Pharmacy Residency Iowa Methodist Medical Center

Q: For the longitudinal research project component, how are topics chosen?

Jillian Ginger : A list of ideas are submitted to the residents during orientation. The projects are discussed, and residents are given the opportunity to ask questions during an informational session (and additionally encouraged to engage the project mentor with additional questions and to gain additional information). If a resident has additional ideas for a research project of interest that is not included on the proposed project list, then the resident is encouraged to ask the RPD/RAC preceptors to determine if the project could be arranged.

Q: How is pharmacy integrated into the health care team (i.e. what kind of relationships do pharmacists have with other providers)?

Jennifer Toliver : Staff pharmacists have the opportunity to be a liaison (direct pharmacy contact person) with specific provider groups/teams to help streamline communication, improve patient experiences, improve processes, and collaborate on new initiatives. They also act as a great reference person for pharmacy staff members when specific questions arise. Katy Juhl : Across the hospital, pharmacists are active participants in patient rounding and on a wide assortment of multidisciplinary committees. We have close working relationships with both physician and nursing staff and have been welcomed into several inpatient and outpatient care teams.

Q: In what areas have past residents found employment?

Dr. Allie Schlicher: Residents that graduate from our program are extremely well-rounded. A large number of residents have chosen to stay on at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines! Other residents have pursued additional residencies in oncology, ID and administration, or have taken clinical pharmacist positions at other hospitals.

Q: What are the staffing requirements for this residency?

Allie Schlicher: Residents will complete an orientation month in July to familiarize themselves with EPIC, our collaborative practice agreements and the hospital's policies and procedures. After orientation, the residents will staff every third weekend (7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.). On the weekends, pharmacists are centralized in the main pharmacy to verify orders and complete consults. Additionally, they send up first doses of medications, answer phone calls, check oral syringes, fill the narcotic safe and complete consults. The resident will staff one evening each week, except the week after their weekend (these hours are 3:30 – 11 p.m.). During staffing shifts, the resident will cover internal medicine or surgery floors. They also may have the opportunity to staff shifts in their area of interest as the year progresses and required rotations are completed. The resident will be responsible for verifying orders, completing new and continuing consults, obtaining medication histories and performing chart reviews as needed.

Q: What are some strengths of the program?

Katy Juhl : Every year I hear the same thing: one of our biggest strengths is the program’s flexibility. We’re fortunate enough to have a curriculum that can be tailored to each residents’ interests, and it can be adjusted throughout the year if those interests change. I personally changed career paths early in my career, and I think it’s vital to offer that same experience to our residents.

Q: What changes do you foresee happening with the residency program in the near future?

Allie Schlicher : We want to make sure our residents have a well-rounded, acute care residency year. Our program continues to involve based on expanded pharmacist services – we would love to be able to offer a PGY-2 residency program. We are also looking to expand our opioid stewardship role within our hospitals.

Q: What is something that you feel is unique to this residency program?

Kelly Shea : While our program offers a wide variety of elective opportunities, the overall program is managed by a small group of pharmacists, keeping the relationships between preceptors and residents close. This closeness extends into the feel of the hospital and allows residents the opportunity to interact with a variety of staff members and physicians on a regular basis through their elective rotation opportunities. Jennifer Toliver : We have a lot of preceptors that are the "system wide experts" in their specific areas. This allows for the possibility for residents to observe and collaborate in system wide initiatives without having to be the sole owner. Having these preceptors serve as historical references on past successes and failures also adds to the overall learning experience.

Q: What is the overall relationship like between residency preceptors and the residents?

Jillian Ginger : I feel like I am now able to answer this from both sides (as a prior resident and now as a preceptor). You are assigned staffing preceptors, who serve as your go to source all year. You additionally will have preceptors for different rotations and will work closely with them during that time. All members of RAC/residency preceptors are open to questions about all aspects of residency (which could range from questions about different rotations, workload balance, work life balance, staffing questions, etc.). We have a pretty close relationship with our residents and residents often seek out different preceptors to serve as their mentors for all aspects of residency throughout the year.

Q: What opportunities are there for residents to teach – both formally or informally?

Kelly Shea : There are many opportunities for teaching, including formal presentations to a variety of staff types (nurses, providers, pharmacists, etc.), teaching on the fly with pharmacy students and medical students and residents, didactic teaching at Drake University, and other teaching opportunities that might arise.

Q: What opportunities for electives are available to residents?

Ashley DeSmet (former resident) : The electives only continue to increase over the past several years and since the residency program started. Some of the newer electives include palliative care (pediatric and adult), mental health, and the ability to repeat any elective of your choice! It never felt like there was an elective that I wouldn’t enjoy taking! The program is very receptive of tailoring experiences to your interests, and our RPD does the best to accommodate that! They continue to look at how to expand on new electives!

Pharmacy Residency Program Overview

The Department of Pharmacy at Iowa Methodist Medical Center includes a team of over 90 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, support staff and interns. The Department of Pharmacy utilizes a decentralized model to ensure that pharmacists are readily accessible to patients and other members of the health care team. The pharmacy staff is well integrated within the health care team, participating in patient care rounds, providing pharmacy consult services, educating patients, performing medication reconciliation activities and offering experiential education opportunities to many central Iowa students. Pharmacists within the Department of Pharmacy at Iowa Methodist Medical Center are highly qualified and well respected within the institution. These pharmacists and technicians are committed to providing a great learning environment for both our students and residents.

Purpose Statement

PGY1 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training.

Program Overview

Pharmacists completing this one-year PGY1 residency program will be able to provide proficient, confident, and compassionate medication-related care in an acute healthcare environment. Residents will be accountable for promoting safe and effective medication use and achieving optimal drug therapy outcomes as vital members of the healthcare team. These practitioners will develop skills in educating other healthcare professionals, patients, and community members on drug therapy-related topics and will gain experience in conducting pharmacy-practice related research. They will be proficient in managing all segments of the medication use process, from medication selection and product dispensing to drug therapy monitoring and medication administration. Residents will gain experience in leadership and mentorship while developing confidence and independence. Experience gained during the residency year will prepare the resident to pursue a variety of interests including: PGY2 training, academia and clinical practice in a hospital setting.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this PGY1 residency, the pharmacist will:

Demonstrate proficiency, confidence and compassion in providing medication related care, including drug provision, distribution and pharmacy management to a variety of patient populations.
Design, conduct and evaluate investigations of pharmacy practice-related issues.
Display professionalism and maturity in all aspects of practice.
Exhibit proficiency and confidence in all areas of pharmacy practice, including drug provision, distribution and pharmacy management.
Educate patients and health care providers on effective and safe medication use.
Manage the medication use process including programs to promote patient safety.
Competently and efficiently teach pharmacy students in both didactic and experiential settings.

Curriculum Structure

The resident's training will be conducted primarily at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. However, nearby clinics and hospitals (all in Des Moines) may serve as practice sites depending on the goals of the resident and the program. Travel to Drake University will be required for academic activities.

Pharmacy Residency Teaching

The resident will receive an appointment as a Clinical Instructor at the Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. This will allow the resident the opportunity to complete a series of seminars for new faculty at Drake and develop their experiential teaching skills by co-precepting Doctor of Pharmacy students from Drake on rotation at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. This will include day-to-day instruction in patient care rounds, participation in Journal Club, Pharmacy rounds and other activities. Additionally, residents will have several opportunities for didactic teaching at Drake including completely co-teaching an elective course in the College of Pharmacy that will give residents the opportunity to design and deliver lectures, active learning exercises, examination question development and grading coursework. At the end of the year graduating residents will receive a teaching certificate.

Drake University is a mid-sized, private university located in Des Moines, Iowa. The university strives to provide students with an exceptional learning environment through collaborative learning, research opportunities and community service. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a variety of programs in pharmacy, health sciences, occupational therapy and athletic training. Iowa Methodist Medical Center partners with Drake University.

Qualifications

Resident candidates must possess a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (or equivalent) from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited degree program (or one in process of pursuing accreditation) or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
Resident candidates shall be licensed to practice pharmacy in the state of Iowa or be eligible to obtain licensure by August 1 of the residency year.
Resident candidates shall adhere to the rules of the resident matching program process.
Resident candidates shall meet all other pre-employment requirements for UnityPoint Health-Des Moines including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

Core Learning Experiences

Hospital Pharmacy Practice/Staffing (orientation for 5 weeks, then longitudinal throughout residency year)
Internal Medicine (4 weeks)
Infectious Disease (4 weeks)
Medical Intensive Care (4 weeks)
General Pediatrics (4 weeks)
Parenteral Nutrition (1 week)
Pharmacy Management (4 weeks)
Clinical Management (longitudinal - 11 months)
Teaching (longitudinal - 5 months)
IV Sterile Compounding (3 days)

Elective Learning Experiences

Oncology (4 weeks)
Surgery/Trauma (4 weeks)
Pediatric Intensive Care (4 weeks)
Pediatric Infectious Disease (2-4 weeks)
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (2-4 weeks)
Renal/Transplant (2-4 weeks)
Emergency Medicine (4 weeks)
Cardiology (4 weeks)
Ambulatory Care (2-4 weeks)
Pediatric Palliative Care (2-4 weeks)
Adult Palliative Care (2-4 weeks)
Mental Health (2-4 weeks)

Staffing Responsibilities

During the residency year, residents will complete a longitudinal staffing rotation. Residents will be required to staff every third weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Residents will also be required to work a half-shift in the evening from 3:30-9 p.m. once a week except the week following weekend staffing. Residents will also be required to work a half-shift in the evening beginning at 3:30 p.m. and lasting until 9-11 p.m. (depending on coverage area) once a week except the week following the weekend staffing. In addition, residents will work one major holiday and one minor holiday.

While staffing, residents will be covering assigned floors and activities will include: order verification, clinical consults (vancomycin dosing, warfarin dosing, etc.), medication reconciliation and answering drug information questions from nurses and physicians. Residents will be thoroughly trained their first month of residency, so they feel fully confident staffing. Typically, residents will cover internal medicine and surgical floors with the option to staff more specialized areas later in the year. If desired, residents will also have the opportunity to pick up extra shifts moonlighting for additional pay later in the residency year.

Projects and Activities

One clinical/practice research project to be presented at regional resident's conference
ASHP Poster Presentation
Medication usage evaluation and present to appropriate forum
Two formulary reviews/class reviews (monograph and summary) presentations
Completion of two Pharmacy Grand Rounds presentations
Completion of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) Resident Course
Other activities as determined by the program and the resident
Journal Club in conjunction with medical residents
Completion of the teaching certificate program through Drake University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Eighty-five percent (85%) of goals and objectives scored as achieved for residency

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency Summary Information

Accreditation: ASHP Accredited
Program Code: 61500
ASHP Match #: 153813
Number of Residents: 3
Hospital Size: 450 beds
Number of Preceptors: 23
Salary: $48,505
Paid Vacation Days: 15 days of PTO. Residents have PTO available for illness, personal days, and extended weekend for travel to home or personal or family events.
Leave: Professional Leave Attendance at professional meetings is considered part of professional responsibilities, not PTO. Medical and Personal Leave of Absence Residents may apply for a leave of absence for medical reasons, personal reasons, military service and jury duty per UnityPoint Health HR policy.
Travel: Reimbursement for all reasonable trainee expenses including meeting registration, travel, hotel (double occupancy) and meals. Residents typically attend two meetings, the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and a regional residency conference.
Health Benefits: dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, disability
Staffing: Two eight hour shifts every third weekend, ½ evening shift/week
Other: Professional meeting attendance (ASHP Midyear and regional residency conference), convenient underground parking, paid holidays, designated resident office, reference material stipend, access to Health Sciences Library, BCLS/ACLS Certification, free on-site fitness facilities access and UnityPoint Health team members may present their ID badge to ride any Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority - DART bus for free.

Pharmacy Residency Program

Application Process

Process/Requirements
Resident Matching Program

Process/Requirements

Candidates must complete the Phorcas residency application before the deadline listed on the ASHP residency site, and include the following:

Personal statement/letter of intent
Curriculum vitae
Verified pharmacy education transcripts

In person interviews will be scheduled in February. As part of each interview, candidates will participate in a clinical case workup. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. The UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Pharmacy Residency Program is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visas at this time. The deadline for receipt of all application materials via PhORCAS is January 1.

Resident Matching Program

As an ASHP-Accredited site, this pharmacy practice residency program will participate in the ASHP residency matching process. Applicants must be enrolled in the match to be considered for this program. Our ASHP match number is: 153813. More information about the ASHP residency matching process may be obtained at: natmatch.com/ashprmp.

Key Faculty

Kristi Adams

Kristi received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2003. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa and is board certified in pharmacotherapy. Dr. Adams joined UnityPoint Health - Des Moines in 2003. She precepts the Oncology rotation.

Brian Benson

Brian received his Doctor of Pharmacy from University of Kansas in 2006 and B.S. Pharmacy from Drake University in 1996. Dr. Benson joined UnityPoint Health Des Moines in 1993. He precepts the management rotation and is an associate professor at Drake University. He is an active member of ASHP and IPA, most recently chairing the Professional Affairs Committee. Presently he is Executive Director of Pharmacy for UnityPoint Des Moines region which includes Iowa Methodist, Iowa Lutheran, Methodist West, Grinnell, and Fort Dodge. He has been in this position since 2010.

Taylor Boorn

Taylor received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2021. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois in 2022 and a PGY2 Pediatric Pharmacy Residency at Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois in 2023. Dr. Boorn joined UnityPoint Health - Des Moines and Blank Children's Hospital in 2023. She works as a clinical pharmacist and precepts the PICU rotation (PGY1) and precepts pediatric antimicrobial stewardship (PGY2 ID).

Matthew Boyd

Matthew received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Iowa in 2020. He completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois in 2021 and a PGY2 Cardiology Pharmacy Residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is Chicago, Illinois in 2022. Matthew joined UnityPoint Health – Des Moines in 2022. He works as a clinical pharmacy and precepts the cardiology rotation. His areas of interest include heart failure, antiplatelet management, anticoagulation, and critical care.

Amanda Bushman

Amanda received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2003. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa, City, Iowa and is board- certified in pharmacotherapy with added qualifications in Infectious Disease (BCPS - AQ ID) and a board-certified infectious diseases pharmacist (BCIDP). Dr. Bushman joined UnityPoint Health - Des Moines in 2012. She was elected as a Fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America (FIDSA) in 2023. Dr. Bushman is the PGY2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency Director. She precepts the Adult Infectious Disease rotation and the research rotation. Dr. Bushman's areas of interest include antimicrobial stewardship, multi-drug resistant organisms, antimicrobial dosing in obesity, and advancements in microbiological technology.

Meagan Caligiuri

Meagan received her Doctor of Pharmacy from University of Missouri – Kansas City in 2012. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa and became board certified in 2013. Dr. Caligiuri joined UnityPoint Health - Des Moines in 2013 and she precepts the Staffing Component of the residency program (PGY1 and PGY2). Dr. Caligiuri also precepts pediatric antimicrobial stewardship (PGY2 ID).

Darla Eastman

Darla received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2006. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines, Iowa and is also board certified in pharmacotherapy. Dr. Eastman joined UnityPoint Health - Des Moines in 2013. She precepts the Trauma, Surgery rotation and is an associate professor at Drake University. She is an active member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Dr. Eastman's areas of interest include infectious disease and critical care.

Jillian Ginger

Jillian received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Certificate of Palliative Care from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2019. She completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Iowa Methodist and Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines. She is board certified in Pharmacotherapy. Dr. Ginger remained at UnityPoint Health - Des Moines after her residency was completed- currently working in both adults and pediatrics. She precepts the Adult and Pediatric Palliative Care rotations, which she helped develop during her residency year. She is involved with the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Pain Management Committee, Palliative Care CSG and the UnityPoint Health Pain Management Workgroup. Dr. Ginger's areas of interest are pain management, palliative care, pediatrics and infectious diseases. When she is not at work, she can be found spending time with family and friends, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes or Chicago Cubs or exploring local breweries.

Anisa Hansen

Anisa received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2002. She joined UnityPoint in 2017. She precepts the Mental Health Elective and is a Professor at Drake University. Anisa’s areas of clinical interest include mental health, wellness, and LGBTQ+ health.

Jessi Holter

Jessi received her Doctor of Pharmacy from South Dakota State University in 2021. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency and a PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Residency at Monument Health in Rapid City, South Dakota from 2021-2023. Jessi joined UnityPoint Health – Des Moines in 2023 and works as a clinical pharmacist primarily in the CCU and ED. Jessi became board certified in critical care (BCCCP) in 2024. Her areas of interest include management of TBI, optimizing pharmacist involvement in cardiac arrest, infectious diseases, and precepting learners. Jessi precepts the ICU learning experience for both PGY1 and PGY2 residents. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants and traveling.

Katie Higgins

Katie received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2013. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Iowa Methodist and Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines. Katie remained at UnityPoint Health - Des Moines after her residency was completed and is currently working in both adults and pediatrics. She is board certified in pharmacotherapy. She precepts the Hospital Practice and Nutrition Support rotations..

Katy Juhl

Katy received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2005. She joined UnityPoint Health - Des Moines in 2001 as a pharmacy student at Iowa Lutheran Hospital before accepting a staff pharmacist position at Iowa Methodist Medical Center after graduation. In 2007, Katy became a pediatric clinical pharmacist at Blank Children’s Hospital and has been in her current role as the Pediatric Oncology Pharmacist in the Blank Cancer and Blood Disorders Center since 2015. She precepts the pediatric hematology-oncology rotation.

Carrie Koenigsfeld

Carrie received her Doctor of Pharmacy from University of Iowa in 1998. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency with University of Iowa with emphasis in Community Care in 1999. She is a Fellow of the American Pharmacists Association. Dr. Koenigsfeld joined UnityPoint Clinics in 2005. She precepts the longitudinal Ambulatory Care rotation and is a Professor at Drake University, where she has been employed as faculty since 1999. She is an active member of the American Pharmacist Association and the Iowa Pharmacy Association. Dr. Koenigsfeld is also an active member of community involvement groups such as Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines where she sings in the praise choir. Dr. Koenigsfeld's areas of clinical interest include ambulatory care topics, including immunizations, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, women's health, and anticoagulation.

Natalie Lappe

Natalie received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2007. Natalie joined UnityPoint Health in 2016. She is currently involved in several committees at both a regional and system level and serves as chair of the UPH-DM Critical Care Pharmacy Subcommittee. She works as a clinical pharmacist and precepts the Critical Care rotation. Natalie’s areas of interest are critical care and quality improvement.

Megan Lewis

Megan received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2005. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Megan joined UnityPoint Health - Des Moines in 2006. She precepts the emergency medicine rotation for both PGY1 and PGY2 residents. She is involved in several committees at the regional and system level at UnityPoint Health. Her areas of interest include emergency medicine, optimizing stroke management, and infectious disease. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Kayla Myers

Kayla received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Master’s in Public Health from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy & Public Health in 2017. She went on to complete her PGY-1 residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) & PGY-2 in Emergency Medicine with Rosalind Franklin University/NMH. She started her post-residency career at UnityPoint- Iowa Methodist as an emergency medicine clinical pharmacist in 2019. She serves on several EM committees and helps precept the EM rotation for PGY1 and PGY2 residents. Her areas of interest include toxicology, trauma, and critical care. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying out new restaurants, and running outside.

Joan Pruisner

Joan Pruisner received her BS in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa in 1994. She joined UnityPoint Health in 2001, initially as a pharmacist with the Clinical Trials Office overseeing the Investigational Drug Service. In 2011 an opportunity became available to serve as a kidney transplant pharmacist in the Iowa Methodist Transplant Center. She has served in this role since that time and is a co-preceptor for the Transplant rotation. She also continues to oversee the investigational drug service, is vice-chair of the UPH-DM Institutional Review Board (IRB) and is a resource for residents as they navigate the IRB process.

Kelly Shea

Kelly received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2009 and has been part of the pharmacy team at Iowa Methodist and Blank since graduating. She is one of the pediatric pharmacists for Blank Children’s Hospital and precepts the general pediatric rotation, as well as co-precepts many of the other pediatric rotations for both PGY1 and PGY2 residents. When Kelly is not at work, she can be found spending time with her husband and kids and traveling for their activities.

Allie Schlicher

Allie received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2010. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Iowa Methodist and Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines. She is board certified in pharmacotherapy. Dr. Schlicher remained at UnityPoint Health - Des Moines after her residency was completed and is now the Pharmacy Clinical Manager and PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director. Allie also precepts the clinical management rotation for both PGY1 and PGY2 residents. She is an active member of Iowa Pharmacy Association and attended the Leadership Pharmacy Conference in 2015. When she is not at work, she can be found spending time with husband and three daughters or outside running.

Nicole Schneider

Nicole received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2015. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at UnityPoint Health Des Moines – Iowa Methodist. She precepts the cardiology rotation. Her professional areas of interest include cardiology, critical care and parenteral nutrition.

Tara Stasi

Tara Stasi received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Drake University in 1995. Tara has worked on the inpatient nephrology floor since 2006 and in the outpatient transplant clinic since February of 2011. She serves as the preceptor for the Transplant Rotation.

Jennifer Toliver

Jennifer received her Bachelors of Pharmacy Degree from Drake University in 1995. After initially working in the retail sector, Jennifer joined UnityPoint Health - Des Moines in 2004. She currently precepts the IV Sterile Compounding Component of the PGY1 residency program. Jennifer precepts various projects for the PGY2 residency program. Her areas of interest include surgical and obstetrical care, with emphasis on patients with special needs, including bleeding disorders.

Geoff Wall

Geoff received his Bachelor's in Pharmacy from the University of Utah in 1992 and his Doctor of Pharmacy from Idaho State University in 1998. He completed a PGY2 in Internal Medicine at Scott and White Hospitals and Clinics and is also board certified in Pharmacotherapy and Geriatrics. Dr. Wall joined UnityPoint Health - Des Moines in 1999. He precepts the Internal Medicine, Critical Care and Drug Information Elective rotations and is a Professor at Drake University. He is an active member of IPA and ACCP. Dr. Wall's areas of interest include drug allergy/immunology, gastroenterology, rheumatology and critical care pharmacotherapy.

Current Residents

Taylor Baker

PharmD

Taylor Baker is originally from Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from Drake University with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and a concentration in Diabetes Medication Management in May of 2024. Taylor's current practice interests include infectious disease, emergency medicine, and pediatrics. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, she would like to either complete a PGY2 residency or pursue board certification in pharmacotherapy with a goal to practice as a clinical pharmacist. Outside of residency, she enjoys reading, playing soccer, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Collin Havel

PharmD

Collin Havel is originally from Osage, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University with his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and Health. He then graduated from Drake University with his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Collin's current interests include critical care, emergency medicine and pain management. Upon completion of his PGY1 residency, he would like to pursue board certification in pharmacotherapy with the goal to practice as a clinical pharmacist. Outside of residency, Collin enjoys golfing, spending time with family & friends and cheering on the Cyclones.

Mark Nagel

PharmD

Mark Nagel is originally from Johnston, Iowa. He graduated from The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy with his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in May of 2024. Mark's current practice interests include infectious diseases and critical care. Upon completion of his PGY1 residency, he would like to pursue board certification in pharmacotherapy or complete a PGY2 with the end goal of practicing as a clinical pharmacist. Outside of residency, he enjoys playing board games with family and friends, reading, and rooting for Chicago and Hawkeye sports teams.

Past Resident Bios

2023-2024
2022-2023
2021-2022
2020-2021
2019-2020

2023-2024

Sydney Day, PharmD - Sydney Day is originally from Clive, Iowa. She graduated from The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy with her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in May of 2023. Sydney’s favorite rotation was internal medicine and oncology. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, she would like to pursue board certification in pharmacotherapy with the goal to practice as a clinical pharmacist. Outside of residency, she enjoys running, traveling, cycling and watching Hawkeye sports.

Zoey Sjogren, PharmD - Zoey Sjogren is originally from Brandon, South Dakota. She graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from South Dakota State University in May of 2023. Zoey's current practice interests include internal medicine, critical care, and infectious diseases. Her year-long residency project included developing an antifungalgram to monitor antifungal susceptibility patterns to Candida isolates within our institution. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, Zoey will be moving back to South Dakota where she has accepted a clinical pharmacist position at Sanford Health. Her favorite aspects of residency included establishing relationships with pharmacy staff as well as medical residents and providers while furthering her clinical knowledge with well-balanced experiences.

2022-2023

Alexis Clouse, PharmD - Dr. Alexis Clouse is originally from Winterset, Iowa. She graduated from The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy with her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in May of 2022. Alexis's current practice interests include infectious disease, pediatric and adult hematology/oncology and palliative care. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, she would like to either complete a PGY2 residency or pursue board certification in pharmacotherapy with the goal to practice as a clinical pharmacist. Outside of residency, she enjoys interior design, playing softball, cycling and watching Hawkeye sports.

Ashley DeSmet, PharmD - Dr. Ashley DeSmet is originally from Brookings, South Dakota. She graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from South Dakota State University in May of 2022. Ashley's current practice interests include pediatrics and cardiology. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, she would like to either complete a PGY2 residency or pursue board certification in pharmacotherapy and a career as a clinical pharmacist. Outside of residency, Ashley loves to travel to new places, spend time with family and friends, and spend time outside with her puppy, Leo.

Liz Harvey, PharmD - Dr. Liz Harvey is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin. She graduated from Drake University with her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Minor in Psychology. Liz's current interests include mental health, pain management, and emergency/trauma medicine. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, she would like to pursue board certification in pharmacotherapy with the goal to practice as a clinical pharmacist. Outside of residency, Liz enjoys walking with her dog, exploring new coffee shops, and learning how to golf!

2021-2022

Brittni Gerdts, PharmD - Brittni Gerdts is originally from Clarinda, Iowa. She graduated from Creighton University with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in May 2021. Brittni's current practice interests include critical care, emergency medicine, cardiology, and behavioral health. Her residency project evaluated the impact of pharmacist-facilitated discharge medication reconciliation on preventing adverse drug events and consequential re-admissions. Upon completion of her pharmacy practice residency, she will be a clinical patient care pharmacist with Nebraska Methodist Health System. Her favorite things about completing a residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center was the collaborative practice model working with the medical residents, attendings, preceptors, and clinical staff. There was a healthy balance of mutual respect and peer-based learning which provided a very positive and memorable experience during residency. She also enjoyed the opportunities to co-precept and mentor pharmacy students, providing professional guidance and promoting self-confidence as residents grow simultaneously in their own pharmacy practice.

Kimberly Owen, PharmD - Kimberly Owen is originally from Reedley, California. She attended California State University, Fresno, for her undergraduate degree in mathematics and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Creighton University in May 2021. Kimberly's current areas of interest include infectious diseases and pediatrics. Her residency project evaluated the time to optimal antibiotics utilizing the expanded pathogen identification of the Biofire Blood Culture Identification 2 panel compared to the first generation Biofire Blood Culture Identification panel. Upon completion of her residency, Kimberly is excited to be continuing her career as a pharmacist at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Her favorite aspects of the residency were the incredible relationships she developed, both within the pharmacy team and through interprofessional collaboration. The variety of learning experiences offered during her residency provided Kimberly with a broad knowledge base and the opportunity to learn from dedicated, experienced, and engaged pharmacy preceptors.

Karlie Seiler, PharmD - Karlie Seiler is originally from West Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy with her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Certificate of Palliative Care in May of 2021. Karlie's current practice interests include pediatric and adult hematology/oncology and palliative and supportive care. Her residency project evaluated the current management of urinary tract infections in term infants < 60 days of age and effects following the implementation of a standardized approach. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, Karlie will be completing a PGY-2 in oncology at M Health Fairview – University of Minnesota Medical Center. What she enjoyed most about her time at Iowa Methodist Medical Center were the relationships she was able to form with her co-residents, pharmacy staff, and providers while advancing her clinical knowledge in a wide range of clinical settings.

2020-2021

Haley Noeldner, PharmD - Haley Noeldner is originally from Waconia, Minnesota. She graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy on the Duluth campus in May of 2020. Haley's current practice interests include infectious diseases, transplant and oncology. Her residency project evaluated the clinical utility of MRSA nasal PCR assays beyond respiratory infections. The results of her study will be used to expand the local pharmacy Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) to allow pharmacists to order MRSA nasal swabs for patients outside of pneumonias in order to help guide and improve antimicrobial stewardship efforts. Upon completion of residency, Haley will be moving back to Minnesota where she has accepted a clinical pharmacist position at a critical access hospital. What she enjoyed most about residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center was the wide variety of opportunities she was able to experience on rotations and the amazing relationships she was able to establish with not only pharmacy preceptors/staff, but also medical residents and providers.

Saidee Oberlander, PharmD - Saidee Oberlander is originally from Valley City, North Dakota. She graduated from North Dakota State University with her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree in May of 2020. Her current practice interests include internal medicine, critical care, infectious disease, and cardiology. Saidee's residency project evaluated the effect of intravenous azithromycin on the QTc interval of ICU patients. Upon completion of her pharmacy practice residency, she will begin her new role as an inpatient pharmacist at Sanford Health in Bismarck, North Dakota and is working towards completion of Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy. Saidee's favorite things about her residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center were the wide variety of rotational experiences and the opportunity to get to know and work closely with providers, medical residents, pharmacists and her co-residents.

Victoria Smith, PharmD - Victoria Smith is originally from Rochester, MN. She attended the University of Minnesota for her undergraduate degree in biochemistry as well as her PharmD, graduating in 2020. Her current practice interests include internal medicine, nephrology, pain management and antibiotic stewardship. Her residency project was Impact of Pharmacist Medication Assessment in Patients with High Fall Risk at a Community Teaching Hospital. Upon completion of her residency, Victoria will be a PRN clinical pharmacist at UnityPoint Health - Des Moines. Her favorite aspects of residency were building relationships with residents and students across professions and the flexibility to adapt the residency to her evolving interests. In her free time, Victoria enjoys trying new recipes, going to farmer's markets and cheering on the Golden Gophers.

2019-2020

Jillian Ginger, PharmD - Jillian Ginger is originally from Pleasantville, Iowa. She completed her undergraduate degree in Microbiology at the University of Iowa and went on to obtain her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) with a certificate in palliative care from the University of Iowa in May of 2019. Her current practice interests include pain management and palliative care, infectious diseases and pediatric hematology/oncology. Jillian's residency project evaluated the impact of adding a pharmacist to the palliative care team. The results of her study will be used to create a business proposal for the addition of a Pain, Palliative Care and Opioid Stewardship Pharmacist position at UnityPoint Health-Des Moines as well as the ability to continue to offer Adult and Pediatric Palliative Care Learning Experiences for future pharmacy residents. Upon completion of her residency, Jillian will start as a PRN clinical pharmacist at UnityPoint Health-Des Moines. The things she enjoyed most about the residency were establishing rapport and working alongside many different providers, the ability to make the residency what she wanted and learning from the dedicated residency preceptors.

Jenna Manatrey-Lancaster, PharmD - Jenna Manatrey-Lancaster is originally from Norwalk, Iowa. She graduated from Drake University with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and concentration in Diabetes Medication Management in May of 2019. Jenna's current practice interests include nuclear pharmacy, trauma and surgery, critical care and internal medicine. Her residency project evaluated impact of BioFire FilmArray respiratory panel results on antibiotic days of therapy and clinical decision making. Results of her project will be used to identify and implement a strategy to improve judicious ordering of respiratory panels and increase result utilization in an effort to promote antimicrobial stewardship, improve quality of care and reduce healthcare costs. Upon completion of her pharmacy practice residency, she will be a nuclear pharmacist with Cardinal Health and stay on part-time as a clinical pharmacist at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Her favorite things about completing a residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center included the advanced pharmacy practice model and the opportunity to get to know and work closely with providers, medical residents and pharmacists.

Kylie Markovich, PharmD - Kylie Markovich is originally from Niles, Illinois and she graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in May of 2019. Her current practice interests are infectious diseases, transplant and critical care. Her residency project was Implementation and Assessment of Pharmacist Driven Procalcitonin Collaborative Practice Agreement to Aid in Antimicrobial Stewardship. Since completing her PGY1 residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in June of 2020, Kylie is now at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi completing her PGY2 residency in Infectious Diseases. Upon completion of her clinical training, she plans to become board certified in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy and work as an infectious disease pharmacist. What she enjoyed most about her residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center was the great relationships with providers and preceptors.

FAQs

For the longitudinal research project component, how are topics chosen?

Jillian Ginger: A list of ideas are submitted to the residents during orientation. The projects are discussed, and residents are given the opportunity to ask questions during an informational session (and additionally encouraged to engage the project mentor with additional questions and to gain additional information). If a resident has additional ideas for a research project of interest that is not included on the proposed project list, then the resident is encouraged to ask the RPD/RAC preceptors to determine if the project could be arranged.

How is pharmacy integrated into the health care team (i.e. what kind of relationships do pharmacists have with other providers)?

Jennifer Toliver: Staff pharmacists have the opportunity to be a liaison (direct pharmacy contact person) with specific provider groups/teams to help streamline communication, improve patient experiences, improve processes, and collaborate on new initiatives. They also act as a great reference person for pharmacy staff members when specific questions arise.

Katy Juhl: Across the hospital, pharmacists are active participants in patient rounding and on a wide assortment of multidisciplinary committees. We have close working relationships with both physician and nursing staff and have been welcomed into several inpatient and outpatient care teams.

In what areas have past residents found employment?

Dr. Allie Schlicher: Residents that graduate from our program are extremely well-rounded. A large number of residents have chosen to stay on at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines! Other residents have pursued additional residencies in oncology, ID and administration, or have taken clinical pharmacist positions at other hospitals.

What are the staffing requirements for this residency?

Allie Schlicher: Residents will complete an orientation month in July to familiarize themselves with EPIC, our collaborative practice agreements and the hospital's policies and procedures. After orientation, the residents will staff every third weekend (7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.). On the weekends, pharmacists are centralized in the main pharmacy to verify orders and complete consults. Additionally, they send up first doses of medications, answer phone calls, check oral syringes, fill the narcotic safe and complete consults. The resident will staff one evening each week, except the week after their weekend (these hours are 3:30 – 11 p.m.). During staffing shifts, the resident will cover internal medicine or surgery floors. They also may have the opportunity to staff shifts in their area of interest as the year progresses and required rotations are completed. The resident will be responsible for verifying orders, completing new and continuing consults, obtaining medication histories and performing chart reviews as needed.

What are some strengths of the program?

Katy Juhl: Every year I hear the same thing: one of our biggest strengths is the program’s flexibility. We’re fortunate enough to have a curriculum that can be tailored to each residents’ interests, and it can be adjusted throughout the year if those interests change. I personally changed career paths early in my career, and I think it’s vital to offer that same experience to our residents.

What changes do you foresee happening with the residency program in the near future?

Allie Schlicher: We want to make sure our residents have a well-rounded, acute care residency year. Our program continues to involve based on expanded pharmacist services – we would love to be able to offer a PGY-2 residency program. We are also looking to expand our opioid stewardship role within our hospitals.

What is something that you feel is unique to this residency program?

Kelly Shea: While our program offers a wide variety of elective opportunities, the overall program is managed by a small group of pharmacists, keeping the relationships between preceptors and residents close. This closeness extends into the feel of the hospital and allows residents the opportunity to interact with a variety of staff members and physicians on a regular basis through their elective rotation opportunities.

Jennifer Toliver: We have a lot of preceptors that are the "system wide experts" in their specific areas. This allows for the possibility for residents to observe and collaborate in system wide initiatives without having to be the sole owner. Having these preceptors serve as historical references on past successes and failures also adds to the overall learning experience.

What is the overall relationship like between residency preceptors and the residents?

Jillian Ginger: I feel like I am now able to answer this from both sides (as a prior resident and now as a preceptor). You are assigned staffing preceptors, who serve as your go to source all year. You additionally will have preceptors for different rotations and will work closely with them during that time. All members of RAC/residency preceptors are open to questions about all aspects of residency (which could range from questions about different rotations, workload balance, work life balance, staffing questions, etc.). We have a pretty close relationship with our residents and residents often seek out different preceptors to serve as their mentors for all aspects of residency throughout the year.

What opportunities are there for residents to teach – both formally or informally?

Kelly Shea: There are many opportunities for teaching, including formal presentations to a variety of staff types (nurses, providers, pharmacists, etc.), teaching on the fly with pharmacy students and medical students and residents, didactic teaching at Drake University, and other teaching opportunities that might arise.

What opportunities for electives are available to residents?

Ashley DeSmet (former resident): The electives only continue to increase over the past several years and since the residency program started. Some of the newer electives include palliative care (pediatric and adult), mental health, and the ability to repeat any elective of your choice! It never felt like there was an elective that I wouldn’t enjoy taking! The program is very receptive of tailoring experiences to your interests, and our RPD does the best to accommodate that! They continue to look at how to expand on new electives!

PGY-2 Infectious Disease Residency

Purpose Statement
Program Overview
Program Outcomes

Purpose Statement

The Postgraduate Year Two (PGY2) infectious disease pharmacy residency program at Iowa Methodist builds upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency program with a focus on infectious disease pharmacy. This instills evidence based infectious diseases practices, collaboration amongst the healthcare team, leadership skills, and well-being and resiliency to set residents up for future successes as an infectious disease pharmacist.

Program Overview

Pharmacists completing this 52-week PGY2 residency program will be able to provide proficient, confident, and compassionate medication-related care geared toward the infectious disease healthcare environment. Residents will be accountable for promoting safe and effective medication use and collaborating to optimize patient care as vital members of the healthcare team. These practitioners will further develop and strengthen skills in educating other healthcare professionals, patients, and community members on drug therapy-related topics and will gain experience in conducting infectious disease pharmacy-practice related research. They will be proficient in managing all segments of the medication use process, from medication selection and product dispensing to drug therapy monitoring and medication administration. Residents will further expand their experience in leadership and mentorship while developing confidence and independence. Experience gained during the PGY2 residency year will prepare the resident to pursue a variety of interests including: infectious disease pharmacy practice in academia or clinical practice in a hospital setting.

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate proficiency, confidence and compassion in providing infectious disease medication related care including drug provision, distribution and pharmacy management to a variety of patient populations.
Design, conduct and evaluate clinical research in collaboration with preceptors and providers.
Display professionalism and maturity in all aspects of practice.
Educate patients and health care providers on effective and safe medication use.
Manage the medication use process including programs to promote patient safety.
Competently and efficiently teach pharmacy students in both didactic and experiential settings.

Curriculum Structure

The resident's training will be conducted primarily at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. However, nearby clinics and hospitals (all in Des Moines) may serve as practice sites depending on the goals of the resident and the program. Travel to Des Moines University (DMU) will be required for academic activities.

Pharmacy Residency Teaching

The PGY2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Resident will participate in a variety of teaching opportunities. This will include both formal and informal experiences. Experiences with Des Moines University (DMU) in the Collage of Podiatric Medicine and M3 medicine cohort assigned to UnityPoint Health Des Moines will provide an array of opportunities including case base topic discussions, small group classes, formal didactic lectures and grand rounds.

Qualifications

Resident candidates shall be graduates of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited degree program (or one in process of pursuing accreditation) or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
Resident candidates shall be licensed to practice pharmacy in the state of Iowa or be eligible to obtain licensure by August 1 of the residency year.
Resident candidates shall adhere to the rules of the resident matching program process per ASHP Resident Matching Program.
Resident candidates shall meet all other pre-employment requirements for UnityPoint Health - Des Moines including but not limited to a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

Core Learning Experiences

Department Orientation/Training (4 weeks)
Adult Antimicrobial Stewardship (12 weeks)
Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship (4 weeks)
Adult Infectious Disease Teaching Service (8 weeks)
HIV Clinic (4 weeks)
Microbiology (2 weeks)
Infection Prevention / Employee Health (2 Weeks)
Acute Care Experience (choose Emergency Medicine or Critical Care) – (4 weeks)

Elective Learning Experiences

Electives may include repeating a core learning experience as well as any of the following:

Outreach AST Telehealth (2-4 weeks)
Critical Care (4 weeks)
Emergency Department (4 weeks)
Pediatric Infectious Disease Teaching Service (2-4 weeks)

Staffing Responsibilities

Consistent with ASHP residency standards, each resident will complete a “staffing” or service commitment component of the residency program. Service commitment is crucial to the development of professional practice skills. Throughout this experience residents will gain proficiency in distribution and clinical activities, personnel management and leadership. This pharmacy practice component represents a longitudinal learning opportunity within the framework of the residency program.

AST Staffing Shifts: The PGY2-ID resident will be assigned to cover three AST day staffing shifts per month (8-4:30pm). The dates may vary based on department needs.
Weekend Staffing: Residents are assigned to work one out of every three weekends as a part of the centralized pharmacy team. Weekend staffing may begin as soon as July. Each weekend shift is typically 8.5 hours in duration (with a 30-minute lunch), from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents are assigned to cover specific patient care areas during each weekend shift, which may vary from weekend to weekend.
Holiday Staffing: Each resident will staff one major and one minor holiday.
- Major holidays include: Thanksgiving, Christmas
- Minor holidays include: Labor Day, New Years, Memorial Day

Projects and Activities

One clinical/practice research project to be presented at MAD-ID conference
Medication usage evaluation and present to appropriate forum
Two formulary reviews/class reviews (monograph and summary) presentations
Completion of two Pharmacy Grand Rounds presentations
Completion of Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacist (SIDP) Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate
Various clinical practice management projects
Journal Club in conjunction with medical residents
Eighty-five percent (85%) of goals and objectives scored as achieved for residency
Other activities as determined by the program and the resident

PGY-2 Infectious Disease Pharmacy Residency Summary Information

Accreditation: Candidate Status
Program Code: 61605
ASHP Match #: 692755
Number of Residents: 1
Hospital Size: 450 beds
Number of Preceptors: 22
Salary: $53,000
Paid Vacation Days: 15 days of PTO. Residents have PTO available for illness, personal days, and extended weekend for travel to home or personal or family events.
Leave: Professional Leave Attendance at professional meetings is considered part of professional responsibilities, not PTO. Medical and Personal Leave of Absence Residents may apply for a leave of absence for medical reasons, personal reasons, military service and jury duty per UnityPoint Health HR policy.
Travel: Reimbursement for all reasonable trainee expenses including meeting registration, travel, hotel (double occupancy) and meals. Residents should plan to attend MAD-ID.
Health Benefits: dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, disability
Staffing: Two eight hour shifts every third weekend, Three Antimicrobial Stewardships per month
Other: Professional meeting attendance (MAD-ID), convenient underground parking, paid holidays, designated resident office, reference material stipend, access to Health Sciences Library, free on-site fitness facilities access, and UnityPoint Health team members may present their ID badge to ride any Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority – DART bus for free.

Application Process

Process/Requirements
Resident Matching Program

Process/Requirements

The PGY2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency Program will allow for early commitment to the program. This opportunity will be offered to the current PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residents within the same organization or healthcare system per ASHP regulations. The PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident will be required to submit, in writing, their application to pursue the PGY2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency Program by November 1. The application will include a CV, letter of intent as well as three preceptor letters of recommendations. The PGY2 residency program director will schedule an interview with interested applicants and the above process of scoring applications and interview schedule will be followed. Following the interview, the residency advisory committee will make a decision regarding early commitment.

Candidates must complete the Phorcas residency application before the deadline listed on the ASHP residency site, and include the following:

Personal statement/letter of intent
Curriculum vitae
Verified pharmacy education transcripts

In person interviews will be scheduled in January and February. As part of each interview, candidates will give a 20-minute presentation on the ID topic of their choice. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. The UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Pharmacy Residency Program is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visas at this time. The deadline for receipt of all application materials via PhORCAS is January 2.

Resident Matching Program

This PGY2 Infectious Diseases pharmacy residency program will participate in the ASHP residency matching process. Applicants must be enrolled in the match to be considered for this program. Our ASHP match number is: 692755. More information about the ASHP residency matching process may be obtained at: natmatch.com/ashprmp.

Key Faculty

Dr. Ahmad AlSalman

Dr. Ahmed AlSalman graduated medical school in Egypt. He completed his medical residencies at Brown University - Kent Hospital and Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth - Hitchcock Medical Center and infectious diseases fellowship at Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth - Hitchcock Medical Center. He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Health. Dr. AlSalman precepts the adult infectious diseases teaching service rotation and the outreach antimicrobial stewardship rotation.

Kim Askren

Kim received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2014. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI and became board certified in 2016. Kim earned her Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist certificate from the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists in 2023 and joined UnityPoint Health - Des Moines in 2023 as well. Her interests include infectious disease & antimicrobial stewardship, medication safety and quality improvement. She precepts projects for the PGY2 residency.

Brian Benson

Dr. Leyla Best

Dr. Leyla Best graduated medical school in Peru. She completed her internal medical residency at Michael Reese Hospital and infectious diseases fellowship at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; University of Texas at Houston. Dr. Best leads the outreach antimicrobial stewardship service line. She is an integral member of various UnityPoint Health systemwide committees. Dr. Best is recognized as a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA). Dr. Best precepts the outreach antimicrobial stewardship rotation.

Taylor Boorn

Whitney Brix

Whitney Brix, MLS (ASCP) is the Microbiology Technical Supervisor over the Microbiology Department at Pathology Laboratory for UnityPoint Health Des Moines. Whitney’s role includes balancing day-to-day operations and employee support with department improvement processes including validation design, instrumentation implementation, workflow simplification, and procedure enhancements. Believing there is always ways to grow and improve, Whitney strives to challenge the status quo and is always seeking enhancements and alterations to current processes to improve workload, workflow, and ultimately providing a better patient care environment.

Amanda Bushman

Meagan Caligiuri

Jessi Holter

Dr. Akshay Khatri

Dr. Akshay Khatri graduated medical school in India. He completed his internal medical residency at New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center and infectious diseases fellowship at Northshore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Dr. Khatri also completed an advanced fellowship focusing on infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Khatri precepts the adult infectious diseases teaching service rotation and the outreach antimicrobial stewardship rotation.

Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Dr. Sudhir Kumar graduated medical school in India. He completed his internal medical residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and infectious diseases fellowship at University of Minnesota. He also holds a Master’s degree in microbiology and a Master’s degree in Public Health. Dr. Kumar leads the Des Moines region antimicrobial stewardship service line. He also is certified in infection control. Dr. Kumar precepts the adult infectious diseases teaching service rotation, outreach antimicrobial stewardship rotation and the HIV clinic rotation.

Megan Lewis

Kayla Myers

Carrie O'Brien

Carrie joined Unity Point Health- Des Moines in 1990 as a Student Nurse. She received her nursing degree from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in 1992. Carrie started her professional nursing career that same year on the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology unit at Unity Point Health Des Moines-Blank Children’s Hospital where she obtained her CPON (National Certification in Pediatric Oncology nursing).

Carrie continued at Blank Children’s hospital for the following 22 years and supervised the General Pediatric and Pediatric Oncology/Departments until transitioning to the Infection Prevention Department in 2014. She is in her 34^th year of employment at Unity Point Health-Des Moines

She became a Nationally Certified pediatric nurse (CPN) in 2009 and received her National Board Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) in 2018 and is a certified ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) specialist.

Carrie’s specific areas of interest include infection prevention and risk mitigation regarding construction/renovation/design and water management related to construction throughout the healthcare system in which she assumes the lead role. She is passionate about infection prevention with an emphasis in the neonatal through adolescent populations.

Mackenzie Rittler-Cheney

Mackenzie received her Master of Science in Nursing from Marquette University in 2011. Mackenzie joined UnityPoint Health – Des Moines in 2011 as one of the organization’s first Nurse Residents. She went on to precept, mentor, and lead both Nurse Residents and other newly hired nurses. Mackenzie has functioned as UPHDM’s Clinical Staffing Supervisor, MercyOne Nursing Education Manager, and currently as a Nursing Program Coordinator through UPHDM’s Employee Health and Safety. Through her current role, Mackenzie coordinates the organization’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure program, teaches a variety of classes through the Respiratory Protection and Safe Patient Handling programs, assists with coordination of care for infectious disease exposures and injuries, and assists with the general health and safety onboarding of new team members. Mackenzie’s areas of interest are education, public health, and health promotion of the workforce.

Dr. Maria Romero

Dr. Maria Romero graduated medical school in Venezuela. She completed her internal medical residency at Carney Hospital, Massachusetts and infectious diseases fellowship at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Florida. Dr. Romero precepts the adult infectious diseases teaching service rotation and the outreach antimicrobial stewardship rotation.

Allie Schlicher

Kelly Shea

Dr. David Terrero

Dr. David Terrero graduated medical school in the Dominican Republic. He completed his internal medical residency at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center (BronxCare) and infectious diseases fellowship at University of Cincinnati. Dr. Terrero is recognized as a Fellow of American College of Physicians (FACP). Dr. Terrero precepts the adult infectious diseases teaching service rotation, outreach antimicrobial stewardship rotation and the HIV clinic rotation.

Jennifer Toliver

Dr. Lisa Veach

Dr. Lisa Veach attended medical school at the University of Iowa. She completed her internal medical residency and infectious diseases fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Veach is involved in the UnityPoint Health Des Moines Internal Medical residency program serving as the Specialty Care Site Director. She is the infection control officer for UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. Dr. Veach is an integral member of various UnityPoint Health systemwide committees. Dr. Veach is recognized as a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA) and a Fellow of American College of Physicians (FACP). Dr. Veach precepts the outreach antimicrobial stewardship rotation.

Dr. Joel Waddell

Dr. Joel Waddell attended medical school at Des Moines University (DMU). He completed his pediatric residency at Kansas University and pediatric infectious diseases fellowship at University of Missouri-Kansas City/Children's Mercy Hospital. Dr. Waddell precepts the pediatric infectious diseases teaching service rotation.

Current Residents

Tony Maanum

PharmD

Tony Maanum is a PGY2 infectious disease resident at UnityPoint Health Iowa Methodist Medical Center. He is from Alexandria, Minnesota and earned his PharmD at North Dakota State University. He completed his PGY1 residency at Essentia Health Fargo Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. He chose to go into infectious disease due to its complexity and the amount of work that pharmacists can do in this specialty. He enjoys being on the water and golfing. Tony's interests in infectious disease are in hospital infectious disease practice including antimicrobial stewardship and consult services.

Pharmacy Residency Iowa Methodist Medical Center

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Pharmacy Residency Program Overview

PGY-1 Residency

Curriculum Structure

Pharmacy Residency Teaching

Pharmacy Residency Program

Application Process

Key Faculty

Current Residents

Past Resident Bios

FAQs

PGY-2 Infectious Disease Residency

Curriculum Structure

Pharmacy Residency Teaching

Application Process

Key Faculty

Current Residents