Our Residents

Alicia Bill, PharmD

Major research project: Discontinuing aspirin for Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy prophylaxis in heart transplant patients on Concurrent anticoagulation (the CONCAVE study)

Minor research project: The Impact of Send-Out Triazole Antifungal Concentrations on Patient Safety at a Large Academic Medical Center

Education: Wegmans School of Pharmacy, St. John Fisher University

Professional interests: Emergency Medicine, Solid Organ Transplant

Why UR Medicine? URMC provides an opportunity to care for a diverse patient population with hands-on clinical experience opportunities and a focus on interdisciplinary care. The wide variety of rotations offered has provided me an opportunity to explore my different areas of interest. I know that at URMC I will be both challenged and supported by the preceptors here to continue growing into a well-rounded pharmacist.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? My favorite part about Rochester is being able to drive easily anywhere and trying out new restaurants or coffee shops. Fall and Spring are my favorite in Rochester and there's so much to do during this time.

Personal interests/fun facts: In my free time, I enjoy competing in powerlifting, trying different coffee shops, and reading a good book. My favorite podcasts to listen to are true crime.

Personal catchphrase: A little progress each day adds up to big results.

Carlos Lopez, PharmD

Major research project: Evaluation of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Taking Immunomodulatory Drugs

Minor research project: Evaluation of Intravenous Iron Utilization in Patients with Heart Failure and Iron Deficiency at a Large Academic Medical Center

Education: BS Biochemistry from The University of Texas at El Paso; PharmD from The University of Colorado, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Professional interests: Infectious Diseases

Why UR Medicine? The University of Rochester is the biggest healthcare provider for upstate New York and the surrounding region. URMC Strong is brimming with opportunities to learn and grow while actively making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. UR Medicine preceptors often graduate from this very program, which speaks to their dedication to the hospital, their patients, and their residents.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? Rochester is called the city of flowers for a reason. The city has a lot of beautiful scenery and people are kind.

Personal interests/fun facts: Playing videogames, attending music events, creating art, studying, spending time with my puppy and my loved ones.

Personal catchphrase: The way people treat you has nothing to do with you and is a reflection of how they see and treat themselves.

Jeremiah Obeng, PharmD

Major research project: Impact of Embedded Medication Management Services in Primary Care on Medication Adherence Rates at 6-Months

Minor research project: Evaluation of Adherence to Institutional Phosphate Repletion Guidelines at a Large Academic Medical Center

Education: St. Louis College of Pharmacy at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy

Professional interests: Ambulatory Care, Solid Organ Transplant

Why UR Medicine? I chose UR medicine because of its unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care and pharmacy education. The hospital’s reputation for innovation and dedication to advancing the field of pharmacy aligns with my commitment. I believe that the supportive environment and diverse clinical experiences offered at URMC will provide me with the knowledge and skills needed to become a competent and compassionate pharmacist. I am eager to learn from experienced preceptors and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to make a positive impact on patient outcomes.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I am super eager to try all types of restaurants and food. I also look forward to exploring hiking areas.

Personal interests/fun facts: Hiking, traveling, reading, sports, movies

Personal catchphrase: You know what I mean.

Kylie Jorgensen

Major research project: Real world dalfampridine efficacy in a health system specialty pharmacy

Minor research project: Streamlining Refill Documentation: Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy in a Health System Specialty Pharmacy Process

Education: University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Pharmacy

Professional interests: Ambulatory Care, Chronic Disease State Management

Why UR Medicine? The PGY-1 Community Pharmacy Practice residency offered by UR really drew me in with the wide variety of rotation opportunities. Being able to gain experience in outpatient, ambulatory care, and specialty pharmacy settings all within one residency program was the perfect mixed bag for me.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I have enjoyed going to the Public Market, Watkins Glen State Park, and the Finger Lakes winery scene. I haven’t explored a whole lot yet, but I plan to visit more of New York’s state parks over the course of this year.

Personal interests/fun facts: In my free time you can usually find me working on something crafty (crocheting, knitting, paint-by-number) and probably binge-watching a show on Netflix or college volleyball. I also enjoy traveling (especially to National Parks) and reading when I get the chance.

Personal catchphrase: "Contribute more than you consume." – Ray Bechard, KU Volleyball Head Coach

Rachel Leffler, PharmD

Major research project: Safety and Efficacy of Tenecteplase versus Alteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Minor research project: Characterization of IV Insulin to Treat Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis (HTGP)

Education: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY

Professional interests: Critical Care, Internal Medicine and Academia

Why UR Medicine? I knew from my first experiences with the team at Highland that it was the perfect place for me to learn and grow as a new pharmacist, due to the highly supportive environment and dedicated preceptors. Highland Hospital has a wide variety of learning experiences, with additional opportunities for electives at Strong Memorial Hospital. I enjoy the many opportunities for precepting and teaching as well.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? Being newly moved to the area, I am looking forward to trying restaurants unique to Rochester and exploring new hiking trails.

Personal interests/fun facts: I love exploring new places, trying new foods, and spending time with family and two rottweilers!

Personal catchphrase: "Love your family, work super hard, live your passion" - Gary Vaynerchuk

Alicia Zimmer, PharmD

Major research project: Evaluation of Cephalosporin use and Patient Outcomes Following Penicillin-Cephalosporin Cross-Reactivity Alert Removal

Minor research project: Characterization of IV Insulin to Treat Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis

Education: St. John Fisher University, Wegmans School of Pharmacy, Rochester, NY

Professional interests: Infectious Diseases and Anticoagulation

Why UR Medicine? I chose Highland Hospital because it was evident in each interaction that I had with the program that their preceptors care about their residents and want to see them achieve their goals. I love the family dynamic that Highland's pharmacy department has! Highland Hospital also provided me with the ability to complete a variety of rotations in my primary clinical area of interest-infectious disease.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I grew up in Rochester and love being able to spend time on the lake-boating and jet skiing, during the summer!

Personal interests/fun facts: One non-pharmacy related topic that I really want to learn is ASL.

Personal catchphrase: "Take the risk, everything is hard before it's easy."

Tanner Buchanan, PharmD

Major research project: Impact of Embedded Medication Management Services in Primary Care on Medication Adherence Rates at 6-months

Minor research project: TBD

Education: St. John Fisher University, Wegmans School of Pharmacy in Rochester, NY

PGY1: Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY

Professional interests: Comprehensive medication management (CMM), mentoring/precepting students

Why UR Medicine? I chose to pursue my PGY2 in ambulatory care at UR Medicine due to the increasing role of pharmacists in primary care and the strong interdisciplinary collaboration with healthcare teams. Additionally, UR Medicine provides a wide range of ambulatory care experiences, serving diverse patient populations, including those with complex social needs. Being in my hometown, UR Medicine allows me to give back to the community I grew up in, which is something I’m passionate about.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? My favorite thing about Rochester is the variety of activities throughout the year, such as the Lilac Festival, various 5K runs, Party in the Park concert series, and the proximity to the Finger Lakes. I also love Rochester during the fall and enjoy visiting local farms to go apple picking, walk through pumpkin patches, and indulge in donuts and apple cider.

Personal interests/fun facts: I have a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever mix, and I love taking him to parks so he can run around. I enjoy exploring new restaurants, wineries, and breweries. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been told I resemble Zac Efron, and once, while at the beach, someone asked to take a picture with me because of it!

Stephanie Toole, PharmD

Major research project: Efficacy and safety of tenecteplase versus alteplase for acute ischemic stroke

Minor research project: Evaluation of tirofiban versus cangrelor for bridge therapy during mechanical circulatory support

Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

PGY1: Tampa General Hospital

Professional interests: Neurocritical Care

Why UR Medicine? I am eager to gain a well-rounded experience during my PGY2 training by engaging in diverse patient populations and exploring a range of clinical settings beyond the ICU, including the emergency department and toxicology. Additionally, I look forward to continuing my involvement with students through teaching and precepting opportunities. Lastly, URMC offers supportive preceptors that will help guide me through the year.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I love all the different coffee shops, small shops, restaurants, and breweries Rochester has to offer. I am excited to try them all throughout the year! I also enjoy being within a few hours of several outdoor parks such as Letchworth State Park, the Niagara Falls Gorge, and Watkins Glen.

Personal interests/fun facts: I love spending time with friends and family outside of work and I love trying new restaurants or activities. I also love hiking and have traveled all over the U.S. hiking finding the best hiking spots. I also love to cook and love when I perfect a new recipe-- my current go to meal is chicken parm!

Personal catchphrase: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

Jessica Zagari, PharmD

Major research project: Evaluation of Cephalosporin use and Patient Outcomes Following the Removal of Institutional and Electronic Health Record Warnings of Penicillin-Cephalosporin Cross-Reactivity

Minor research project: TBD

Education: Wegmans School of Pharmacy, St. John Fisher University

Professional interests: Adult and Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Why UR Medicine? I was an intern in the inpatient pharmacy while completing my degree and had firsthand experience of the great workplace environment and dedication to learners. URMC has an impressive group of preceptors with ample experiences offered in a wide array of subspecialties, which I knew would best prepare me for any setting I may find myself practicing in. I wanted to be part of a program that supports and challenges me to be my best and provide exceptional patient care.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I have lived in Rochester all my life and love how much there is to do. From sports, festivals, bars and breweries, outdoor scenic routes - there is something for everyone during every season.

Personal interests/fun facts: I love reading, spending time with friends, and hanging out with my dog, Ollie.

Personal catchphrase: "Don’t settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had." - Angela Bassett

Youcef Azzi, PharmD

Major research project: Evaluation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients with multiple myeloma taking immunomodulatory drugs

Education: Bachelor of Science, Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC; Doctor of Pharmacy, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA

Professional interests: Malignant Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplant

Why UR Medicine? Expansive areas of pharmacy specialty practice and opportunities for collaborative research within an academic setting.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? The small city feel while also having plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy throughout the year!

Personal interests/fun facts: Very interested in learning new languages. I currently speak four: English, French, Arabic, and Tamazight.

Personal catchphrase: The best things come from living outside of your comfort zone, so push yourself!