yang, PharmD Dr. Samuel Yang was born and raised in Parsippany, New Jersey. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Prior to this year, Sam completed the PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. His interests within Critical Care include mechanical circulatory support, vasoplegia and shock states, clinical pharmacokinetics, and antimicrobial resistance. His professional goals are to practice as a board-certified clinical pharmacy specialist at an academic medical center with didactic and clinical teaching opportunities. Outside of work, Sam enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing board games with friends, and learning to cook new recipes. Sam is sincerely grateful to his family, colleagues, and mentors for their support throughout his education and training. He looks forward to another great year at the University of Maryland Medical Center. |
Fellowship Programs
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Misbah Khatib, PharmD Dr. Misbah Khatib is originally from Mansfield, MA, and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. During pharmacy school, she discovered her passion for toxicology while working at the Washington Poison Center and completing her advanced pharmacy practice experiences. Misbah is particularly interested in clinical toxicology, medication safety, and public health. She is passionate about improving patient outcomes through timely toxicology consultation and research. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and traveling internationally. Misbah is excited to join the Maryland Poison Center team and continue her training at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. |
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Melinda Lee, PharmD Dr. Melinda Lee grew up in East Fishkill, NY. She completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Binghamton University School of Pharmacy. Since high school Melinda found an interest in forensic sciences and her fascination in toxicology sparked during a rotation at the Upstate New York Poison Center. Professionally, she is passionate about public and health care professional toxicology education, natural toxins, and envenomations. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, touring the local food scene, spoiling her cat Barbara, drawing, and playing video games with her friends. Melinda is looking forward to continuing her training at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy and the Maryland Poison Center. |
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Emma Nelson, PharmD Dr. Emma Nelson is originally from Rockville, Maryland. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Brigham Young University and her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Her professional interests center on managed care and the evolving landscape of insurance. She aspires to work for a major insurance provider in the future. Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time outdoors—especially hiking, swimming, and tending to her growing collection of plants. She's always happy to share cuttings with fellow plant lovers. Emma is deeply grateful to her colleagues, professors, and family for their continued support and encouragement throughout her professional journey. |
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Shalini Rana, PharmD Dr. Shalini Rana is from Passaic, N.J. She completed her PharmD degree from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Her professional areas of interest include health outcomes research, health economics, and market access. In her free time, she enjoys trying new cafes and restaurants, watching movies, and spending time with friends. She is excited to explore Baltimore and can’t wait for what’s to come! |
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Cindy Van, PharmD Cindy Van earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Queens, NY. She completed her PGY-1 residency with Mount Sinai Queens/The Mount Sinai Hospital and a PGY-2 in Geriatrics at UMPC Presbyterian Shadyside. Her current practice site is the Center for Successful Aging at Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital. Her professional interests include transitions of care, medication stewardship, polypharmacy, and deprescribing. She is actively involved with the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) at both the national and state level, serving as Secretary of the Maryland chapter. As the current fellow within The Peter Lamy Center on Drug Therapy and Aging at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Cindy is dedicated to improving the care of older adults through research, education, clinical practice, and health policy. |