Pharmacy Residency Iowa Methodist Medical Center

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).

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 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).

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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).

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 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 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).

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.