Our Residents

Lily Hartigan

Major research project: Effect of Repeat Dexmedetomidine Bolus Dosing in Mechanically Ventilated Pediatric Patients

Minor research project: Pharmacist Utilization of Vancomycin Pharmacist To Dose Protocol Across a Multi-Hospital Health-System

Education: University of Wyoming (PharmD, MSHSA)

Professional interests: Pediatrics, Critical Care

Why URochester Medicine? I chose URochester Medicine because it is such a high acuity hospital with a lot of opportunities to explore different areas and further my growth. I also found everyone I met during my interview to be super kind and encouraging, which solidified my decision!

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I love the different types of food available in Rochester and look forward to visiting the various orchards and other fall related activities!

Personal interests/fun facts: My favorite thing to do is spend time with my two huskies, sphynx cat, and husband. I also love any type of crafting (my current obsession is cross stitching).

Personal catchphrase: Be the rainbow in someone else's rainy day.

Dana Roby

Major research project: Incidence of Cardiopulmonary Arrest Following the Administration of Intravenous Push Ceftriaxone: a Multicenter Epidemiologic Study

Minor research project: Evaluation of Subcutaneous Buprenorphine (Brixadi^®) Administration at Strong Memorial Hospital

Education: B.S., Ursinus College; PharmD, The Ohio State University

Professional interests: Emergency Medicine, Toxicology

Why URochester Medicine? I saw that University of Rochester Medicine valued the residency experience as a whole. The supportive environment, wide range of opportunities, and preceptors that want you to succeed were my biggest draws. I wanted to be challenged, encouraged, and feel that I was in a safe space to ask questions, and I found all of those at University of Rochester Medicine.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I am excited to try all the different restaurants, and be able to explore all of the parks, and outdoor activities the Finger Lakes has to offer!

Personal interests/fun facts: My cat and I share a birthday, I was homeschooled until I went to undergrad, I was a dancer for 17 years. I love reading, baking, and a good Netflix true crime documentary.

Personal catchphrase: Everything happens for a reason.

Laura Witt

Major research project: Impact of Methylene Blue Dosing Strategy on Vasopressor Requirements in Patients with Shock

Minor research project: POM POM Rally: Shaking Out Inappropriate Patients' Own Medication Use

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

Professional interests: Oncology

Why URochester Medicine? I chose to continue my career through URochester Medicine because of the unique and innovative services offered, in addition to having a group of supportive preceptors and mentors who can drive me to my fullest potential. This program offers the tools to tackle the challenges of residency and emphasizes the importance of balancing self-growth 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 enjoy discovering new hiking trails, eating ice cream while strolling along the canal, attending art festivals, and going apple picking in the fall.

Personal interests/fun facts: My hobbies include running, reading, arts/crafts, and baking. I am training for my first marathon and hope to finish an Iron Man triathlon in the future!

Personal catchphrase: "Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always."

Corey Plakosh

Major research project: Analyzing Revenue from Embedded Clinical Pharmacist Co-visits with Providers

Minor research project: Analysis of Health System Specialty Pharmacy On Call Services

Education: From St. John Fisher University: Bachelors of Science in Pharmaceutical Studies 12/2023, Master of Business Administration 12/2024, Doctor of Pharmacy May 2026

Professional interests: Primary Care, Leadership, Specialty, Professional Advocacy, Public Health

Why URochester Medicine? I love the variety of ambulatory spaces pharmacists are in and continue to grow within. It reminds me of my passion for ambulatory pharmacy and provides amazing resources to grow as a pharmacist.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? Family & Food

Personal interests/fun facts: Music and fitness! I play the saxophone, clarinet/piano. Additionally, I am a distance runner (half marathons) and teach boxing/kickboxing!

Personal catchphrase: Never say no to learn something new.

Jeffrey Klossner

Major research project: Evaluating the Financial Value of Pharmacist–Provider Co-Visits in Primary Care, Including Their Impact on Billing Complexity and Fee-For-Service Revenue

Minor research project: Evaluating Pharmacist Involvement in a Geriatric Support Program, Including Medication-Related Recommendations, Pharmacist Workload, and Opportunities to Improve Documentation and Communication Within the Care Team

Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UB SPPS)

Professional interests: Ambulatory Care, Diabetes Management and Technology, Obesity Medicine, Medication Optimization, and Expanding the Role of Pharmacists Within Interdisciplinary Primary Care

Why URochester Medicine? I was drawn to URochester Medicine because of the variety of ambulatory care experiences, strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to grow in clinical practice, research, teaching, and leadership. I also value the flexibility to pursue areas that align with my interests while learning from pharmacists with a wide range of expertise.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I’ve enjoyed exploring more of Rochester and the surrounding area, and I’m looking forward to continuing to find new restaurants, events, and places to visit throughout the year.

Personal interests/fun facts: I enjoy traveling, running, watching movies and TV especially true crime and spending time with family and friends. I’m also training for a Disney Marathon in January.

Personal catchphrase: “It's all going to work out!"

Gianna Balassone

Major research project: Impact of Methylene Blue Dosing Strategy on Vasopressor Requirements in Patients with Shock

Minor research project: Ineffectiveness of Midodrine, Octreotide, and Albumin Therapy in Critically Ill Patients With Cirrhosis

Education: D'Youville University

Professional interests: Critical Care, Toxicology

Why URochester Medicine? URochester Medicine is the only place that gave me the feeling that I could be somewhere that would help me develop professionally and personally in a place with unlimited opportunities, but still have the small group feeling with our critical care and emergency group to develop strong relationships.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? Our group of PGY2s has been enjoying exploring places to eat in Rochester, so far we have enjoyed Radio Social for their great food and bowling.

Personal interests/fun facts: I have two cats, their names are Frank and Beans. I also have a large comic book collection.

Personal catchphrase: Every problem is an opportunity.

Kara Fleck

Major research project: Incidence of Cardiopulmonary Arrest Following the Administration of Intravenous Push Ceftriaxone: A Multicenter Epidemiologic Study

Education: BS in Biochemistry from Binghamton University, PharmD from Binghamton School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PGY1 Residency: HCA HealthONE Aurora in Aurora, Colorado

Professional interests: Addiction Medicine, Trauma and Resuscitation 

Why URochester Medicine? I chose URochester Medicine because of the diverse patient population and focus on resident development. The Emergency Medicine PGY2 offers unique educational opportunities that I knew would help me grow as a clinician. I was excited to be challenged by the high acuity emergency department and see all the ways that my skills will develop over the course of this 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 places to walk outside. Rochester has some beautiful parks and bike paths. I was also very surprised to find out how many vegetarian restaurants there are in the area! I am looking forward to trying them all!

Personal interests/fun facts: I am a big fan of horror movies and books. I have read every book written by Stephen King! In my free time, I enjoy going on walks, spending time with my two cats, playing video games, and skateboarding.

Personal catchphrase: Give yourself a try.

Brandon Gonyo

Major research project: Evaluation of Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia Treatment Outcomes Between Two Time Cohorts at a Large Academic Medical Center

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

PGY1 Residency: St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, NY

Professional interests: Antimicrobial Management of Immunocompromised Populations, Infectious Complications of Opioid Use Disorder, and the Impact of Climate Change on Emerging Infectious Diseases

Why URochester Medicine? In my transition from clinical practice back to residency, URochester Medicine offered the opportunity to train alongside a dedicated and supportive group of preceptors invested in resident development and growth, along with the opportunity to manage diverse infection types with complex resistance mechanisms.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I am looking forward to exploring the vast array of restaurant and brewery options in the area, and the opportunity to attend a Bills game in their new stadium!

Personal interests/fun facts: Listening to new music, attending Orangetheory classes, and exploring hiking trails with my dog.

Personal catchphrase: We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.

Yulina Li

Major research project: Impact of Protocol-Directed Antiemetic Prophylaxis on Incidence of Nausea and Vomiting with Emetogenic Oral Oncolytics

Education: Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy - Rutgers University

PGY1 Residency: RWJBH Clara Maass Medical Center

Professional interests: Malignant Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant

Why URochester Medicine? Coming from a non-teaching hospital for my PGY1 year, I wanted the most robust and innovative experience for my PGY2. URochester Medicine and the Wilmot Cancer Center are dedicated to clinical research and expanding upon care for oncology patients, and I'm excited to be a part of that.

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I'm looking forward to exploring the beautiful nature surrounding Rochester and visiting the Finger Lakes!

Personal interests/fun facts: I'm half Russian/half Chinese, so I'm very passionate about cultural humility in medicine and social determinants of health. My favorite fun fact to tell is that I can name all the countries in the world.

Personal catchphrase: Kindness is never wasted, even if it's not returned.

Sadaf Gharibi

Major research project: Experience with Repeat Bolus Dosing of Dexmedetomidine in Pediatric Patients Receiving Continuous Dexmedetomidine During Mechanical Ventilation in the PICU

Education: Rutgers University

Professional interests: Pediatric Infectious Disease, and Oncology 

Why URochester Medicine? I chose URochester Medicine for opportunities to work with a very diverse pediatric patient population, and an amazing preceptor group! 

What is your favorite thing about living in Rochester so far or something you are looking forward to trying in Rochester? I love how nature is intertwined with the city! I especially love walking through Highland park, and I am excited to explore more of Rochester and surrounding area. 

Personal interests/fun facts: I enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, cooking, and attending classical music concerts!

Personal catchphrase: Enjoy the little things!