Residents

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2012-2013 Pharmacy Residents

Abdalla Ammar, PharmD»

PGY-1 Non-Traditional Pharmacy Practice Resident

ammara@ccf.org

Dr. Abdalla Ammar was born and raised in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Purdue University in 2008. Abdalla is one of the Non-Traditional PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice residents. Abdalla is the twin brother of Mahmoud, the other Non-Traditional PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice resident. Abdalla has been working as a pharmacist at Cleveland Clinic for nearly four years. In his off residency months, he staffs in the ICU satellite pharmacy and he is the Nursing Unit Based Pharmacist (NUBP) for the neurology step-down unit and the general neurology floor. His current project evaluates the safety and efficacy of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) as a preoperative bowel preparation for infants. Dr. Ammar's practice areas of interest include critical care and infectious diseases. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Abdalla is involved with the Neurology Specialty P&T panel. In his free time, Abdalla enjoys both traveling internationally and within the United States.

Mahmoud Ammar, PharmD»

PGY-1 Non-Traditional Pharmacy Practice Resident

ammarm@ccf.org

Dr. Mahmoud Ammar was born and raised in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In 2008, he received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Purdue University. Mahmoud has been working as a pharmacist at Cleveland Clinic for nearly four years. He is one of the first Non-Traditional Pharmacy Practice Residents at Cleveland Clinic. In his off-residency months, he works primarily in the ICU satellite pharmacy and as a Nursing Unit Based Pharmacist (NUBP) on the Neuro Step-down and General Neurology units. Mahmoud’s professional practice interests include critical care and infectious diseases. Currently, he is conducting a Drug Use Evaluation (DUE) on drug interactions with dofetilide. Furthermore, post-residency training, his goals includes precepting pharmacy residents and students, and educating other healthcare professionals playing a vital role in a pharmaceutical care team. Moreover, Mahmoud is involved with the Critical Care Pharmacy and Therapeutics Specialty panel. In his free time, Mahmoud has a passion for traveling and exploring other countries.

Keith Anderson, PharmD»

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident

andersk3@ccf.org

Dr. Keith Anderson, from Madison, Ohio, graduated from Ohio Northern University in 2012 with a Doctor of Pharmacy. Keith’s practice interests include critical care and cardiology. His current research project involves evaluating the safety of using fluconazole prophylaxis with vincristine induction therapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Aside from clinical activities, Keith is involved with the Cardiovascular Specialty P&T Panel. Upon completion of his PGY-1 residency, Keith hopes to pursue a PGY-2 residency in critical care and eventually practice in an academic medical center. In his free time, Keith enjoys being with his friends and family, skiing, and water sports.

Stephanie Bass, PharmD»

PGY-2 Critical Care Pharmacy Resident

basss@ccf.org

Dr. Stephanie Bass is from Charlotte, NC and completed an undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Furman University in South Carolina. She then attended the University of North Carolina Eshelman School Of Pharmacy where she received her Doctor of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Cleveland Clinic. Her research interests include critical care with a focus in infectious disease. Stephanie’s current project investigates the impact of time to appropriate antibiotics for critically ill patients with carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteremia. At the Clinic, Stephanie is involved with the Critical Care/Surgery/Anesthesia Specialty Panel of the P&T Committee. Upon completion of her residency, she plans to pursue a career as a critical care clinical specialist and to explore opportunities for research. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys reading for fun, cheering on UNC basketball, and spending time with family and friends.

Connie Cheng, PharmD»

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident

chengc@ccf.org

Dr. Connie Cheng, from North Potomac, Maryland, graduated from the University of Michigan in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She also completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Michigan in 2012. Connie’s current practice interest is oncology, and her current research project involves comparing the incidence of febrile neutropenia in patients administered pegfilgrastim on the same day versus the following day of chemotherapy. She is involved with the Hematology/Oncology Specialty P&T panel. Upon completion of her PGY-1 pharmacy practice residency, she plans to pursue a PGY-2 residency in oncology in hopes of becoming a clinical specialist. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and watching football and basketball games as a rabid Michigan Wolverine fan.

Marianna Fedorenko, PharmD»

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident

fedorem@ccf.org

Dr. Marianna Fedorenko is originally from Morganville, NJ, and graduated from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey with a Doctor of Pharmacy in 2012. Marianna’s practice areas of interest include infectious disease and critical care. Her current research project involves evaluating antimicrobial dosing practices for patients on concomitant continuous veno-venous hemodialysis. Besides her clinical responsibilities, Marianna is involved with the Cardiovascular Specialty P&T Panel. After her residency, Marianna plans to complete a PGY-2 residency in either infectious disease or critical care and ultimately pursue a combined clinical and faculty position at a large academic medical center. In her free time, Marianna enjoys catching up with her family and friends on Skype, traveling, and exploring Cleveland.

Riane Ghamrawi, PharmD»

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident

ghamrar2@ccf.org

Dr. Riane Ghamrawi is originally from Kent, OH. She completed her pharmacy pre-requisite courses at Kent State University and graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2012. Riane’s practice areas of interest include internal medicine and academia, and she hopes to pursue a career in an academic medical center. Her current research project is a drug use evaluation of dabigatran in chronic kidney disease patients at Cleveland Clinic. Besides her clinical responsibilities, Riane is involved with the Pediatrics Specialty P&T Committee Panel. She is also involved as a member of Northeast Ohio Medical University’s Dean’s Advisory Committee. In her free time, Riane enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, and traveling.

Gabrielle Gibson, PharmD»

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident

gibsong2@ccf.org

Dr. Gabrielle Gibson, from Sterling Heights, Michigan, graduated from the University of Michigan in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Movement Science and a minor in Spanish. She also completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy in 2012. Gabrielle’s practice interests include critical care and ambulatory care. Her current research project is a drug use evaluation of IV acetaminophen in pediatric patients at Cleveland Clinic health system. Aside from clinical activities, Gabrielle is involved with Cleveland Clinic's Neurosciences Specialty P&T panel. Upon completion of her PGY-1 residency, Gabrielle hopes to pursue a second year specialty residency and eventually practice in an academic medical center. In her free time, Gabrielle enjoys being with her friends (and amazing co-residents) and family, watching Michigan football, and traveling.

Brian S. Hoffmaster, PharmD»

PGY-2 Drug Information Pharmacy Practice Resident

hoffmab@ccf.org

Dr. Brian S. Hoffmaster is originally from Boardman, OH, and graduated from the University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and later his Doctor of Pharmacy. He completed his PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at William Beaumont Health-systems, Troy, MI in 2012. His professional practice interests include drug information, literature evaluation, medication use, safety, and formulary management, as well as teaching and precepting residents and students. His current research project involves reviewing medication black box warnings and devising standard black box warning review strategies. Brian is involved in all pharmacy and therapeutics specialty panels as part of the residency program. After completing residency training, he plans on attaining board certification and accepting a jointly appointed clinical practice and faculty position where he can practice medication management, lead a pharmacy residency program, teach, and precept students and residents. In his free time, Brian enjoys composing and playing music, reading, traveling, and technology.

Alexander Kantorovich, PharmD»

PGY-1 Pharmacotherapy Resident

kantora@ccf.org

Dr. Alexander (Alex) Kantorovich, from Palatine, Illinois, graduated from The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2012. Prior to pharmacy school, Alex earned an Associate in Science degree with an emphasis in chemistry from William Rainey Harper College. Alex’s current practice interests include cardiology and critical care. His current research project involves evaluating bivalirudin use in patients undergoing ventricular assist device implantation. Besides clinical responsibilities, Alex is involved with Cleveland Clinic's Internal Medicine Specialty P&T Panel. Upon completion of his PGY-1 residency, Alex will stay at Cleveland Clinic to complete the second year of his pharmacotherapy residency with an emphasis in cardiology. His career goal is to obtain a cardiovascular clinical specialist position at a large academic medical center with a faculty appointment to a college of pharmacy. In his free time, Alex enjoys watching and playing soccer, rooting for Chicago sports teams along with Manchester United, as well as catching up with friends and family back home.

Jessica E. Lau, PharmD»

PGY-2 Oncology Resident

lauj3@ccf.org

Dr. Jessica Lau is from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She graduated from McGill University in Montreal, QC with a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Cell Biology, before going on to pursue her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. She completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. Jessica’s current oncology practice interests include bone marrow transplant and leukemia. Her current research project involves evaluating chemotherapy toxicities in bone marrow transplant recipients grouped by weight. Aside from clinical activities, Jessica is involved with Cleveland Clinic's Hematology and Oncology Specialty P&T panel. Upon completion of her PGY-2 residency, she hopes to establish a career as an oncology specialist at an academic teaching hospital. In her free time, Jessica enjoys to travel, cook and ski.

Corey McEwen, PharmD»

PGY-1 Health-System Pharmacy Administration Resident

mcewenc@ccf.org

Dr. Corey McEwen, from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Mississippi in 2012. Currently, Corey is pursuing his Master’s degree in Pharmacy Administration from Northeast Ohio Medical University. Corey’s professional interests include pharmacoeconomics, leadership development, operational management, cardiology, and healthcare policies. His current resident project involves the implementation and evaluation of a pharmacist based discharge counseling program on HCAHPS scores. Corey also serves on the P&T Medication Systems Subcommittee. Professionally, Corey is involved in the Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacists and serves on their Membership and Marketing Division. Upon completion of his PGY-1 residency, Corey will continue with his PGY-2 in health-systems pharmacy administration. In his free time, Corey enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing golf, and watching college football.

Ashley Overy, PharmD»

PGY-1 Health-System Pharmacy Administration Resident

overya@ccf.org

Dr. Ashley Overy was born and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the Raabe College of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Pharmacy Administration from Northeast Ohio Medical University. Ashley’s professional interests include medication safety, informatics, and transitions of care. She is also very passionate about leadership development. Ashley’s residency project involves implementation of a web-based application for contingency inventory management. She also serves on the P&T Medication Systems Subcommittee. Professionally, Ashley is involved in the Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacists and serves on their Organizational Affairs Division. Upon completion of her PGY-1 residency, Ashley will stay at Cleveland Clinic for her PGY-2 in health-system pharmacy administration. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, and cheering on Cleveland sports teams.

Jamie Sanders, PharmD»

PGY-2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Resident

sanderj@ccf.org

Dr. Jamie Sanders is from McLeansboro, IL. She graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in St. Louis, MO with a Doctor of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis, MO. Her practice areas of interest include gram negative resistance, fungal infections, and HIV. Her current research project is an evaluation of antiretroviral medication errors in hospitalized HIV patients. Beyond her clinical duties, Jamie is involved with the Antimicrobial Specialty Panel of the P&T committee. Upon completion of her residency, she plans to pursue a career as an infectious diseases clinical specialist at an academic medical center. In her free time, Jamie enjoys watching/playing sports (Go Cards), shopping, and hanging out her friends, both old and new.

Collin N. Verheyden, PharmD»

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident

verheyc@ccf.org

Dr. Collin N. Verheyden grew up in Rochester, MN and moved to Texas to attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where he pursued a chemistry degree and worked as a pharmacy technician. He later took the position of Director of Operations for the Dallas area with Fresenius Medical Care. He then attended pharmacy school at the University of Texas in Austin, graduating in 2012. His practice interests include infectious disease, oncology and critical care, and he is planning to complete a PGY-2 in infectious disease. His research involves studying the impact of metronidazole prophylaxis on reducing the incidence of C. difficile infection in lung transplant patients. He is also involved with the Transplant Specialty P&T Committee. He would ultimately like to practice at a larger academic institution as a clinical specialist in infectious disease where he would have the opportunity to precept students and residents. In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing ice hockey, and spending time with his wife and Newfoundland puppy, Murphy.

Anthony S. Zembillas, PharmD»

PGY-2 Pharmacotherapy Resident

zembila@ccf.org

Dr. Anthony Zembillas is from Campbell, Ohio, and received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Toledo in 2011. Anthony’s practice interests include hematology/oncology, infectious disease, pain management, and internal medicine. Anthony is also involved with Cleveland Clinic's Internal Medicine Specialty P&T Panel. His current research projects involve evaluation of the use of intravenous proton pump inhibitors, as well as the use of dexmedetomidine in non-intubated surgical ICU patients. After his residency, Anthony plans to pursue a clinical specialist position in internal medicine or hematology/oncology. Ultimately, he would like to obtain a clinical position at a large academic medical center with a faculty appointment to a college of pharmacy. In his leisure time, Anthony enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exercising, cooking, watching sports, and reading.