Pharmacy Residency Program Leadership/Faculty
Karen Williams, Pharm.D., B.S.Pharm, BCPS-AQ ID
Preceptor: Antimicrobial Stewardship, Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Family Medicine, Teaching and Learning, Project
Hometown: Guilford, New York
Pharmacy School: Albany College of Pharmacy
Residency: University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Primary Care Pharmacy Residency at Siouxland Medical Education Foundation, Sioux City, Iowa.
What drew me to Pharmacy: I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do but had many options. While still in high school I discovered pharmacy, where I spent time with a variety of pharmacists – community and hospital. I realized the opportunity for variety was broad and would allow me to find a niche while still being in a profession with a high degree of respect and comfortable income that helped me balance work and life while supporting improved patient care. I eventually realized I loved being part of the teams that cared for acutely ill patients, contributing my knowledge to that of my colleagues, layering together all our skills.
Areas of Interest: Infectious disease, antimicrobial stewardship/infectious diseases, general adult medicine, hematology, trauma, medical and surgical critical care, teaching, quality improvement
Certifications: ASHP Well-Being Ambassador, Stanford University and NYSCHP Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificates, Cornell University NYS Citizen Public Health Leader, Publons Academy Practical Peer Review Certificate, Stanford University Medical Statistics Certificate
What do I like to do in my free time: I grew up on a dairy farm which informed many of my key values– hard work, adaptability, reverence for mother nature. My father was a ‘Jack of all Trades’ who taught me to “learn something new every day,” so much that it’s something I love to do with my free time and extend to those around me at home and at work. Beyond that, I love to cook, garden (we grow most of our own food), forage plants and fungi, hike, travel (national parks & international destinations), and spend time with my family.
Assistant Program Director
Josh Campbell, Pharm.D., BCCCP
Preceptor: Critical Care 1, Critical Care 2, Emergency Medical Response, Teaching and Learning, Project
Hometown: Athens, Pennsylvania
Pharmacy School: Wilkes University, 2008
Areas of Interest: Medical/surgical critical care, heart failure, trauma, sepsis
Coordinator
Ann Andrada
Hometown: Bay Shore, New York
Jessica Carswell, Pharm.D.
Preceptor: Adult Medicine (elective rotation at Corning Hospital), Project
Hometown: Elmira, NY
Pharmacy School: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2014
Residency: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, Albany Medical Center; Albany, N.Y., 2015
Certifications: Teaching certificate, Pain Management and NYSCHP Antimicrobial Stewardship, ASHP Well-Being Ambassador
Areas of Interest: Antibiotic stewardship, heart failure, patient engagement, anticoagulation, transitions of care
What drew me to Pharmacy: The ability for pharmacists to be an accessible and valuable member of the healthcare team, empowering patients to actively be involved in their medication management
What do I like to do in my free time: Spending time with my family and friends, traveling, shopping and reading
Matthew Denniston, Pharm.D.
Preceptor: Pharmacy Leadership
Pharmacy School: St. John Fisher College – Wegmans School of Pharmacy, 2010
Areas of Interest: Pharmacy Leadership, process improvement, professional advocacy
Lucy Ellis, Pharm.D., BCPS
Preceptor: Pharmacy Practice (Staffing), Internal Medicine
Pharmacy School: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2012
Certifications: NYSCHP Antimicrobial Stewardship, 2017
Areas of Interests: Adult medicine, quality improvement
Kimberly Joedicke, Pharm.D., B.S. Pharm, CPPS
Preceptor: Medication Safety, Project
Pharmacy School: Albany College of Pharmacy (BS Pharm, 1996; Pharm.D., 1997)
Certifications: Anticoagulant Care Provider, 1998; Team STEPPS 2.0 Master Trainer, 2017; NYSCHP Antimicrobial Stewardship, ASHP/ISMP Medication Safety Certificate 2018; Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS), 2019
Areas of Interest: Medication and patient safety, regulatory and clinical compliance, quality improvement, process optimization, pharmacy IT optimization
Rachel Klosko, Pharm. D., BCCP
Preceptor: Cardiology
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Pharmacy School: University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Residency: PGY-1 Health Systems Pharmacy Residency, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (2020); PGY-2 Cardiology Pharmacy Residency, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (2021)
Areas of Interest: Mechanical Circulatory Support, Heart Failure, Antithrombotic Therapy, Teaching and Learning
Matthew Pietro, Pharm. D., BCCP
Preceptor: Primary Care (PACT) (elective at the Finger Lakes VA)
Hometown: Troy, NY
Pharmacy School: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
What drew me to Pharmacy: As a graduate from La Salle Institute in Troy, NY I developed a commitment to our mission of truth, honor and duty with many of my mentors being Veterans of our armed forces. This passion translated into the field of health care where I could provide patient centered services to others. Clinical Pharmacy at the Veterans Affairs became a natural fit balancing my career goals of direct patient care, pharmacology and serving our Veterans.
Areas of Interest: I enjoy exploring the New York Finger Lakes region, swimming at the pool and playing Polish folk songs on the accordion with my family.
Zane Waite, Pharm.D., BCOP
Preceptor: Ambulatory Hematology/Oncology, Inpatient Hematology/Oncology, Ambulatory Infusion Center, Teaching and Learning, Project
Pharmacy School: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2012
What drew me to Pharmacy: I have always enjoyed helping others and had an interest in healthcare. I became fascinated with the dynamics between medications and the human body, so I pursued pharmacy.
Certifications: ASHP Teaching Certification, Antimicrobial Stewardship Certification, Guthrie Leadership Certification, APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Certification, Tobacco Cessation Training Certification
Areas of Interest: Hematology/Oncology, Oncology Supportive Care, Ambulatory Care, Research, Teaching, Leadership
What do I like to do in my free time: Spend time with my family, physical fitness, sports, DIY projects
Lucas Whittaker, Pharm. D.
Preceptor: Orientation
Hometown: Endwell, New York
Pharmacy School: Wilkes University, 2008
Areas of Interest: Ambulatory care pharmacy with a focus on chronic disease state management, advanced diabetes care, telehealth services
Kelly Wurzler, Pharm.D.
Preceptor: Ambulatory Infusion Center, Ambulatory Hematology/Oncology, Inpatient Hematology/Oncology, Pain Management and Palliative Care
Pharmacy School: Wilkes University, 2003
Certifications: Pain Management Certification, University of Southern Indiana, 2017
Areas of Interest: Pain management, hematology/oncology, palliative care
Rachel Saroka, Pharm.D., BCPS
Preceptor: Community Hospital Pharmacy (elective at Cortland Medical Center)
Pharmacy School: Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College
Residency: PGY-1 Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences/The Endocrine Group, Albany, NY