Welcome
The Department of Pharmacy Practice is an academic department within the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy (Chicago and Rockford Campuses). The Department is also a service unit that provides pharmacy services within the UI Health and affiliated sites. Among the most comprehensive units of its type in the United States, the Department is comprised of the faculty and staff who are teachers, scholars and/or practitioners.
Message from the Head
Dear Colleagues and Friends of Pharmacy Practice,
The Department of Pharmacy Practice had another exceptional year, marked by continued growth, innovation, and impact across our education, research, clinical service, and engagement missions. Our faculty, staff, trainees, and partners continue to advance the profession of pharmacy while improving the health of the patients and communities we serve.
This year, seventy-one faculty, staff, and trainees joined the Department, including 39 residents and fellows across our postgraduate training programs. We also celebrated several faculty promotions, including Drs. Marlowe Djuric Kachlic, Keri Kim, Renee Petzel Gimbar, and Marianne Pop. We extend our sincere gratitude to our retirees, including Dr. Jewel Younge and Sheri Wylie-Buergel, for their years of dedicated service and contributions to the Department and University.
Our faculty and staff were recognized nationally and regionally for excellence in research, education, leadership, and clinical practice. Highlights included Dr. JoAnn Stubbings receiving the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP) Pharmacist of the Year Award, Dr. Daphne Smith Marsh receiving the ICHP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Impact Award, and Dr. Kay Yamamoto receiving the ICHP New Practitioner Leadership Award. We also celebrated national recognitions for our educators, including Drs. Kathryn Sawyer and Asish Biju receiving the AACP Laboratory Innovation and Teaching Excellence Award and numerous teaching awards presented to faculty across our programs.
The Department’s research enterprise continued to expand significantly. Active grants and contracts increased to nearly $8.9 million across 40 funded projects and 188 active
IRB protocols. Faculty research advanced discovery and innovation in infectious diseases, oncology, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, women’s health, and natural products research. Faculty and trainees continued to disseminate their scholarship broadly through peer-reviewed publications, national presentations, and invited lectures across the globe. We are particularly proud of the impactful work occurring across our research laboratories and the continued success of our clinical faculty in securing competitive grant funding.
Our educational programs continue to thrive and evolve. Pharmacy Practice faculty coordinated or co-coordinated 65 core and elective courses and delivered nearly 2,900 teaching hours this year. The Department continued to strengthen innovative teaching strategies, experiential learning, and AI integration in pharmacy education. We also celebrated the continued success of our PharmD concentrations and experiential education programs, while welcoming several new practice sites and partnerships.
Pharmacy Services and Clinical Pharmacy Services experienced another outstanding year of growth and innovation. The Department dispensed over 573,000 prescriptions, supported more than 85,000 specialty pharmacy prescriptions, and continued to expand medication access and collaborative clinical care services throughout UI Health. Clinical pharmacists now support over 70 full-time positions embedded across ambulatory and inpatient care settings, with services spanning 26 ambulatory clinics and 20 hospital-based practice areas. We also launched several new programs this year, including the inpatient Addiction Consult Team and expanded telemedicine services for patients within the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Our postgraduate residency and fellowship programs continue to represent a major strength of the Department. This year, 33 residents and fellows completed training across our PGY1, PGY2, and fellowship programs. We are especially proud of the continued national recognition of our residency programs and the successful accreditation of the PGY2 Infectious Diseases Residency Program. Through initiatives such as the UIC Residency Village, we also continue strengthening connections with our more than 1,000 residency and fellowship alumni.
The Department also continued to expand its engagement and global outreach efforts. Faculty participated in international collaborations and presentations across Malta, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates, further strengthening our global partnerships and educational impact. Locally, our faculty and trainees remained deeply engaged in community outreach, health promotion, and health equity initiatives throughout Illinois.
While this report captures many highlights from the past year, it represents only a portion of the remarkable accomplishments achieved by our faculty, staff, trainees, alumni, and partners. I remain incredibly proud of all that we continue to accomplish together and excited for the opportunities ahead as we further advance our mission and vision.
A sincere THANK YOU to our faculty, staff, trainees, preceptors, alumni, and donors for your ongoing dedication, collaboration, and support of the Department. Your contributions continue to strengthen our programs, expand our impact, and ensure the continued success of the Department of Pharmacy Practice.
Dr. Edith Nutescu Department Head
About the Department
The Department of Pharmacy Practice is the largest of the three academic departments within the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Retzky College of Pharmacy (Chicago and Rockford Campuses). Departmental activities revolve around four key pillars that support our education, research, service and entrepreneurial efforts. The department also operates and serves as the academic home for the hospital and ambulatory pharmacies that deliver pharmacy services and clinical pharmacy services within the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System (UI Health) and affiliated sites.
Mission
To optimize public health by serving our learners, the University of Illinois system, the community, and our world-wide strategic partners through innovations in education, research, patient care, and professional engagement.
Vision
Leading pharmacy innovations to advance health care across the world.
Strategic Initiatives
Foster a culture of collegiality, inclusiveness and professional growth among our faculty, staff, and trainees.
Ensure the long-term financial sustainability and growth of the department.
Develop new and align existing internal and external partnerships and collaborations.
Increase worldwide recognition of our education, research, and services.
Align the department to achieve our education, research, and service vision and mission.
MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT
147 9 135 34 105 Clinical Facul ty Post Graduate Trainees Tenure Facul ty
Suppor t Staff Clinical Instructors
Dominika Kulka, Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Services
Alexander Maciejewski, IDPC Diabetes Services
Mark Pulver, Hematology Oncology Clinical Team
Karina Sowa, SCB Pharmacy
Eva Stachler, Inpatient Family Medicine Clinical Team
Keaton Tauer, Solid Organ Transplant Clinical Team
Vinh Thai, Ambulatory Care Administration Team
Naeil Elhaj, Central Pharmacy
Angela Fietko, Wood Street Pharmacy
Milan Popovic, Ambulatory Care Pharmacy 340B Team
Ange Asanzi, Dr. Burton’s Lab
Arun Kumar Boda, Dr. Chellubonia’s Lab
Shamim Khan Chowdhury, Dr. Rosas’s Lab
Marliu Cazares, Mile Square
Miguel Contreras, SCB
Patrick Crane, OCC
Margarita Estrada, UVP
Fatima Jallow, SCB
Kit Kay Mak, Dr. Chellubonia’s Lab
Ian McIntire, Dr. Bulman’s Lab
Marisa Sepulveda, Dr. Burton’s Lab
Janiece Jenkins, SCB
Dajah Kelley, SCB
Krystal Martinez, UVP
Tierra Mason, SCB
LaShonda Tate, Oncology
Chidimma Agbugba, EPIC System Analyst
Giovanni Arguelles, IT Manager
Tenesha Edwards, Senior Human Resource
Associate
Aubree Free, Program Assistant
Lalitha Komoravolu, Clinical Practice Data
Analyst
Ellen Smith, EPIC System Analyst
5 Years
Years of Service
15 Years
25 Years
Annexiea Buford
35 Years
20 Years
40 Years
Marlowe Djuric Kachlic, Clinical Associate Professor Retirees
Keri Kim, Clinical Associate Professor
Renee Petzel Gimbar, Clinical Professor
Marianne Pop, Clinical Associate Professor
Thank you to our retirees for their dedicated service and contributions to the Department!
Sheri Wylie-Buergel, HR Associate in the Department and UI Health, was with the University for 31 years.
Dr. Jewel Younge, Clinical Assistant Professor/Clinical Pharmacist was with the University for 7 years.
Recognizing Excellence
This year, our faculty and staff were honored for their leadership in education and research. These recognitions reflect our shared commitment to advancing education, the profession and improving the health of the communities we serve.
42
Awards were given at the institutional, national, and regional levels.
These are some of the highlights of those awards.
UIC RCOP AMCP P&T Competition Team Wins at AMCP Conference
The UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy AMCP P&T Competition Team attended and won the 2025 AMCP Foundation National P&T Competition which was held at the Annual Conference. The team is comprised of PharmD Students Daniel Lee, Charlies L, Charles Balisalisa, and Isabel Xiao were advised by PMPR faculty DR. MARGARET BYUN
ACMT Voluntary Service Award
DR. RENEE PETZEL GIMBAR was the recipient of the 2024 American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) Voluntary Service Award. This is awarded for outstanding voluntary service, participation, and leadership in ACMT programs, committees, outreach, and education.
Health System Women Pharmacist of the Year Highlight
DR. JULIANA CHAN, who was awarded Health System Women Pharmacist of the Year, was highlighted with a Pharmacist Spotlight in Pharmacy Times, where they did a deep dive into Juliana’s career in health-system pharmacy, including the influential mentorship that helped her to see what it meant to be an exceptional clinician.
Read or listen to the highlight here: go.uic.edu/ChanSpotlight
ICHP Pharmacist of the Year Award
JOANN STUBBINGS was the recipient of the ICHP Pharmacist of the Year Award. This award honors individuals of high moral character, good citizenship, and professional excellence who have made significant contributions to the practice of health-system pharmacy across Illinois.
AACP Lab SIG LITE Award
ICHP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Award
DR. DAPHNE SMITH MARSH was the recipient of the ICHP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) Impact Award. This honor recognizes her outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing DEIA in pharmacy and healthcare.
ICHP New Practitioner Leadership Award
DR. KAY YAMAMOTO was the recipient of the ICHP New Practitioner Leadership Award. This honor recognizes early accomplishments that set the stage for future leadership and impact in the pharmacy profession.
DRS. KATHRYN SAWYER AND ASISH BIJU were awarded the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Lab SIG Laboratory Innovation and Teaching Excellence (LITE) Award for their work in the PHAR 413 Hospital IPPE course, where they reimagined the learning experience by replacing traditional worksheets with engaging, interactive “Day in the Life” simulations using Qualtrics.
The AACP SIG LITE Award’s key criteria focuses on innovation in teaching, student engagement, and practical application. This award was presented at the AACP Annual Meeting.
Fellowships
Professional Fellowships recognize faculty whose work has achieved distinction at the highest levels of their fields. Conferred by respected scholarly societies and professional organizations, these honors acknowledge sustained contributions to research, teaching, and professional leadership. Faculty elected as Fellows have demonstrated meaningful impact, advanced their disciplines, and earned the esteem of peers at the national and international levels. Their achievements reflect both individual excellence and the continued strength and reputation of our academic community.
The department is proud to recognize these significant achievements, celebrating the dedication and excellence they represent while highlighting the collective strength and impact of our academic community.
Pictured above is the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Fellowship group for 2025, which includes DRS. JAMIE BENKEN and ALICE HEMENWAY This recognition is awarded to ACCP members who have demonstrated a sustained level of excellence in clinical pharmacy practice and/or research.
PPA Fellow
DR. KIRSTEN OHLER was inducted as a Fellow of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) at their annual meeting. Fellows are recognized for their excellence in pediatric pharmacy practice.
AACP Academic Leadership Fellows Program
DR. JEN PHILLIPS was selected to be a member of the 22nd cohort of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Academic Leadership Fellows Program. This is a year-long program with the goal of developing and supporting leaders in the Academy who contribute to the advancement of pharmacy education, higher education, and the pharmacy profession.
Fellowship in SIDP
DR. ALAN GROSS was awarded fellowship within the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP). The distinction of Fellowship in SIDP (FIDP) recognizes outstanding SIDP members with significant and sustained contributions to infectious diseases and the mission of SIDP. The honor has been achieved by fewer than 40 ID pharmacists to date.
Leadership in Action
Faculty in the Department of Pharmacy Practice contribute their expertise and leadership to numerous professional organizations at the national and regional levels. Through committee service, advisory roles, and leadership positions, they help guide the direction of the profession, shape policy, and advance pharmacy practice.
The following highlights provide a snapshot of faculty participation in committees and leadership roles across key professional organizations.
Leadership within ICHP
Secretary-elect, ICHP
Director, ICHP Government Affairs Division
Vice-Chair, ICHP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) Committee Chairperson, ICHP DEIA Inclusive Practices Subcommittee
Leadership within BPS
ID Pharmacy Specialty Council Member, Board of Pharmacy Specialties
Board of Directors, Board of Pharmacy Specialties
TARA DRISCOLL
ALICE HEMENWAY
JOANN STUBBINGS
MELISSA BADOWSKI
DAPHNE SMITH MARSH
Leadership within ACCP
SCOTT BENKEN
Chair, Critical Care PRN
Chair, Pharmacy Practice
Section, Resolutions Committee
ALEXIS COFFEE
Member-at-Large, National Resident Advisory Committee
ROBERT DIDOMENICO
Board of Regents, ACCP
EMILY HANNERS
Vice Chair, Adult Medicine PRN Communications Committee
SANDRA CUELLAR PURI
Vice Chair, Heme/Onc PRN Communications Committee
LAUREN CUNNINGHAM
Secretary/Treasurer, ACCP
Chair-Elect, Endocrine and Metabolism PRN
SALLY FALAHAT
Co-Chair, Adult Medicine Practice and Research Network Trainee and Engagement Committee
ERIKA HELLENBART
Secretary/Treasurer, Cardiology PRN
Chair, Transplant PRN Research Committee
DAPHNE SMITH MARSH
Chair-Elect, Health Equity PRN Programming Committee
LIZ VAN DRIL
Vice-Chair, Endocrine and Metabolism PRN Nominations Committee
LAUREN WILCOX
Co-Chair, Ambulatory Care PRN Social Media Committee
DANA PIERCE
Leadership within ASHP
ANDY DONNELLY
Delegate, from State of Illinois to the ASHP House of Delegates
ANDREA DOUNG
Chair, ASHP Section of Pharmacy Informatics Advisory Group on Clinical Applications
JEN HALSEY
Member, ASHP Section of Community Pharmacy Practitioners Advisory Group on Business Development
HEATHER IPEMA
Member, ASHP Section of Pharmacy Educators Advisory Group on Development of Student Education & Learning Experiences
VINCE OLUWALEKE
Member, ASHP Section of Community Pharmacy Practitioners Advisory Group on Business Development
JEN PHILLIPS
Delegate, from State of Illinois to the ASHP House of Delegates
MARIANNE POP
Member, ASHP Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists-Educational Steering Committee
VINH THAI
Member, ASHP Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders Advisory Group on Workforce Resiliency & Sustainability
KAREN THOMAS
Chair, ASHP Section of Specialty Pharmacy Practitioners
CHRIS SCHRIEVER
Member, ASHP Section of Pharmacy Educators Advisory Group on Development of PostGraduate Education & Learning
KAY YAMAMOTO
Vice Chair, ASHP Section of Pharmacy Leaders, Advisory Group on Leadership Development & Succession Planning
Photo above: ASHP Regional Delegate Conference; PMPR Faculty included: Andy Donnelly and Jen Phillips
Leadership across Organizations
JAMIE BENKEN
Treasurer, Illinois Transplant Pharmacists Association
Member-at-Large, AST Pharmacy Community of Practice Executive Committee
Chair, AST Pharmacy Community of Practice Medication Access Workgroup
ZACK BULMAN
Voting Member, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Breakpoints Working Group
DAVID CHAN
Chair, Alliance Pharmacy Committee
RACHEL CHRISTENSEN
Vice President, Illinois Transplant Pharmacists Association
JEREMY JOHNSON
Scientific Reviewer, National Cancer Institute’s “Natural Products for Cancer Interception and Prevention” special emphasis panel
JEFFREY MUCKSAVAGE
Chair-Elect, Neurocritical Care Society, FNCS Credentials Committee
DREW POSEN
Chair-Elect, Academy of Emergency Medicine Pharmacists, Research Committee
JULIO REBOLLEDO
Chair, American Pharmacists Association Communications Committee
ELJIM TESORO
Chair, Neurocritical Care Society, Communications/Social Media Committee
Member-at-Large, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Neuroscience Section
ELLEN UPPULURI
Board of Directors, National Certification Board of Anticoagulation Providers
Jeremy Johnson Associate Head for Research
Research
During calendar year 2025, the Department of Pharmacy Practice continued to expand its impact in clinical, translational, and community-engaged research. Faculty continue to advance discoveries across multiple areas of medicine, including cardiometabolic disease, oncology, maternal health, neuroscience, and natural products research.
Active IRB Protocols
Active Grants and Contracts
$6,224,225
$7,435,328
Total Grants and Contracts
Faculty Spotlight - Jin Han
Dr. Han had a highly productive year marked by influential research, major new grant funding, and national recognition in the field of sickle cell disease (SCD).
He received new funding as Co-Investigator from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The project aims to determine whether SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce key pathophysiologic processes involved in sickle cell disease–related chronic kidney disease.
Dr. Han’s collaborative publications in Blood and the American Journal of Hematology further advanced understanding of aspects of SCD in this vulnerable population.
He also represented the department prominently at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, delivering four research presentations.
Dr. Han’s growing leadership in clinical and translational research is dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with SCD.
Check-in with our Labs
Bulman Laboratory
The Bulman Laboratory received two National Institutes of Health R21 awards supporting innovative antimicrobial strategies to combat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, including novel aminoglycoside combination therapies and treatments targeting hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae.
The Mahady Laboratory continued its investigations into the anti-cancer and anti-metastatic potential of vitamins A and D and other natural products for breast and colorectal cancers. This work is supported by funding from the Regenstein Foundation and the First Analysis Institute for Integrative Medicine.
Burton Lab
Mahady Laboratory
The Burton Lab received an Herb Society of America Research Grant for a project examining the cellular impact of Moringa oleifera in gestational diabetes mellitus. Dr. Burton also received a NIH-funded BIRCWH Scholar Award, supporting research on maternal dietary interventions to prevent gestational diabetes while advancing interdisciplinary training in women’s health research.
The Bharath Brain Lab further strengthened the department’s neuroscience research portfolio with a three-year American Heart Association grant investigating how ischemic stroke contributes to kidney dysfunction through brain–kidney interactions. This work focuses on inflammation, vascular dysregulation, aging, and sex differences, with the goal of improving therapeutic strategies and long-term outcomes following stroke.
Johnson Laboratory
Bharath Brain Lab
The Johnson Laboratory advanced research targeting prostate cancer through androgen receptor degradation, supported by an R37 National Cancer Institute Merit Award. The laboratory also completed analysis of the first human clinical trial evaluating green tea extract standardized to epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in women undergoing fertility treatment.
CLINICAL FACULTY GRANT MILESTONES MARK
A YEAR OF IMPACT
Over the course of the year, clinical faculty in the Department of Pharmacy Practice secured competitive funding from regional, national, and international sources. These grants support innovative research, advance clinical practice, and strengthen education within the pharmacy profession.
The following highlights represent a snapshot of the impactful projects our clinical faculty are leading with the support of these awards.
DR. ANNETTE CARMICHAEL received funding as Co-PI from the UIC Diabetes Center Pilot Grant. Their work will focus on exploring the integration of continuous glucose monitoring and telehealth within a federally qualified health center population to enhance type 2 diabetes management for patients with limited access to healthcare and to increase CGM knowledge and utilization among family medicine resident physicians.
DR. ABIGAIL ELMES-PATEL received funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery to establish the CONNECT to Care Program: Collaborative Outreach via Neighborhood Navigation, Engagement, and Coordinated Telehealth.
DR. MCKENNA KNOCK received a New Practitioner Grant from APhA to assess barriers and facilitators to administering longacting injectable medications in Illinois community pharmacies
DRS. SCOTT BENKEN and JAMIE BENKEN received new funding from Innoviva Pharma to explore the differential effects of the vasopressor angiotensin II in kidney transplant recipients based on racial background.
Faculty Spotlight - Paola Rosas
Dr. Rosas is a nationally recognized scholar and mentor.
She authored a publication in Comprehensive Physiology based on her research funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in which she examined molecular pathways that connect cardiac function with metabolic and endocrine systems, as well as the mechanisms through which obesity influences vascular behavior. These contributions demonstrate her commitment to illuminating the interconnected biological systems that contribute to cardiometabolic disease.
Her research in the American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory Physiology was featured in an Editorial Focus, underscoring the significance of her work in understanding heart failure.
Dr. Rosas also mentored a student research team presenting at UIC Research Day.
Dr. Rosas’s body of work reflects her dedication to developing future scientists while continuing to shape the field through high-quality, multidisciplinary cardiovascular research.
Education
The Education Team for the Department of Pharmacy Practice had a productive year. The first cohort of students in our new Department concentrations entered their P4 year, totaling 9 students. Enrollment continues to grow, with 12 students in the Class of 2027 and 13 in the Class of 2028.
Nancy Shapiro Associate Head of Education
Students may pursue one of four PharmD concentrations: Ambulatory Care Pharmacy, Acute Care Pharmacy, Experiential Therapeutics and Clinical Research, or Pharmacy Administration and Leadership.
We are happy to report that several faculty members received teaching awards for 2025.
DRS. NANCY SHAPIRO AND JEFFREY MUCKSAVAGEDepartment Educator Award
DR. MARGARET BYUNP2 Teacher of the Semester
PhLAMES Faculty Advisors of the YearDRS. KATHRYN SAWYER, TONY ROSELLA, HEIDI OLSON, SCOTT BENKEN, AND MARGARET BYUN
DR. DAPHNE SMITH MARSH - UIC Family Medicine Residents Interprofessional Teacher of the Year Award
DR. NOOR NAFFAKHP3 Teacher of the Year
PROF. LINDA GRIDERP3 Teacher of the Semester
DRS. ASIMA ALI, ANGEO BELEN, BEATRICE DRAMBAREAN, MIA SCHMIEDESKAMP-RAHE, MITRA HABIBI, ROBERT DIDOMENICO, STEPHANIE DWYER, TONY ROSELLA, AND VICKI GROO - College of Medicine Certificate of Appreciation
Congratulations to these distinguished pharmacists for their dedication and commitment to the educational development of our graduates.
16
13
2,873
19
17
Coordinated/co-coordinated core Fall courses
Coordinated /co-coordinated elective Fall courses
Total Teaching Hours by PMPR Coordinated /co-coordinated elective Spring courses
Coordinated/co-coordinated elective Spring courses
Teaching Innovation
The Department of Pharmacy Practice is a beacon for innovative pharmacy education. Under Dr. Mucksavage’s leadership, the Retzky College of Pharmacy has significantly strengthened its NAPLEX exam performance, now aligning with peer institutions that consistently achieve high pass rates. This progress reflects the Department’s deep commitment to core learning principles — prioritizing class attendance, implementing progressively cumulative assessments, integrating didactic reviews during the APPE year, and fostering strong faculty–student engagement in the classroom, in practice settings, and at the patient’s bedside.
Jeffrey Mucksavage Director,Teaching Innovation
Continuing the Department’s tradition of educational excellence, Dr. Jewel Younge received the Frederick P. Siegel Innovative Teaching Award for developing “Traffic: A Player-One Approach to Teaching Social Determinants of Health,” an interactive learning experience created in collaboration with College educators.
Our college wide initiative to reinforce mastery of foundational drug knowledge also advanced this year. Through an iterative, collaborative process, we developed a core list of foundational drugs and established a structured approach for repeated assessment across courses and sequences, ensuring consistent reinforcement of essential pharmacotherapy concepts. This is an exciting initiative to augment our efforts in preparing practiceready graduates.
Driving Innovation in Teaching
With more than forty teaching focused publications in 2025, Pharmacy Practice faculty showcased exceptional leadership in advancing pharmacy education. The following highlights reflect the breadth and significance of this work.
DRS. FYDRYCH, MUNIR, IPEMA, AND KOPPEN examined national trends in drug information, literature evaluation, and biostatistics instruction, identifying opportunities across PharmD programs.
DRS. KUMOR, THOMAS, KHAMO, BUSH, AND STUBBINGS detailed an immersive training model for building and expanding specialty pharmacy services in an academic health system.
DRS. ALLEN, DJURIC, KACHLIC, SCHRIEVER, DRISCOLL and colleagues advanced experiential education through a longitudinal preceptor assessment model using entrustable professional activities.
DR. ALLEN and collaborators contributed thought leadership through a commentary on the evolving education and training needs of today’s clinical pharmacists.
DRS. DIDOMENICO, BADOWSKI, SHAPIRO and colleagues described a clinical research design elective that leverages student co-coordinators to promote research engagement and skill development.
DR. DRISCOLL and colleagues emphasized the need to train student pharmacists to address the social determinants of health.
Collectively, these works underscore the department’s role in shaping practice-ready, learner-centered pharmacy education.
45
Poster/Abstract education-related presentations
18
Peer-reviewed education-related publications
28
Professional meeting presentations focused on education
Sheila Allen
Senior Director, Experiential Education
Experiential Education
The Experiential Education Unit designs, delivers, and oversees all pharmacy practice experiences—including Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs), Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), and Skills Labs—across the Chicago and Rockford campuses. Our work is central to ensuring PharmD students gain high-quality, real-world training in diverse practice settings.
We are pleased to welcome new site partnerships with the following institutions/organizations:
As always, our achievements in 2025 are a direct reflection of the extraordinary faculty and preceptors who make our work possible. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, and our students are stronger future pharmacists because of the guidance they receive from them.
KwikRx Pharmacy
Elsdon Medical Pharmacy
Rush Oak Park Hospital
Vivient Health
Genentech
Ingalls Memorial Hospital
Chicago Department of Public Health
South Shore Hospital
University of Malta
American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Greenleaf Pharmacy Norton Sound Health Corporation YukonKuskokwim Health Corporation
Driving Innovation in Teaching
Key Highlight
Dr. Amanda Eades and co-authors were recipients of the 2025 AACP Lab SIG Publication Award for their article “Preceptor Feedback on Utilization and Pre-APPE Performance Expectation of Pharmacy Practice Skills.”
Faculty Spotlight - Kathryn Sawyer
Dr. Sawyer’s accomplishments this year reflect her leadership in teaching, scholarship, and student development.
Her publications in leading journals—including the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, Nurse Education Today, and the Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences advanced key areas of pharmacy education such as AI integration, interprofessional simulation, social-media-based learning, and professional identity formation.
At the AACP Annual Meeting, Dr. Sawyer contributed to a wide range of posters and presentations, covering curriculum design, role-play strategies for teaching medication safety, and student perceptions of feedback.
Dr. Sawyer supported several student and resident research projects showcased at UIC Research Day.
Through her scholarly productivity and commitment to learner-centered teaching, she continues to elevate Pharmacy Practice and serve as a model of creative, student-centered academic leadership.
Preceptor Conference Highlight
This year, we hosted our annual preceptor conference, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Make Precepting Easier,” which drew approximately 200 preceptors. During the event, we recognized Lance Lineberger (Rush University Medical Center) as External Preceptor of the Year; Zane Elfessi as Internal Chicago Preceptor of the Year; and Dr. Mark Biaggi as Internal Rockford Preceptor of the Year. We remain deeply grateful to all our preceptors. Their dedication makes our program successful.
Invited speaker, Jeff Cain
Panel: Kathryn Sawyer, Heather Ipema, Adam Bursua, and Jeff Cain
DonnellyAndy ExecutiveDirector,Pharmacy
Pharmacy Services
Overall, 2025 was another strong year for Pharmacy Services.
Dispensed a record number of outpatient prescriptions - a reflection of the exceptional work of our pharmacists and technicians.
Increased Medication Assistance Program (MAP) facilitated prescriptions by nearly 12%
Grew specialty pharmacy prescriptions by 15% - driven in part by shifts in national health coverage.
Launched a cost savings initiative, coordinated by JAMIE PAEK, Senior Associate Director of Medication Use Policy and Pharmacy IT.
Transitioned the Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) consult service, led by EDEN KELLER, into an interdisciplinary hospital-based Addiction Consult Team (ACT).
Implemented image capture for chemotherapy compounding in the oncology outpatient pharmacy, adding an important safety enhancement to this process.
Expanded analytics capabilities for clinical pharmacists, with 19 dashboards and more than 10 in development to demonstrate the value of their services.
Hosted an international pharmacist from Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital in Bangkok for a month-long learning experience focused on hospital pharmacy operations.
Graduated our first PGY1/2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) resident, VINH THAI, who joined our ambulatory pharmacy administrative team.
Supported JOANNE SHEN, PGY1/2 HSPAL resident in her PGY2 year, who will be the first UIC HSPAL resident to complete a month-long rotation at the American Pharmacists Association in Washington, DC.
I want to thank my leadership team and all the pharmacists, technicians, and staff in our department for their dedication and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care.
573,002
Specialty Pharmacy prescriptions filled Total prescriptions filled
Value of Medication Assistance Program services provided
56 5,560 85,866 32,333 13.4 $6.97m 64% 71% 15,316 95% 82
Avg patient visits per day to the Antithrombosis Clinic
Number of medication-related protocols
470 Consults provided by MoPhE
Patients served by the Medication Assistance Program Medication Assistance Program prescriptions filled
% INR values within goal range in Antithrombosis Clinic
Number of medicationrelated clinical care guidelines
MTM Clinic patients receiving medications in pill boxes
% Medication adherence rates in MTM Clinic IDOC prescriptions filled
Ambulatory Pharmacy Services
Jennifer Halsey Director, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services
Ambulatory Pharmacy Services provides outpatient medication management and support such as dispensing, patient education, adherence management, and coordination with providers to help patients safely and effectively manage their ongoing medication needs. In 2025, our team demonstrated exceptional dedication to our patients and to one another.
Achieved record prescription volumes, up 15% from the prior year, driven by the commitment of our caregivers.
Expanded services for vulnerable patients through the Illinois Department of Corrections diabetes program and reinforced efforts that improve access, affordability, and medication safety.
21,528
Prior Authorizations Completed
1,276
Avg IDOC prescriptions per month
152
Avg Infusion Center Dispenses per day
38,678
Meds-to-Beds Program prescriptions dispensed
7,384
Compounded Prescriptions by SCB
Sustained robust specialty pharmacy patient management, medication assistance, prior authorization, and adherence support to ensure patients receive and benefit from needed therapies.
Advanced collaborative medication management across the department and with our clinical partners, highlighted by a community pharmacy continuous glucose monitoring pilot that improved glycemic control between physician visits.
Thanks to the Ambulatory Pharmacy Services team for your continued passion, expertise, and commitment to our mission and the patients we serve.
1,314
Avg Specialty Pharmacy Patients per month
% Community Pharmacy Managed Transplant Patients with PDC > 80% 95%
671
Avg IDOC patients per month
7,552
Meds-to-Beds Program patients
64
Avg Infusion Center Patient Visits per month
DirectorClinicalPharmacyServices
Clinical Pharmacy Services
AssociateDirectorClinicalPharmacyServices
AssociateClinicalPharmacyServices Director
Advancing Patient Care Through Collaborative Practice
Clinical pharmacists at UI Health are embedded across the care continuum, serving as essential members of the patient care team. They assume responsibility for the comprehensive management of medication therapy, ensuring safe, effective, and coordinated care.
Over 70 Full-Time Clinical Pharmacists Supporting the UI Health Enterprise
UI Health’s clinical pharmacists deliver specialized care across ambulatory, inpatient, and transitional settings, ensuring that medication therapy is optimized throughout the patient journey.
MelissaBadowski
MatThambi
JohnGarofalo
26 Ambulatory Care Clinics • Two Practice Models • Comprehensive Medication Management
Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacists practice in 26 diverse clinic environments using two proven models:
Pharmacy-Managed Clinics Clinic-Based Services
Clinical pharmacists partner with physicians and nurses to optimize therapy, improve access, prevent medication errors, reduce hospitalizations and emergency visits, and minimize adverse drug reactions.
20 Hospital Services Supported by Dedicated Clinical Pharmacists
Hospital clinical pharmacists contribute to adult and pediatric care teams across critical care, emergency medicine, infectious diseases, oncology, internal and family medicine, surgery, solid organ transplant, and neonatology. They participate in daily rounds to ensure safe, cost-effective therapy.
New Programs Strengthening Access to Clinical Pharmacy Services
UI Health continues to expand its clinical pharmacy footprint. Recent additions include:
Illinois Department of Corrections Diabetes
Telemedicine Clinic
Inpatient & Outpatient Oncology Services
Inpatient Addiction Consult Team
Inpatient Family Medicine Services
32 Protocols Enabling High-Quality, Comprehensive Care
Clinical pharmacists follow 32 evidence-based protocols tailored to specialties such as neurosurgery, solid-organ transplantation, medication therapy management, sickle cell care, and antithrombosis services.
Clinical Pharmacy Services
A Premier Training Site for UIC College of Pharmacy Learners
Clinical pharmacists serve as core preceptors for students, residents, and international trainees. In 2025, they supported 414 PharmD student rotations, 321 postgraduate residency rotations, and 12 international pharmacists, ensuring that the next generation of pharmacists is trained in a high-acuity, high-impact clinical environment.
Clinical Pharmacists as Leaders at UI Health
Clinical pharmacists at UI Health play influential leadership roles across the health system, regionally, and nationally. Their leadership ensures that medicationrelated decisions align with evidence-based practice and organizational priorities while advancing clinical excellence.
Leveraging Technology to Demonstrate Impact
We continue to leverage technology to highlight the value of clinical pharmacy services by creating dashboards and reports in the electronic health record. These dashboards translate clinical activity into measurable outcomes. Highlighted are two recent enhancements.
Anticoagulation Quality Metrics and Reports
The anticoagulation dashboard allows clinicians to access real-time data at any point to assess productivity, quality, and clinical outcomes.
Vancomycin Pharmacokinetics Service
The vancomycin dashboard enables ongoing assessment of pharmacist productivity and the clinical effectiveness of pharmacokinetic services. These data support service optimization and demonstrate the impact of pharmacists.
Clinical Pharmacy Services
40+ Years of Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Excellence
Hospital Services
Clinical infectious diseases pharmacists Drs. Alan Gross and Jenna Adams are embedded within hospital care teams, supporting safe, effective, and timely antimicrobial therapy for some of the most complex patients at UI Health.
Hospital Committees & Decision-Making
Anti-Infective P&T Subcommittee
Infection Prevention & Control
CLABSI and CAUTI Taskforces
Transplant antimicrobial guideline oversight
Sepsis Core Team
ID Consult Services
General Infectious Diseases
Solid Organ Transplant Infectious Diseases
Antimicrobial Stewardship
Prospective audit, intervention and feedback
Review and approval of ID-restricted anti-infectives
Formulary management
Rapid diagnostic-driven blood culture pager response
“Antimicrobial stewardship is at the core of almost every patient care interaction. We want to protect patients by optimizing outcomes and staying one step ahead of resistance.”
Clinical Care Guidelines and Protocols
Creation of hospital wide anti-infective use, sepsis, allergy, prophylaxis, and COVID-19 guidelines
Antimicrobial Use & Resistance Tracking
Days of Therapy per 1,000 patient days
NHSN Antimicrobial Use (SAAR) metrics
Guideline compliance tracking
Resistance trend analysis and antibiogram development
Ambulatory Care Services
A Legacy of HIV Care Excellence
More than 35 years of pharmacist-driven impact
Since 1989, UI Health clinical pharmacists have been integral members of multidisciplinary HIV care teams, improving viral suppression, reducing transmission, and consistently exceeding national quality benchmarks.
Care Where It’s Needed Most
Serving high-incidence communities across Cook County
Clinical pharmacy services are embedded throughout the UCCN, with clinics strategically located in neighborhoods with the highest HIV incidence—supporting the national Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative.
Comprehensive Ambulatory HIV Services
1,000 patients served annually
Drs. Rodrigo Burgos, Emily Drwiega, Blake Max, and Renata Smith provide HIV treatment and prevention services across:
University Community Clinic Network (UCCN)
Family Center for Infectious Diseases (FCID)
Mile Square Health Center (FQHC)
“In the communities we serve, HIV treatment and prevention exist at the intersection of science and compassion. We transform access into opportunity and treatment into a pathway toward healthier, empowered communities— bringing us one step closer to ending the HIV epidemic.”
Extending Impact Beyond Chicago
High quality HIV care in Rockford, Illinois
Since 2010, Dr. Christopher Schriever has provided HIV care at Crusader Clinic in Rockford, managing treatment for nearly 450 people living with HIV. Viral suppression rates at Crusader Clinic also exceed national averages, demonstrating the impact of pharmacist-led HIV care.
Beyond HIV Treatment
HIV prevention (PrEP)
STI screening and treatment
Hepatitis C therapy
Primary care services
OPAT and inpatient antiretroviral stewardship
Through telemedicine, pharmacists extend comprehensive HIV care to individuals incarcerated within the Illinois Department of Corrections
Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy
Larry Danziger
The Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy Section provides a wide range of scholarly, teaching, and clinical services to the University and the Chicagoland area since its inception in the 1980s. The Section was founded by Codirectors Larry Danziger and Keith Rodvold. Dr. Rodvold is now UIC Distinguished Professor Emeritus. Dr. Danziger continues to provide leadership and vision for the Section.
IDWeek Snapshot
ID Week 2025, held October 19–22 in Atlanta, featured a strong presence from Pharmacy Practice faculty.
Faculty and collaborators delivered research on sexually transmitted infection screening among people living with HIV in the Illinois Department of Corrections, Mycobacterium tuberculosis screening and detection in the same population, and the evaluation of HIV virologic suppression among individuals who experience reincarceration.
DR. ALAN GROSS presented “Say ‘AAAHH’ for dental antibiotic stewardship,” highlighting strategies to optimize antimicrobial use in dental practice.
Together, these presentations showcased UIC’s continued leadership in infectious diseases, correctional health, and antimicrobial stewardship.
Faculty Spotlight - Rodrigo Burgos
Under the leadership of Dr. Rodrigo Burgos as Residency Program Director, the PGY2 ID Pharmacy Residency achieved ASHP accreditation, marking a major milestone for the program.
Dr. Burgos was invited to speak at the XXII Congress of the Pan-American Association of Infectious Diseases in Lima, Peru. He delivered two presentations: “Sexually Transmitted Infections Globally and the Americas” and “Two-drug Regimens for Treatment of HIV.”
His recent scholarly contributions include a pharmacokinetic evaluation of copackaged sulbactam and durlobactam for treating Acinetobacter baumannii–calcoaceticus complex infections, published in Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, and a case report on managing third trimester HIV viremia with long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine, published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Drug Information Group
The Drug Information Group (DIG) had a highly productive year in 2025 across scholarship, teaching, leadership and service.
Scholarship
Our faculty contributed 13 publications, 4 posters, 7 ACPE accredited continuing education programs, 8 ACCME accredited presentations, and 3 additional professional presentations. Faculty published 36 FAQs on the DIG website and 5 review articles in Pharmacy Practice News. Drs. Jen Phillips and Bonnie Bachenheimer served as co-editors for the ASHP Pharmacy Technician manual.
Teaching
Jen Phillips Director, Drug Information Group
Faculty continued to precept P4 students and residents and coordinated two core and two elective PharmD courses, as well as one BSPS course. A new elective, Artificial Intelligence and Innovation in Pharmacy Practice, was approved and will be coordinated in 2026 by the DIG. The group mentored five independent study students.
Leadership and Service
DIG faculty remained active across state and national pharmacy organizations, holding leadership roles within AACP, ACCP, ASHP, and ICHP and serving on Department and College committees.
DIG provided timely drug information support to healthcare institutions and completed projects for a diverse client base. In January, the team participated in a volunteer event assembling welcome bags for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, strengthening community engagement and team connection.
DIG Client Mix
Driving Innovation Forward with AI
Faculty made significant contributions to the national dialogue on artificial intelligence through high-impact publications and presentations at major professional meetings.
DRS. MUNIR AND IPEMA and colleagues published two studies in Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning examining a generative AI drug information activity and a student-led faculty development seminar series to build AI competency.
DR. MUNIR contributed to a landmark national survey in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association assessing pharmacists’ perceptions of AI.
A publication by DR. PHILLIPS and colleagues in JMIR Medical Education evaluated pharmacists’ use of AI chatbots.
DR. NOOR NAFFAKH and colleagues further highlighted AI’s potential to transform hematology/oncology pharmacy practice at the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association Annual Meeting.
Collectively, these contributions underscore the department’s growing reputation as a national leader in AI scholarship, education, and practice transformation.
Mary Moody Director, Medicaid Group
Medicaid Group
The Medicaid Services Unit consists of groups focused on Medicaid Operations, Illinois ADVANCE Academic Detailing (AD), and Springfield Policy. The groups operate under project agreements with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The Unit totals 31 clinical pharmacists, 3 certified pharmacy technicians, and 4 physicians located in Chicago and Springfield.
Prior Authorization Services
The Unit develops medication use policies and clinical approval criteria for non-preferred medications, reviews medication profiles of highrisk clients chronically taking more than four monthly prescriptions, coordinates the Illinois Drugs and Therapeutics and Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Advisory Boards, and responds to proposed legislation and inquiries for Illinois Medicaid FeeFor-Service programs.
Springfield Policy
The Springfield-based UIC Pharmacy Team at the Bureau of Ancillary and Professional Services supports and manages Medicaid pharmacy policies and programs. They administer various boards and councils (including the DUR Board, Drug and Therapeutics Board, and the Sickle Cell/High Cost Drugs Advisory Council), serve as a liaison to manufacturers and oversee the Supplemental Rebate Program. The team also maintains the Illinois Medicaid Preferred Drug List and pharmacy software system, and provides subject matter expertise on legislation, surveys, FOIA requests, audits, procedures, and policy development.
Spotlight on Illinois Advance
Illinois ADVANCE, the Unit’s legislatively required Academic Detailing service, sustained relationships and momentum throughout the return of prior authorization services in April 2025. Illinois ADVANCE expanded its reach through scholarship, statewide engagement, and national recognition.
DRS. CABALLES, ANEZIRIS, HIEMENZ, RATHOD, AND HUDAK published a foundational manuscript in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association outlining the program’s implementation and impact.
DRS. PETRYKIW, SHAH, AND PATEL presented program outcomes at the American Drug Utilization Review Society’s 36th Symposium.
DRS. ANEZIRIS, GASSAM, AND CHEETANY represented the program at the Illinois State Medical Society Annual Meeting.
DRS. RATHOD, HIEMENZ, ANEZIRIS, AND COOPER led a NaRCAD Annual Virtual Summit workshop on applying the D model to community outreach.
DRS. CABALLES AND PATEL were invited speakers at the NaRCAD International Virtual Conference, presenting strategies for sustained engagement.
Together, these activities underscore Illinois ADVANCE’s leadership in strengthening prescribing practices and supporting public health across Illinois and beyond.
Engagement
Daphne Smith Marsh Director, Engagement
The Department of Pharmacy Practice is committed to Engagement and Inclusion initiatives through the leadership of Dr. Daphne Smith Marsh, Director of Engagement and members of the Engagement committee, co-chair, Dr. Marlowe Djuric Kachlic, Drs. Rodrigo Burgos, Christina Carrizales Cortez, Eden Keller, Charles McPherson, Faria Munir, Jewel Younge, Sara Hovey, Alexis Coffee and Ms. Kimberly White. Our faculty, staff, and students have increased awareness of the importance of an environment where all people feel valued and supported on their journey to achieving their full potential. Several faculty in this department are members of the UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy’s Diversity Strategic Thinking and Planning (DSTP) Committee, which prioritizes plans to achieve the goal of expanding engagement and supporting an inclusive climate.
Engagement
Community Outreach Spotlight
As part of the Mexican Consulate’s Ventanillas de Salud (“Window to Health”) program, Drs. Sandra Cuellar Puri and Christina Maria Carrizales Cortez engaged community members in June 2025 through education on safe medication use and hands-on demonstrations of proper medication disposal.
Faculty Spotlight - Tristesse Burton
Dr. Burton advanced community engaged health equity initiatives in 2025.
She led the Greenlining project in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood and the expansion of the MADE for DASH study, a culturally tailored dietary intervention for pregnant individuals at UI Health.
She shared her expertise through invited presentations at Malcolm X College and the CCTS K Day Symposium and was a panelist for UI Health’s Black History Month program on the cultural and generational impact of food in the Black community.
Dr. Burton also demonstrated strong mentorship, supporting student research presented at UIC Research Day and guiding a pharmacy student finalist in a national nutrition research competition.
Rockford
Kevin Rynn Vice Dean, Rockford Campus
In 2025, Rockford faculty excelled in teaching, mentorship, clinical service, and leadership in contributing actively to AACP, ACCP, ASHP, ICHP, SIDP, BPS, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Illinois Pharmacy Public Health Collaborative, and the Society of Emergency Medicine Pharmacists. Dr. Christopher Schriever was appointed as the Assistant Dean for Student and Academic Affairs, strengthening student support on the Rockford campus.
Rockford hosted its eleventh Summer Pharmacy Institute and tenth High School Pharmacy Camp. McKesson Foundation supported three rural pharmacy camps. New RFIT (Rural-Focused Interventions to Actively Develop and Train for Rural Pharmacy Careers) funding expanded recruitment, strengthened social media outreach, and supported the hiring of Kanesha Hicks to lead rural and underserved recruitment statewide. These efforts resulted in 26 new P1 students, including six Retzky Merit Scholars.
Residency training continued to thrive. The campus graduated its fifth PGY1 resident, Armin Pashaeimofrad, now pursuing a UIC Infectious Diseases fellowship, and welcomed its sixth, Raquel Ortiz Merced. The Emergency Medicine PGY2 program graduated Heather Zimmerman and welcomed Jamie McGann. Both accredited programs continue to train outstanding pharmacists who represent UIC with distinction locally and nationally.
Community engagement remained a hallmark of the campus. Faculty and students completed 343 blood pressure screenings at county fairs, contributing to more than 5,200 screenings since program inception. UIC again partnered with the Winnebago County Health Department to provide free influenza vaccinations, and Medication Collection Days with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful safely disposed of 725 pounds of unwanted medications.
Post-Graduate Training Programs
PGY1 Residents
UIC’s PGY1 Pharmacy Residency is a one year program that supports residents’ transition from student to independent practitioner while preparing them to excel in diverse clinical settings and lead in pharmacy practice and education.
The 2024–2025 PGY1 class achieved a 100% match rate into PGY2 programs, with six residents early committing to UIC specialty residencies. The Community Service Committee organized multiple volunteer events, including service days at the Pilsen Food Pantry. Residents also participated in a professional development trip to the University of Kentucky, sharing approaches to on call services, dedicated education time, and resident research.
End-of-year awards recognized:
Dr. Skylar Harrigfeld, PGY1 Resident - Richard A. Hutchinson Award for Excellence in Pharmacy Practice
Dr. Laila Hammad, PGY2 Resident - John McBride Award for Excellence in Hospital Pharmacy
Dr. Drew Posen, Preceptor - Frank P. Paloucek Preceptor of the Year Award (second consecutive year)
Dr. Alexandria “T” Tang, Clinical Staff Pharmacist - Residency Appreciation Award
The incoming 2025–2026 PGY1 class includes 12 residents representing UIC, the University of Tennessee, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Michigan.
For more information about the great things our residents are doing, follow us on social media (Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/UICRxResidency/ ; Instagram | @uicrxresidency).
KIRSTEN OHLER
PGY1 PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
2025 Graduating Class
PGY1 - Pharmacy Practice Residents
Kara Brown
Sylvia Choi
Anh Dam
Laila Hammad
Travis Hanson
Sky Harrigfeld
Hidaya Hassan (Specialty)
Abdulrahman Khormi (Int’l)
Armin Pashaeimofrad (Rockford)*
Richard Ramos
Andrew Russo
Daniel Schreiber
Joanne Shen (HSPAL)
Luke Stickler
Tom Szwajnos
Teresa Valadez
Tracy Van
PGY1 - Community Pharmacy Residents
Hadeel Fouad – Walgreens
Joseph Shen – Jewel Osco
Karina Sowa - UIC
2025 Incoming Class
PGY1 - Pharmacy Practice Residents
Noor Alawad
Arminda Cako
Alex Dang
Adam Elmkinssi
Lauryn Johnson
Sean Kim
Elise Loring
Jessica Mamalio
Shannon McKinless
Raquel Ortiz-Merced (Rockford)*
PGY1
Christian Phillips
Braxton Snuffer
Mohini Sood (Specialty)
Daniella Underwood
*(not pictured)
- Community Pharmacy Residents
Emily Baranowski – Jewel Osco
Anthony Hightower – UIC
Ena Kovac – Walgreens
*(not pictured)
PGY2 Residents
The UIC College of Pharmacy offered 13 different PGY2 pharmacy residency programs at our Chicago and Rockford campuses. PGY2 pharmacy residency programs build upon skills and competencies from PGY1 pharmacy residency programs to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists in specialized areas of practice. Residents who successfully complete a PGY2 pharmacy residency at UIC are well prepared for practices in advanced patient care, academia, and leadership.
In 2024-25, 12 residents completed PGY2 training in one of our programs. Residents had previously completed PGY1 residencies at UIC (4 residents), Beaumont Health, Capital Health Regional Medical Center, TriHealth Bethesda North, Cabell Huntington Hospital West Virginia, UCSF Health Parnassus Hospital, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Rhode Island Hospital, and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
JOHN GAROFALO
PGY2 PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
2025 Graduating Class
PGY2 - Specialty Residents
Hannah Ayers – Ambulatory Care
Emma Dittmar – Cardiology
Tony Duong – Infectious Disease
Kimberly Kue-Tsemo – Oncology
Natalie Pettit – Em Med
Katrina Seidel – Clinical Pharmacogenomics
Charlie Spuhler – Pediatric
Keaton Tauer – Organ Transplant
Vinh Thai – HSPAL
Michelle Tsai – Critical Care
Carrie Yu – Ambulatory Care
Heather Zimmerman – Em Med, Rockford
2025 Incoming Class
PGY2 - Specialty
Residents
Deema Gichi – Cardiology
Laila Hammad – Critical Care
Travis Hanson – Pediatric
Sky Harrigfeld – Ambulatory Care
Yan Mao – Oncology
Jamie McGann – Em Med, Rockford
Alexis Partee – Specialty
Daniel Schreiber – HIV
Caleb Scrime – Em Med
Xinyue “Joanne” Shen – HSPAL
Luke Stickler – Infectious Disease
Teresa Valadez – Solid Organ Transplant
Fellows
Academia & Family Medicine Fellowship
The UIC Academia/Family Medicine Pharmacy Fellowship is a two year program that prepares clinician educators and researchers with advanced expertise in family medicine, teaching and learning scholarship, and substance use disorder (SUD). Fellows develop competencies in clinical practice, independent research, and workforce development, positioning them for academic and clinical leadership roles. Dr. Abigail ElmesPatel was the Director of the Fellowship through 2025.
2024 – 2026 Fellow: Alexis Coffee, PharmD
Brianna Hudak Director, Academia & Family Medicine Fellowship
Dr. Coffee continues to excel in the final year of her fellowship. She provides SUD clinical services through the Community Outreach Intervention Project mobile medical unit and maintains professional service at departmental, state, and national levels. Her research has been featured at major national meetings. She contributes broadly to pharmacy and interprofessional education and co developed an interprofessional deprescribing series with Rush University. Dr. Coffee is completing a Master of Health Professions Education with a thesis on cultural humility in pharmacy education.
2025 – 2027 Fellow: McKenna Knock, PharmD
Dr. Knock has demonstrated exceptional productivity and impact early in her fellowship. She provides primary care and SUD services at the Austin clinic and leads an initiative to expand outpatient buprenorphine prescribing. Her work informs policy guidance supporting same day initiation of long acting injectable buprenorphine. She is active in national presentations and committee service and continues to build her teaching portfolio, while pursuing a Master of Health Professions Education with thesis research on pharmacists’ experiences addressing health related misinformation.
Larry Danziger Director, Infectious Diseases Fellowship
Infectious Diseases Fellowship
UIC’s two year Infectious Diseases Fellowship uniquely integrates clinical training and research into one program. Fellows complete 3–6 months of infectious diseases rotations in year one and an additional 2–3 months in year two, alongside a half day HIV clinic each week. The remaining 14–17 months focus on scholarship, teaching, and research, including in vitro studies of new agents, PK/PD evaluations, surveys, retrospective analyses of antimicrobial therapy, and clinical trials.
Our fellows published one article and presented three research posters in 2025, at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) meeting in Vienna, Austria, another at the Annual ID Week meeting in Washington, DC, and a third at the spring Illinois Council of Hospital Pharmacy meeting, in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Fellows have also been active in research, evaluating the following real-world safety and effectiveness of methenamine, management, epidemiology and outcomes of Candidozyma auris (previously Candida auris) infection, and comparing bovine blood and plasma for Chronic Renal replacement Treatment (CRRT) Vancomycin clearance modeling.
ArminPashaeimofrad
JyshengHou
Infectious Diseases Pharmacology Fellowship
The Infectious Diseases Pharmacology Fellowship addresses the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance by training the next generation of infectious diseases experts. The fellowship provides rigorous, multidisciplinary training across the full spectrum of antimicrobial pharmacology, with particular emphasis on the rational optimization of antibiotic regimens to treat multidrug-resistant bacteria. Fellows receive advanced instruction in antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, bacterial resistance mechanisms, translational pharmacology, and dynamic infection models, complemented by clinical infectious diseases training. Together, these experiences equip fellows with a comprehensive understanding of antibiotic action and infectious diseases, preparing them for diverse careers in academia, clinical practice, and industry.
Zack Bulman Director, Infectious Diseases Pharmacology Fellowship
KeithLong
In 2025, Infectious Diseases Pharmacology fellow Dr. Keith Long initiated several high-impact research projects aimed at addressing critical challenges associated with antimicrobial resistance. His work focuses on leveraging in vitro experimental approaches to optimize antimicrobial combination therapies for difficult-to-treat infections with limited therapeutic options. Dr. Long also expanded his expertise in translational research and grant writing. Notably, he was awarded a competitive 2025 Futures Grant from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy for his project, “Dissecting the Role of Ceftazidime in Combination Therapies for Metallo-b-Lactamase-Producing Bacteria.” This funding will support his project and career advancement. Dr. Long’s accomplishments exemplify the strength of the fellowship and underscore its contributions the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Rob DiDomenico
Director, Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy Fellowship
Paola Rosas
Co-Director, Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy Fellowship
Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy Fellowship
The two year Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy Fellowship is designed to develop pharmacist clinician scientists with expertise in cardiovascular disease and research. The fellowship prepares trainees to conduct impactful basic, translational, and applied clinical research while developing advanced clinical competence in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. Program goals include building strong therapeutic and research skills and positioning fellows for successful careers as independent or collaborative cardiovascular clinician scientists.
Fellows receive individualized research and clinical training aligned with their professional interests and long term goals. Research opportunities span basic, translational, and applied clinical investigation in cardiovascular disease, with focused development in research methodology, study design, data management, statistical analysis, dissemination of research, and grantsmanship. Clinical experiences include direct patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings to strengthen cardiovascular expertise and inform research question development. Fellows are also encouraged to participate in teaching activities, including didactic lectures, facilitating small group discussions, and experiential precepting of student pharmacists.
Although Dr. Darbar began the fellowship in October 2025, he has already completed a systematic review examining the potential impact of fermentable fibers on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), with manuscript submission planned for January. He has also gained preclinical research experience and is developing two study protocols focused on fermentable fibers, HFpEF, and the obesity paradox in heart failure.
FaisalDarbar
Department Highlights
Published Work Advancing the Profession
Scholarly Excellence
DR. ROB DIDOMENICO received the ACCP Cardiology PRN Best Review Article/Consensus Statement Award at the Annual Meeting in Minneapolis for his co-authored publication on current and emerging disease modifying therapies for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, underscoring the national impact of his team’s scholarship.
DR. BEATRICE DRAMBAREAN’s article on pharmacotherapy considerations for pregnant patients receiving hemodialysis ranked among the top 10% of most viewed papers in Hemodialysis International for 2023.
DRS. JAMIE BENKEN and SCOTT BENKEN were recognized in 2025 for having one of their recent transplant publications included in a review in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, a distinction highlighting their study as one of only 13 featured out of more than 5,500 kidney transplant papers published that year.
Publications of Distinction
DR. MICHAEL BUEGE contributed to a multicenter study published in Hemasphere examining how prior CD19 directed CAR T cell therapy influences outcomes with tafasitamab plus lenalidomide in large B cell lymphoma. The analysis provides important real world insight into treatment effectiveness in a population with growing therapeutic complexity.
Faculty Spotlight
DR. KERI KIM served as an investigator on a major Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology trial evaluating whether SGLT2 inhibitors improve outcomes for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The ACTIV 4a study found that while these agents were safe to use in this setting, they did not increase survival free of organ support, helping clarify their role in acute COVID-19 care.
DR. SANDRA CUELLAR coauthored a high impact review in JCO Oncology Advances that outlines the emerging patterns of lung toxicity linked to modern parenteral anticancer therapies. The article highlights shifting incidence trends and offers practical, up to date guidance on monitoring and management as these pulmonary risks become increasingly relevant in contemporary oncology care.
Faculty Spotlight - Zane Elfessi
Dr. Elfessi demonstrated scholarly productivity and leadership in 2025 through his research, presentations, and mentorship.
His peer reviewed publications spanned indoor air quality, health costs, and clinical topics in Science of The Total Environment, Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, Advances in Therapy, and Journal of Pharmacy Practice.
Dr. Elfessi was invited to present at the American College of Emergency Physicians Government Services Symposium and the CHEST Annual Meeting, delivering expertise on cardiac arrest management and indoor air pollutants affecting patients with lung disease.
He also played a significant role in mentorship, guiding UIC PharmD students and trainees through multiple published case reports, highlighting his commitment to developing future clinicians and advancing emergency medicine and pharmacy practice.
New Lead-Author Work Takes Center Stage
Faculty led several notable publications this year spanning emergency medicine, infectious diseases, oncology, transplantation, pharmacotherapy education, and health system pharmacy practice.
DRS. POSEN AND PETZEL GIMBAR surveyed academic emergency clinicians to characterize current use and perceptions of push dose epinephrine.
DRS. SINGH, JOHNSON, AND BULMAN evaluated apramycin’s activity against Mycobacterium abscessus in a hollow fiber model.
DR. KAREN SWEISS identified persistent opioid use as a predictor of shorter survival in multiple myeloma.
DR. BABUL published a feature highlighting pharmacist led research improving outcomes across chronic disease states.
DRS. PETTIT, BENKEN, VALDEPEÑAS, AND BENKEN assessed the impact of angiotensin receptor blockers on synthetic angiotensin II effectiveness during kidney transplant surgery.
DRS. PULVER, CAMPARA, AND PIERCE evaluated concentrated furosemide infusions and postoperative atrial fibrillation in transplant recipients.
DR. NINA HUYNH co-authored a venous thromboembolism chapter.
Spotlight on JACCP
The Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (JACCP) continued to showcase the breadth of our faculty’s national leadership in practice advancement, policy, and workforce relevant scholarship.
DR. PAUL STRANGES led a multi-institutional review of pharmacists’ contributions to opioid use disorder management.
DRS. BADOWSKI, DRWIEGA, and residents synthesized real world evidence on pharmacists’ impact in HIV treatment and prevention.
DRS. HARRIGFELD AND ELMES-PATEL provided perspective on the use of compounded GLP 1/GIP agonists in pharmacist managed cardiometabolic care.
DR. VAN DRIL and coauthors outlined pharmacist responsibilities in incretin based weight management therapies.
DR. WILKEN and colleagues offered a practical framework for navigating interstitial lung diseases.
DRS. THAI, MCQUADE, HUDAK, SONI, AND OHLER further contributed to the profession with an important examination of residency leave policies, emphasizing the need for more flexible and equitable approaches.
Together, these publications underscore the department’s sustained influence on national clinical pharmacy practice and policy through high visibility JACCP scholarship.
If you would like to read more on any of the publications mentioned in this report, please find all citations listed at: go.uic.edu/ARPub26
Faculty Spotlight - Renee Petzel Gimbar
Dr. Petzel Gimbar, a nationally recognized expert in emergency medicine pharmacotherapy, demonstrated significant scholarly impact in 2025.
She co-authored a JAMA Cardiology publication reporting a randomized clinical trial of an emergency department–based education and mHealth intervention for hypertension.
She co-authored publications on push dose epinephrine and a collaborative retrospective analysis of labetalol’s hemodynamic effects with UIC RCOP/PMPR trainees.
In addition, Dr. Petzel Gimbar delivered a featured presentation at the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology ACCT Pre Symposium, highlighting clinical considerations for managing DOAC associated bleeding.
These achievements reflect her continued leadership in emergency medicine pharmacotherapy.
Impact Through Conferences
Faculty and trainees from the Department contributed to regional, national, and international conferences as invited speakers and presenters, sharing their expertise through panels, discussions, and poster sessions. The following highlights showcase a selection of conferences attended throughout the year.
ASHP
Faculty and trainees participated in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Pharmacy Futures meeting in the summer and the Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition in the winter. The images below highlight their engagement and contributions.
Molly Wacher, Karen Thomas, & Autumn Zuckerman
Section of Specialty Pharmacy Pracitioners Executive Committee
Vinh Thai & Andy Donnelly
Andy Donnelly and Peggy Choye
Nancy Shapiro, William Dager & Michael Gulseth
Karina Sowa & Jen Halsey
Resident Showcase
ACCP
Faculty were well represented at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, MN, demonstrating ongoing contributions to clinical pharmacy research and practice.
Jamie Benken & Alice Hemenway with the 2025 FCCP Cohort
Alexis Coffee with the Residency Advisory Committee
Robert DiDomenico
Faculty at RCOP Receiption
Ashley Dahlquist & Scott Benken
World Transplant Congress 2025
The Transplant team shared their work at the World Transplant Congress 2025 in San Francisco, CA, contributing to international dialogue in transplant care. The images below highlight their participation.
Posters
ICHP
Faculty and trainees contributed to both Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP) meetings — the Spring Meeting, held virtually, and the Annual Meeting in Oakbrook Terrace — through presentations and engagement. The images below highlight participation at the annual meeting.
Posters
Presentations
Presentations
Annual Meeting
Jen Phillips and Colleagues (photo from ICHP)
Vinh Thai, Emily Hanners, and Clara Gray
Alexis Coffee and Colleagues
Daphne Smith Marsh
Liz Van Dril with Mary Ann Kliethermes and Christie Schumacher at their panel
ICHP KeePosted
Faculty and trainees contribute to ICHP’s publication KeePosted, supporting the dissemination of knowledge and best practices in health-system pharmacy.
In the February issue, Kay Yamamoto discussed strategies for building meaningful professional connections, Erin Carson examined the pharmacy technician workforce shortage and the importance of engaging high school students, Beatrice Drambarean highlighted the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP1 receptor agonists in the dialysis population, and David Chan outlined the critical role of pharmacists in investigational drug services.
In the May issue, Kay Yamamoto reflected on the transition from mentee to mentor and was featured in an ICHP Leadership Spotlight, Hali Hanson explored the use of apremilast in combination with biologic therapy for psoriatic arthritis, Jysheng Hou presented a retrospective evaluation of methenamine safety and efficacy in an older adult population, and Kathryn Sawyer discussed navigating change through insights from Who Moved My Cheese?
In the August issue, Kirsten Ohler discussed the challenges of pharmacy residency training, Isabelle To and JoAnn Stubbings examined the evolving landscape of adalimumab biosimilars, and Kathryn Sawyer explored both the role of pharmacy technicians in hazardous drug compounding and their expanding responsibilities in the age of artificial intelligence.
In the November issue, Kay Yamamoto reflected on self-care as a new practitioner, and Kathryn Sawyer discussed strategies for reducing waste in pharmacy practice from a technician-focused perspective.
Department Events
Throughout the year, the Department hosts a variety of events that foster community and engagement among faculty, staff, and trainees, from the Welcome Back Luncheon at the start of the academic year to the annual Department Holiday Party. The highlights below showcase select moments from these gatherings.
Expanding Our Global Footprint
The Department’s efforts to advance the pharmacy profession extend beyond the United States, with faculty actively engaging in global collaboration and scholarship. The highlights below showcase examples of the Department’s international impact.
Dr. Elida Zairina, faculty in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Universitas Airlangga in Indonesia, completed a six-month Fulbright Scholarship in our Department in 2025. We appreciate the faculty and staff who supported her experience.
Dr. Andy Donnelly served as an invited speaker at the University of Ajman College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Dubai, UAE, where he presented “Contemporary Pharmacy Services in the United States.” He was hosted by Professor Abeer Mahmood AlGhananeem, Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and met with Professor Khaled Assaleh, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Ajman University.
Dr. Alan Gross visited Taipei Medical University, where presented “From Diagnosis to De-escalation: A Clinical Case Series in Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy,” at the Taiwan Chapter of ACCP; and “Prescribing with Proof: Advancing Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Practice Through Evidence-Based Medicine” at the Next Generation of Pharmacy in Health Care and Pharmaceutical Science International Conference.
Dr. Nina Huynh visited Burapha University in Chonburi, Thailand where lectured on “The Role of Pharmacists in Anticoagulant Clinics and What Pharmacy Students Should Know.” She also visited Mahidol University in Bangkok where she presented “From Pills to Purposes: Career Pathways for Pharmacists in the United States.”
Drs. Andy Donnelly, Jennifer Pham, and Alan Lau recently visited Malta, where they met with faculty and students, participated in the Doctorate program graduation ceremony, and delivered presentations at the 10th anniversary academic seminar.
The Department’s partnership with the University of Malta on the Doctorate of Pharmacy program, launched in 2014, continues to advance global pharmacy education. This EU Level 8 degree, comparable to a PhD, integrates clinical practice with patient-centered research and has graduated more than 100 students from 23 countries.
More photos to highlight moments from their visit to Malta can be found here: go.uic.edu/PMPRMalta
UIC RESIDENCY VILLAGE
UIC Residency Village is an alumni engagement program for over 1,000 alumni of the UIC Pharmacy Residency and Fellowship programs. It offers opportunities for alumni to connect with the UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, our Residency and Fellowship Programs, our residents, fellows, and other alumni for networking, connections, and sharing your knowledge and expertise with our residents and fellows.
As of this report, the Residency Village hosted two panel discussions featuring resident alumni.
The first focused on early residency experiences, including transitioning into residency, selecting a specialty area, and navigating the Midyear meeting, with insights from Drs. Mark Jao and Mary Margaret Maddox.
The second addressed the transition into first professional roles, covering job search strategies, expectations versus realities, and early career challenges, with Drs. Corinne Songer, Caleb Rux, and Anastasia Rujevcan
Join the Residency Village and share your expertise with the next generation of residents: go.uic.edu/ResidencyVillage
Photos are from our 2025 Residency Ceremony and Banquet.
The Department of Pharmacy Practice extends heartfelt thanks to the donors listed below. They targeted their donations to the Department of Pharmacy Practice or the Residency Program, and the department is very grateful for that. The Department of Pharmacy Practice is proud that the number of gifts directed to the department and its programs has increased over the last few years. Thank you for your growing support, and remember that every gift of any size truly does make, and remember that every gift of any size truly makes a positive difference for the residency program, students, and department faculty. If you want to donate to the department and help strengthen programs, you can do so online at: go.uic.edu/pharmgive.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT DONATES TO THE DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS
dpp.pharmacy.uic.edu
go.uic.edu/PhPrFriend
go.uic.edu/PhPrTweet go.uic.edu/PhPrConnect go.uic.edu/PhPrPhoto Connect With Us
