PGY-1 Pharmacy Residents — Acute Care
Kayla Akin
Pharmacy School: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Residency Project: Evaluation of Cangrelor Dosing and Monitoring in Pediatric Patients
Career Interests: Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, Internal Medicine
Hobbies: Being outdoors, traveling, and watching mystery shows/movies
Why UW? I chose UW because I knew it would challenge me to grow into a confident, well-rounded clinical pharmacist. The diverse rotation options allow me to explore my interests while gaining experience across a wide range of practice areas. What sets UW apart is the people—preceptors and co-residents are not only invested in my growth, but they also genuinely care about my well-being. I was looking for a residency that would be diverse, supportive, and push me out of my comfort zone, and UW offers all of that. I can’t imagine a better place to train and grow over the next year.
Contact E-mail: KAkin@uwhealth.org
Catherine Christopherson
Pharmacy School: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Residency Project: Evaluation of Quinolone Therapy in AFCH
Career Interests: Emergency Medicine, Oncology
Hobbies: Paddle boarding, sand volleyball, soccer, reading
Why UW? I chose UW Health because I was seeking a high-intensity residency program at a large academic medical center where pharmacists are valued members of the interprofessional team and practice at the top of their license. UW Health's progressive practice model, strong culture of continuous improvement, and commitment to supporting learners stood out to me as the ideal environment to grow clinically and professionally. I knew that this program would provide the robust training and mentorship necessary to become a confident, independent clinical pharmacist early in my career. I'm incredibly grateful and excited to spend the next year learning and growing alongside such an exceptional team and group of co-residents.
Contact E-mail: CChristopherson@uwhealth.org
Erika Intrepidi
Pharmacy School: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Residency Project: Optimization of Medication Administration by G and J Tubes
Career Interests: Critical Care, Cardiology, and Infectious Disease
Hobbies: My hobbies include running, hiking, and attending concerts.
Why UW? I chose UW Health because of its extensive range of rotations that offer a well-rounded and immersive training experience. The program features specialized clinical pharmacists who practice at the top of their license, delivering exceptional patient care. In addition to aligning with my clinical areas of interest, the program allows me to learn from experts in those fields while also gaining exposure to diverse and complex patient populations. This comprehensive approach equips me to provide high-quality care across various settings.
Contact E-mail: EIntrepidi@uwhealth.org
Blake O'Connor
Pharmacy School: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Residency Project: CAR T Product Verification and Compliance
Career Interests: Infectious Disease, Psychiatry, Transplant
Hobbies: Fishing, playing basketball, going for runs, spending time outdoors
Why UW? I chose UW Health for the variety of clinical experiences available to develop diverse clinical skills. Pharmacists at UW Health practice at the top of their license and push residents to gain experience and confidence managing complex patients, while always being available to help. I have felt supported at all points during residency with preceptors who truly care about my growth as a resident and an individual. I am so happy I chose UW Health and being in a residency program that will enable me to develop the clinical skills necessary to make meaningful impacts on patient health outcomes!
Contact E-mail: BOConnor2@uwhealth.org
Sage Orlowski
Pharmacy School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Residency Project: Evaluation of Bivalirudin Dosing and Monitoring in Pediatric Patients
Career Interests: Solid Organ Transplant
Hobbies: Running, Baking, Exploring
Why UW? When I was choosing a residency program, I wanted a health system that pushes the boundaries of medicine especially with solid organ transplant patients and UW Health does that. The culture at UW Health and the PGY1 Residency really makes you feel welcome and cared for starting at your interview day.
Contact E-mail: SOrlowski@uwhealth.org
Tyler Philipps
Pharmacy School: Concordia University Wisconsin
Residency Project: Implementation of Prolonged Infusions of Gram-negative antibiotics in AFCH
Career Interests: Oncology, Infectious Disease
Hobbies: Camping, hiking, listening to Taylor Swift
Why UW? I chose UW Health because I wanted a residency that would challenge me clinically while supporting my growth as a pharmacist. The preceptors are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in teaching and mentorship. I was especially drawn to the flexible rotation structure, which allows me to explore diverse areas of interest. This combination makes UW Health the ideal place to build a strong clinical foundation.
Contact E-mail: TPhilipps@uwhealth.org
Anna Vardaro
Pharmacy School: Northeastern University
Residency Project: Phenobarbital in Alcohol Withdrawal
Career Interests: Ambulatory Care, Cardiology
Hobbies: Running, hot yoga, spending time with family and my dog, trying new coffee shops, reading poetry
Why UW? I chose UW Health for residency because I knew this program would provide a level of training that I wouldn't find anywhere else. As PGY1 residents, we are trusted to make clinical decisions and collaborate with other members of the healthcare team within our first month of training, with independent staffing early on that allowed me to strengthen my skills and practice at the top of my license. Working in a large academic medical center like UW provides me with endless opportunities to learn from pharmacists and other providers who are incredibly committed to teaching. My preceptors both support me and push me to grow on a daily basis, and I am confident that my training here will help me become a successful clinical pharmacist that can make a meaningful impact on the health of my patients.
Contact E-mail: AVardaro@uwhealth.org