Pharmacy Residency Program
UC Medical Center Pharmacy Residents
PGY1 Residents
Paul Barlow, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacist (ASHP)
Favorite Part of the Job: Patient education
Hobbies: Biking, music, video games & card games
Education: University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy; Chapel Hill, NC
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Ambulatory Care, Solid Organ Transplant
Madison Botkins, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Kentucky Society of Health-System Pharmacists (KSHP)
- Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Society (PLS)
Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of the job so far is the incredible new people I’ve been able to meet and the opportunity to work with and learn from colleagues across a variety of specialties!
Hobbies: Watercolor painting, drawing, reading, and hiking
Education: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy; Lexington, Kentucky
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Critical Care, Neuroscience, and Toxicology
Sofia Kennedy, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Transplantation (AST)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of being a pharmacist is seeing how our interventions/involvement directly improves patient outcomes and being surrounded by such knowledgeable people to learn from.
Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, rollerblading, soccer
Education: University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Solid Organ Transplant
Abigail Kunze, MS, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
Favorite Part of the Job: Making an impact on patient care through evidence-based decisions, especially in fast-paced settings where every decision matters. I enjoy working with a team, managing complex cases, and learning something new every day.
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family, watching/playing sports, trying new workout classes and restaurants
Education: The Ohio State University, BS Health Sciences; Boston University, MS Nutrition & Metabolism; Northeastern University, Doctor of Pharmacy
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Critical Care, Emergency Medicine
Natalie Khamis, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Phi Delta Chi
- Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS)
Favorite Part of the Job: I enjoy working alongside an interdisciplinary team to create individualized treatment plans that best meet each patient’s needs, while learning and growing professionally through every experience.
Hobbies: Cooking new recipes, long walks, trying new coffee shops, watching reality TV
Education: Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Hematology/Oncology or Critical Care
Madelynn Packer, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part is the supportive network and mentorship within the program! There are so many amazing people who are cheering us on and always willing to help.
Hobbies: Reading, baking, spending time outside with my dog
Education: Purdue University, Doctor of Pharmacy
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Cardiology
Jill Patel, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of the job is proving what clinical pharmacists can bring to the bedside. I enjoy translating complex evidence into practical recommendations, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and building trusts with patients through direct care. It's exciting to enter the progression at a time when clinical pharmacists are taking on larger roles in direct patient care.
Hobbies: Trying new foods/restaurants, cooking, walking, and plane watching
Education: The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Pain and Palliative Care, Cardiology, and Ambulatory Care
Lynsey Steffen, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
- Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Society (PLS)
Favorite Part of the Job: Building strong relationships with the pharmacy team and other health professionals
Hobbies: Strength training, sand volleyball, playing with my dog Reggie, and traveling
Education: Eastern Illinois University, BS in Biological Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Infectious Diseases, Emergency Medicine, Hematology/Oncology
Kaleb Vestal, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American College of Clinical Pharmacist (ACCP)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Kappa Psi
- Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS)
Favorite Part of the Job: Making connections and building relationships with patients, co-residents, and other members of the care team.
Hobbies: Working out, hiking, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and attending/watching sporting events.
Education: University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Critical Care and/or Emergency Medicine
Joelle Wasikowski, PharmD
joelle.wasikowski@uchealth.com
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of my job is the opportunity to provide patient-centered care, build meaningful connections with patients, and meet them where they are in their healthcare journey. I really appreciate how UC prioritizes each patient’s individual needs and circumstances, allowing me to take a whole-person approach when making recommendations. I also value the relationships I’ve built with my preceptors and co-residents, who continually support me, challenge me, and help me grow both personally and professionally.
Hobbies: Trying new places to eat, spending time with my friends, going on walks, lifting, traveling, and shopping
Education: Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Ambulatory Care, Academia
PGY2 Residents
Tanner Buse, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Favorite Part of the Job: Using my knowledge to help patients make informed decisions about their medications and health. I enjoy working with healthcare teams to solve problems, improve patient care, and make sure treatments are safe and effective.
Hobbies: Really anything outside from sports (mainly pickleball, soccer, volleyball) to going for walks by the river. Also, I enjoy going to the gym, hanging out with friends, and playing video games.
Education: University of Mississippi, Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Cincinnati Medical Center, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Katelyn Carlson, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
- Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS)
Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of the job is working as part of an interdisciplinary team, where I can learn from various colleagues from various specialties while continually expanding my knowledge as a lifelong learner. I find it especially meaningful to build strong connections with patients and address not only their medical needs but also the social determinants of health that profoundly impact their overall wellbeing.
Hobbies: Long walks, reading, diamond paintings and watching Purdue & Chicago sports
Education: Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Cincinnati Medical Center, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Internal medicine, hepatology and academia
Ashley Cynkar, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of the job is building meaningful relationships with my patients and helping them understand their new medication regimens after receiving a transplant. I find it incredibly rewarding to support them through this life-changing transition and empower them to manage their medications with confidence.
Hobbies: Trying new restaurants, exploring local coffee shops, binge-watching reality TV, shopping, and spending time with my miniature Dachshund, Franklin!
Education: Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy; PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, UPMC Mercy
Michael Do, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Pharmacist Association (APhA)
- Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
Favorite Part of the Job: The opportunity to continually grow my clinical skills and develop the tools needed to become a stronger clinician and leader. What I find most rewarding is contributing to the care of complex, critically ill patients while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to optimize patient outcomes.
Hobbies: I enjoy exploring new restaurants around Cincinnati, smiting goblins in my latest Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and supporting Michigan State University athletics.
Education: UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy; PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, Corewell Health William Beaumont University
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: I plan to pursue BCCCP certification post-graduation and hope to practice at an academic referral center. Current interests are hemodynamics, mechanical circulatory support, and transplant. I look forward to opportunities to teach, lead, and provide care for my patients.
Lian Haney, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American College of Clinical Pharmacists (ACCP)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Favorite Part of the Job: Having a direct impact on patient care is the best part of this job. I enjoy getting to engage with patients and collaborating with other healthcare professionals daily. I am also constantly learning new things to help me become a better pharmacist and person overall.
Hobbies: Trying new food/restaurants, reading, seeing shows at the Aronoff, spending time with friends and family and pets
Education: University of Kentucky, Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Cincinnati Medical Center, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency
Deslynne Henkel, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI)
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
- Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS)
Favorite Part of the Job: The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care while working as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team. I enjoy partnering with other healthcare professionals to optimize medication therapy, solve complex clinical problems, and ensure patients receive the safest and most effective treatment. I also value the continuous learning that comes with internal medicine, as every patient presents unique challenges that help me grow as a clinician.
Hobbies: Traveling, listening to music, cooking, going on long nature walks
Education: University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy; PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Morgan Hurst, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- APhi Lambda Sigma (PLS)
- Rho Chi Academic Honor Society
- Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity
- American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of the job is working with an interdisciplinary team to come up with a patient-centered treatment plan. I also enjoy interacting with patients and their families. I look forward to learning and challenging myself every day!
Hobbies: Reading, going to concerts, going to new coffee shops, hanging out with family and friends, and cheering on the Bengals!
Education: University of Cincinnati, BS Biology; University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy; PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, University of Cincinnati Medical Center
Jaspreet Kaur, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Favorite Part of the Job: I love that there is an opportunity to learn something new every day, collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, make a meaningful impact on patient care, and see positive patient outcomes while participating in a layered learning environment.
Hobbies: Traveling, trying new coffee shops, hanging out with friends and family, anything outdoors, playing pickleball
Education: Virginia Commonwealth University (Undergrad and Doctor of Pharmacy); University of Cincinnati Medical Center, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency
Future Career Path/Area of Interest: Critical Care Pharmacy Specialist
Senna Meyer, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA)
- Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
Favorite Part of the Job: Being an advocate for patients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. I also thoroughly enjoy the layered learning environment provided at UCMC.
Hobbies: Running, reading, traveling, going to concerts and sporting events
Education: University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy; UC Health – West Chester Hospital, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency
Area of Interest: Surgery/trauma, cardiology, neurology
Sarah Pfizenmayer, PharmD
sarah.pfizenmayer@uchealth.com
Professional Memberships:
- ASHP
- NPhA
- NCPA
- Kappa Psi
Favorite Part of the Job: The opportunity to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships with my patients. It is especially rewarding when patients are actively engaged in their health goals and look forward to our visits.
Hobbies: lifting, walking/running, cooking, trying new restaurants, golf, pickleball, traveling
Education: University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy (PharmD); University of Cincinnati Medical Center, PGY1-Community Pharmacy Residency
Future Career: Primary Care focus with an interest in HIV and psych!
Kelly Richley, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS)
- Rho Chi Academic Honor Society
- Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity
- Hematology/Oncology Pharmacist Association (HOPA)
Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of the job is being able to work with and learn from an amazing interdisciplinary team of health care professionals. I love collaborating to enhance patient care and outcomes.
Hobbies: Reading, trying new coffee shops, spending time with my cats, yoga, watching college football, and finding fun events around the city with friends
Education: The Ohio State University, BS Molecular Genetics; The Ohio State University, Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Cincinnati Medical Center, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency
Mallory Schwartz, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
- Academy of Emergency Medicine Pharmacists (AEMP)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacist (ASHP)
Favorite Part of the Job: I enjoy making a meaningful impact on patient care through evidence-based interventions, collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, and critical thinking in fast-paced, high-acuity settings. The opportunity to learn, grow, and improve outcomes is what makes this work so rewarding.
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, watching/attending sporting events, playing with Reno (my German Shepherd Mix), cooking/baking, and binging true crime!
Education: Bellarmine University, BS Biochemistry; University of Kentucky, Doctor of Pharmacy; University of Kentucky, Master of Business Administration; University of Cincinnati Medical Center, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency
Ashlyn Varghese, PharmD
Professional/Society Memberships:
- American Pharmacist Association
- Ohio Pharmacist Association New Practitioner Experience (NPX)
Favorite Part of the Job: I love the long-term relationships I can have with my patients in the ambulatory care setting and seeing the impacts of the changes I can make as a pharmacist.
Hobbies: I love to find different farmer markets to explore, trails to go on with my beagle, or bake/cook!
Education: Ohio Northern University, Doctor of Pharmacy; Family Health Services of Darke County, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency