PGY-1 Pharmacy Residents — Acute Care
Nicole Aldaz
Pharmacy School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Residency Project: Medication Usage Evaluation of Neonatal Enterocolitis Patients
Career Interests: Transplant, Oncology, and Critical Care
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, working out, and traveling
Why UW? I chose UW Health because of the wide variety of clinical rotations and experiences available, which will allow me to explore different areas of pharmacy and identify the specialty I am most passionate about pursuing for PGY2. I was also drawn to the program’s supportive learning environment. I wanted a residency that would challenge me clinically while still providing the guidance and mentorship needed to build my confidence and become a well rounded pharmacist. Working within a large academic medical center also provides opportunities to learn from experienced pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who are committed to teaching and patient care. Overall, UW aligns closely with my goals of continuing to strengthen my clinical skills while growing both professionally and personally!
Contact E-mail: NAldaz@uwhealth.org
Jeremiah Koenig
Pharmacy School: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Residency Project: Evaluating the 3-Year Outcomes of De Novo Letermovir Versus Valganciclovir for CMV Primary Prophylaxis in Seropositive Kidney Transplant Recipients
Career Interests: Critical care, cardiology, and ambulatory care.
Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy reading books, listening to podcasts, playing videogames, and going for hikes.
Why UW? I chose UW Health due to the diverse set of learning experiences offered at a renowned academic medical center across complex patient populations and my exposure to the hospital as a pharmacy student. UW Health not only provides excellent multidisciplinary learning opportunities, but also has a great culture of teamwork that challenges you to grow as a pharmacist. My favorite part of residency so far has been the different people I have been able to work with. The many pharmacists on staff are excellent mentors and are a great resource for new pharmacists. I have also been impressed with the trust that the rest of the healthcare team has for their pharmacists and the ability to provide meaningful interventions that impact patient care. Finally, I chose UW Health because I have the strong belief that I will grow leaps and bounds throughout my residency year, shaping me to be an outstanding pharmacist. If I had to choose my residency site again, I would choose UW Health.
Contact E-mail: JKoenig@uwhealth.org
Molly Mahan
Pharmacy School: Purdue University
Residency Project: Impact of Inpatient Pharmacist delegation Protocol on Management of Immunosuppressive Therapy in Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Career Interests: Infectious diseases
Hobbies: Traveling, reading, and puzzling
Why UW? I was looking for a residency program that was clinically and academically challenging, while having tons of resources and support for residents. As someone who isn't set on a specific specialty, I also appreciated the opportunities for career exploration in many different clinical areas.
Contact E-mail: MMahan@uwhealth.org
Grace Morrison
Pharmacy School: University of Connecticut
Residency Project: Three Year Outcomes of De Novo Letermovir vs Valganciclovir for Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis in High and Moderate Risk Liver Transplant Recipients
Career Interests: Oncology, Solid Organ Transplant, Academia
Hobbies: Running, cooking, baking, trying new restaurants
Why UW? When choosing a residency program, I was drawn to the level of clinical confidence among the residents here at UW Health. I knew this program would provide me with excellent training and opportunities that would not only push me as a learner and provider but also support my interests and professional goals. UW Health will support my growth as a pharmacist and to me, is the ideal place to build a strong clinical foundation.
Contact E-mail: GMorrison3@uwhealth.org
Eduardo Pallares
Pharmacy School: University of Illinois at Chicago
Residency Project: Evaluating Impact of Biofire on Time to Antibiotic Change in the Medical/Surgical ICU
Career Interests: Cardiology and Infectious Disease
Hobbies: Soccer, volleyball, and anime
Why UW? I chose UW Health because of the wide variety of rotations and experiences that would allow me to explore my clinical interests and make an informed decision about my future career path. UW Health’s practice model provides an environment where I am constantly challenged to grow both clinically and professionally. Being trusted to make clinical decisions and collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary team has helped me build confidence in my ability to practice at the top of my license. My preceptors and mentors have been supportive since day one, while also challenging me to understand the “why” behind the decisions we make throughout the patient care process. I know there is still so much for me to learn, and I am grateful to continue that growth within a program that invests in its residents and alongside an exceptional group of co-residents.
Contact E-mail: EPallares@uwhealth.org
Catherine Song
Pharmacy School: University of Southern California
Residency Project: Is Less More? Reducing Routine Steroid Use in Patients Receiving Combined Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
Career Interests: Oncology, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Ambulatory Care
Hobbies: Baking, running, trying new coffee places
Why UW? I chose UW Health because of its wide range of clinical rotations and the opportunity to train in a robust, high-acuity environment where I can strengthen my clinical decision-making skills. I was also drawn to the dedicated preceptors who provide supportive mentorship throughout the residency year, as well as the bond among co-residents who support and rely on one another along the way. I know this program will challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone, expand my clinical abilities, and grow into a confident and competent pharmacist. I’m excited to begin my training at UW Health and look forward to all that I will learn and accomplish over the next year!
Contact E-mail: CSong@uwhealth.org
Renate Toldo
Pharmacy School: Butler University
Residency Project: Validation of an Electronic Monitoring Prioritization Tool for Pharmacist Patient Review on Medical and Surgical Units at UW Health
Career Interests: Emergency medicine, infectious diseases
Hobbies: Running, card games, going to concerts
Why UW? I chose UW Health for my PGY1 residency because the program's structure and values closely align with my goal of becoming a more confident, independent pharmacist. The organization's commitment to patient-centered care and advocacy for pharmacists practicing at the top of their licenses demonstrates a culture that values both exceptional patient outcomes and continuous education. The rigor and diverse learning experiences available at a large academic medical center will challenge me to grow while exposing me to a wide range of disease states and patient populations. I am excited to contribute to the UW Health team, build strong interprofessional relationships, and continue developing into a well-rounded clinical pharmacist.
Contact E-mail: RToldo@uwhealth.org
Mia Zupec
Pharmacy School: University of Kentucky
Residency Project: Emergency Department Implementation of Outpatient Cytokine Release Syndrome Treatment for CAR-T Recipients
Career Interests: Hematology/oncology
Hobbies: Running, reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops
Why UW? I chose UW Health because of its commitment to developing confident, well-rounded clinical pharmacists within a supportive and collaborative learning environment. I was particularly drawn to the integrated staffing model and wide variety of rotations, which allow me to progressively build my clinical skills and gain experience in many different areas of practice. What really sets UW Health apart, however, is the people. Program leadership and preceptors are genuinely invested in residents' growth, both personally and professionally. Ultimately, UW Health offers the combination of clinical challenge, breadth of experience, and support that I was looking for in a residency program.
Contact E-mail: MZupec@uwhealth.org