Our Residents

Julia Fadul

Major research project: Use of fluconazole compared to posaconazole for antifungal prophylaxis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) patients undergoing induction chemotherapy

Minor research project: Evaluation of an enoxaparin dosing and monitoring guideline in pediatric patients

Education: Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA (PharmD, 2021)

Professional interests: Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Pediatrics 

Why UR Medicine? I was drawn to UR Medicine for the various rotation opportunities and the diverse patient population. 

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 living in Rochester is getting to shop at Wegmans and I am really excited to find out what the Rochester food scene has to offer.

Personal interests/fun facts: I love spending time on the Finger Lakes and being outdoors! I also love going to spin classes and binge-watching reality tv. 

 

Elizabeth Uttaro

Major research project: 4F-PCC use in coagulopathic bleeding

Minor research project: Identifying gaps in utilization of oral chemotherapy treatment plans in a leukemia clinic

Education: Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY (PharmD, 2021)

Professional interests: Emergency Medicine, Toxicology, Critical Care

Why UR Medicine? I chose UR Medicine because it is a large academic medical center with a variety of opportunities to explore my interests and work with a diverse selection of preceptors to learn from. I also grew up in Rochester and being able to serve the community I grew up in is very rewarding.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? The diverse selection of restaurants.

Personal interests/fun facts: In my spare time I enjoy being outside, hiking, trying out new restaurants with friends, and hanging out with my dogs.

 

Denis Vanini

Major research project: Evaluation of Buprenorphine Use in Critically Ill Patients

Minor research project: Evaluation of a Pharmacist-to-Dose Vancomycin Protocol and Associated Clinical Outcomes

Education: University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, NY (PharmD, 2021)

Professional interests: Emergency Medicine, Toxicology, Critical Care

Why UR Medicine? When I was looking at residency programs, I wanted to be part of a program that not only offered a wide range of clinical experiences, but also a place where I felt like the preceptors genuinely wanted me to grow as a pharmacist – that’s exactly what I found at URMC. Even early on, it was so easy to tell that every person here wants you to learn and get the most out of every experience.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I really enjoy going to breweries and there are a ton here. Even though Rochester isn’t considered a “big city” there’s something different to do every weekend!

Personal interests/fun facts: I recently started hiking, so that’s something new I’ve been trying. I’m almost always watching sports (Go Bills) and when the weather is nice I love golfing with my friends!

Viktoriya Avlasevich

Major research project: COVID immunization and infection rates in patients on biologic therapy for autoimmune inflammatory disease

Minor research project: Rates of CMV reactivation with early vs. late letermovir initiation in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients

Education: University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, NY (PharmD, 2021)

Professional interests: Ambulatory Care, Specialty Pharmacy, Academia

Why UR Medicine? I chose the URMC Community Pharmacy Residency program because it offers rotations in areas of pharmacy that align with my career goals, including ambulatory care. The program also has opportunities to expand your knowledge in specialty rotations and offers the flexibility to explore various career interests.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? Rochester has so many opportunities to get outside and explore the area within a short drive. I enjoyed going to Hamlin Beach State Park for Fourth of July!

Personal interests/fun facts: I love spending time with my family and friends in my free time. But I also do a lot of baking, hiking, and reading!

 

Amy Duong

Major research project: Real world impact of 3 mg and 4.5 mg doses of dulaglutide on weight in patients with type 2 diabetes

Minor research project: Tolerance of opportunistic infection prophylaxis post-liver transplant

Education: Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, Milwaukee, WI (PharmD, 2021)

Professional interests: Ambulatory Care, Specialty Pharmacy

Why UR Medicine? I chose the UR Community Pharmacy Residency Program because it offers a variety of experiences in both ambulatory care and specialty pharmacy, which are the two areas I am the most passionate about. More specifically, this program offers the unique opportunity to have multiple specialty rotations that is not typically offered in other PGY1 programs. With this residency program being part of a large academic medical center, I knew I would have the opportunities to build a strong clinical foundation and have experiences with diverse patient populations. Additionally, I knew I wanted to be part of a program where the RPD and preceptors were supportive and invested in my growth, both professionally and personally. 

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? With being from Wisconsin and growing up in a rural area, I appreciate how I can live in a quiet suburb and drive 15 minutes to the city. I have really enjoyed the food in Rochester so far and you never run out of options here! There are so many outdoor activities ranging from trails, lakes, and farmers’ markets so there is always something to do.

Personal interests/fun facts: Outside of work, I am almost always spending time with my two dogs, Bentley and Chewy. In my free time at home, I’m usually crafting new projects with my Cricut or cooking Vietnamese food! I enjoy biking with my partner on the trails near my apartment and hope to bike along the Erie Canal in the future.

Melissa Gallo

Major research project: Real World Use of Venetoclax for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) at an Academic Medical Center

Minor research project: Characterization of the use of systemic alteplase in sub-massive and massive pulmonary embolism

Education: Northeastern University School of Pharmacy, Boston, MA (PharmD, 2021)

Professional interests: Oncology, psychiatry, pharmacy academia, health disparities

Why UR Medicine? I really love that the Highland Hospital residency allows me to learn in an academic community-hospital environment, but also provides the opportunity to complete electives at Strong, a large academic medical center. Working primarily at a smaller hospital has allowed me to form close relationships with the pharmacy team as well as some provider teams and medical residents/students. It is also very clear to me that everyone involved in the residency program is very dedicated to my learning, development, and well-being!

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I’m really enjoying all of the nice parks and public markets!

Personal interests/fun facts: Embroidery, video games, house plant mom, tattoo enthusiast

 

Riley Goho

Major research project: Identification of patients with undertreated lipids post-acute coronary syndrome

Minor research project: Characterization of the use of systemic alteplase in sub-massive and massive pulmonary embolism

Education: St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY (BS Biology, 2017); Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY (PharmD, 2021)

Professional interests: Ambulatory Care, Academia, Medical Missions

Why UR Medicine? I chose Highland Hospital’s residency program due to the diverse rotations and the ability to do electives at Highland as well as Strong Memorial Hospital. Also, I was interested in the teaching and learning certificate to provide additional skills alongside the clinical experiences.

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 that there are always new things to do even after living here for years!

Personal interests/fun facts: I enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends. Currently, my boyfriend and I are remodeling a house so that takes up most of my "free" time during residency.

Lolade Bakare

Major research project: Comparison of ABCDEF bundle compliance prior to and during COVID-19 pandemic

Minor research project: Timing of vasopressin initiation and response in septic shock

Education: University of Florida College of Pharmacy (PharmD, 2020)

Residency training: Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, Stuart, FL (PGY1 Pharmacy, 2021)

Professional interests: Neurological and Medical Intensive Care

Why UR Medicine? I chose URMC for several reasons, one being that it is a large academic medical center with a large variety of unique rotations and a multitude of interdisciplinary learning experiences that will provide me a strong foundation for a rewarding career in critical care. I really enjoy how passionate the preceptors and the RPD are about critical care not only through direct patient care but research and professional organization involvement. They are very motivating and have supportive of me in my own professional goals. Despite being very large hospital, there is a true family-feel in the pharmacy department that makes URMC a friendly work environment.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? As a Florida girl, I am looking most forward to all activities in the snow! Skiing, snow tubing, snowboarding... you name it! I am also looking forward to experiencing more of Rochester restaurants and cuisine including trying a garbage plate.

Personal interests/fun facts: My family is from Nigeria and Cameroon and I am a first-generation American and second-generation pharmacist.

Jeff Kamta

Major research project: Application of predefined administration criteria in a retrospective analysis of suspected cyanide toxicity treated with hydroxocobalamin

Education: University of Florida, Orlando Campus, FL (PharmD, 2019)

Residency training: Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL (PGY1 Pharmacy, 2020)

Professional interests: Resuscitation, hematologic/oncologic emergencies

Why UR Medicine? My most important reason for choosing URMC was the RPD and preceptors, who make an emphasis on commitment to resident education and well-being. The emergency medicine program is long standing and well known, it features unique learning opportunities including EMS ride alongs, retreats, and skills bootcamps. The cases encountered at the level 1 trauma center are high acuity and prepare residents for forthcoming practice in any environment.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? Snow sports! I have never been skiing or snowboarding and am hoping to try one or both without injuring myself.

Personal interests/fun facts: Hiking and sightseeing around upstate New York. I am born and raised in South Florida and this is my first time living outside of the state.

Ashita Debnath

Major research project: Comparing outcomes and treatment strategies of patients with carbapenem-resistant and carbapenem-susceptible Enterobacterales infections

Education: Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, New Brunswick, NJ (PharmD, 2020)

Residency training: Atlantic Health System, Morristown, NJ (PGY1 Pharmacy, 2021)

Professional interests: Gram-negative Resistance, Antimicrobial Stewardship, HIV

Why UR Medicine? As a large academic center, URMC offers diverse rotations and incredible opportunities that will help prepare me for my career in Infectious diseases. While interviewing I really appreciated the focus on resident well-being and the support from the program.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I love the food scene and I am excited to go on many hikes!

Personal interests/fun facts: I love dogs, dancing, and ice cream. I enjoy trying out new restaurants, watching TV/movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Hope Abarintos

Major research project: Impact of Dexmedetomidine Use on Incidence of Hypertension Following Repair of Coarctation of the Aorta

Education: University of the Incarnate Word- Feik School of Pharmacy, San Antonio, TX (PharmD, MAA, 2020)

Residency training: Children’s Hospital of San Antonio – CHRISTUS Health, San Antonio, TX (PGY1 Pharmacy, 2021)

Professional interests: Pediatric Critical Care

Why UR Medicine? I chose UR because I knew that being a Level I Trauma Center for pediatrics would provide me with extensive exposure to the highest acuity pediatric patients. Additionally, this residency’s focus on resident well-being and mental health is absolutely unparalleled, and it fosters an environment that truly focuses on resident growth, both clinically and personally.

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 so far is the food! The pizza up here is farrrr superior to what was available in Texas and it is so fun going out and trying all the new places with my co-residents. Also, I think it’s just beautiful up here! There are green trees everywhere, and that’s just not the norm where I came from!

Personal interests/fun facts: When I’m not working I like to hang out with my fiancé and old dog, Ollie, try new food, and binge watch good TV shows.

Alyssa Cendagorta

Major research project: Evaluation of bleeding and clotting risk associated with the use of asparaginase products in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Minor research project: Evaluation of blinatumomab use inpatient and management of toxicities in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Education: Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, New Brunswick, NJ (PharmD, 2019)

Residency training: Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ (PGY1 Pharmacy, 2021)

Professional interests: Hematology and bone marrow transplant

Why UR Medicine? The culture of innovation and excellence at UR Medicine was a deciding factor in my decision to come to URMC. I wanted a program that was pushing the boundaries of medicine and trying new and experimental therapies to help cure cancer.

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 living in Rochester is that there is an abundance of restaurants and things to do.

Personal interests/fun facts: Two of my passions outside of oncology include traveling and baking. I have traveled to over 13 countries since graduating from high school.

Stephanie Pilat

Major research project: Impact of Clinical Pharmacy Services on Frequency of Healthcare Contacts in Patients with Gastrointestinal Malignancies Taking Oral Chemotherapy

Education: Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY (PharmD, 2020)

Residency training: University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY (PGY1 Community Pharmacy, 2021)

Professional interests: Specialty Pharmacy (both clinical & administrative interests)

Why UR Medicine? I had been an intern at the Outpatient Pharmacy at Strong Memorial Hospital, completed my fourth year pharmacy school rotations within the institution, and proceeded to complete my PGY-1 Community Pharmacy Residency at UR as well. Throughout my training, I worked with leaders in the field of pharmacy who consistently demonstrated dedication to my professional growth and created an environment that fostered continuous learning and improvement.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? The Erie Canal has always been my favorite spot, usually with Pittsford Dairy involved!

Personal interests/fun facts: I am originally from Buffalo, NY – Go Bills! I also have an Australian Shepherd named Mojito, who is the love of my life… and never misses a frisbee toss.