Residency Program

Pharmacotherapy Residency Program

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Feik School of Pharmacy Pharmacotherapy Residency Program focuses on patient care, teaching, service and scholarly activity. The program is designed to provide pharmacy graduates with a positive environment to sharpen the skills required to excel as clinicians and educators. After program completion, the resident is well-equipped to function effectively as a pharmacotherapy specialist or clinical faculty member.

Residency Group photo

The following components are central to the 24-month Pharmacotherapy Residency Program:

  • Clinical Experiences: Provide clinical services in a variety of inpatient and outpatient practice settings.
  • Teaching: Complete a longitudinal teaching certificate program with both didactic and small group teaching experiences.
  • Scholarship: Create scholarship, including the completion and submission of two peer-reviewed articles (one original research article and one additional article).
  • Service: Contribute a required service component of eight hours per year.
 

General Information

General Information about the University of the Incarnate Word:

UIW is a faith-based university founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The University is committed to educational excellence with an emphasis on the development of the whole person. The core values of the UIW Mission are faith, service, innovation, truth and education.

Founded in 2004, the Feik School of Pharmacy embraces the Mission of the University as it develops a group of faculty, students and residents dedicated to impacting the healthcare needs of our community and the nation. In 2010, the Feik School of Pharmacy started a 24-month pharmacotherapy residency program to continue the Mission values of education and service.

The Feik School of Pharmacy has more than 20 pharmacy practice faculty with expertise in multiple clinical areas, including ambulatory care, cardiology, critical care, geriatrics, infectious diseases, internal/family medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry and solid organ transplant.

 

Residency Rotations Overview

UIW Pharmacotherapy residents have eight required and four elective rotations in postgraduate year one (PGY1). Postgraduate year two (PGY2) residents will complete four required and eight elective rotations.

Rotation experiences are designed to afford the pharmacotherapy resident a broad array of learning environments in a variety of settings. Rotation sites include inpatient and outpatient settings throughout San Antonio, including University Health System (Level I trauma center), South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio Military Medical Center and Christus Santa Rosa Health System.

Elective opportunities include administration/management, anticoagulation, ambulatory care, cardiology, critical care, diabetes care, emergency medicine, geriatrics, infectious diseases, internal/family medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry and solid organ transplant and others as identified based on resident interest.

Clinical Rotation Schedule

  • Internal/Family Medicine (two months)
  • Adult Primary Care (two months)
  • Drug Information/Orientation (one month)
  • Critical Care (one month)
  • Infectious Disease (one month)
  • Research (one month)
  • Electives (four months)
  • Acute Care (two months)
  • Ambulatory/Outpatient Specialty Care (two months)
  • Electives (eight months)
 

Teaching Certificate Program

Education is central to the Mission of UIW and a vital, dynamic part of the profession of pharmacy. All residents are expected to complete a two-year teaching certificate program.

Components of the teaching certificate program include:

  • Attend 12 two-hour teaching seminars.
  • Present at least three hours of didactic teaching.
  • Facilitate pharmacy case-based labs.
  • Create and maintain a teaching portfolio.
  • Develop a teaching philosophy.
  • Obtain a preceptor license through the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

The overall goal of the teaching certificate program is to introduce residents to the elements of effective teaching and allow the resident to select a pedagogical approach that fits her/his teaching philosophy. The University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy's teaching certificate program adheres to national guidelines for such programs through requirement of a self-reflective teaching philosophy, assignment of a teaching mentor, interactive seminars on core pedagogy topics, participation in a variety of teaching activities, and clear criteria for achievement of the previous guidelines.

In order to earn a teaching certificate, the resident must document:

  • Active participation in 12 seminars on effective teaching during the first and second year of residency
  • Facilitate 20 small group labs in the Applied Pharmacy Care courses or Pharmacotherapy Conference
  • At least three hours of faculty-mentored didactic teaching during the second year of residency
  • Submission of a teaching portfolio for review prior to completion of the second year of residency

There are five required components of the pharmacy resident's teaching portfolio:

  • A teaching philosophy
  • Teaching goals
  • Documentation of teaching experience
  • Teaching reflections
  • Appendix of teaching materials

Teaching certificate seminars include the following topics:

  • Student integrity and civility
  • Introduction to teaching strategies and learning styles
  • Learning objectives and domains of learning
  • Dealing with student feedback
  • Assessing student learning
  • Creating a syllabus
  • Experiential education
  • Active learning strategies in large classrooms
  • Collaborative learning
  • Teaching philosophy: a reflective card-sort exercise
  • Creating a teaching portfolio
 

Research and Presentations

Research and dissemination of knowledge are important activities for all clinical pharmacists and educators.

In this program, the resident is expected to:

  • Complete at least one major research project and submit it for publication.
  • Create one major research project and obtain IRB approval.
  • Complete at least one additional peer-reviewed article and submit for publication.
  • Present research findings at UIW Research Day and in a formal research seminar as a PGY2.
  • Present research both years at the ALCALDE Southwest Leadership Conference.
  • Present one continuing education seminar through a professional organization.
  • Present one formal presentation per year in Controversies in Clinical Therapeutics seminar.
  • Participate in one peer review of a manuscript.
  • Present one poster or platform presentation at a professional meeting.

Please see the "Research and Presentations" accordion below for more detailed information regarding program requirements and past presentations and publications.

Please see the Residents tab below for information on current and former UIW Pharmacotherapy residents.

Research and dissemination of knowledge are important activities for all clinical pharmacists and educators. In this program, the resident is expected to gain experience with clinical or academic research with a research mentor and committee. Research activities may include writing an institutional review board proposal, writing a grant proposal, writing and submitting an original research manuscript as well as an additional peer-reviewed article, and responding to reviewer comments. In addition, dissemination of research and innovative ideas is a key function of clinical pharmacists and educators. Multiple presentations are required throughout the 24-month program to ensure that residents can artfully deliver both topic- and research-based formal presentations with appropriate depth and mastery of content.

Research

Each resident is required to complete at least one major research project during the 24-month program. After the resident selects a topic or area of interest, the resident will select a research mentor. The resident and research mentor will invite appropriate faculty or preceptors to serve on the research committee. It is expected that the resident, by completion of the program, will have written and submitted at least one original research manuscript and one additional peer-reviewed article.

Each resident is required to present research findings at UIW Research Day in February of the second postgraduate year. Research results must also be presented in a formal research seminar at UIW as well as UIW Research Day. Residents are also required to present each year at ALCALDE Southwest Leadership Conference. A research timeline is available to guide residents with research deadlines and requirements. Finally, residents will also present at least one poster or platform presentation at a professional meeting and participate in the peer-review process for one manuscript.

Continuing Education Presentation

Each resident is required to present one Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) approved continuing education seminar through a professional organization. Local professional organizations submit potential presentation requests to include but are not limited to, the Bexar County Pharmacy Association (BCPA) and the Central Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CTSHP).

Controversies in Clinical Therapeutics

Each resident will select a controversial topic in an area of interest to present in the Controversies in Clinical Therapeutics series. The purpose of the Controversies in Clinical Therapeutics series is to effectively and concisely provide evidence-based treatment recommendations on a controversial topic after an evaluation of appropriate evidence. Other goals of this presentation include development of verbal and written communication skills, and clinical reasoning.

Examples of Research and Presentations

Presentations

Dr. Haley Tierce, PharmD: Direct oral anticoagulants in patients with severe obesity. Presented at Bexar County Pharmacy Association meeting (virtual). April 2021.

Dr. Brittany La-Viola, PharmD: Use of non-vitamin K anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Presented at Bexar County Pharmacy Association meeting. November 2018.

Dr. Rebekah Benitez, PharmD: Too Much of a Good Thing? A Comparison of Standard versus Extended Dual Antiplatelet Therapy following the Placement of Drug-Eluting Stents. Presented at the University at the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. April 2017.

Dr. Jenna Snoga, PharmD: Non-selective Beta-Blockers in Patients with Ascites: Friend or Foe? Presented at the University at the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. March 2017.

Dr. Emily Brysch, PharmD: Should Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors be Avoided in Patients with Heart Failure? Presented at the University at the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. November 2016.

Dr. Shelley Glaess, PharmD: Clonidine as a Strategy for Discontinuing Long-term Sedation with Dexmedetomidine in Critically Ill Patients. Presented at the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. October 2016.

Dr. Shelley Glaess, PharmD: Periprocedural Management of Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation: When to Burn Your Bridges. Presented at the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. March 2016.

Dr. Emily Brysch, PharmD: Steroid Use in Community Acquired Pneumonia: Should the Idea be "Suppressed" or Standard of Care? Presented at the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. January 2016.

Dr. Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD: β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors for the treatment of infections caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Presented at the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. November 2015.

Dr. Ashley Zurek, PharmD: Pharmacologic Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis vs. Auto-anticoagulation in Cirrhosis. Presented at the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. October 2015.

Dr. Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD: “New and Emerging Interferon-free Treatments for Chronic Hepatitis C”. Presented at the TPA Conference and Expo for ACPE Continuing Education. July 2015.

Dr. Hansita Patel, PharmD: “Cefepime use for ESBL infections”. Presented to the Central Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists for ACPE Continuing Education. June 2015.

Dr. Braden Adamson, PharmD: “Inhaled Anticholinergic Therapy and Cardiovascular Safety”; Presented to the Central Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists for ACPE Continuing Education. May 2015.

Dr. Ashley Zurek, PharmD: “Are Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Equally Effective in Hemoglobin A1c Lowering Potential?”. Presented to the Bexar County Pharmacy Association for ACPE Continuing Education. April 2015.

Dr. Ashley Zurek, PharmD: “Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors – Are They Equal?”. Presented to the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. March 2015.

Dr. Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD: “Interferon-free Treatments for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Infection” Presented at the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. January 2015.

Dr. Hansita Patel, PharmD: “Cefepime use for ESBL infections: Usable or Inducible?” Presented at the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy for ACPE Continuing Education. November 2014.

Dr. Braden Adamson, PharmD: “Inhaled Anticholinergic Therapy and Cardiovascular Safety” presented as Controversies in Clinical Therapeutics to the FSOP faculty and San Antonio area pharmacists for ACPE Continuing Education. October 2014

Dr. Merlyn Joseph, PharmD: “Osteoporosis Prevention: A Focus on Calcium and Vitamin D”. Presented to the Bexar County Pharmacy Association for ACPE Continuing Education. May 2014.

Dr. Tina Lee, PharmD: “Are Weight Loss Drugs and eCigarettes Seen on TV Safe and Effective?”. Presented to Bexar County Pharmacy Association for ACPE Continuing Education. February 2014.

Dr. Tina Lee, PharmD: “Statin-Induced Rhabdomyolysis”. Presented to the Central Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists for ACPE Continuing Education. January 2014.

Poster Presentations

Mattes RG, Gutierrez GC, Nguyen JV, Habib SA, Morneau K, Attridge RL. Effect of desmopressin and hypertonic saline versus hypertonic saline along on length of stay in critically ill patients with severe hyponatremia. Presented at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting, December 2019.

Hulsizer AL, Witte AP, Urteaga EM. Hyperglycemia post-influenza vaccine in patients with diabetes. Presented at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Annual Meeting, October 2019.

La-Viola BA, Guerra CM, Lusk KA. Effect of Lecture Capture on Student Outcomes: A Focus on Pharmacy Students. Presented at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Annual Meeting, October 2018.

Popp RA, Lusk KA, Glaess SS, Burkett D, Attridge RL. Effect of therapeutic interchange on medication changes between admission and discharge. Presented at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Annual Meeting, October 2018.

Glaess SS, Attridge RL, Brady RL, Attridge RT. Evaluation of Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens on Recurrence and Mortality in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis. Presented at American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Annual Meeting, October 2016.

Brysch EG, Cauthon KAB, Sarbacker GB, Kalich BA. Reduction of Medication Regimen Complexity in Geriatric Patients: The Effect on Quality of Life and Functional Capacity. Presented at American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Annual Meeting, October, 2016.

Glaess SS, Attridge RL, Brady RL, Attridge RT. Evaluation of Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens on Recurrence and Mortality in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis. Presented at TSHP Annual Seminar, April 2016.

Patel H, Attridge RL, Cauthon K, Horlen C, Urteaga, E, Witte A . Utilization of Twice Daily Dosing of Insulin Glargine in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Presented at ACCP Global Conference on Clinical Pharmacy, October 2015.

Patel H, Espiritu B, Flynt M, Adamson B, Witte A, Sarbacker B. Identification and Reduction of Medication Complexity in Older Patients. Presented at UTHSCSA PASSPORT Research Forum, April 2015.

Patel H, Attridge RL, Cauthon K, Horlen C, Urteaga, E, Witte A . Utilization of Twice Daily Dosing of Insulin Glargine in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Presented at ALCALDE Southwest Leadership Conference, April 2015.

Adamson B, Attridge RT. Community-Dwelling Pneumonia and Risk Factors for Resistant Pathogens. Presented at ALCALDE Southwest Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, April 2015.

Lee TC, Attridge RT, Attridge RL, Horlen C, Cota J. Clinical Evaluation of Potassium Supplementation in Hospitalized Adults. Presented at ALCALDE Southwest Leadership Conference, April 2014.

Joseph M, Attridge RT, Brady R, Cota J, Horlen C, Lusk K, Attridge RL. Factors associated with fluconazole-induced hepatotoxicity. Presented at ALCALDE Southwest Leadership Conference, April 2014.

Joseph M, Lee TC, Sarbacker B, Horlen C. Impact of Geriatric Education on Second Year Pharmacy Students. Presented at the Chief Resident Immersion Training Poster Presentations, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, April 2014.

Lee TC, Joseph M, Sarbacker B, Horlen C. Impact of Geriatric Education on Second Year Pharmacy Students. Presented at the 7th Annual University of the Incarnate Word Research Day, February 2014.


Publications

Cota JM, Giancola SE, Benavides TM, Wiederhold NP. Implications of evolving and emerging pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic research for triazoles and echinocandins. Current Fungal Infection Reports, 2020.

Snoga JL, Lusk KA, Attridge RT, Attridge RL. Effect of non-selective beta-blockers on mortality in patients with end-stage cirrhosis. Ann Pharmacother 2019.

Glaess SS, Gutierrez GC, Attridge RL. Clonidine as a strategy for discontinuing dexmedetomidine sedation in critically ill patients: a narrative review. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 2020;77;515-522.

Glaess SS, Attridge RL, Brady RL, Attridge RT. Evaluation of prophylactic antibiotic regimens on recurrence and mortality in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Ann Hepatol 2019;18:841-8.

Popp RA, Lusk KA, Glaess SS, Burkett D, Attridge RL. Effect of therapeutic interchange on medication changes between admission and discharge. Hospital Pharmacy 2019; DOI:10.1177/0018578719848733.

La-Viola B, Guerra C. Risk business: judging the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for non-valvular atrial fibrillation in patients with renal dysfunction. J Atr Fibrillation 2018;11:2071.

Joseph ML, Brady R, Attridge R, Cota J, Horlen C, Lusk K, and Attridge RL. Critically ill recipients of weight-based fluconazole meeting drug-induced liver injury network criteria. Hospital Pharmacy 2018; DOI:10.1177/0018578718802583

Brysch EG, Cauthon KAB, Kalich BA, Sarbacker GB. Medication regimen complexity index in the elderly in an outpatient setting: a literature review. Consult Pharm 2018;33:484-96. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30185289

Patel HA, Lusk KA, Cota JM. The role of cefepime in treatment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase infections. J Pharm Pract 2017;Epub ahead of print. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29166830.

Lusk KA, Snoga JL, Benitez RM, Sarbacker GB. Management of direct-acting oral anticoagulants surrounding dental procedures with low-to-moderate risk of bleeding. J Pharm Pract 2017;897. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28506106.

Zurek A, Urteaga E, Yendapally R. A review of the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors: a focus on diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetes Spectrum 2017. Available at: http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/30/2/137.

Bazaldua OV, Davidson DA, Zurek A, Kripalani S. Chapter e1: Health literacy and medication use. In: Dipiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, Matzke CR, Wells BG, Posey L. eds. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 10e. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill;2017. Available at: accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/.

Sanchez CK, Zurek A. Patient perceptions of generic drugs: dispelling misconceptions. US Pharmacist. 2016;41(Generic Drugs suppl):36-41. Available at: https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/patient-perceptions-of-generic-drugs-dispelling-misconceptions.

Cota JM, FakhriRavari A, Rowan MP, Chung KK, Murray CK, Akers KS. Intravenous antibiotic and antifungal agent pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic dosing in adults with severe burn injury. Clin Ther 2016; epub ahead of print August 29, 2016. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27586127.

FakhriRavari A, Malakouti M, Brady R. Interferon-Free Treatments for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Infection. J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2016 Jun 28;4(2):97-112. doi: 10.14218/JCTH.2016.00007. Epub 2016 Jun 15. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=27350940

Joseph M, Lopez TC. Question On Evidence: Should Women Be On Statins For Secondary Prevention? (update). In: Linn WD, Al-Qadheeb N, Havrda D, Al-Qadheeb N, Havrda D, eds. Topics in Evidence-Based Pharmacy Practice. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012. Available at: accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com.

Lee TC, Lopez TC. Is Increasing the Dose of Clopidogrel Effective in Clopidogrel Resistant Patients in Preventing Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events Post PCI? (update). In W.D. Linn, N. Al-Qadheeb, D. Havrda, N. Al-Qadheeb, D. Havrda (Eds), Topics in Evidence-Based Pharmacy Practice ; 2012. Available at: accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com.

Each resident will select a controversial topic in an area of interest to present in the Controversies in Clinical Therapeutics series. The purpose of the Controversies in Clinical Therapeutics series is to effectively and concisely provide evidence-based treatment recommendations on a controversial topic after an evaluation of appropriate evidence. Other goals of this presentation include development of verbal and written communication skills and clinical reasoning.

Throughout the academic year, a resident presents a clinically controversial topic as ACPE Continuing Education. It is open to all interested healthcare providers and is held on certain Fridays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP). Please click on the dates below to access FSOP Residents' past presentation handouts.

2022-2023

2021-2022

2020-2021

2019-2020

2018-2019

2017-2018

 

Residency Advisory Committee

The UIW Pharmacotherapy Residency Program consists of a director and faculty who serve on the Residency Advisory Committee:

Program Director:

Program Coordinator:

Advisory Council:

 

Residents

Current Residents

Dr. Jerrica Lilley, Pharm D.

Jerrica Lilley, Pharm.D. (2023-2025)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2021
University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy, San Antonio, Texas

Clinical Focus

Internal Medicine

Research Focus

Acute Coronary Syndrome Readmission Rates with Transitions of Care Pharmacist Communication

Why UIW?

I wanted a residency program that would allow me to gain experience in different areas of pharmacy, provide challenging rotations, and give me the opportunity to interact with patients from all different backgrounds. UIW offers this because the residents have rotation opportunities with several different healthcare systems and outstanding preceptors. This two-year program will also allow me to perform comprehensive research, present CE’s, teach lectures, and challenge myself. I spent four years as a student at Feik where I received amazing support, feedback, guidance and mentorship. I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to participate in the Pharmacotherapy Residency at Feik!


Sara Stashluk

Sara Stashluk, Pharm.D. (2023-2025)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2021

University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, Texas

Clinical Focus

Infectious Disease

Research Focus

3-Day Course of Ceftriaxone for Uncomplicated UTI's vs Standard Durations of Therapy

Why UIW?

I chose the UIW Pharmacotherapy Residency because of the strong emphasis on both clinical pharmacy and academia. The program offers diverse rotation opportunities, and the two-year length is an excellent opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest, and the teaching experiences and certificate offered will prepare me to give back to the next generation of pharmacists. My experiences with the faculty have been warm, welcoming and encouraging and I am looking forward to the next two years learning and growing from this program.

Markus Reedy, Pharm.D. (2022-2024) Markus Reedy, PharmD

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2022
University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, Fort Worth, Texas

Clinical Focus

Internal medicine

Research Focus

TBD

Why UIW?

During my APPE rotations, I had the pleasure of having two previous UIW residency alumni (Dr. Abby Hulsizer and Dr. Taylor Benavides) as preceptors. Witnessing the passion they showed for their patients, the knowledge they communicated to providers, and the way they challenged me as a student made realize that the way they are as pharmacists is how I hope to be as a pharmacist. Hearing them talk about their experience at UIW, knowledge gained, array of patient populations, and the preceptors that helped mold them into pharmacists, I knew that UIW would be the answer to what I was looking for in a residency.


Jaycie Truong, Pharm.D. (2022-2024) Jaycie Truong, PharmD

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2022

University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, Texas

Clinical Focus

Internal Medicine

Research Focus

TBD

Why UIW?

I chose the UIW Pharmacotherapy Residency Program because it has the key features I’m looking for in a residency – the opportunity to experience a wide variety of clinical rotations through several different healthcare institutions as well as the chance to gain academic and research experience. Another aspect of the program that I like is the two-year length, which would give me time to engage in various areas of pharmacy before deciding what to focus on. I believe that the program will help me develop a strong foundation to become a capable pharmacist.

Former Residents

Haley Tierce, Pharm.D. (2020-2022)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2020

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Lubbock, Texas

Clinical Focus

Ambulatory Care, Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases

Research Focus

Direct oral anticoagulants in obese patients

Current Position

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Hospital Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas

Why UIW?

I chose to be a part of UIW’s Pharmacotherapy Residency Program because of the multitude of exceptional opportunities in a variety of practice areas. This unique program will allow me to develop personally and professionally with the guidance of experienced faculty and staff. Additionally, the length of the program will provide ample time to develop creative research projects, complete a teaching certificate program, and explore my career interests at a variety of clinical practice sites. With determination and dedication, I am excited to expand my skills as a leader and as a pharmacist in the encouraging, supportive environment at UIW.


Blake Wassom, Pharm.D., TTS (2020-2022)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2020
University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, Fort Worth, Texas

Clinical Focus

Cardiology, Infectious Diseases, Academia

Research Focus

Longitudinal APPE programs in preparing candidates for residency training

Current Position
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Primary Care, University Health System, San Antonio, Texas
Why UIW?

This is truly a remarkable program and I feel honored to be a part of it. I have a strong interest in academia, and so I was looking to join a program that would help me to develop into both an adept clinical pharmacist and a skilled presenter and researcher. The Pharmacotherapy Residency Program at UIW certainly met these criteria. It includes a comprehensive teaching certificate program that allows residents to get hands-on experience in the classroom. Additionally, it was important to me to obtain a broad knowledge base while also having the opportunity to specialize within an area of interest. The program here is uniquely designed to facilitate this, as residents complete most of their required rotations during the first year and take most of their elective rotations during the second year. Finally, the faculty and staff here are very friendly and approachable, which contributes to an ideal learning environment.


Taylor Benavides, Pharm.D. (2019-2021)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2019
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Abilene, Texas

Clinical Focus

Infectious Diseases, Academia

Research Focus

Infectious Diseases

Current Position

Assistant Professor, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, Fort Worth, Texas

Why UIW?

I chose UIW’s Pharmacotherapy Residency Program due to its plethora of opportunities and advantages provided to its residents, including the program's academic focus, and the opportunity for their residents to rotate in a variety of rotation sites around San Antonio. The program also allows for the residents to tailor their second year to their career interests. Most importantly, the warm, friendly faculty and staff at UIW make for an environment conducive to both personal and professional growth.


Jennifer Rivas, Pharm.D. (2019-2021)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2019

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy

Clinical Focus

Hospital Administration and Critical Care

Research Focus

Prescription of glucagon for management of hypoglycemia

Current Position

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Cardiology, University Health System, San Antonio, Texas

Why UIW?

I’m so excited to be a part of UIW’s Pharmacotherapy Residency program. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly kept UIW on my mind during my residency search process. Besides the inviting atmosphere, UIW also offers multiple opportunities for the resident to individualize their post-graduate training experience. As a new pharmacist, I want to gain exposure in various clinical settings and use these unique opportunities to help shape my future career goals. I appreciate how UIW has a focus on perfecting various communication skills through teaching and leading and encourages an atmosphere of lifelong learning. These leadership skills are essential to a new healthcare professional.  Lastly, I look forward to working with the accomplished faculty and staff. I believe that being a part of this program will help make me an overall better healthcare professional.


Abigail Hulsizer, Pharm.D. (2018-2020)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2018
University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy
Fort Worth, Texas

Clinical Focus

Ambulatory Care, Psychiatry, Academia

Research Focus

Hyperglycemia post-influenza vaccine in patients with diabetes

Current Position

Assistant Professor, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, Fort Worth, Texas

Why UIW?

I chose UIW’s Pharmacotherapy Residency Program because it offered the opportunity to further develop my knowledge of pharmacy in a faith-based environment. After finishing my fourth year in pharmacy school, I knew I wanted to have a career as a clinical pharmacist as well as in academia. Being a part of the Feik School of Pharmacy as well as having clinical rotation sites throughout several major hospitals in the San Antonio area, I feel as though this program will afford me a multitude of opportunities that will help advance my ability to critically think and appropriately treat each patient I encounter. I also was drawn to the uniqueness of this program in that it allows me the freedom to tailor my PGY2 year to whichever area I choose by offering eight months of electives. Lastly, I chose UIW because of my faith. UIW is a Catholic-based institution that encourages all employees to live by its mission and vision in all aspects of life. I believe being a part of this program and working with the wonderful faculty will help strengthen my faith and respect for others.


Raymond Mattes, Pharm.D. (2018-2020)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2018
University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy
San Antonio, Texas

Clinical Focus

Ambulatory Care, Cardiology, Anticoagulation

Research Focus

Effect of DDAVP for hyponatremia on length of stay in acute care

Current Position

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, North West San Antonio VA Clinic, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, Texas

Why UIW?

I chose the residency at UIW because I was looking for a program that would strengthen my interests in ambulatory care and cardiology while allowing me to develop experience in a variety of inpatient settings. One of the best advantages of this program that I appreciated is the opportunity to rotate at different hospitals, clinics and academic settings to adapt your experience designed for your interests. In addition to great sites of practice, this program is filled with great clinical preceptors that are wonderful to work with. I am confident that after spending my residency experience here, I will be proficient in my skills to work as a clinical pharmacist.


Brittany La-Viola, Pharm.D. (2017-2019)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2017
Notre Dame of Maryland
University School of Pharmacy Baltimore, MD

Clinical Focus

Internal Medicine, Critical Care, Cardiology

Research Focus

How does Lecture Capture affect student outcomes?

Current Position

Clinical Pharmacist, TidalHealth Nanticoke, Seaford, Delaware

Why UIW?

I chose UIW Pharmacotherapy Residency Program because the program has all of the core components that I was looking for in a residency program. One core component UIW offers is a wide variety of rotation opportunities at various practice sites and institutions in the San Antonio area. As a pharmacist, I will be working with a multitude of diverse populations throughout my career. Having the opportunity to work with different practice sites throughout the San Antonio area will help me gain experience working with a variety of patient populations, as well as, expose me to alternate ways to practice pharmacy. Another core component UIW offers is a strong academic focus. Throughout pharmacy school, I had a great passion for helping others along their academic journey in pharmacy school. I knew early on in pharmacy school that I wanted to pursue a career in academia. I strongly believe that the program will help me grow as a clinical pharmacist and equip me with the experiences and tools to pursue a career in a variety of different practice areas.


Ryan A. Popp, Pharm.D. (2017-2019)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2017 University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas

Clinical Focus

Ambulatory Care, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine

Research Focus

Effect of therapeutic interchange on medication changes between admission and discharge

Current Position

Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Harris Health System, Houston, Texas

Why UIW?

I chose UIW because of the diverse set of clinical, academic and research experiences it offers. UIW truly allows you the freedom to choose the direction you want to take your residency, and I like that I have time to explore various clinical environments as a PGY1 before selecting what I will focus on in the PGY2 year. As a new pharmacist, I look forward to engaging in the diverse series of rotations around many great hospitals in San Antonio, as well as interacting with students in the classroom. With the assistance and support from the wonderful faculty and practitioners of the Feik School of Pharmacy, I am confident that I will not only emerge from this program as a capable, competent and confident pharmacist but also with the skills and knowledge to provide professional education and pursue research for the rest of my career. I am so happy to be a part of the Incarnate Word family.


Rebekah M. Benitez, Pharm.D. (2016-2018)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2016
University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy
San Antonio, Texas

Clinical Focus

Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Ambulatory Care

Research Focus

Identification of factors driving prescribing patterns of P2Y 12 inhibitors following acute coronary syndromes and comparison to patient values

Current Position

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy, San Antonio, Texas

Why UIW?

I choose UIW because it offered a varied and dynamic approach to learning. Coming out of my fourth year APPE rotations, I knew that I wanted to pursue a residency but was unsure which focus to choose. Fortunately, the UIW residency program encompasses the full spectrum of opportunities within the profession of pharmacy. The rotations allow me to experience hospitals and ambulatory care clinics throughout San Antonio, in a wide array of patient settings. In addition, this program’s affiliation with the Feik School of Pharmacy allows for exceptional experiences in academia. Having the opportunity to gain a teaching certificate while actively engaging in lab facilitation and didactic lectures is such a unique aspect of this program. Last but not least, I knew from my years as a student at UIW just how great the faculty and staff were. UIW is a very friendly and learning-centered environment, and I am so fortunate to be a part of it.


Jenna Snoga, Pharm.D. (2016-2018)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2016
University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy
San Antonio, Texas

Clinical Focus

Ambulatory Care, Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases

Research Focus

Evaluation of Non-selective Beta-blockers on Mortality in Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis

Current Position

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Cardiology, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, Texas

Why UIW?

I chose UIW Pharmacotherapy Residency Program because it offered all of the essential components I was looking for in a residency program. UIW offers a broad variety of clinical rotations throughout the San Antonio area at several different healthcare institutions. This exposure will allow me to explore the many different avenues of pharmacy and I will also have to opportunity to work with a diverse patient population. The other appealing components of this program consist of teaching and research opportunities, endless networking opportunities, and the privilege to work with faculty who are compassionate, dedicated and remarkable preceptors. All of these components will provide me with the skills necessary to become a competent clinical pharmacist.


Shelley Glaess, Pharm.D., BCPS (2015-2017)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2015
University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy
San Antonio, Texas

Clinical Focus

Internal medicine and critical care

Research Focus

Evaluation of Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens on Recurrence and Mortality in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)

Current Position

Clinical Pharmacist, UCHealth Memorial Hospital, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Why UIW?

I chose UIW Pharmacotherapy Residency Program because it offers great exposure to ambulatory and acute care medical settings. During clinical rotations in Pharmacy School, I was drawn to these specializations and, therefore, compelled to focus my post-graduate work on them. Additionally, UIW offers a well-rounded program through its partnerships with many San Antonio area hospitals and healthcare institutions. UIW's strong academic backbone facilitates ample opportunities to work with students and other faculty members in a challenging educational setting.


Emily Brysch, Pharm.D., BCPS (2015-2017)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2015
University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy
San Antonio, Texas

Clinical Focus

Geriatrics, Ambulatory care, Internal Medicine

Research Focus

Reduction of Medication Regimen Complexity in Geriatric Patients and the Effect on Quality of Life and Functional Capacity

Current Position

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care, South Bexar Outpatient Clinic, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, Texas

Why UIW?

I chose UIW because the academic, research and wide array of rotation opportunities provide the resident with the tools to become a knowledgeable, effective and well-rounded clinical pharmacist. Not every residency program can offer a multitude of practice sites; however, UIW does. This is a great opportunity to work with different populations, network, and have experience at different facilities. UIW also allows you to earn a teaching certificate. Some of the most effective learning is through teaching and no matter what field of pharmacy I work in, I will need to be able to successfully communicate and teach. Finally, I was privileged to earn my Pharm.D. at UIW; therefore, I know that the faculty are extremely knowledgeable, compassionate and great educators. The faculty is easy to work with and will be able to help me grow into a proficient and confident clinician.


Alireza Fakhri Ravari, Pharm.D., BCPS, AAHIVP (2014-2016)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2014
Texas A&M Irma Lerma University Rangel College of Pharmacy
Kingsville, Texas

Clinical Focus

Infectious disease and internal medicine

Research Focus

Evaluation of Optimized Cefepime Dosing Based on MIC and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Bloodstream Infections Caused by Gram-negative Bacilli.

Emerging Hepatitis C treatments

Current Position

Assistant Professor, Loma Linda University College of Pharmacy, Loma Linda, California

Why UIW?

I chose UIW because it had everything that I was looking for in a residency program. The appealing components consist of presentation and teaching opportunities, a diverse patient population, research opportunities, a wide variety of rotations and many networking opportunities throughout San Antonio. It was also appealing that academia and research occur longitudinally throughout both years of the program, which would allow me to have adequate time to work on a research project and achieve desirable results.


Ashley Zurek, Pharm.D., BCGP (2014-2016)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2014
University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy
San Antonio, Texas

Clinical Focus

Internal medicine and ambulatory care

Research Focus

Statin therapy utilization in U.S. Veterans > 75 years of age for the Primary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Current Position

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Cardiology, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, Texas

Why UIW?

I chose UIW because it offers a wide variety of clinical experiences among various San Antonio hospitals with diverse populations. It also provides a strong longitudinal teaching component and truly focuses on the residents’ education. There are so many specialty options in pharmacy, and this program allows for further exploration of multiple areas and development of the residents’ interests. Additionally, UIW provided me with an excellent pharmacy school foundation, and I know that this residency and its experienced faculty will equip me with the skills necessary to become a competent and confident clinical pharmacist.


Braden Adamson, Pharm.D. (2013-2015)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2013
Midwestern State University
Glendale, Arizona

Clinical Focus

Critical care medicine and infectious diseases

Research Focus

Risk factors for selected pathogens in community-dwelling pneumonia patients from the CDC National Hospital Discharge Survey

Current Position

Associate Professor, Roseman University of Health Sciences – South Jordan Campus. South Jordan, Utah

Why UIW?

I chose to do my residency with the UIW FSOP Pharmacotherapy Residency Program because I have always had a desire to work with pharmacy students and participate in their training and education. I find satisfaction in watching the progression of students as they advance from didactics to clinical rotations, graduation and post-graduate experiences and know that I helped along the way. Another reason I came to this residency program is that it offers rotations with multiple hospital sites and systems which allows for many different learning opportunities. I feel the opportunity to work with many different faculty and non-faculty preceptors has given me a stronger foundation in pharmacy practice. I have no regrets and this has been the best decision I have made for my future as a clinical pharmacist.

Post-residency

Looking back on the two years when I had the opportunity to complete a pharmacotherapy residency at UIW-FSOP I am grateful for the time and effort that was put into it to improve my experiences. The residency program allowed me to reach my short term career goals and start me on the path to reach my long-term career goals. I had opportunities to pursue clinic specialist positions but felt that academia was how I would reach my fullest potential and be the happiest. I look forward with excitement to my future career and know that I owe my success in part to the support and training I received from my residency program, through the preceptors, mentors, and support of the FSOP faculty members.


Hansita B. Patel, Pharm.D. (2013-2015)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2014
Texas A&M Irma Lerma University Rangel College of Pharmacy
Kingsville, Texas

Clinical Focus

Ambulatory care

Research Focus

Utilization of twice daily dosing of insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Current Position

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care, University Health System, San Antonio, Texas

Why UIW?

I chose UIW because it had all the components of a residency program that will help me achieve both my current and future career goals. Upon completion of the program, I hope to pursue a career in ambulatory care and academia. This program will not only adequately prepare me to be an excellent clinician but an excellent faculty member as well. I particularly enjoy working with the clinical faculty at the UIW Feik School of Pharmacy, many of whom are experts in a wide variety of specialties from ambulatory care, critical care, infectious diseases, pediatrics, cardiology and more. The faculty members here are not only mentors to me, but role models as well. Even if I was not pursuing a career in academia, this program offers the unique opportunity to have diverse rotation experiences at several institutions in the area. Working at a variety of institutions is not only an excellent way to broaden one’s horizons, but it provides networking opportunities as well.


Merlyn Joseph, Pharm.D. (2012-2014)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2012
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy
Amarillo, Texas

Clinical Focus

Internal medicine

Research Focus

Critically Ill Recipients of Weight-Based Fluconazole Meeting Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network Criteria

Current Position

Clinical Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Houston, Texas

Why UIW?

When I started pharmacy school, we took the “Oath of a Pharmacist” during our white coat ceremony. The following tenets stuck with me: “I will accept the lifelong obligation to improve my professional knowledge and competence” and “I will apply my knowledge, experience and skills to the best of my ability to ensure optimal outcomes for my patients”. I took these to heart and felt I could further my knowledge to better serve my patients with residency training.

As I choose a residency, I considered many different factors. Will rotations be at an academic teaching hospital? Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary teamwork? Will there be a variety of electives available? The answers to my initial questions were a resounding “yes”, yet, the pharmacotherapy residency at the University of the Incarnate Word struck me as different.

During my residency search, my mentors advised me on the amazing faculty at UIW . . . and they were right! The nurturing faculty at UIW strived to give me every possible opportunity that I needed or wanted (like good parents)! Whether it was more teaching experience, a particularly competitive elective rotation, or a longitudinal clinic experience, if there was a possibility that could be explored, consider it done!

As a pharmacotherapy resident, I knew I would develop clinical skills to ultimately provide excellent patient care as a clinical pharmacist. However, my “parents” have encouraged me to strive further than I ever imagined. I never thought I would be comfortable teaching 100 students, but I did it more than once! They’ve encouraged me to always look beyond the obvious and critically analyze literature to make patient-specific recommendations. I’ve gained the knowledge and the confidence to effectively practice in the community.

As I complete my residency, I come to fully appreciate one of the last tenets of the “Oath of a Pharmacist” – “I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists.” Having been fortunate to be trained from such amazing faculty and preceptors, I look forward to giving back to my profession. By pursuing a career in academia, I hope to share the core values of a pharmacist each time a student wears a white coat.


Tina C. Lee, Pharm.D., BCPS (2012-2014)

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy, 2011
Campbell University
Buiess Creek, North Carolina

Clinical Focus

Internal medicine

Research Focus

Clinical evaluation of potassium supplementation in hospitalized adults

Current Position

Associate Professor, The University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy, San Antonio, Texas

Why UIW?

Although it was a daunting idea to leave North Carolina to a new state where I did not know anyone, I knew UIW was the right residency for me. I was uncertain what area of pharmacy, if any, I wanted to focus on. Therefore, a pharmacotherapy residency was perfect for me. I felt that there were so many different topics that learned in pharmacy school but did not get to see clinically on rotations. Being a pharmacotherapy resident would give me the opportunity to continue to learn about so many disease states and medications, both with more in depth discussions but also clinical experience.

UIW offered a broad variety of clinical rotations at different sites in San Antonio. It was perfect to be exposed to so many different avenues of pharmacy while learning about different systems each hospital used. I had the flexibility to pick elective rotations that interested me, but to also help me grow as a pharmacist. Being with a majority of preceptors that worked for a pharmacy school meant that their priority was teaching both me and the students, and that was important to me. And while I was still learning new things myself, I loved that I was able to interact with the pharmacy students at both the school and on rotation. UIW also provided opportunities to give back to the community by doing health fairs and participating at local events.

These past 2 years have gone by so quickly. I never once regretted my decision to come to UIW’s residency program. I know I have grown personally, clinically and spiritually by coming to UIW. The relationships built with UIW faculty and staff are ones to be cherished and were vital in helping me to become a compassionate pharmacist, teacher and human being.

Residency Alumni Newsletter August 2023 (pdf)

Residency Alumni Newsletter August 2022 (pdf)

Residency Alumni Newsletter July 2021 (pdf)

The UIW Pharmacotherapy Residency would like to keep in touch with the residency alumni. Please submit professional and personal updates including change of address or employment via the Resident Information Update Form.