Current Residents and Fellows

Meet the current residents and fellows enrolled at the University of Maryland.

Post-Graduate Year One Programs

Photo	Resident
	Jessica Lai, PharmD UMMC Pharmacy Resident Jessica.Lai@umm.edu Dr. Jessica 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 psychiatry and infectious diseases. Jessica’s career goal is to practice as a psychiatric clinical specialist while teaching and precepting students. Outside of pharmacy, she loves hiking, weight-lifting, cooking, and enjoying oysters at Faidley’s Seafood in Lexington Market. She is grateful to her friends, family, mentors, and preceptors for their support and guidance over the years. She is excited to train as a pharmacy resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center!
	Madison Savidge, PharmD, MBA UMMC Pharmacy Resident Madison.Savidge@umm.edu 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. Her professional interests include pediatrics, critical care, emergency medicine, and academia. Upon completion of her PGY-1 pharmacy residency, Madison plans to pursue specialty residency training. Her goal is to practice as a board-certified clinical pharmacist at an academic medical center affiliated with a School of Pharmacy, where she will have the opportunity to mentor and teach students. Outside of pharmacy, Madison enjoys traveling, exploring the city of Baltimore, trying new food places, 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 PGY1 pharmacy resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
	Sarah Thompson, PharmD, MS UMMC Pharmacy Resident sarah.thompson@umm.edu 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.
	Christine Tran, PharmD UMMC Pharmacy Resident Christine.Tran@umm.edu 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. Her professional interests include solid organ transplant and oncology. Christine’s 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 workout 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 a pharmacy resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center!
	Sam Yang, PharmD UMMC Pharmacy Resident SamuelYang@umm.edu Dr. Samuel Yang is from Parsippany, N.J., and completed the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy within Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. His professional interests are critical care and infectious diseases. After completing the PGY-1 pharmacy practice residency program, he plans to pursue a PGY-2 residency and obtain board certification as a clinical specialist. Samuel aspires to practice at an academic medical center with engagement in interprofessional practice and student education. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys reading fiction novels, hosting board game nights, and bouldering. Samuel is sincerely grateful to his colleagues, mentors, and family for their support throughout his education. He looks forward to continuing his training at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
	Grace Ukazim, PharmD BWMC Pharmacy Resident grace.ukazim@umm.edu Dr. Grace Ukazim was born and raised in Katy, Texas. She completed her pre-requisites and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Her professional interests include psychiatry and pain management. Outside of pharmacy, Grace enjoys reading, exploring new cities, and spending quality time with friends and family. She is extremely thankful to her family, friends and mentors for their continuous support throughout her educational journey and is excited for the opportunity to complete her PGY-1 residency at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center.
	Joe Robinson, PharmD BWMC Pharmacy Resident josephrobinson1@umm.edu Dr. Joseph Robinson was born and raised in Colonial Heights, Va. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Doctor of Pharmacy at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va. His professional interests include oncology and infectious diseases. In his down-time, Joseph enjoys fishing, exercising, and anything else outdoors with friends. Joseph looks forward to the development of clinical skills and new relationships through his PGY-1 at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center.
	Emma Brusio, PharmD Albertson's Community Pharmacy Resident emma.brusio@albertsons.com Dr. Brusio graduated from University of Maryland School of Pharmacy where she dedicated four 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 eight 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.
	Ali Khatib, PharmD Albertson's Community Pharmacy Resident ali.alkhatib@albertsons.com Dr. Ali Al Khatib was born in Iraq and raised in Lebanon. Ali's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science from George Mason University, he then earned his Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration at Shenandoah University. Ali’s professional interests include leadership and development, management, as well as pharmaceutical exports and imports. In his free time, Ali enjoys a variety of hobbies that keep him active and engaged. He loves playing volleyball and weightlifting. Family is paramount to Ali, and he cherishes spending time with his nephew and niece. His Amazon parrot is a testament to his patience and teaching skills, as he enjoys training it to learn new tricks and words. Looking to the future, Ali aspires to leverage his skill set and experiences to open his own pharmaceutical exports business. His vision is to make a significant impact on the healthcare industry by ensuring quality pharmaceutical products reach those who need them most. Ali is grateful to his colleagues, mentors, and family for their support throughout his education and looks forward to the opportunities ahead during his residency training.

Post-Graduate Year One/Two Programs

Photo	Resident
	Annie Kurdziel, PharmD, MS PGY-1 Pharmacotherapy Resident akurdziel@rx.umaryland.edu 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.

Photo

Resident

Annie Kurdziel, PharmD, MS
PGY-1 Pharmacotherapy Resident
akurdziel@rx.umaryland.edu

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

Photo	Resident
	Amy Hu, PharmD Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident amy.hu@rx.umaryland.edu Dr. Amy Hu was born and raised in central New Jersey and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She completed a PGY-1 managed care residency at Humana, where she developed population health initiatives through the lens of an integrated pharmacy benefit manager. After residency, she worked on the Pharmacy Stars Innovation team designing clinical programs to improve Medicare Stars ratings. She decided to pivot back into ambulatory care to learn more about the clinical and operational nuances of patient care and work towards her mission in improving the healthcare experience. In her free time, Amy loves to travel the world, cook and bake, and exercise. Amy is incredibly grateful to her mentors and family for supporting her transition back into residency and looks forward to an exciting year!
	Natalia Smith, PharmD Critical Care Pharmacy Resident Natalia.Smith@umm.edu Dr. Natalia Smith was born and raised in Folsom, Calif. She earned her bachelor’s degree from University of California, Davis before moving to Richmond, Va., to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Natalia completed an acute care PGY-1 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. Her professional interests include medical ICU, trauma, and infectious disease. Outside of pharmacy, Natalia is an avid animal lover and enjoys spending time hiking and exploring new coffee shops and restaurants. Natalia is ecstatic to start her training as a critical care pharmacist at the University of Maryland.
	Leslie Banuelos, PharmD Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Resident leslie.banuelos@umm.edu Dr. Leslie Banuelos was born and raised in Buena Park, Calif. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of California, Riverside, and her Doctor of Pharmacy from Western University of Health Sciences. She completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at University of Maryland Medical Center. Her professional interests include trauma, resuscitation, shock emergencies, toxicology, and emergency care at mass gathering events. Her goal is to practice as a board-certified clinical specialist (BCEMP) at an academic medical center where she can have opportunities to precept residents and students. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys traveling, cooking, going to concerts, hiking, working out, playing soccer and volleyball, and running with her dog, Teddy. She is grateful for all the support she has received from her friends, family, mentors, and preceptors and is elated to continue training as the PGY-2 Emergency Medicine Resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
	Emily Francis, PharmD Geriatrics Pharmacy Resident efrancis@rx.umaryland.edu Dr. Emily Francis was born in Albany, N.Y., before moving to Annapolis, Md., where she spent the majority of her schooling years. Her pharmacy journey started at the University of Rhode Island where she completed two years of undergraduate training before coming to the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy for her Doctor of Pharmacy. Emily completed her PGY1 residency training at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and is thrilled to return to the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy to complete her PGY2 in geriatrics. Her professional interests include teaching, pain management, memory disorders, and anticoagulation. In her free time, Emily spends time at home with her cat reading or playing cozy games on her Nintendo Switch. She frequently visits her family in Annapolis, where they attend sports games, spend time by the water, and enjoy board and card games. Emily would like to extend her gratitude to her family, friends, co-residents, and mentors for their unwavering love and support as she embarks on another year of residency training. She is extremely grateful to be back at Maryland for her PGY2 training and is eager to continue refining her skills as a clinical pharmacist!
	Evan Buzgo, PharmD, MBA Health System and Practice Administration Pharmacy Resident Evan.Buzgo@umm.edu Dr. Evan Buzgo was born and raised in Boca Raton, Fla. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and his Master of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Evan completed his PGY-1 residency at Johns Hopkins Care at Home, where he developed a strong foundation in clinical pharmacy practice. Evan’s professional interests are in pharmacy operations, automation, systems-level quality improvement, and pharmacy practice advancement. He is passionate about optimizing pharmacy workflows and implementing innovative solutions to improve patient care. Outside of pharmacy, Evan enjoys swimming and exploring the vibrant city of Baltimore. He is grateful for the unwavering support from his family, friends, and mentors throughout his educational and professional journey. Evan 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.
	Billy Cappuccio, PharmD Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Resident wcappuccio@rx.umaryland.edu Dr. William Cappuccio (Billy) was born and raised in Baltimore, Md. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Franklin and Marshall College and his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. He completed his PGY-1 residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. His clinical interests include opportunistic infections, multidrug-resistant organisms, and antimicrobial stewardship. Billy enjoys spending time with his wife Stefanie and dog Boh as they try new restaurants and embark on new adventures. He would like to thank his family, friends, preceptors, and mentors throughout his career in pharmacy for their continued support and encouragement. Billy is thrilled to work as an Infectious Disease Pharmacy Resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center this year!
	Madi Godsey, PharmD Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Resident mgodsey@rx.umaryland.edu Dr. Mary “Madi” Godsey was born and raised in Jefferson City, Mo. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy in Memphis, Tenn. She completed her Acute Care PGY1 Residency at Trinity Health Ann Arbor in Michigan. Outside of pharmacy, Madi loves to travel, try new restaurants, cheer on sports teams and read. Madi is very excited to continue her residency journey in pain and palliative care at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and fully experience the East Coast.
	Simran Rohatgi, PharmD Pediatrics Pharmacy Resident srohatgi@rx.umaryland.edu Dr. Simran Rohatgi is originally from Herndon, Va. She earned her Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the College of William and Mary and her Doctor of Pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency at University of Maryland Medical Center. Her professional interests include pediatric critical care and oncology. Simran's career goal is to practice as a pediatric clinical specialist while teaching and precepting students. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys running, spending time with family and friends, and going to the beach whenever possible. Simran is grateful to her family, friends, and mentors for their support and looks forward to a second year at Maryland!
	Jaden Todd, PharmD Psychiatry Pharmacy Resident jtodd@rx.umaryland.edu Dr. Jaden Todd was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., and raised in Aberdeen, Md. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology at University of Maryland, Baltimore County in Catonsville, Md., and his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore, Md. He completed his PGY-1 pharmacy residency training at St. Luke's University Health Network in Allentown, Pa. His clinical interests include acute and adolescent psychiatry as well as academia. In his free time, Jaden enjoys playing soccer, going to the movies, and trying new recipes. He would like to thank his family, friends, preceptors, and mentors for their continued support and encouragement. Jaden is excited to be back in Baltimore and at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy to begin his psychiatric pharmacy training!
	Bailey Conkey Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacy Resident Bailey.Conkey@umm.edu Dr. Bailey Conkey is originally from Grafton, Mass. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY-1 residency training at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. In her free time, Bailey enjoys exploring nature, trying new restaurants, and taking care of her plants. Bailey would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their continued support and guidance throughout her educational journey. She is very excited to take the next step in her residency training at the University of Maryland Medical Center!
	Stanley Otiwu, PharmD Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacy Resident stanley.otiwu@umm.edu Dr. Stanley Otiwu is originally from Atlanta, Ga. He completed his undergraduate coursework at Georgia State University before receiving his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. He completed his PGY-1 pharmacy residency training at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. Outside of pharmacy, Stanley enjoys cheering on his favorite Atlanta sports teams, discovering new music, trying local restaurants, and traveling. Stanley would like to thank his incredible family, mentors, and friends who have supported him. He is looking forward to growing as a pharmacist through training with the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Fellowship Programs

Photo	Fellow
	Melinda Lee, PharmD Clinical Toxicology Fellow melinda.lee@rx.umaryland.edu Dr. Melinda Lee grew up in East Fishkill, N.Y. 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 poison prevention education and forensic toxicology. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, trying new recipes, drawing, and playing video games with her friends. Melinda is eager to join the Maryland Poison Center team and pursue her interests and training at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.
	Victoria Macdonald, PharmD Clinical Toxicology Fellow vmacdonald@rx.umaryland.edu Dr. Victoria Macdonald grew up in Owasso, Okla. She attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry before attending the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City to earn her PharmD. During pharmacy school she worked at the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information where she discovered her passion for toxicology. Some of her other professional interests include public and health care professional toxicology education, poison centers’ role in public health, and exposure to caustic substances. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and exploring the Mid-Atlantic region. Victoria is looking forward to continuing her training at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and the Maryland Poison Center.
	Amanda Summers, PharmD Ellen H. Yankellow Fellow in Health Outcomes aesummers@rx.umaryland.edu Dr. Amanda Summers was born and raised in Chesterfield, Va. She earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University prior to obtaining her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Her professional areas of interest include health outcomes specifically pertaining to maternal health. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her puppy. Amanda is looking forward to her second year of the fellowship and can’t wait to see what her next steps will be!
	Cindy Van, PharmD Drug Therapy and Aging Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Fellow cindy.van@rx.umaryland.edu Dr. Cindy Van is originally from Queens, N.Y. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She completed her PGY-1 residency with Mount Sinai Queens/The Mount Sinai Hospital. She then completed her PGY-2 in Geriatrics at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Her professional interests include geriatric primary care, transitions of care, and medication stewardship/polypharmacy. During this fellowship, Cindy aims to impact the care of older adults through various avenues including research, clinical practice, advocacy, and health policy. Outside of pharmacy, Cindy enjoys calligraphy, journaling, and spending time with her family. She is looking forward to exploring the food scene and rich history that Baltimore has to offer.