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Pharmacy Residency Programs

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Pharmacy Residency Programs
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The Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) in Iowa City, Iowa is a comprehensive tertiary health care center, teaching hospital, and research facility. It has a strong and effective affiliation with the University of Iowa College of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. The Medical Center operates 69 beds, including 44 medicine/surgery, 15 psychiatry beds and 10 intensive care. The Medical Center operates community based outpatient clinics in Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Decorah, Dubuque, Ottumwa and Waterloo, Iowa; and Galesburg, Quincy and Sterling, Illinois.
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The ICVAHCS PGY 1-Pharmacy residency program prepares graduates to assume general clinical pharmacist positions in the inpatient and ambulatory care setting, to serve as adjunct faculty for a college of pharmacy, to pursue board certification and to be eligible for PGY-2 residency training. The ICVAHCS is a teaching hospital providing the unique opportunity for our residents to engage in direct patient care, practice management and medication related education. We provide residents required experiences in anticoagulation clinic, drug information/formulary management, primary care (PACT), internal medicine, and pharmacy management.  Residents will also have the opportunity to gain experience in antimicrobial stewardship, endocrine, ICU, oncology, pain, palliative care, psychiatry, transplant, and virology. Besides clinical activities, each PGY-1 resident will participate in patient and staff education, present formal lectures and case discussions, and precept University of Iowa pharmacy clerkship students.  In addition, residents will conduct a research project, present results, and produce a manuscript suitable for publication.

The ICVAHCS PGY-2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency Program provides specialized training in psychiatric and neurologic pharmacy. Residents gain valuable experiences in acute care and ambulatory care psychiatric settings to prepare the resident to become a skillful, competent clinician in psychiatric pharmacy practice. The required learning experiences include acute care psychiatry, ambulatory care psychiatry, internal medicine-psychiatry at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), and geriatric psychiatry at UIHC. Residents will also have the opportunity to gain experience in substance use, neurology, pain, palliative care, pharmacy administration, and child psychiatry.  The PGY-2 resident also participates in activities including: medication use evaluation, teaching of medical and pharmacy students/residents, journal clubs, precepting pharmacy students, development of new clinical services, and community outreach.  Residents are required to conduct a research project, presenting results and summarizing in a manuscript suitable for publication.

Our residency programs will be attending the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting on Tuesday December 6 from 1-4 pm. Booth 6262. Both programs will participate in the VA virtual pharmacy residency showcase on December 8 from 1-3pm CST.

PGY1 Program VA virtual showcase link

PGY2 Program VA virtual showcase link

Please  don’t hesitate to contact the PGY-1/PGY-2 RPD for more details on recruitment events.  Individual virtual appointments may also be arranged to provide information to applicants.

PHARMACY RESIDENCY PROGRAM (PGY1)

Iowa City Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (ICVAHCS) will offer four, ASHP-accredited, Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) pharmacy residency positions for 2023-2024. The residency program is coordinated by Nancee Waterbury, PharmD, BCACP.

Purpose Statement: The ICVAHCS PGY 1-Pharmacy residency program builds on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY-2) pharmacy residency training. The ICVAHCS is a teaching hospital providing the unique opportunity for our residents to engage in direct patient care, practice management and medication related education.

Program Description: Residents will gain valuable clinical experience in the ambulatory care and inpatient setting. Besides clinical activities, residents are appointed adjunct faculty status at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and will participate in precepting/teaching pharmacy students. Residents will also participate in patient and staff education, present formal lectures, case discussions and journal clubs. Residents are required to conduct a research project, present the results, and summarize in a manuscript suitable for publication.

Required Experiences: Administration, anticoagulation clinic, college of pharmacy teaching program (PEPPR), formulary management service, internal medicine, medication safety, orientation, primary care clinics (PACT), project development and staffing.

Elective Clinical Experiences: Residents will select 3 elective experiences. A variety of opportunities exist including: antimicrobial stewardship (ID), diabetes/endocrinology, ICU, oncology, pain, palliative care, psychiatry (inpatient and outpatient), transplant, virology and others.

Appointment Period: Twelve months, starting June 20, 2023

Salary: $41,742 per annum.

Benefits: Federal Employee medical insurance. Up to 13 vacation and 13 sick days, all federal government holidays, continuing education opportunities and partial travel funds.

REQUIRED LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Anticoagulation Clinic/ Direct Oral Anticoagulants Service
Anticoagulation Clinic (AC) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) service are required
learning experiences for the PGY1 pharmacy resident. The experiences involve the
provision of direct patient care and telephone management of patients on anticoagulation.
Residents will work in this clinic 1 day per week during their ambulatory care block.
Knowledge of warfarin, low molecular weight heparins, DOACs, antiplatelet agents, and
vitamin K administration are important in this setting.

Administration
This 5 week learning experience is designed to give each resident the opportunity to work
with members of the pharmacy management team. Residents will spend time with
Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisors, Associate Chiefs of Pharmacy, and Chief
of Pharmacy service. The resident will attend meetings, co-precept 1 APPE student
during their hospital pharmacy rotation and be assigned projects from members of the
pharmacy management team throughout this learning experience.

Education Program for Residents
The Pharmacy Education Program for Residents (PEPPR) Teaching and Learning
Curriculum prepares participants to confidently and effectively identify the needs of
learners as well as design, implement, and evaluate relevant educational activities with
thoughtful instructional design. During the fall and spring semester residents will have
the opportunity to participate in a variety of PEPPR activities including workshop
sessions, large group and small group student teaching sessions, assisting in lab, and in
the experiential setting. In addition, residents will be given a schedule for completion of a
drug class review, journal club discussion, and a one hour continuing education program.

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine (IM) is a required, five week learning experience designed to increase
the resident’s skills in the treatment of complex patients in an acute care setting. The
resident will gain experience in providing and monitoring pharmaceutical care for a
variety of acute and chronic diseases. Throughout the rotation, residents will have
opportunities to provide and improve patient assessment skills, communication with
healthcare professionals, and overall pharmacotherapy knowledge. Problem solving,
multitasking, drug information, writing, and presentation skills will also be enhanced
during the rotation.

Medication Management
Medication Management service is a required learning experience for the PGY 1
pharmacy resident. Residents will review prior authorization drug requests (PADRs)
using VA criteria for use and resolve pharmacotherapy e-consults. The resident is
scheduled in Medication Management Service 1 day a week during their ambulatory care
block. Knowledge of VA formulary, VA drug policies and procedures, and therapeutic
guidelines are important in this setting.

Medication Safety
Medication safety is a required longitudinal learning experience for the PGY 1 pharmacy
resident. Each resident will be assigned medication use evaluation trackers (MUET)
throughout the year and are expected to complete assigned responsibilities in an
appropriate time frame. Residents will attend meetings to expand their knowledge of VA
MUET initiatives, FDA alerts, medication shortages and patient safety tools.

Orientation and Pharmacy Training
The orientation and training learning experience is scheduled at the beginning of the
residency year. During new employee orientation residents are introduced to the VA
mission and educated about general administrative rules. During residency orientation,
they receive information about residency requirements/expectations and individual
learning experiences. Pharmacy training will occur in the ambulatory care, inpatient and
outpatient setting. Residents will be introduced to the workflow, policies and procedures
of anticoagulation clinic which will assist them on other rotations. Each resident will
learn about VA formulary and criteria for use. They will work with preceptors to review
and resolve non-formulary requests. During orientation residents will acquire the
knowledge and ability to perform necessary dispensing and verification functions to
provide complete pharmaceutical care to our veterans. Orientation for administration,
project, and clinical learning experiences will occur prior to each rotations' start date.

Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT)
PACT uses a team-based approach to provide primary care services to veterans. Clinical
Pharmacy Specialists (CPS) working in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System have a
scope of practice. This scope allows CPS to manage a variety of disease states including
diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Pharmacists also play an active role in
smoking cessation. Residents are required to select one PACT site for an 8-10 week
learning experience. Time spent in clinic averages 2-3 days per week.

Project Development
Each resident will work with the Project Advisory Board (PAB) and project preceptor to
identify, design and execute an investigational project. Findings from this project will be
presented in the spring. Conclusions from this project will be summarized in a manuscript suitable for publication.

The Medication Use Evaluation (MUE) is a separate project to identify changes needed
to improve patient care/medication use in the Iowa City VA Health Care System. Each
resident will work with Dr. Egge and another preceptor (content expert) to complete the
MUE. Results will be presented to pharmacy management.

Staffing
This experience will provide residents the opportunity to interact with inpatient teams and
staff to improve patient care. Starting in September, residents will 1) rotate through
inpatient pharmacy (7:00-3:30) and medication reconciliation (8:00-4:30) on the
weekends and 2) will work 3 hours one evening per week in the inpatient pharmacy
directly following their scheduled tour of duty. Each resident will staff ~300 hours on
evenings and weekends throughout the residency year. Residents are allowed to switch
weekends/evenings if necessary to accommodate personal needs, but every attempt will
be made to keep the number of evenings and weekends equal between residents.

Common Electives with Tour and Frequency
Antimicrobial stewardship (7:00-3:30 daily; 5 weeks)
Diabetes (8:00-4:30; Fridays; during Am Care Block)

Geriatrics/Home Based Primary Care (8:00-4:30; 2-3 days; during Am Care Block)
ICU/Transplant (7:00-3:30 daily; 5 weeks)
Inpatient psychiatry (7:30-4:00 daily; 5 weeks)
Oncology (8:00-4:30 daily; 5 weeks)
Outpatient psychiatry (8:00-4:30 daily; 5-7 weeks)
Pain (8:00-4:30; 2 half days; during Am Care Block)
Palliative care (8:00-4:30 daily; 5 weeks)
Virology (8:00-4:30; Tuesday afternoons; during Am Care Block)

If scheduling allows, residents are allowed to repeat required/elective learning
experiences for additional training.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Please submit all materials required in PhORCAS. Applications submitted outside the PhORCAS system will not be accepted. We encourage applicants to customize their cover letter to our program. Applicants should expand on why they are interested in our program, with specific career goals and characteristics which make them a strong candidate. 

Please include all scheduled APPE rotations on your CV with a description of activities performed and presentations given. The applicant should have three individuals complete the standardized reference template in PhORCAS. We recommend each applicant select individuals who can comment on their clinical knowledge and/or work in a pharmacy setting.

Requirements for Applicants:

According to ASHP applicants to all pharmacy residencies must be a graduate or candidate for graduation of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited degree program (or one in process of pursuing accreditation) or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduation Equivalency Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). At a minimum, the college must be a five-year pharmacy degree program.

The Department of Veterans Affairs adheres to all federal Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA)/Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) oversees all clinical health professions training programs. To participate in VA training you must be eligible for federal appointment. Please review this checklist to confirm eligibility: https://www.va.gov/OAA/docs/2021HPTInstructionsv4_1.pdf

Applicants to the Iowa City VA PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program will have maintained a pharmacy GPA >3.0 or pass/fail equivalent* (*No repeated pharmacy course; pass all pharmacy courses and in top 50% of pharmacy class). Qualified candidates will need to be licensed pharmacists by August 15. Iowa licensure is not required. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen by the application deadline.

This residency site agrees no person at this site will solicit, accept, or use any ranking related information from any applicant.

Application Deadline: January 4

Personal interviews with a 15-20 minute presentation are required. Virtual interviews will be conducted this year using Microsoft Teams. All applicants will be notified of their interview status no later than February 14.

For further information, address all correspondence to:

Nancee Waterbury, PharmD, BCACP
Residency Program Coordinator
VA Medical Center Pharmacy Service (119)
Iowa City, IA 52246-2208
♦♦♦
319-338-0581, ext. 63-5115
nancee.waterbury@va.gov
FAX: 319-887-4951

SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Table
Day Resident Resident Resident Resident
Monday Acute Mental Health ICU DM class (AM); Office (PM) ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Tuesday Acute Mental Health ICU Coralville Clinic PACT ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Wednesday Acute Mental Health ICU AC (all day) ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Thursday Acute Mental Health ICU Coralville Clinic PACT ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Friday Acute Mental Health ICU Endocrine (AM); Office(PM) ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Saturday/Sunday Inpatient Weekend Med Rec Weekend
Monday Holiday Holiday Holiday Holiday
Tuesday Acute Mental Health ICU Coralville Clinic PACT CE Program Practice Session 12-1 ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Wednesday Acute Mental Health ICU MM (all day) ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Thursday Acute Mental Health ICU Coralville Clinic PACT ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Friday Acute Mental Health ICU Endocrine (AM); Office(PM) ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Saturday/Sunday Med Rec Weekend Inpatient Weekend
Monday Acute Mental Health P&T 12-1 ICU P&T 12-1 DM class (AM); Office (PM) P&T 12-1 ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship P&T 12-1
Tuesday Acute Mental Health MUET 12-1 ICU MUET 12-1 Coralville Clinic PACT MUET 12-1 ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship MUET 12-1
Wednesday Acute Mental Health ICU AC (all day) ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Thursday Acute Mental Health ICU Coralville Clinic PACT ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Friday COP Lecture (AM); Acute Mental Health ICU Endocrine (AM); Office(PM) ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Saturday/Sunday Med Rec Weekend Inpatient Weekend
Monday Acute Mental Health ICU DM class (AM); Office (PM) ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Tuesday Acute Mental Health ICU Coralville Clinic PACT ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Wednesday Acute Mental Health PAB Meeting 2-3:30 ICU PAB Meeting 2-3:30 MM (all day) PAB Meeting 2-3:30 ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship PAB Meeting 2-3:30
Thursday Acute Mental Health ICU Coralville Clinic PACT ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Friday Acute Mental Health ICU Endocrine (AM); Office(PM) ID/Antimicrobial Stewardship
Saturday/Sunday Inpatient Weekend Med Rec Weekend
PSYCHIATRIC PHARMACY RESIDENCY PROGRAM (PGY2)

The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (IC VA HCS) offers a Postgraduate Year
Two (PGY2) Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency Program to provide specialized training in
psychiatric and neurologic pharmacy. The residency program is coordinated by Lucas Watson, Pharm.D., BCPP – Clinical Pharmacy Specialist.

Purpose Statement: To provide a challenging and comprehensive program designed to
prepare the resident to become a skillful, competent clinician in psychiatric pharmacy practice, to help develop their skills in psychiatric pharmacy clinical outcomes research, and to foster their growth as an educator of psychiatric pharmacotherapy.

Program Description: Residents will gain valuable experience in a variety of clinical settings.

  •  Required Learning Experiences:
    • Acute Care Adult Psychiatry I
    • Ambulatory Care Adult Psychiatry (I, II, and Longitudinal)
    • Acute Care Medicine-Psychiatry (rotation at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)
    • Acute Care Geriatric Psychiatry (rotation at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)
    • Communication, Education, and Professional Development (Longitudinal)
    • Residency Project Management (Longitudinal)
    • Medication Use Evaluation (Longitudinal)
  • Elective/Selected Learning Experiences:
    • Acute Care Adult Psychiatry II
    • Ambulatory Substance Abuse
    • Ambulatory Mental Health Intensive Case Management
    • Acute Care Consult-Liaison Psychiatry
    • Administration
    • Acute Care/Ambulatory Care Palliative Care
    • Ambulatory Care Pain Management
    • Acute Care Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (as available; rotation at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)

Appointment Period: Twelve months from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 (flexible)

Salary: $45,221 per annum

Benefits: Federal Employee medical benefits; up to 13 vacation days and 13 sick days; all federal government holidays; continuing education opportunities; and travel funds to attend ASHP-MCM and/or the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) Annual Meeting as available

Requirements of Applicants:

  • Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College of Pharmacy
  • Pharmacy licensure by start date
    • Iowa licensure required by October 1st
  • Completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY1 Residency
  • U.S. Citizenship (by application date)

Application Materials (submitted in PhorCAS):

  • Letter of Intent
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Three references
  • College Transcripts

Application Deadline: January 3rd, 2023.

Interviews: Personal interviews with a 20-25 minute presentation are required.

Appointment of applicants: Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a
physical exam, including negative drug test. Applicants must meet requirements for federal
employment.

For further information, address all correspondence to:
Lucas Watson, Pharm.D., BCPP
PGY2 Residency Program Director
Pharmacy Service (119)
VA Medical Center
Iowa City, IA 52246-2208
♦♦♦
319-338-0581, ext. 635448 or pager 362
lucas.watson@va.gov

 

CLINICAL PHARMACISTS AND PHARMACY MANAGEMENT BIOGRAPHIES

Derek Adams, PharmD, MSS is a 2002 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  He joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in 2014 as the Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor.  From 2016 to 2021 he served as the Associate Chief of Pharmacy – Operations.  In this capacity he was responsible for overseeing day to day operations in the inpatient and outpatient pharmacies, providing oversight and direction for pharmacy informatics, pharmacoeconomics, and the antimicrobial stewardship program, and contributing to planning efforts in the pharmacy department.  He currently serves as the Associate Chief of Pharmacy – Outpatient Operations.  He is a member of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and co-chairs the Medication Safety Subcommittee.  Prior to joining the Iowa City VA Health Care System, he was a clinical pharmacist in ambulatory care, long term care, outpatient, and inpatient at Great River Health Systems for 7 years, then a supervisor in inpatient pharmacy at Great River Medical Center for 5 years.

Abby Beane, PharmD, BCACP, joined the ICVAHCS in July 2017 as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Ambulatory Care.  Abby’s main areas of interest are anticoagulation and medication management.  She received her PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2007 and went on to complete a PGY-1 Residency in Community Practice from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2008.  Dr. Beane received her Board Certification in Ambulatory Care in the Fall of 2016.  Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, Abby was a pharmacist at Hy-Vee starting as a Clinical Pharmacist after residency and then transitioning to Pharmacy Manager.  Abby participated in the IPA Leadership Conference in 2018. Throughout her practice she has been a preceptor for pharmacy students and enjoys working with students and residents.

Brooke Burkhalter, PharmD, joined the ICVAHCS in July 2017 as a Clinical Pharmacist in the Outpatient Pharmacy. In April 2018, she transferred to a clinical specialist position in Ambulatory Care; focusing on anticoagulation and medication management.  She received her PharmD. from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2005. Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, Brooke was a pharmacist at Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Washington, Iowa (2005-2008) and Iowa City Hy-Vee Market (2008-2017). During her time with Hy-Vee she focused her care in medication therapy management programs, such as Outcomes, Mirixa, and EQUIPP. She also played an active role in immunization administration and biometric screenings. During her time at Hy-Vee she served as a preceptor for pharmacy students and interns.

Matthew Cantrell, PharmD, BCPS is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA Health Care System. He graduated from Mount Mercy College in 2000 and received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa in 2005. He completed a Primary Care Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Iowa City VA in 2006. His primary clinical responsibilities include anticoagulation, medication management and primary care.  Dr. Cantrell is active in many state and national organizations and is a former Chair of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Geriatric Practice and Research Network (PRN).  He has collaborated with students, residents, and professional colleagues on original research, chapters, and review articles.  He has been board certified in Pharmacotherapy since 2008. Dr. Cantrell has received awards related to teaching and is a former recipient of the Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award sponsored by the Iowa Pharmacy Association and Pharmacists’ Mutual Insurance Company.

Andrea Chase, PharmD, originally hails from Texas but now happily calls Iowa home. She graduated from Columbia University in 2008 with a B.S. in Neuroscience, then served active duty in the US Army for 4 years. She traded in combat fatigues for a white coat and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in 2017. To escape the sweltering Texas heat she traveled 1,000 miles north and completed the PGY1 residency program at the Iowa City VA. Afterward she accepted a position in outpatient pharmacy, then transferred to the role of PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) Pharmacist in 2019. Andrea is currently a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner remotely supporting the Galesburg CBOC (Community-Based Outpatient Clinic) serving over 3,400 veterans in the Western Illinois area. She is the lead preceptor for the remote PACT pharmacy residency rotation at the ICVA Medical Center. Her clinical interests include diabetes, nutrition, whole health, and integrative health.

Megan Dahlke, PharmD, BCACP is an Clinical Pharmacy Provider for the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) for the Dubuque VA clinic.  She graduated from the University of Iowa with her PharmD in 2004.  She served as a pharmacist in the United States Navy from 2004-2009 and the United States Navy Reserve from 2009-present.  She completed a pharmacy practice residency at St. Vincent Indianapolis in 2010.  She worked as a PACT/anticoagulation Pharmacist at the Peoria VA Clinic from 2011-2014, was mobilized to Landstuhl Army Medical Center from 2011-2012, and was an inpatient clinical pharmacist at the Iowa City VA from 2014-2015.  She has been at the Dubuque clinic since 2015 and works with residents through medication use evaluations.  Her interests are diabetes and patient centered care.

Yvonne De Sloover Koch, PharmD, BCACP is an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA Medical Center and Adjunct Professor (Clinical) at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and then completed a Primary Care Specialty Residency in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. De Sloover Koch is currently the coordinator for the Medication Management Clinic and her primary area of practice is in Pain Management. She was the 2016 recipient of the Excellence in Interprofessional Education & Practice Award from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Graduate Medical Education Office.

Tess Dyson, PharmD is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Hospice & Palliative Care. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2019 and completed a PGY-1 residency at the Iowa City VA in 2020. Following residency, she accepted a position as an Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist at the Iowa City VA where she rotated through a variety of areas. In August of 2022, she transitioned into her current role on the Hospice & Palliative Care team where she has enjoyed functioning as a mid-level provider in both the inpatient and clinic settings and working with the interdisciplinary team. She has been actively engaged as a preceptor for students and residents in both inpatient pharmacy/internal medicine and palliative care settings.

Jason A. Egge, PharmD, MS, BCPS joined the Iowa City VA in January 2006 as a clinical pharmacy specialist. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 2002 then completed a specialty practice residency in ambulatory care at the Iowa City VA the following year. He practiced as a clinical specialist in internal medicine/nephrology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota from 2003 to 2006 before rejoining the VA as a clinical pharmacy specialist. Dr. Egge completed an MS in epidemiology through the University of Iowa College of Public Health the Spring of 2009. He is currently the coordinator for pharmacoeconomics and education. His interests include pharmacoeconomics, formulary management, medication use evaluation, and database management.

Thomas Fisher, PharmD, BCACP graduated from the University of Iowa, College of Pharmacy in 2009. He began his pharmacy career working with Walgreens as a community pharmacist and pharmacy manager in Denver Colorado. After 5 years in the community sector, Thomas went on to complete a PGY-1 Ambulatory Care residency at the Phoenix VA HCS.  After finishing his residency, Thomas moved back home to Iowa and began his career with the Iowa City VA HCS as an outpatient pharmacist. Shortly after receiving his board certification in ambulatory care, Thomas also decided to join the Iowa Army National Guard. Following this initial military training, he transitioned into a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist position (Feb/2017) as one of the anticoagulation clinic coordinators. Thomas then deployed to Kuwait with the Iowa Guard from 2017 to 2018 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Following his deployment, Thomas has resumed his role as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist as serving as one of the Anticoagulation Clinic coordinators. His areas of interests include anticoagulation, combat medicine, cardiology, and mental health pharmacy. He loves working with and alongside our Veteran population.

Kaitlin Hanken, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP joined the ICVAHCS as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in mental health in April 2018. Dr. Hanken graduated from Drake University with her PharmD in 2014. Upon graduation, she completed her PGY-1 residency at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois, where she then completed her PGY-2 residency specializing in mental health. Prior to joining the Iowa City VAMC, she served as the only mental health CPS at the Hines VA. Her clinical interests include substance abuse and psychotic disorders.

Danielle Harris, PharmD, BCACP graduated from the University of Iowa in 2010 with her B.S. in Microbiology, then continued on to receive her PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2014.   Afterwards she completed a PGY1 Community Pharmacy Practice Residency with UNC/Walgreens in Chapel Hill, NC and later accepted a position as the UNC/Walgreens Residency Site Coordinator in Asheville, NC (2015-2017).  While there she was the recipient of the programs UNC Outstanding Residency Preceptor Award (2015-2016).  Dr. Harris then joined the ICVAHCS as an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in 2017.  She received her Board Certification in Ambulatory Care in the Fall of 2018.  Dr. Harris’s interests include precepting, patient care, anticoagulation and medication management.

Brett Heintz, PharmD, BCPS-ID received his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy and completed his residencies in pharmacy practice and infectious diseases at the University of California, Davis Medical center.  After post-graduate training he served as an infectious disease clinical pharmacy specialist and Assistant Clinical Professor from 2007-2012 jointly with UCSF School of Pharmacy.  He also is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist with added qualification in infectious diseases. Dr. Heintz, a Pharmacy Specialist in Infectious Diseases joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System  in September 2012 initially serving as the internal medicine pharmacy specialist and currently as the director of the antimicrobial stewardship program. He holds an academic position as Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and precepts pharmacy students, delivers didactic lectures and coordinates a pharmacotherapy course. Dr. Heintz’s primary research and clinical interests include antimicrobial dosing in special populations; management of outpatient delivery of antimicrobial therapy; predictors of treatment failure and antimicrobial stewardship principles. Dr. Heintz has authored several articles and book chapters related to antimicrobial therapy and presented numerous presentations and posters at local, state and national level meetings.  He is also the recipient of several teaching awards.

Shannon J. Heintz, PharmD, BCPS received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  She completed a pharmacy practice residency at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center, a critical care specialty residency at the University of California, Davis Health System, and a pharmacoepidemiology research fellowship at California Department of Public Health and Touro University College of Pharmacy.  Dr. Heintz, a Pharmacy Specialist in Critical Care and Transplant, joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in September 2012.  She also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  Prior to joining the Iowa City VA and the University of Iowa she served as an Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist at the University of California, Davis Medical Center and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco College of Pharmacy. 

Shella Johnson, PharmD, BCGP came to the Iowa City VA Health Care System as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in 2003.  She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2002 and completed the Primary Care Pharmacy Residency within the University of Iowa Department of Family Medicine in 2003.  She joined the VA Geriatric Scholar Program and earned her BCGP in 2013.  The former has afforded her opportunities to participate in clinical practice at VA medical centers across the country in areas such as alternative medicine, functional assessment, and palliative care.  Dr. Johnson is currently the pharmacy provider for the Iowa City VA Home-Based Primary Care Team.  She performs comprehensive medication assessments in the veterans homes, offers disease state management, and provides specific education as needed.  Specific areas of interest include deprescribing, shared decision making, and end-of-life care.

Julie Karlan, R.Ph. joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in August 2020 as the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor.  Prior to her position here, she was the Manager of Pharmacy at UnityPoint Health System St. Luke’s Hospital for 30 plus years.  Julie participates on the Falls Committee, Medication Safety Committee, Patient Experience Council, and Equipment Committee.  Julie serves on the Kirkwood Technician Advisory Committee and has been an officer of the Linn County Pharmacist Association.  Julie enjoys working with students and the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy engaging the next generation of Pharmacy Professionals.  Project management is an area of enjoyment with planning/implementing a mail order pharmacy and designing/opening a state of the art pharmacy.  She looks forward to serving the veterans and the Iowa City VA Health System. 

James Kay, PharmD, joined the ICVAHCS in December 2021 as Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor in the inpatient pharmacy. He received his PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2017. Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, James was a pharmacist at Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Iowa City, Iowa (2017-2019) and manager in Coralville, Iowa (2019-2021). During his time with Hy-Vee, he focused on patient medication therapy management through programs such as Outcomes and EQUIPP. He played an active role in immunization administration for the Iowa City market and assisted with biometric screenings. During his time with Hy-Vee, he served as a preceptor for pharmacy interns and undergraduate students at the University of Iowa.

Sean Kubik, PharmD, BCACP is the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) for the Coralville VA Clinic. Sean graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2013. He then went on to complete a PGY-1 Residency focused in ambulatory care at the Lincoln, Nebraska VA. After residency, he accepted a position at the Lincoln VA as a (PACT) pharmacist for two years. Sean transferred to the Iowa City VA in July of 2016. His areas of interest are diabetes, hypertension, and medication management.

Jon Linder, PharmD, BCACP is the Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner for the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and Home-Based Primary Care team for the Ottumwa VA Clinic.  Jon graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2016 after studying journalism and medical sciences throughout undergraduate studies (also at the University of Iowa). He worked as a student research assistant at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in the Department of Psychiatry before pursuing a career in pharmacy (focusing primarily in bipolar disorder and heart rate variability). Jon graduated from the PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Iowa City VA Health Care System in June 2017 before transitioning to a VA staff position with the Ambulatory Care Specialist group for two years. His areas of interest include diabetes, virology, cardiology, and primary care; and he is passionate about improving veterans’ care through building trust and goal-setting.

Brian C. Lund, PharmD, MS has been a Core Investigator with ICVAHCS’ health services research division, the Center for Comprehensive Access & Delivery Research & Evaluation (CADRE), since 2009. He received a Doctor of Pharmacy in 1998 and a Master of Science in Epidemiology in 2002 from the University of Iowa. His training also encompassed a clinical residency in psychiatric pharmacy in 1999, a fellowship in clinical psychopharmacology in 2001, and a post-doctoral scholar position in pharmacoepidemiology and health outcomes research in 2002. Dr. Lund’s research focuses on pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety, with an emphasis on mental health and older adult populations. He currently serves on the Pharmacy Resident Project Advisory Board (PAB), which oversees resident research projects, and is actively involved as a team member in many of the individual residency projects, which includes providing assistance with design, conduct, analysis, and reporting.

Shane Madsen, PharmD, BCPS is a clinical pharmacy specialist in Hospice & Palliative Care.  He graduated from the University of Iowa, College of Pharmacy, in 2002 and then completed a pharmacy practice residency at the Franciscan Health System in Tacoma, WA.  Following his residency, he worked as a clinical pharmacist in inpatient and outpatient mental health at the Phoenix VAMC.  He then moved closer to his family in Iowa and was inpatient clinical pharmacy manager at United Hospital, part of Allina Health, in St. Paul, MN.  When his family relocated to Iowa City, he was briefly an inpatient clinical pharmacist at the Iowa City VAMC.  From there, he started clinical pharmacy services with the Rheumatology Clinic at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.  When a clinical pharmacy manager position was created for Ambulatory Care, Shane moved into this role.  He followed his passions for developing new services and caring for veterans and came back to the ICVAHCS to start pharmacy services with the Hospice & Palliative Care program.  He has been actively engaged as a preceptor for students and residents in all of his positions and been on the Residency Advisory Committees at United Hospital and UIHC.

Shane has been actively involved in pharmacy organizations.  Shane recently completed his term as Trustee for Region 2 for the Iowa Pharmacy Association.  He has been a member and Chair of the IPA Health Systems Liaison Board.  He completed a one year appointment as an inaugural member of the executive committee for the new ASHP Section of Specialty Pharmacy Practitioners. He has participated on ASHP Section Advisory Groups for Workload & Productivity, Business Management, and Clinical Practice Advancement.  Shane has represented Iowa and Minnesota as a delegate to the ASHP House of Delegates.  Shane served as Treasurer and President of the Minnesota Society of Health-System Pharmacists – Central and was Chair of the Public Policy Committee for the Minnesota Society of Health-System Pharmacists.  Outside of pharmacy, Shane is a member of the Board of Directors of Prelude Behavioral Services and currently serves as the Vice President for the board.

Meaghan Meyer, PharmD, BCPS is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Ambulatory Care at the Iowa City VAHCS.  Dr. Meyer received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin Superior in 2000, then went on to conduct genetic research at the University of Minnesota Duluth until 2003.  She graduated with her PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2007 and completed the PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Iowa City VAHCS in 2008.  She worked in clinical research focusing on physician/pharmacist collaboration at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and Iowa City VAHCS until 2010 when she returned to the Iowa City VA Pharmacy as part of the Medication Reconciliation Core.  She transitioned into the Clinical Specialist group in 2015. Her clinical interests include Transgender care, Women’s Health, Anticoagulation and Primary Care.

Billie Jo Myers, PharmD. is a 2003 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She joined the Iowa City VA in 2008, working in the Outpatient Pharmacy. During her outpatient career, she served on several committees including: Take back workgroup, Controlled Substance Crew, and the Opioid Sentinel Group. She is the pharmacy representative for the Disruptive Behavior Committee and is also an instructor for the Iowa City HCS MOVE program (weight loss program).  She joined the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist group in July, 2018.  Her primary focus is in anticoagulation and medication management. Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, Dr. Myers worked at several Hy-Vee pharmacies in the Iowa City and Coralville area. She has been working with pharmacy students throughout her career and enjoys being a preceptor for students and residents.

Macklin (Mack) O’Brien, PharmD, BCPS graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2012. After graduation he moved to the Pacific Northwest where he completed a PGY1 residency at PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver. After residency he practiced on the inpatient surgery floors at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), in Portland. Mack’s surgery practice included care for patients on the bariatric, emergency, general, neuro and trauma surgery floors. He was part of a pilot transitions of care program for surgery patients discharging from the hospital. OHSU was the hub of bariatric surgery in Oregon and Mack was integral to the optimization of pharmaceutical care for bariatric surgery patients throughout their hospital stay and at time of discharge. While at OHSU Mack was a clinical adjunct professor with Oregon State University and precepted pharmacy students on rotation. Mack became a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist in 2015. Mack moved back to his Iowa roots in 2017 when he accepted a position working in primary care and telemedicine at the Iowa City VA Healthcare Center. He provides disease state management remotely for the Sterling, Illinois Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and several days per week in Iowa City for the primary care Red Team veteran’s and providers. Mack is proud to be reconnected with his alma mater as an adjunct professor for the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. He also enjoys mentoring pharmacy students through the College of Pharmacy’s 1885 Society mentorship program. Mack’s mission in pharmacy is veteran-centric care meshes patient preferences and ideas with pharmaceutical care and safety.

Kelsey Pausche, PharmD, BCACP is originally from West Chicago, IL and has been with the ICVA ambulatory care pharmacy specialist group since 2019, following completion of a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI, earlier that year. She earned her PharmD in 2018 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, but prior to that, completed her bachelor's degree in chemistry at the University of Iowa in 2014. Not to worry, she does root for the Hawkeyes when the two schools play each other. She kept herself occupied during the COVID quarantine by studying for and passing the ambulatory care pharmacy board certification exam in October 2020. Kelsey has been interested in ambulatory care ever since volunteering in the ICVA anticoagulation clinic during her undergrad years, and is honored to be back now working with the pharmacists and clinic that inspired her pharmacy journey!

Taylor Steckler, PharmD, BCPS graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2017 and completed his PGY-1 at the Iowa City VA in 2018. From there he was an inpatient clinical pharmacist and transitioned to a role as a clinical pharmacy informaticist in 2020. In his role in informatics, he troubleshoots and optimizes pharmacy automation, develops CPRS order menus, and generates reports for management and individual MUEs. Taylor is highly motivated in demonstrating the utility of big data and automation in pharmacy operations and enjoys getting students and residents exposure to informatics.

Abby Tague, PharmD, CACP joined the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center in July 2009.  She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2003 and competed a Primary Care Specialty Residency at the William S. Middleton VA Hospital in Madison, WI. She currently serves as the Iowa City VAMC Anticoagulation Clinic Co-Coordinator. Prior to joining the Iowa City VAMC, she worked for the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics as the Clinical Coordinator of the Anticoagulation Clinic.

Marshall Tague, PharmD, BCOP joined the Iowa City Veteran Affairs Medical Center in July 2009.  He is a 2003 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  Upon graduation he completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin from 2003 to 2004.  He then went on to complete an Oncology Specialty Residency at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida from 2004 to 2005.  Prior to joining the Iowa City VAMC he worked at the University of Wisconsin Hospital Clinics providing services to inpatient Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care services.  He is currently the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Oncology at the Iowa City VAMC.

Krystal Titus-Rains, PharmD, BCPS  Krystal graduated from the University of Iowa College of pharmacy in 2014 and pursued a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at the Iowa City VA Healthcare System.  She completed a PGY2 residency in oncology pharmacy at the VA in Durham, NC prior to returning to the Iowa City VA in 2016.   She is currently an inpatient clinical pharmacist and resident co-coordinator for the inpatient pharmacy rotations and staffing experiences.  Her interests include internal medicine and oncology.  She enjoys covering for the oncology clinical pharmacy specialist when needed and is pursuing board certification in oncology. 

Traviss Tubbs, PharmD. is the Chief of Pharmacy Services for the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) and also hold the titles of Assistant Dean of Veterans Affairs and Assistant Professor (Clinical) at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2001.  After graduation Dr. Tubbs worked for Wal-Mart Pharmacy in roles including Pharmacy Manager, Pharmacy District Manager and Corporate Recruiter for Pharmacy and Optometry.  Traviss then took a position as a Clinical Pharmacist in the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Department at the UIHC.  He joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in October of 2009 as the Pharmacy Supervisor for Outpatient Services.  Dr. Tubbs was later promoted to Associate Chief of Operation Compliance and Supply Management and subsequently to the Chief position.  As Chief of Pharmacy, Traviss is ultimately responsible for all pharmacy related operations, contracting, budgeting, compliance, outcomes, inventory management and clinical practice.  Dr. Tubbs is also involved in policy management and development for the ICVAHCS.  He serves on the Residency Advisory Board, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Clinical Executive Board, Quality Safety Value Committee, Space Committee, Opioid Review Board, Pain Committee, Affiliation Partnership Council and Peer Review Committee for the ICVAHCS.  At the VISN level, Dr. Tubbs serves on the VISN 23 Pharmacy Advisory Board, VISN 23 Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, and the VISN 23 Pain Committee.  At the national level, Traviss has previously worked with the Medication Reconciliation Documentation Workgroup, the Pharmacy Recruitment and Retention Advisory Board and a workgroup tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to the national directive on controlled substance inspections.  In his work with the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Tubbs serves on the Dean’s Executive Committee, lectures in the Leadership and Professional Development Electives and mentors pharmacy students through the College of Pharmacy’s 1885 Society mentorship program. 

Nancee Waterbury, PharmD, BCACP has been a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA since 2001. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and completed the specialized practice residency in Ambulatory Care at the Iowa City VA in June 2001. Dr. Waterbury is currently the PGY 1 Pharmacy Practice Residency Program Director. Her primary areas of clinic involvement include diabetes and virology. She is an active member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association participating in the Leadership Pharmacy Conference, receiving Young Pharmacist of the Year award, completing a two-year term on the Board of Trustees in 2012 and serving on a variety of committees. Dr. Waterbury is an adjunct assistant professor for the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She lectures several times a year and helps precept students.

Luke Watson, PharmD, BCPP joined the ICVAHCS as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Psychiatry in 2016. Dr. Watson received his B.S. in Chemistry from the Truman State University in 2010.  Dr. Watson received his PharmD. degree from the University of Iowa in 2014. He completed his PGY-1 residency training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.  He then completed his PGY-2 residency training in psychiatric pharmacy residency at the ICVAHCS and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  Dr. Watson’s clinical interests include psychiatric and neurological pharmacy.

Megan Watson, PharmD, BCPS is an inpatient clinical pharmacist. She is originally from North Central Iowa and studied biology at Wartburg College before starting pharmacy school at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She first worked at the ICVA HCS as an inpatient pharmacy student intern. She graduated from pharmacy school in 2014 and completed a PGY1 residency at the Omaha VAMC in 2016. After residency she rejoined the ICVA HCS inpatient pharmacy as a clinical pharmacist. As an inpatient clinical pharmacist, she serves a variety of areas on a rotating basis including internal medicine, surgery, sterile IV preparation, emergency department, and central pharmacy. She is a team preceptor for pharmacy students and residents on their internal medicine rotations and also precepts residents during their staffing experience. 

Marcia Chace Zeithamel, BS, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP is an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner at the Iowa City VA Health Care System.  She received her Bachelor of Science in 1995 and Doctor of Pharmacy in 2005 from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. She is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist.  Dr. Zeithamel has cared for our Nations’ Veterans in the ambulatory care pharmacy setting at the Iowa City VA HCS since 2003, and has served in her current Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner position since 2017.  She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and enjoys precepting pharmacy students and residents.  Her primary areas of interest and clinic involvement include Primary Care, Geriatric Pharmacy, Medication Management and Anticoagulation.  She is a member of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Christine L. Zeman, PharmD. is an Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Specialist Operations.  Christine earned her doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and joined the ICVAHCS in 2002 as an outpatient staff pharmacist.  During her career with the VA, Dr. Zeman has served as Outpatient Pharmacy Program Manager in 2007-2008 prior to transitioning to a PACT pharmacy clinical role in 2009.  As a PACT pharmacist, Dr. Zeman provided clinical pharmacy support and medication therapy management services to the Coralville Primary Care Clinic.   In September 2019, she transitioned her role to Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Specialist Operations.  She is an adjunct professor for the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, precepting both pharmacy students and residents.  She graduated from the VA’s LEAD program in 2006 and attended the Iowa Pharmacy Association’s Leadership Pharmacy Conference in 2012.  Prior to her career with VA, Dr. Zeman managed Drug Town in Columbus Junction, IA, and provided pharmacy consultative services for the local nursing facility.  Her primary area of interest is ambulatory/primary care.

CURRENT RESIDENT BIOGRAPHIES PGY1

Caroline Hartman, PharmD, originally from North Liberty, IA, received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa in May 2022. She has been involved in the American Pharmacists Association—Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, and the Upstream Initiative out of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Hartman’s areas of interest include inpatient care settings with an emphasis in psychiatry, transplant, and infectious diseases. In the future, she intends to pursue a PGY-2 in psychiatry and obtain a BCPS or BCPP certification and pursue a career in inpatient clinical pharmacy practice. Her favorite things to do are hang out with her Alaskan Husky Winnie and cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes! caroline.hartman@va.gov

Jamie Heren, PharmD, originally from Atkins, Iowa, received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2022. She has been involved in the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and the American Pharmacists Association. Dr. Heren’s areas of interest include ambulatory care involving chronic disease state management (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and heart failure), critical care, and inpatient clinical pharmacy practice. She intends to obtain BCPS certification and pursue a career in clinical pharmacy practice. In her free time she enjoys hiking with her family and playing at the park with her daughter. jamie.heren@va.gov

Courtney Krall, PharmD, MPH, originally from Stratford, WI, received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University and her Master of Public Health degree from Des Moines University in May 2022. She has been involved in the Des Moines Student Healthcare Partnership, Alpha Eta National Honor Society of the Allied Health Professions, American Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and Iowa Pharmacy Association. Dr. Krall’s professional areas of interest include oncology and ambulatory care clinical practice. Her favorite hobbies are cycling, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and playing with her two Siberian huskies. She intends to pursue a PGY-2 oncology pharmacy residency. In the future, she would like to earn certifications as a Certified Health Education Specialist and a Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist.  courtney.krall@va.gov

Gabriella Tagliapietra, PharmD, originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, she received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University in May 2022. She has been involved in Phi Delta Chi Pharmaceutical Fraternity; Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society; and Iowa Pharmacy Association. Dr. Tagliapietra’s areas of interest include mental health and ambulatory care practice involving chronic disease state management. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her dog and family. She intends to pursue a career in psychiatric or ambulatory care pharmacy and obtain BCPP or BCACP certification.  gabriella.tagliapietra@va.gov              

FAQ'S

QUESTION

What rotations are available, how are they selected, is scheduling flexible?

ANSWER

  • Every resident is required to complete the following clinical learning experiences
    • Anticoagulation Clinic (part of Am Care block)
    • Internal Medicine
    • Medication Management (part of Am Care block)
    • Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT)
  • Residents select either two PACT blocks or two required inpatient experiences
  • Residents select three electives
  • RPD meets with residents at the beginning of the year and every quarter to review the
    schedule; changes made based on resident preference

QUESTION

How much patient interaction will residents be exposed to while on ambulatory care rotations?

ANSWER

  • Patient interaction is the hallmark of ambulatory care
  • F2F, telemedicine, video to home and phone calls are used to interact with patients
  • Eighty percent of a resident’s time is spent performing direct patient care activities

QUESTION

What is the staffing schedule, responsibilities, and support? How many hours, on call?

ANSWER

  • Staffing schedule is determined by the residents
  • Each resident will work the same number of weekends and evenings
    • 13 weekends (26 shifts): Saturday and Sunday for 8.5 hours each day
    • 28 evenings: one evening a week for 3 hours
  • Residents will always have a clinical pharmacist(s) working with them on the weekends
  • Residents are NOT on call
  • Staffing is part of the residency program. Extra hours are not available for additional pay

QUESTION

What is the support system for the research project, how often do projects get published? How are they selected. Is this a large area of focus in this program?

ANSWER

  • We have a project advisory board (PAB) who helps to guide projects to completion
    • Residents start meeting with the PAB in July
    • Meetings are weekly for the first several months
  • There is a list of projects to select from; own ideas are welcome
  • We do put a lot of focus and dedicate resources to the residency project and MUE
  • We average 1-2 published projects a year

QUESTION

What are the expectations and opportunities of PEPPR?

ANSWER

  • PEPPR is our teaching program affiliated with the University of Iowa COP
  • Residents attend a workshop in August and select activities to participate in
    • Design and deliver 1 learning activity (large group)
    • Facilitate learning activities in the pharmacy practice course series one day in
      the Fall and one day in the Spring semester (small group/lab)
    • Can select more if desired
  • Educational sessions are held once a month with required attendance (F2F or virtual)
  • Outside of the classroom residents assist in precepting students on rotations, but will
    not be the primary preceptor for a student
  • All residents are responsible for completing a drug class review, CE program and
    pharmacy-wide journal club

QUESTION

What type of autonomy do ICVA pharmacists have?

ANSWER

  • In the VA Health Care System clinical pharmacists have their own scope of practice
    • Can prescribe medications and order labs
    • Without physician co-signature
  • VA Health Care System does not allow PGY-1 residents their own scope of practice
    • Can work under preceptors’ scope of practice
    • Can order medications and labs under preceptors’ name for signature
  • Each clinical pharmacist has a unique scope of practice based on their area of expertise

QUESTION

How are residents evaluated? (how frequently is feedback given and from whom)

ANSWER

  • PharmAcademic is the formal website
    • Preceptor evaluations at the end of each learning experience
    • Residents evaluate each learning experience and preceptor(s)
  • Residents receive feedback on their projects and presentations throughout the year
  • VA Health Care System requires preceptors to co-sign all PGY-1 resident notes
    • Feedback on recommendations and monitoring plans
    • Feedback on notes
  • Every quarter RPD meets individually with each resident
    • Reviews most recent evaluations
    • Determines if changes in the schedule need to be made

QUESTION

Where have residents (over the past five years) gone after completing residency?

ANSWER

  • Positions directly out of PGY-1 residency training
    • Inpatient Positions: 43%
    • Outpatient/Am Care Position: 33%
    • PGY-2: 24%
  • Currently working in the VA Health Care System: 95%

QUESTION

What is there to do in the area when not at work?

ANSWER


QUESTION

How is transportation to work/parking handled? Is there adequate housing in the area?

ANSWER

  • Parking onsite at the ICVA is reserved for veterans
  • Employees are allowed to park onsite during the weekends
  • We encourage residents to secure housing on a bus route
  • There are multiple busing options; all stop behind VA for easy access
    • University Cambus (no charge)
    • Iowa City busing routes
    • Coralville busing routes
  • Discounted busing passes are provided for VA employees