Pharmacy Residency
Cook Children's ASHP-accredited pharmacy residency training is divided into two post-graduate years, with two PGY1 and two PGY2 positions available. Each year-long program introduces residents to multiple aspects of pediatric medicine, diverse patient populations, and leading-edge health care technology. Cook Children's is a 443-bed hospital provides a wide variety of learning opportunities in various areas, including a level II trauma center, level IV NICU, level I PICU, and stem cell transplant unit.
The goal of the programs is to produce well-rounded pediatric pharmacy practitioners with solid foundations built on the theoretical and practical application of clinical pharmacy skills. To accomplish this, residents staff in both clinical and operational roles and work with preceptors and staff who are residency trained and board certified. Cook Children's pharmacists currently account for 20% of pediatric board certified pharmacists in the state of Texas.
Residency preceptors are invested in the growth of residents and helping them develop the tools that they need to succeed. To ensure research projects success, residents receive project mentorship from topic experts and research coordinators as well as dedicated project time throughout the year. Our program hosts biannual quality improvement retreats to review the strengths and weaknesses of our program with preceptors and current residents. Recognizing the rigors of residency training, a wellness program was implemented to provide structured and unstructured support to promote well-being, balance, and resilience.
Cook Children's is affiliated with University of Texas, University of North Texas, and Texas Tech Schools of Pharmacy and provides the opportunity to complete a teaching and leadership program, participate in pharmacy school curriculum, and dedicated time to precepting.
PGY1 Pharmacy Residency
The Cook Children's post-graduate year one residency program offers residents an opportunity to develop clinical pharmacy practice skills in a challenging and progressive environment.
Purpose
PGY1 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives. Residents who successfully complete PGY1 residency programs will be skilled in diverse patient care, practice management, leadership, and education, and be prepared to provide patient care, seek board certification in pharmacotherapy (i.e., BCPS), and pursue advanced education and training opportunities including postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies.
Mission
Since 2008, the ASHP-accredited post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) residency program at Cook Children's has and continues to offer a unique, well-rounded learning experience to a diverse group of first year residents. The PGY1 residency provides a rigorous curriculum, flexible rotations, and a progressive learning environment supported by experienced preceptors. At the completion of the PGY1 year, the resident will have a solid foundation of pediatric clinical knowledge, confidence to function as an independent healthcare provider, and the ability to be a meaningful contributor of pharmaceutical care to a multidisciplinary team.
Required learning experiences 4-6 weeks
- Orientation
- General Pediatrics
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Pharmacy Administration
- Medication Safety
- Precepting/Teaching
Longitudinal learning experiences 6-12 months
- Ambulatory: Pulmonary or Infectious Disease
- Presentations
- Research Project
- Staffing: clinical and operational
Elective learning experiences (choose 3) 4-6 weeks
- Advanced Required Rotation
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Hematology/Oncology
- Infectious Disease
- Informatics
- Investigational Drug Services
- Neurology
- Nutrition Support
- Pain Management
- Pulmonology
- Stem Cell Transplant
- Begin the residency program in mid-June
- Obtain Texas Pharmacy licensure by August 1
- Meet staffing commitments
- Finish a residency research project and manuscript in publishable form. Residents will be required to present their research with a poster at ASHP midyear clinical meeting and a platform presentation at PPAG annual meeting.
- In addition to rotations, the residents will be expected to complete various projects including, but not limited to:
- A medication use evaluation
- A pharmacy and therapeutic committee drug monograph
- Quality and performance improvement projects
- Adverse drug reactions evaluations
- Safety siren updates for the medication safety group
- Community service projects
- Additional information:
- All residents receive travel allowances for ASHP midyear clinical meeting and PPAG annual meeting (or an appropriate specialty focused conference for PGY2 specialty tracks).
- All residents have the opportunity to be a camp counselor at select Cook Children's patient summer camps.
PGY2 Pharmacy Residency
The Cook Children's post-graduate year two residency program helps residents transition from a general practice to a more specialized practice focusing on pediatric patients.
Purpose
PGY2 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency training to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives for advanced practice areas. Residents who successfully complete PGY2 residency programs are prepared for advanced patient care or other specialized positions, and board certification in the advanced practice area, if available.
Mission
The ASHP-accredited post-graduate year 2 (PGY2) residency program at Cook Children's seeks a diverse group of residents to complete an intensive program focused on expanding each resident's clinical pediatric expertise, adaptability, independence, and clinical leadership skills. The PGY2 program at Cook Children's is especially unique in that we offer three PGY2 sub-specialty tracks: General Pediatrics, Critical Care, and Hematology/Oncology. Each track is designed to transition residents from generalist to specialist practitioners within these disciplines and provides mentorship from experts in these areas. At the completion of the PGY2 year, residents will have advanced pediatric clinical knowledge, skills to establish and expand pediatric clinical pharmacy services, and the ability to provide clinical leadership to a multidisciplinary specialty team.
PGY2 program tracks
The Cook Children's PGY2 pediatrics residency program allows residents the flexibility to choose one of three sub-specialty tracks, based on PGY1 experience and career goals:
Candidates that completed an adult-focused PGY1 residency will be placed in the General Pediatrics track
Required learning experiences 4-6 weeks
- Orientation
- Nutrition Support
- General Pediatrics
- General Pediatrics: Specialty Services
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Precepting/Teaching
Longitudinal learning experiences 6-12 months
- Practice Management
- Presentations
- Project
- Staffing
- Ambulatory: Pulmonary or Infectious Diseases
Elective learning experiences (choose 4) 4 weeks
- Advanced Core Rotation
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Hematology/Oncology
- Stem Cell Transplant
- Infectious Disease
- Investigation Drug Services
- Medication Safety
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Palliative Care
- Pulmonology
- Ambulatory: Hematology/Oncology
PGY2 - Hematology/Oncology Track
Candidates have completed a pediatric-focused PGY1 residency
Required Learning Experiences 4-6 weeks
- Orientation
- Nutrition Support
- Oncology I (Hematologic Malignancies)
- Oncology II (Solid Tumors)
- Hematology
- Stem Cell Transplant
- Precepting/Teaching
Longitudinal learning experiences 6-12 months
- Practice Management
- Presentations
- Project
- Staffing
- Ambulatory: Hematology/Oncology (10 months)
Elective learning experiences (choose 3-5) 4 weeks
- Advanced Core Rotation
- General Pediatrics
- General Pediatrics: Specialty Services
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Infectious Disease
- Investigation Drug Services
- Investigation Drug Services II
- Medication Safety
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Palliative Care
- Pulmonology
- Hematology/Oncology Global Health
PGY2 - Critical Care Track
Candidates have completed a pediatric-focused PGY1 residency
Required Learning Experiences 6-8 weeks
- Orientation
- Nutrition Support
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Precepting/Teaching
Longitudinal learning experiences 6-12 months
- Practice Management
- Presentations
- Project
- Staffing
- Ambulatory: Pulmonary or Infectious Disease
Elective learning experiences (choose 3) 4 weeks
- Advanced Core Rotations
- Ambulatory: Hematology/Oncology
- General Pediatrics
- General Pediatrics: Specialty Services
- Hematology/Oncology
- Infectious Disease
- Medication Safety
- Pulmonology
- Pain Management
- Investigation Drug Service
- Palliative Care
- Neurology
- Stem Cell Transplant
PGY2 residency requirements
Throughout the PGY2 residency year, each resident must:
- Start the residency program at the beginning of July
- Obtain Texas pharmacy licensure by July 1
- Meet staffing commitments
- Complete a residency research project and manuscript in publishable form. Residents will be required to present their research at either the PPAG Annual Meeting or an appropriate specialty focused conference.
- Serve as a preceptor for pharmacy students and/or PGY1 residents
- In addition to rotations, the residents will be expected to complete various projects including, but not limited to:
- A Medication Use Evaluation
- A Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee drug monograph
- Quality and performance improvement projects including Medication Safety Failure Mode Effects Analyses (FMEA)
- Drug Class Reviews to aid in formulary management
- FDA Label Updates for the Medication Safety group
- Community service projects
- Acquire teaching certificate through UNT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy (if not already obtained during PGY1)
Pharmacy department information
Cook Children's Pharmacy provides service to a variety of patient care areas including inpatient, outpatient, and the emergency department.. The pharmacy operates under a decentralized model, with a majority of pharmaceutical care occurring on the patient care units. Pharmacy services include drug procurement and storage, preparation and dispensing, drug therapy monitoring, medication reconciliation, patient education, and parenteral nutrition evaluation. The pharmacy is a part of the medical center's clinical support division and reports activities through the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.
- Administration: director, clinical manager, three clinical coordinators, operations manager, pharmacist supervisors, business manager, regulatory affairs manager, and pharmacy technician supervisors
- Specialists: NICU, PICU, hematology and oncology, cardiology, nutrition support, and antimicrobial stewardship/infectious diseases
- Pharmacy support: informatics, medication safety, investigational drugs, and pharmacy finance
- Two PGY1 and two PGY2 residents.
- 67 full-time equivalent pharmacists: clinical, distributive, hematology and oncology and infusion center satellite, outpatient satellite, operating room satellite, ambulatory surgery center satellite, emergency room satellite, retail.
- 70 full-time equivalent pharmacy technicians: distributive, clinical, data analyst, medication safety, medication assistance program, purchasing, inventory and billing/340b.
- 15 pharmacy interns providing clinical and distributive support to PICU, ED, and Retail Pharmacy
Residency Biographies
Mike Bentley, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Emergency Medicine
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2012
Residency Rotations: Emergency Medicine (PGY1 and PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy
Kristin Bohannon, PharmD, BCPPS
Clinical Pharmacist, Pulmonary/Cystic Fibrosis Ambulatory Clinic
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2018
Residency Rotations: Ambulatory Care, Pulmonary
Pharmacy Education: Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Seton Healthcare Family - Dell Children’s Medical Center, PGY2 Pediatrics University of Kentucky
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My main areas of interest are currently in cystic fibrosis, asthma, and transitions of care. I am also involved in various quality improvement projects in the pulmonary clinic.
More About Me: In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, reading, going to concerts, and spending time with my friends, family, and two puppies.
Michelle Crawford, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical pharmacy specialist, infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2016
Residency Rotations: Infectious disease (PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 and PGY2 Pharmacotherapy - University of Texas at Austin and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My primary areas of interest are infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship. I'm also interested in immunology and other areas such as pediatric liver and intestinal transplantation. I'm involved with quality improvement initiatives and am a member of ACCP, SIDP and PIDS.
More About Me: I enjoy reading, bicycle riding and knitting.
Beth Deen, PharmD, BCNSP, BCPPS
Senior clinical pharmacy specialist, nutrition support and PGY1 residency program director
Tenure at Cook Children's: 1996
Residency Rotations: Nutrition Support elective (PGY1 and PGY2), Staffing - Nutrition Support Service (PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: B.S. Pharmacy, University of Iowa and Pharm.D., University of Texas
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pediatric Pharmacotherapy - Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, The University of Tennessee
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: I provide daily parenteral nutrition consults to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the gastroenterology service and throughout the medical center upon request. I enjoy mentoring young pharmacists serving as our PGY1s Residency Program Director. I also serve as the Past-Chair of the Pharmacy Practice section for ASPEN, the Chair of the GI/Nutrition Special Interest Group for PPA, and Chair of the Pediatric Pharmacy Specialty Council for BPS.
More About Me: I'm married and have four young adults and 3 German Shephards, which keeps our house very busy. I'm a morning person and love to exercise - yoga, walking or spinning on my Peleton! When I can get away, I love to travel (with AND without the kids).
Lauren Duran, PharmD, MBA, BCPPS
Clinical pharmacist, hematology and oncology
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2016
Residency Rotations: Pain Management (PGY1 and PGY2); Palliative Care (PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice - Cook Children's Medical Center; PGY2 Pediatrics - Cook Children's Medical Center (focus in hematology and oncology)
Areas of Interest: I am interested in hematology and oncology, palliative care, pain management, opioid stewardship, parenteral nutrition support, medication safety and quality improvement.
Research: Quality improvement initiatives, novel pain management therapies in pediatrics and standardization initiatives in the pain management, palliative care, and oncology settings.
Professional involvement: Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of ACCP (member/officer), Hematology-Oncology Pharmacist Association and Children's Oncology Group, PPA
More About Me: Originally from Houston, Texas, I moved to west Texas to attend college at Texas Tech University. Through undergraduate, graduate and pharmacy school I had the opportunity to provide health care services to the population of west Texas and the Texas panhandle. I was given the opportunity to work with a pediatric oncology pharmacist and physician in an outpatient clinic and infusion center, and I fell in love! Through my residency training, I found a new passion in pain management and palliative care. I enjoy working with a comprehensive medical team to provide optimal and novel care to the patients in these settings, with an emphasis on medication safety.
My husband, Robbie, and I have been married since 2012 and have a dog and one son. As a family, we enjoy hiking, watching movies, playing board games and hosting game nights with loved ones. We have lived all over Texas, and we may never leave. We love to travel, and we are excited to explore the world together!
Melissa Gervase, PharmD, BCPPS
Clinical pharmacy specialist, pediatric intensive care, PGY2 residency coordinator critical care track
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2014
Residency Rotations: Pediatric Intensive Care (PGY1 and PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice - Mission Hospitals; PGY2 Pediatrics - Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Areas of Interest: Critical care, kidney transplant, infectious disease, pain and sedation, and health literacy
Research: Quality improvement initiatives
Professional Involvement: PPA (member, vice-chair critical care SIG, education committee, and past platform presentor)
More About Me: I spend most of my free time with my daughter and furbabies, Bentley and Dolly. I love to travel and try to take at least one international trip a year!
Devinne James, PharmD
Pharmacist
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2016
Residency Rotations: Orientation & Staffing (PGY1 & PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: Harding University College of Pharmacy
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My interests include pharmacy operations, medication safety, and quality improvement. I am involved with various projects regarding patient safety and improving central pharmacy operations.
More About Me: I spend my spare time reading, working out, and binge-watching dramas. I love beating my friends and family in card and board games, cooking for loved ones, and discovering new places close by and far away.
Aaron Knott, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Hematology and Oncology
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2011
Residency Rotations: Longitudinal Staffing - Hematology/Oncology, Infusion Center Pharmacy (PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: University of Kansas
Post Graduate Training: PGY-1 at Cook Children’s Medical Center 2011-2012
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: Pediatric oncology, stem cell transplant, cellular therapy. I stumbled into pediatric hematology/oncology during my first week of rotations in my last year of school. We started out by staffing at a pediatric H/O summer camp and dispensed their medications. I quickly decided I wanted to pursue a pediatric residency and I’ve been enjoying my time in H/O world ever since!
More About Me: Two of my biggest interests outside of work are running (often my interest is in running shoes more than the actual running itself) and space. Going to see a rocket launch is on my bucket list.
Micha Koentz, PharmD
Investigational Pharmacy Supervisor
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2011
Residency Rotations: Investigational Drug Services (PGY1 and PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: St. Louis College of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency - St. John's Mercy Hospital (Springfield, MO)
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: I have always been passionate about oncology. During my residency, I was trained in pediatric oncology through the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital clinic at my institution. After residency, I moved to Texas to work at Cook Children's. Here, I was introduced to pediatric oncology through Children's Oncology Group (COG). I worked for a few years as an oncology clincal pharmacist and in the outpatient chemotherapy setting. In 2014, I moved into the investigatinal pharmacy role. Here, I am in charge of investigational drugs in the oncology setting. This role is exciting and has new challenges every day. I love being part of a world that is trying to advance pediatric oncology medication.
More About Me: I am originally from Missouri. I love being outdoors, watching sports (Go Gators!), traveling, being active, and spending time with my friends and family.
Nhi La, PharmD
Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Infectious Diseases/HIV Ambulatory Clinic
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2007
Residency Rotations: Ambulatory clinic, infectious disease (PGY1 and PGY2); Infectious disease (PGY1)
Pharmacy Education: University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My interests include HIV, antimicrobial stewardship, process improvement, and precepting. My research projects are related to penicillin allergy, immunization in HIV patients, and transition of care. I'm a member of ASHP and PPA.
More About Me: I'm married and have 3 girls - Victoria, Catherine, and Elizabeth. I like to play tennis, travel, and being outdoors with the kids.
Ean Miller, PharmD, BCPPS
Clinical Pharmacy Manager, PGY2 Residency Program Director
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2012
Residency Rotations: Pharmacy administration (PGY1); Practice management (PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice - Wesley Medical Center; PGY2 Pediatrics - Palmetto Health Children's Hospital
Areas of Interest: Emergency medicine, critical care, pharmacy leadership, process and quality improvement, coaching, mentorship, precepting and teaching
Research: Quality improvement initiatives, impact and expansion of pharmacist roles in pediatric care, precepting and teaching
Professional Involvement: CHA (member); PPA (member); ASHP (member, past platform presenter); TSHP (past platform presenter)
More About Me: I've been married to my wife, Raven, since 2006 but she has been my best friend since 2000 – over half my life now! We have three wonderful kids: our oldest son, Eden, daughter, EmmaClaire, and youngest son, Ezra. Outside of Cook Children's, I play bass guitar for our worship band and am active in many other ways in our local church, local homeless ministries, and foreign mission work. I enjoy the mental and physical challenge of long distance running and regularly completed half-marathons and have two full marathons under my shoes, but following a recent injury I have taken up biking. I also appreciate the feeling of accomplishment from DIY projects or just maintaining our house and cars.
Ozioma Ogbuokiri Olowu, PharmD, BCPPS
Director of Pharmacy
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2006
Pharmacy Education: Northeastern University Bouvé College of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice - Children's National Medical Center; PGY2 Pharmacy Administration - University of Pittsburgh; Diplomate, Pharmacy Leadership Academy
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My practice interests include administration, expansion of the pharmacist, student pharmacist and technician roles, health care equality, teaching and economic outcomes research. I am a member of the local, state and national health-system, clinical pharmacy and pediatric pharmacy organizations, serving in various capacities and leadership roles since pharmacy school.
More About Me: I'm originally from South Jersey, and am now officially a Texan! I have three children who keep me very busy. When I do get time to myself, I enjoy reading, working out or sleeping, not necessarily in that order. I also enjoy travelling and have a long bucket list of places in the world I'd like to see!
Olga Rodriguez, PharmD, BCPPS
Clinical pharmacy specialist, cardiology and PGY2 pediatric residency coordinator
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2008
Residency Rotations: Cardiology (PGY1 and PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice - Cook Children's Medical Center
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: Pediatric/neonatal cardiology, pulmonary hypertension, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, pre- and post-kidney transplant patient education for recipients and donors and parenteral nutrition support. I participate on the code and venous thromboembolism committees, and I'm also a member of ACCP and ASHP.
More About Me: I spend most of my time with my dog Bela. Bela and I enjoy long walks and traveling to visit family. I enjoy traveling around the world, hiking, trekking and live music.
Kimberly Tobin, PharmD, BCPPS
Clinical pharmacy specialist, Neonatal intensive care unit
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2012
Residency Rotations: Neonatal intensive care (PGY1 and PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice and PGY2 Pediatrics - Cook Children's Medical Center
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My interests include critical care, pain and sedation, infectious disease, pharmacokinetics, and drug dosing in special populations. I am involved in quality improvement initiatives within the pharmacy department and the neonatal pain committee.
More About Me: I love to travel with my family exploring new places and trying new foods.
Heidi Trinkman, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical pharmacy specialist, hematology and oncology, stem cell transplant, PGY2 residency coordinator hematology and oncology track
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2006
Residency Rotations: Hematology/oncology, Stem cell transplant (PGY1 and PGY2), Ambulatory care, hematology/oncology (PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: University of Oklahoma
Post Graduate Training: PGY2 Oncology - Johns Hopkins Hospital
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: hemophilia/coagulation disorders, oncology supportive care, cellular and molecular targeted therapies
More About Me: I enjoy music, movies and all things Disney!
Stephanie Tupper, PharmD
Medication Safety Specialist
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2013
Residency Rotations: Medication Safety (PGY1)
Pharmacy Education: Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice - Cook Children's Medical Center
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My main areas of interest are medication safety and quality, opioid stewardship, antimicrobial stewardship.
More About Me: I am from California and moved to Texas with my husband for my residency at CCMC in 2013. Since then, we have been slowly recruited our parents, siblings, and a few cousins to join us in Texas! I love playing with our kids, spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, and taking Barre classes.
Greg Wendel, PharmD, BCPPS
Clinical Pharmacist, general pediatrics
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2010
Residency Rotations: General Pediatrics (PGY1 and PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: University of Kansas
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice - Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Areas of Interest: Pulmonology, infectious disease, and general process improvement
Professional Involvement: ASHP, PPA
More About Me: I enjoy distance running, home improvement projects, and spending time with my wife and daughter.
Lorrainea Williams, PharmD, CPPS
Patient & Medication Safety Officer
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2002
Residency Rotations: Medication Safety (PGY1 and PGY2)
Pharmacy Education: University of Texas at Austin
Post Graduate Training: IHI-Patient Safety Executive Development, ISMP – Medication Safety Practitioner in Residence, Certified Professional in Patient Safety, Advancing Health Care Leadership Program at Texas Christian University
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: Human Factors Engineering, Quality Improvement, Clincial Effectiveness, Process Standardization, Error Prevention, and Data Analysis
More About Me: I love to be outside playing with my kids, preferably on a warm and sunny beach. My hobbies are baking, gardening, and reading.
Shanequa Williams, PharmD, MPH, BCPS, BCPPS, CPH
Manager, Epic Inpatient & Ambulatory Pharmacy Applications
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2015
Pharmacy Education: University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice - Texas Tech University/Texas Health Harris Methodist - Fort Worth; PGY2 Pediatrics - Children’s Medical Center - Dallas
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My primary areas of interest include pharmacy informatics and clinical decision support. I am involved in several multidisciplinary teams throughout the organization and I am currently a member of MSHP, TSHP, and ASHP. In addition, I currently serve as the president on the Board of Directors for the Mother’s Milk.
More About Me: I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active through various types of physical activity such as running and bootcamp style workouts.
Alice Yeh, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, LSSYB
Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator, Emergency Services
Residency Rotations: Emergency Medicine (PGY1 and PGY2)
Tenure at Cook Children's: 2014
Pharmacy Education: University of Michigan
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My primary areas of interest are critical care, drug information, and process improvement. I'm a member of ASHP and PPA. I am currently working on our transitions of care program at Cook Children's.
More About Me: I enjoy playing the piano, baking, knitting, and general life-hacking. My husband and I are the proud parents of a toddler, one cantankerous cat with one eye, and another cat that thinks she's a dog.
Kasaandra Ibañez, PharmD
PGY2 pediatric pharmacy resident - general pediatrics track, class of 2023
Started at Cook Children's: 2022
Pharmacy Education: University of Houston College of Pharmacy
Post Graduate Training: PGY1 at Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center in Houston, TX
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My areas of interest include general pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and pulmonology. My past research experience has largely been focused on neonatal infectious disease. I love pediatrics, and I’m very excited to learn all that I can this year!
More About Me: I am originally from Red Oak, Texas, but I’ve lived in Houston for the past five years. Outside of work, I enjoy reading novels, trying new recipes, and going salsa dancing with my friends!
Jacob (Jake) Voyles, PharmD
PGY2 Pediatric Specialty Resident - critical care track, class of 2023
Started at Cook Children's: 2021
Pharmacy Education: The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My areas of interest include critical care, infectious diseases, and emergency medicine. During school I was involved in two quality improvement projects. This year I look forward to shifting my research focus to more clinical areas.
More About Me: I am originally from the St. Louis area but have spent time in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Texas. If I'm not at work you can usually find me hanging out with my dog, with my friends trying out new restaurants and breweries, or at any of the local sporting events!
Andre Castaneda, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident, class of 2023
Started at Cook Children's: 2019
Pharmacy Education: The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My areas of interest include cardiology, critical care, and academia. My past research experience has largely been focused on teaching, but I have also worked on research involving cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease.
More About Me: In my free time I like to try new restaurants with my fiancée, watch sporting events with my friends, and hang out with my family and dogs. I am also a huge Star Wars fan and I travel the country every year to fan conventions.
Savannah Pullin, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident, class of 2023
Started at Cook Children's: 2022
Pharmacy Education: Texas Tech Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy
Areas of Interest, Research, Professional Involvement: My interests involve critical care and emergency medicine. I look forward to working on research involving quality improvement. I am excited for the year to come and all of the learning and experiences it will bring!
More About Me: I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I love taking day trips to nearby cities, listening to true crime podcasts, and bass fishing when the weather is nice! I also enjoy relaxing at home with my boyfriend and our dog, and watching Jacques, our miniature lobster, run laps around the aquarium.
Meet pharmacy residents who have graduated from Cook Children's ASHP-accredited pharmacy residency.
Past pharmacy residents
Danielle Kibby, PharmD
PGY1 2020-2021 & PGY2 2021-2022 (Hematology & Oncology Track)
- Pharmacy Education: University of Florida College of Pharmacy
- First Position Post-residency: Clinical Specialist- Pediatric Hematolog/Oncology, AdventHealth for Children, Orlando, FL
Lauren Jenkins, PharmD
PGY1 2021-2022
- Pharmacy Education: The Univeristy of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
- First Position Post-residency: PGY2 Health-System and Pharmacy Leadership Residency, Baylor Scott & White Health System, Dallas, TX
Cyrus Yahyavi, PharmD
PGY1 2021-2022
- Pharmacy Education: University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy
- First Position Post-residency: Clinical Pharmacist, Pediatric Critical Care, Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Brooke Lizotte, PharmD
PGY1 2020-2021
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Clinical Pharmacist at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Liza Kramer, PharmD
PGY1 2019-2020 & PGY2 2020-2021 (Hematology & Oncology Track)
- University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
- Clinical Pharmacist at Children’s Wisconsin
2016-2020
Sierra Richard, PharmD
PGY1 2019-2020
- University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Clinical Pharmacist at University of Missouri Women's and Children's Hospital
Mackenzie Creamer, PharmD
PGY1 2018-2019 & PGY2 2019-2020 (Hematology & Oncology Track)
- University of Mississippi
- Heme/Onc Clinical Specialist at Children's Hospital New Orleans
Allie Elizory, PharmD, BCOP
PGY2 2018-2019 (Hematology & Oncology Track)
- University of Florida College of Pharmacy
- Clinical Pharmacist - Oncology/BMT at Children's Hospital Colorado
- Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (Spring 2021)
Ellen Bickel, PharmD, BCPPS
PGY1 2017-2018 & PGY2 2018-2019 (Critical Care Track)
- University of South Florida School of Pharmacy
- Clinical Pharmacist PICU lead at University of New Mexico Hospital
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Fall 2019)
Shannon Oliver, PharmD, BCPPS
PGY1 2017-2018
- Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy
- Staff Pharmacist at Arkansas Children's NW
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Spring 2021)
Sarah Waller, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS
PGY2 2017-2018 (General Pediatrics Track)
- University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
- Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist at Spartanburg Medical Center
- Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (Spring 2018); Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Spring 2019)
Lauren Duran, PharmD, BCPPS
PGY1 2016-2017 & PGY2 2017-2018 (Hematology & Oncology Track)
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy
- Heme/Onc Clinical Pharmacist at Cook Children’s Medical Center
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Fall 2018)
Kimberly Tobin, PharmD, BCPPS
PGY1 2015-2016 & PGY2 2016-2017 (Critical Care Track)
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy
- NICU Clinical Specialist at Cook Children’s Medical Center
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Spring 2019)
Dani Ball, PharmD
PGY1 2015-2016 & PGY2 2016-2017 (Critical Care Track)
- University of South Carolina School of Pharmacy
- Critical Care Clinical Pharmacist at Cook Children’s Medical Center
2011 -2015
Kylee Kastelic, PharmD
PGY1 2014-2015
- Oregon State University College of Pharmacy
- Drug Information and Drug Policy Pharmacist at Oregon Health & Science University/Doernbecher Children's Hospital
Clifford Ho, PharmD
PGY1 2014-2015
- University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
- Critical Care Clinical Pharmacist at Cook Children’s Medical Center
Stephanie Tupper, PharmD
PGY1 2013-2014
- Loma Linda University
- Medication Safety Specialist at Cook Children’s Medical Center
Ana Nicho, PharmD, BCPPS
PGY1 2013-2014
- University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
- PICU Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at University Health System, San Antonio
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Fall 2017)
Tola Adu, PharmD, BCPPS
PGY1 2011-2012
- LECOM School of Pharmacy
- Float Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Spring 2018)
Aaron Knott, PharmD
PGY1 2011-2012
- University of Kansas School of Pharmacy
- Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacist at Cook Children’s Medical Center
Pearl Wong, PharmD, BCPPS
PGY1 2010-2011
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy
- Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator at Cook Children’s Medical Center
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Spring 2021)
2008-2010
Melissa Cwikinski, PharmD, BCPPS
PGY1 2009-2010
- Pacific University School of Pharmacy
- General Pediatrics Clinical Supervisor at Doernbecher Children's Hospital
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Spring 2020)
Stephanie Karasick, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS
PGY1 2009-2010
- University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
- Critical Care Clinical Specialist at Children’s Medical Center Dallas
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Fall 2019) & Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (Fall 2019)
Maja Smailagic, PharmD
PGY1 2008-2009
- University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
- Epic Pharmacy Informatics Specialist at Cook Children’s Medical Center
Olga Rodriguez, PharmD, BCPPS
PGY1 2008-2009
- University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
- CICU Clinical Specialist at Children’s Medical Center Dallas
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (Fall 2020)
I am so glad my pharmacy career started at Cook Children's. I was able to learn from the best preceptors and the residency program really helped me grow as a pharmacist. All the preceptors were great to work with, and they really cared about you as an individual. I proudly tell people I did my residency at Cook Children's.
My residency at CCMC provided me with the knowledge and experience required to become a pediatric clinical pharmacist. Most importantly, my residency inspired me to pursue a career in Medication Safety.
My time at Cook was very transformative and helped me grow into the pharmacist I am today. In particular, the guidance I had from preceptors, especially Heidi, helped me feel supported in my time there and since leaving. I continue to use Heidi as a resource and continue to feel her support from hundreds of miles away. The flexibility I had within the HO track allowed me to really explore all areas of interest, and helped solidify where my main interests lie.
Cook Children's and their residency program helped me in every way get to where I am now. They provided a structure that allowed me to grow and become more confident in myself as a clinical pediatric pharmacist.
Residency program application instructions
Interested candidates should submit the following items no later than January 2nd.
- Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS) application
- Candidate application with the National Matching Service (NMS)
- A one-page letter of intent which includes both your short and long-term professional goals, why you are pursuing residency training, and why you are interested in the residency program at Cook Children’s Medical Center
- Official transcript from pharmacy school
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Three letters of recommendations required; a fourth letter is optional.
- One letter must be from a clinical preceptor (pediatric preceptor preferred)
- One letter should be from most recent employer (pharmacy employer preferred)
- PGY2: One letter must be from PGY1 Residency Program Director (RPD)
- Optional photograph
A screening interview is required. Selected applicants will then be invited to interview with Cook Children’s Medical Center at a mutually convenient time during late January or February.