Meet Our Pharmacy Residents 2023-2024

Cindy Adibe, Pharm.D.

Chief Pharmacy Resident
PGY-2 Pharmacy Administration Resident

Hometown: Houston, Texas

About: Cindy was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She’s always valued the importance of education and continual learning. Cindy has a heart for community service and educating the underserved population. She graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Texas Tech University School of Pharmacy. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Pharmacy Leadership and Administration at University of Houston College of Pharmacy. With her strong faith, she believes she can do anything she puts her mind to and believes that no dream is too big and no vision is too great. She hopes to mentor pharmacy students and inspire other female leaders. Her career interests include medication safety and pharmacy operations. She loves to dance and, while in college, founded Baylor’s first hip-hop organization.

Why Harris Health System: Cindy was drawn to the diverse patient population and culture and the opportunity to make an impact in the most elite medical center in the nation. Harris Health’s underserved population includes some of the most at-risk patients in healthcare. Cindy believes her interventions can have profound effects on patient lives. Because Harris Health is a teaching institution, it provides unique experiences while providing an environment that is conducive for learning. Harris Health provides well-rounded exposure and education in many facets of pharmacy. The preceptors are highly knowledgeable of their specialties and many of them are adjunct faculty at the local pharmacy schools. Cindy also was drawn to the extensive administration exposure that Harris Health provides, giving her the opportunity to develop business acumen at a nonprofit 340B organization and sharpen her leadership skills.

Research: Impact of a pharmacy-led medication history program in the emergency center of a large, academic hospital

Elizabeth M. Villanueva, Pharm.D.

Chief Pharmacy Resident
PGY-2 Pharmacy Administration Resident

Hometown: Houston, Texas

About: Elizabeth was born in Caracas, Venezuela. At the age of seven, her family moved to the U.S. where she spent most of her life in Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. During her time at Texas A&M, she joined the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and earned her certificate in Leadership Study and Development. Elizabeth went on to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Science degree in Pharmacy Leadership and Administration at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy.

Professionally, Elizabeth’s growing interests include medication safety, pharmacy operations, and leadership development. During her free time, she loves spending time outdoors, working on arts and crafts projects, and spending time with friends and family.

Why Harris Health System: What stood out the most to Elizabeth about Harris Health is the dedication and compassion displayed in the care provided to all patients, and the commitment to training future generations of healthcare professionals. Harris Health offers a wide variety of rotational experiences, both inpatient and outpatient, along with the opportunity to work alongside and learn from experts leading the field of medicine. While each resident’s experience is unique, every resident of Harris Health is an integral part of a team of professionals who are constantly moving forward, advancing the healthcare profession through innovative thinking to provide the best care to every patient.

Research: Evaluating the Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing on Enhancing Medication Adherence for Heart Failure Patients at An Academic Health System

David Pham, Pharm.D.

PGY1 Pharmacy Resident

Hometown: Houston, Texas

About: David was born and raised in Houston, TX and earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. David is passionate about leadership development and appreciates opportunities that allow him to grow both as a person and as a practitioner. During his free time, David enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and learning about new cultures, especially through their food. Upon completion of his residency, David aspires to begin a career as a clinical pharmacy specialist with an opportunity to precept and mentor pharmacy students.

Why Harris Health System: During one of his APPE rotations as a student, David was able to experience Harris Health System and its commitment to providing compassionate patient care. David values learning through hands-on experience, and therefore he was naturally drawn to the well-rounded experiences available at Harris Health that would maximize his growth as a pharmacist. The system is unique in its ability to offer comprehensive training in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Additionally, since Harris Health is a teaching institution, there are robust opportunities for multidisciplinary learning and collaboration. These features, combined with the underserved population present in Harris County, provide ample opportunities to not only learn, but also to give back and serve the underserved Resident of Houston.

Research: Implementation of an outpatient proton pump inhibitor step-down program within a community-owned health system

Lauren Bailey, Pharm.D.

PGY1 Pharmacy Resident

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

About: A Texas native, Lauren attended undergraduate in Austin before earning her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy in Albuquerque. While in New Mexico, she garnered a distinct appreciation for rural communities in underserved populations. Lauren is excited to be back to her Texas roots and further her clinical experience here at Harris Health System. Lauren has a baseline interest in oncology and medication safety and is interested in pursuing specialty training in those areas. When she isn't serving her community, Lauren is active in several professional pharmacy organizations, and in her free time enjoys jogging, hiking, and camping with her friends. Already a frequent traveler to Europe, Lauren hopes to experience many other locations and cultures across the globe.

Why Harris Health System: Lauren was drawn to Harris Health System for its outstanding reputation as a thought leader on the cutting edge of clinical practice, its dual emphasis on acute and ambulatory care, and the opportunity to treat underserved communities in both settings. With clinics spanning across Houston, Harris Health System allows for unique experiences in treating uncontrolled diseases in patients with limited resources. Completing a residency at Harris Health System will provide her with the necessary skills to make clinical decisions alongside some of the most skilled and respected pharmacists in Texas, experience she intends to leverage to build her professional practice and serve the community as a whole as a clinical pharmacist.

Research: Impact of pharmacist-delivered telephone education to patients discharged on rivaroxaban and subsequent ER visits

Abdul Gabisi, Jr., Pharm.D.

PGY1 Pharmacy Resident

Hometown: Missouri City, TX

About: Abdul grew up in Missouri City, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Abdul worked as a Research Assistant II at Baylor College of Medicine contributing to the mapping of the human genome. After completion of this exciting project, Abdul went to graduate school in the Midwest and received his Masters in Biochemistry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Following graduation, he contributed in melanoma cancer research project at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center as Senior Research Assistant. This initial exposure to clinical environment and direct patient care led him to pharmacy. Abdul obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. Learning new things with the challenges that come with them is something that Abdul genuinely enjoys and thrives off of. His family is very important to him and in many ways, they keep him grounded and motivated. One of his enjoyments is watching sports and movies when he needs to get away and relax. In his spare time, Abdul likes to travel and observe people in different cultures and nationalities.

Why Harris Health System: As a pharmacy student intern at Harris Health System, Abdul developed a sense of family with department of pharmacy staff and the diverse patient population. Because Harris Health is one of America’s best community-owned healthcare systems, Abdul felt a deep connection with Harris Health System values and mission. As a teaching institution, Harris Health System fosters a dynamic environment allowing resident’s multiple direct patient care in the inpatient and outpatient setting. Harris Health System PGY1 Residency program offered Abdul an intense training environment with the opportunity to learn and grow. The preceptors are experts within their respective specialties and they foster an environment for growth and excellence. This well-rounded exposure allows Resident opportunities to develop clinical and leadership skills in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center.

Research: Identifying at risk patients for opioid misuse in non-cancer chronic pain management using EPIC-EHR in outpatient clinics of a healthcare system

Oge Amaka, Pharm.D.

Chief Pharmacy Resident
PGY-2 Pharmacy Administration Resident
Ogechukwu.Amaka@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

About: Oge was born and raised in Georgia, and received both her Bachelors of Science in Biology and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from The University of Georgia. She has always had a passion for leadership and mentorship, and looks forward to developing herself further in these areas during residency. Throughout pharmacy school, she was heavily involved with community service and enjoyed serving the underserved community. Her professional interests include medication safety, pharmacy operations, and ambulatory care. She loves to spend time with family and friends, meet new people, and try new restaurants in her free time.

Why Harris Health System: Oge chose Harris Health because of the ability to have an impact across such a large health system with numerous inpatient and outpatient opportunities. She was also drawn to the family-like atmosphere and how invested Harris Health is in the growth of each resident. She is excited to learn from preceptors who are experts in their respective areas and for the opportunity to learn from leaders who are among the best, all while serving a large part of Houston’s underserved community.

Research: Impact of ADC optimization on pharmacy operational performance metrics

Joel Kanter, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident

Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK

About: Joel was born and raised in Oklahoma City and after high-school he lived abroad in Israel for a year. Following this GAP year, he then moved to Arizona where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in biological anthropology from the University of Arizona. Joel then moved to Texas and earned his Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston. He has a passion for acquiring knowledge, traveling to new places, and meeting people with unique backgrounds. During pharmacy school, Joel led medical brigade trips in both Mexico and Peru where students provided medical care for the indigent populations of these communities. These experiences enabled him to combine his passion for experiencing new cultures and providing medical assistance to the underserved. After residency, Joel’s career aspirations are in clinical pharmacy with a focus in mental health.

Why Harris Health System: Joel’s first clinical APPE rotation was at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital where he was inspired by the encouragement of the staff to pursue clinical pharmacy. The learning environment at Harris Health encourages staff members to help patients not only in their clinical outcomes, but also to connect to the stories behind the patient charts.

Noel C. Galang, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident

Hometown:Sugar Land, TX

About: Noel was born in Charleston, South Carolina but was raised in Sugar Land, Texas. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology at The University of Texas at Austin, Noel earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. His professional goals after completion of the residency include providing care as a clinical pharmacist within an emergency or critical care setting and mentoring pharmacy students as a preceptor. During his free time, Noel enjoys traveling, hiking, weightlifting, photography, and music.

Why Harris Health System: What drew Noel to Harris Health System was its reputation as an acute care facility and its diverse population, in which many are underserved. Noel felt a connection to the values and mission of Harris Health System, which focuses upon improving the health of those most in need throughout Harris County and beyond. As one of the forefront teaching institutions in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, Harris Health System PGY1 allows Noel the opportunity to grow as a clinical pharmacist through challenging, yet rewarding and well-rounded inpatient and outpatient experiences.

Research: Oritavancin versus Conventional Treatment for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Emergency Center

Bensy Benny, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident

Hometown:Sugar Land, TX

About: Bensy was born in Kerala, India and raised in Houston, Texas. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at University of St. Thomas before earning her Doctor of Pharmacy from Texas A&M Rangel College of Pharmacy. Bensy is passionate about leadership and service, appreciating opportunities that allow her to develop both aspects. In her free time, Bensy enjoys being outdoors with her pup, spending quality time with family and friends, working on personal development, and exploring other cultures through travel and food. Her clinical areas of interest include infectious disease, cardiology, and ambulatory care. Ultimately, she hopes to obtain a position with opportunities in direct patient care, interprofessional collaboration, teaching, and community outreach.

Why Harris Health System: Bensy has found that working with Harris Health System for the past five years has been an exceptionally rewarding experience. She is well aware of their drive to create a culture of healthcare champions while promoting service, teamwork, and curiosity. She was drawn to the residency program's duality of acute and ambulatory care, along with the opportunity to treat underserved communities in both settings. She was further motivated by observing both the growth and the performance of past Resident. She believes that completing a residency at Harris Health System would cultivate the clinical knowledge and administrative skills needed for her to achieve her goal of becoming a well-rounded pharmacist who makes a sustainable, positive impact on patient care and supports future pharmacists.

Research: Evaluation of Hospital Discharge Regimen for Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Patients

Sara Mirjamali, Pharm.D.

PGY-2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident
Sara.Mirjamali@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Sara was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She has earned both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees within the University of Houston system. Sara’s professional interests include pharmacy operations, ambulatory care, and quality/regulatory. After the successful completion of her residency with the Harris Health System and the Houston Program, her goals are to utilize her fine-tuned skills to continuously improve a pharmacy department in a health system, get involved in her alma mater by lecturing and providing mentorship to students through precepting, and remain involved in local, regional, and national organizations that she has been passionate about throughout her time in pharmacy school. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and closest friends, traveling to new destinations on her bucket list, and attending live music events.

Why Harris Health System: Sara’s first interaction with the Harris Health System was as a fourth-year pharmacy student on a rotation with the pharmacy administration department. During this experience, she strongly gravitated towards the passion that each department member had for their craft. She loved the mutual respect between the staff members, Resident, students, and patients. In terms of service, the Harris Health System aligns strongly with her passion of serving those with the least access to care while being highly effective with the resources available. In addition to caring for patients within the hospital setting, the Harris Health System also provides the opportunity for follow up in an outpatient setting and allows involvement in continuity of their care after discharge. Ultimately, the Harris Health System provides a diverse set of opportunities within the boundaries of a single program that allows her to pursue her several passions within the pharmacy profession.

Research: Assessing the impact of a bedside and home medication delivery pilot program on patient outcomes and satisfaction in a community hospital

Sean Mikel Badal, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Sean.Badal@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Katy, TX

About: Sean is from the beautiful Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. He came to the United States when he was 17 years old. Shortly thereafter, he attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with his Biochemistry degree. After graduating, he worked as a pharmacy technician for about two years and then decided to pursue his PharmD degree from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy (UHCOP). At UHCOP, he conducted two years of basic science research on Munc13-1/Munc13-2 protein expression in alcoholism/addiction, which is currently pending publication. In his spare time, he loves to hang out with his family, play soccer with his friends, and also play video games. In the future, he would like to become a clinical pharmacist and preceptor and hopefully rise to a position where he would be able to advocate for pharmacy in the healthcare field.

Why Harris Health System: Sean chose Harris Health System because he had interacted with many of the preceptors during his fourth-year ambulatory care APPE rotation, and they all seemed to genuinely care about his learning and were always willing to teach. Sean also has a passion for healthcare in the underserved population, since he grew up in a third-world country, and he is certain that Harris Health System would provide him with many opportunities to nurture his passion, through serving their patients.

Research: Evaluating the use of cancer immunotherapy within Harris Health System

Sean Mikel Badal, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident

Hometown:Katy, TX

About: Sean is from the beautiful Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. He came to the United States when he was 17 years old. Shortly thereafter, he attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with his Biochemistry degree. After graduating, he worked as a pharmacy technician for about two years and then decided to pursue his PharmD degree from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy (UHCOP). At UHCOP, he conducted two years of basic science research on Munc13-1/Munc13-2 protein expression in alcoholism/addiction, which is currently pending publication. In his spare time, he loves to hang out with his family, play soccer with his friends, and also play video games. In the future, he would like to become a clinical pharmacist and preceptor and hopefully rise to a position where he would be able to advocate for pharmacy in the healthcare field.

Why Harris Health System: Sean chose Harris Health System because he had interacted with many of the preceptors during his fourth-year ambulatory care APPE rotation, and they all seemed to genuinely care about his learning and were always willing to teach. Sean also has a passion for healthcare in the underserved population, since he grew up in a third-world country, and he is certain that Harris Health System would provide him with many opportunities to nurture his passion, through serving their patients.

Shannon Danielle Lavergne, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Shannon.Lavergne@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Lawtell, LA

About: Shannon was born and raised in Lawtell, Louisiana. She completed her Associates of Science at Louisiana State University-Eunice and Bachelor of Science in Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Louisiana at Monroe before she earned my Doctor of Pharmacy from University of Louisiana at Monroe. Her greatest passion during pharmacy school was serving the underserved through community service and leadership while in SNPhA. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, cooking, experiencing new restaurants, and trying new activities.

Why Harris Health System: Shannon chose Harris Health System because of the welcoming environment, opportunity to be a part of a large health care system, and the chance to practice in an inpatient and outpatient setting. Completing this residency will allow her to not only continue to serve the underserved population of Harris County, but also provide a well-rounded clinically experience by working alongside a multi-disciplinary team. Ultimately, she will be able to accomplish her professional goals of becoming an exceptional clinical pharmacist.

Research: Evaluation of home IV elastomeric pump implementation at Harris Health System - post implementation

An Ngo, Pharm.D.

PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Resident
An.Ngo@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: An was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She completed both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees at the University of Houston. She completed her PGY1 pharmacy residency at Harris Health System and is staying on board to further her clinical experiences in the ambulatory care setting. After her PGY-2, she plans on becoming a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist. Her areas of interest include congestive heart failure, diabetes, and geriatrics. During her free time, she enjoys drawing, playing video games, trying new foods and being a devoted BTS fan.

Why Harris Health System: After An’s internal medicine rotation at Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital as a student, the vast spectrum of medical care services and dedication to provide quality patient care drew her to the pharmacy residency program. The quality of pharmacy Resident that completed the program is a testament to how much Harris Health System has to offer. Furthermore, she also has a desire to give back to her community and finds that Harris Health System’s values and mission align with her goals.

Research: Population Health Strategy: Implementation and Evaluation of an “Ask My Pharmacist” Service

Trung V. Nguyen, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Trung.Nguyen3@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Silver Spring, MD

About: Trung Nguyen was born in Nha Trang, Vietnam and relocated to the U.S. with his family when he was four years old. While residing in Maryland, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology at The University of Maryland Baltimore County and Doctor of Pharmacy at Shenandoah University – Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy. Trung enjoys advocating for patients and the profession of pharmacy while sustaining a lifelong commitment to service. His professional interests include adult and pediatric care in oncology, cardiology, and internal medicine. Outside of pharmacy, he loves traveling, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Why Harris Health System: Trung was drawn to Harris Health System because it offers a unique opportunity to serve a large and diverse underserved patient population. As an integrated health care system, with a level one trauma center, and a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient facilities, Harris Health System provides the foundation for a balanced learning environment. After experiencing the family-oriented culture that exists at the institution, he knew that it was the right place for him. He values the vast opportunities that the program offers and believes that Harris Health System will allow him to develop into a well-rounded and competent pharmacist.

Research: Improving chemotherapy administration delays

Andy Wong, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Andy.Wong2@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Andy was born and raised in Houston, Texas where he attended the University of Houston (main campus) for his undergraduate studies. Afterwards, he earned his PharmD degree from the Texas A&M College of Pharmacy. His current clinical interests include infectious diseases, informatics, and internal medicine. Upon completion of the residency, Andy hopes to obtain a position in a clinical setting with opportunities for collaborative care, teaching, and advancing pharmacy practice. Outside of his professional life, Andy enjoys exploring various cuisines, tennis, spending quality time with friends and family, and traveling.

Why Harris Health System: Andy was drawn to the Harris Health System residency after his APPE rotations at LBJ hospital. The underserved-patient population coupled with other limitations provide an environment that is both challenging and enriching to practice in. Additionally, he was impressed by the development of former Resident and the positive culture that was reflected through his preceptors. Andy is confident that undergoing clinical training with Harris Health will provide plenty of opportunities to positively impact patient lives and achieve his career goals.

Shannon Walter, Pharm.D.

Post Graduate Year-2 Ambulatory Care Resident
Shannon.Walter@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Bay City, TX

About: Shannon Walter was born and raised in Bay City, Texas, a small town southwest of downtown Houston. She completed her Associate of Arts in Biology at Wharton County Junior College before earning her Doctor of Pharmacy at Texas A&M University – Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy. Shannon completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Harris Health System and is staying on board to expand her knowledge in the ambulatory care setting. In the future, Shannon plans on becoming a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist in order to serve as a patient advocate, as well as a preceptor and mentor to pharmacy school students. Her current areas of interest include diabetes, congestive heart failure, geriatrics, and academia. In her free time, Shannon enjoys spending time outdoors with her friends, family, and fur baby, Roscoe. She also enjoys traveling, fitness classes, and trying new cuisines.

Why Harris Health System: After Shannon’s infectious disease rotation at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital as a student, the welcoming, inter-professional teaching environment at Harris Health System drew her to the pharmacy residency program. The family-oriented culture amongst the pharmacy, physician, nursing, and other inter-professional teams continued to be an influencing factor throughout her PGY1 and leading into her upcoming PGY2 experience. Shannon is confident that the wide-variety of experiences offered at this large, patient-centered academic healthcare system will provide great opportunities to advance her career.

Ervin Lopez, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Ervin.Lopez@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Ervin was born and raised in Houston, TX where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Biology at the University of Houston. Afterwards he travelled West to obtain his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Abilene, TX. His current clinical pharmacy interests include critical care, infectious diseases and ambulatory care. Upon completion of residency, Ervin hopes to obtain a clinical pharmacist position with hopes to continue expanding his clinical skills and serve as a preceptor to pharmacy students. Outside of pharmacy, Ervin is an avid sports fanatic (go Houston Texans!), loves travelling, and enjoys taking care of his eight pets.

Why Harris Health System: Ervin chose Harris Health because he was drawn to the massive impact the system has on the community of need in Houston. He recognized the positive and teaching nature of the health system and grew excited to work under a diverse group of pharmacists to provide outstanding and efficient clinical services.

Research: Impact of MRSA nares screening as an antimicrobial stewardship tool for vancomycin discontinuation or de-escalation

Heba Almasri, Pharm.D.

Post Graduate Year-2 Ambulatory Care Resident
Heba.Almasri@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Heba Almasri was born in Houston, TX and received both her Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Houston. She completed her PGY1 at Harris Health and is excited to be staying on board to complete a second year in Ambulatory Care. She is passionate about caring for the underserved community and advocating for her patients. Her primary interests include geriatrics, psychiatry, and endocrinology. Outside of pharmacy, she loves to travel, spend time with her close-knit family, and overindulge in baked goods.

Why Harris Health System: Heba chose Harris Health because of the diversity represented in the pharmacy staff and the patients they care for. She recognized it as an institution that values patient care and innovation above all else. It will serve as a challenging yet rewarding environment that will transform a resident into an effective pharmacist who works interdependently with any healthcare team to ensure patient safety.

Kelsie Basso, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Kelsie.Basso@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Belton, TX

About: Born and raised in Belton, Texas, Kelsie received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Texas A&M and her Doctor of Pharmacy at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. Her current professional interests include emergency medicine, academia, pediatrics and psychiatry. After completing her residency, Kelsie hopes to obtain a clinical position where she can work with the underserved community and have opportunities to utilize collaborative care, teaching and mentorship. She plans to pursue leadership roles within professional pharmacy organizations and also within a university school of pharmacy. In her leisure time, Kelsie enjoys time with her husband and puppy, hiking, trying new foods and traveling.

Why Harris Health System: Kelsie was drawn to Harris Health System mainly for the opportunity to work with the underserved community. After interacting with Harris’ Resident, she could see their passion for their patients, community and hospital along with their family-oriented dynamic created the perfect resident environment. Harris Health System is a multi-faceted, complex setting that will provide Kelsie with the skills and experience to achieve her goal as a clinical pharmacist.

Research: Evaluating the impact of telepharmacy on patient education and satisfaction

Patrice Carmouche, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Patrice.Carmouche@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Patrice was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She completed her pharmacy pre-requisites at Texas Tech University then later earned her PharmD degree from The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. Her most memorable experiences during pharmacy school include serving underserved communities through medical mission trips to Mexico and Myanmar. She is currently interested in infectious diseases, geriatrics, and pain management/palliative care. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, jogging, cooking, and traveling.

Why Harris Health System: Patrice chose Harris Health System because of the diverse work environment and patient population it serves. Working in an academic healthcare setting aimed towards providing care to an underserved population, will push her to become a more resourceful, well-rounded pharmacist. Furthermore, this residency program will provide her the opportunity to serve the community that has impacted her throughout her life. The knowledge and skills she gains through this program will allow her to be successful clinical pharmacist in the future.

Research: Creation of an automated electronic health record report using Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) trigger tools to increase real time identification of unreported adverse drug events

Pooja Shah, Pharm.D.

Chief Pharmacy Resident
PGY-2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident
Pooja.Shah2@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Salt Lake City, UT

About: Pooja was born in India and moved to the United States at age of seven. She grew up in Utah where she lived until moving to Houston for residency. She completed her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree and Master of Business Administration at Roseman University in South Jordan, Utah. After the completion of her residency with Harris Health System and the Houston Program, her goals are to utilize her skills to bring efficiency and standardization to a pharmacy department in a health system. Pooja’s pharmaceutical and professional interests include pharmacy operations, medication safety, finance and marketing. Throughout pharmacy school she was involved in many organizations which cultivated her interests and looks forward to developing a deeper understanding even further in her final year of residency. She enjoys spending time with her family and close friends, tasting and cooking different foods and traveling.

Why Harris Health System: Pooja has always been involved in serving the community around her and has been volunteering at various events since the age of fourteen. She continued her love of serving others during pharmacy school by being involved in all volunteer activities, her passion lies in advocating for patients and the profession of pharmacy. When looking at residency programs, Harris Health System aligned with Pooja’s goals with the care provided in a community focused healthcare organization to care for the underserved population. The experiences of meeting the wonderful individuals at Harris Health System showed her the family like environment and the diverse opportunities available for her to pursue. Harris Health offers the opportunities to complete a two-year residency while assisting an underserved population in large level 1 trauma center. Conclusively, Harris Health System’s mission and vision aligns very closely with the values Pooja strives and hopes to follow in the future.

Demi Martinez, Pharm.D.

PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Resident
Demi.Martinez@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Demi Martinez was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She completed her undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas where she majored in Chemistry and minored in Spanish. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Houston. Afterwards, she completed a PGY-1 residency at the Texas Valley Coastal Bend Veteran Affairs, in Corpus Christi. She is interested in pursuing her career in ambulatory care to serve as a patient advocate and address medication needs. Demi is passionate about community service, providing patient education, and promoting mental health awareness. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, going on long runs, and trying new restaurants.

Why Harris Health System: Years before starting pharmacy school, Demi met a Harris Health pharmacist who sparked her initial interest in pharmacy. Since then, that pharmacist has been a be a role model for her and one of the reasons why she wants to become a part of the Harris Health System team. Demi has a passion to give back to the community and hopes to continue serving the underserved patient population of Houston. She hopes to achieve these goals by providing quality care and promoting the Harris Health System values of integrity, trust, and communication.

Research: De-prescribing of insulin in the general Type 2 Diabetes population

Neethu M. Mathew, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Neethu.Mathew@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Neethu was born in Saudi Arabia and lived in India before moving to the United States at the age of 10. She completed both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees at the University of Houston. She is passionate about serving the underserved communities and has organized several educational events and participated in health fairs for low-income populations as a student. Her professional interests include ambulatory care, infectious diseases, and internal medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and close friends, traveling, dancing, and making crafts. In the future, Neethu plans to practice as a clinical pharmacist while combining her interest in precepting students, engaging in research, and promoting patient care.

Why Harris Health System: Harris Health stood out to Neethu after she completed a rotation at the Ben Taub General Hospital. She enjoyed working with the pharmacy team who were eager to teach and provided her with hands-on experiences. Moreover, she was impressed by the quality of care provided to patients and the team's dedication to prioritize patient safety. Neethu is confident that completing a residency at Harris Health, which offers robust training experiences in both, the inpatient and outpatient settings will expand her knowledge and skills to be a well-rounded pharmacist.

Luan Truong, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Luan.Truong@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Luan was born in Saigon, Vietnam and later immigrated to the U.S with her family when she was seven years old. She grew up in Houston, TX where she completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in May of 2021 at the University of Houston. Her passion for pharmacy stems from her lifelong goal to ensure quality healthcare is accessible to low-income families. Her current clinical practice interests include ambulatory care, internal medicine, academia, and public health. Upon the successful completion of her PGY-1 residency, Luan plans to pursue further training to become board certified and practice in an academic institution. Outside of work, she enjoys playing board games, powerlifting, spending time with her dog and cats, and exploring new places. One of her goals is to hike all the National Parks in the U.S.

Why Harris Health System: Luan chose Harris Health System because the institution’s vision and mission aligns with her clinical ideology. The opportunities afforded by this institution allows one to practice at the top of their degree. In addition to the progressive pharmacy practice model at Harris Health, Resident can make an impact towards such a diverse patient population at Ben Taub, Lyndon B. Johnson, and the many outpatient clinics within the Harris Health County.

Nancy Aldape Garcia, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Nancy.AldapeGarcia@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Brownsville, TX

About: Nancy was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico and raised in Brownsville, Texas. She obtained a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley and Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston. Nancy’s professional interests include ambulatory care, infectious diseases, and public health. Throughout pharmacy school she was involved in various student organizations that helped her discover her passion for serving, educating, and mentoring. In the future, Nancy desires to practice as clinical pharmacist and merge her interests to positively impact patients. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys running, hiking, and practicing portrait photography.

Why Harris Health System: Nancy was attracted to the Harris Health System as it serves a similar patient population to her hometown’s. She was drawn to the welcoming and positive learning environment created by the healthcare team. Additionally, Nancy admired the commitment of Harris Health to provide exceptional patient care to communities most in need. She is confident that her post-graduate training at Harris Health System will promote her professional development, enhance her clinical skills, and expand her role as pharmacist.

Oyinkansola Akindele, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Oyinkansola.Akindele@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Lagos, Nigeria

About: Oyin was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She came to the United States about 6 years ago. Oyin completed her pharmacy prerequisites at Houston Community College before earning her Doctor of Pharmacy at Texas Southern University. Her professional interests include oncology and infectious diseases. After completing her residency with Harris Health System, she plans to pursue a PGY2 in one of her areas of interest, become board certified and pursue a career at an academic teaching hospital as a clinical specialist. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies/shows on Netflix, spending time with family and friends and trying out new restaurants.

Why Harris Health System: Oyin was drawn to Harris Health System's mission to provide high quality patient care to those most in need. As one of the top hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, Harris Health System’s PGY-1 pharmacy residency program offers her a wide variety of rotation opportunities, multidisciplinary interactions, a diverse patient population, teaching and research experience, as well as a challenging but supportive environment where she can advance her skills as a clinical pharmacist.

Wuenseslao Hernandez, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Wuenseslao.Hernandez@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Houston, TX

About: Wuenseslao was born in Houston, TX and completed both his Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences and Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Houston. His practice areas of interest include ambulatory care, internal medicine, and infectious diseases. Upon completion of his residency with the Harris Health System, Wuenseslao hopes to obtain a clinical position where he can work with the underserved community and foster the next generation of pharmacists through teaching and precepting. In his spare time, Wuenseslao enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.

Why Harris Health System: Wuenseslao was drawn to Harris Health System due to its commitment to serve as Harris County's healthcare safety net. As a pharmacy technician at Ben Taub General Hospital, Wuenseslao recognized the world-class pharmacy services provided to those most in need. When looking at residency programs, Harris Health System was distinct in its ability to provide comprehensive training in both acute and ambulatory settings. More so, Wuenseslao felt a connection to the mission and vision of Harris Health System's Department of Pharmacy and promise to serve the community through "TRUST." Wuenseslao is confident that undergoing clinical training with Harris Health System will allow him to develop into a compassionate and well-rounded clinical pharmacy specialist.

Eileell Alin Nguyen, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident
Eileell.Nguyen@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Alin was born in Indonesia and relocated to the U.S. with her mother at the age of seven. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology from the University of St. Thomas prior to earning her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Houston. Alin's current professional interests include pharmacy operations, controlled substances, mentorship, and leadership. She ultimately plans to become an operations manager and dedicate her career to developing innovative health solutions that address the needs of marginalized populations. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new eateries and boba spots, spending time with her family and friends, and staying active through lifting, tennis, volleyball, and football.

Why Harris Health System: What initially drew Alin to Harris Health System was the population it serves, which includes uninsured and low-income Houstonians who often experience longstanding health disparities. As a former refugee, serving a culturally diverse patient population is a professional and personal priority of hers. Alin had the pleasure of working at Ben Taub General Hospital as a pharmacy technician for six years before attaining her Doctorate. She is very grateful to have had the opportunity to work within the system to provide high quality care during these years and looks forward to continuing to make meaningful contributions as a pharmacist.

Eileell Alin Nguyen, Pharm.D.

Chief Pharmacy Resident
PGY-2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident
Eileell.Nguyen@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Alin was born in Indonesia and relocated to the U.S. with her mother at the age of seven. She completed her Bachelor’s in Biology and Psychology from the University of St. Thomas prior to earning her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Houston. Alin’s current professional interests include 340B, Finance, Operations, Controlled Substances/Regulatory, Mentorship and Leadership. She strives to utilize the skills attained through the successful completion of her residency with Harris Health System and the Houston Program to optimize pharmacy services to improve patient outcomes, develop innovative health solutions that address the needs of marginalized populations and continue to pour into the next generation of healthcare professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new eateries and boba spots, spending time with her family and friends, and staying active through lifting, tennis and volleyball.

Why Harris Health System: Alin is drawn to Harris Health’s commitment to its patient population, which includes uninsured and low-income Houstonians who often experience longstanding health disparities. As a former refugee, serving a culturally diverse patient population is a professional and personal priority of hers. Harris Health’s rigorous and comprehensive training programs are ideal for producing well-rounded, proactive pharmacists who are clinically competent and capable of bridging gaps in processes to ensure patient safety while maintaining high quality care. Alin is extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work at Ben Taub General Hospital as a Pharmacy Technician for six years before attaining her Doctorate. She looks forward to helping fulfill the mission and vision of Harris Health System’s Department of Pharmacy through narrowing the gaps in healthcare access and pushing the pharmacy profession forward.

Jason Levy, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident
Jason.Levy@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Plano, TX

About: Jason Levy was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Plano, Texas with his family when he was just four years-old. He graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience in 2016. Soon after, he moved to Houston to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. Jason’s professional interests include quality assurance, 340B Drug Pricing Programs, opioid stewardship, operations management, and mentorship. In the future, Jason hopes to utilize his technical skills to improve clinical services to ensure patients receive safe and optimal medications that are cost-effective during every interaction. Outside of the pharmacy, Jason spends his time with his Border Collie, Morgan, and his girlfriend, Susan, whom he met while on his first APPE rotation at LBJ Hospital. They enjoy taking walks when it does not feel like a furnace outside and attempting to cook new recipes they find online to varying degrees of success.

Why Harris Health System: Jason’s driving force for selecting Harris Health System was not only because of the population they serve, but the passion that Harris Health employees demonstrate for the roles they serve. Jason had the opportunity to work under Dr. Shiby Zachariah at LBJ Hospital, who helped him discover the immense influence he can have on patient care and safety from an administrative standpoint. Jason is dedicated to educating and motivating his colleagues while fostering fellowship within his community, something that Harris Health System does every day. As an incoming PGY-1 resident, Jason is enthusiastic for the opportunity to further hone his pharmaceutical skills to promote the profession of pharmacy and make a greater impact on the community he serves.

Amanda Bradley, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Amanda.Bradley@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Amanda Bradley was born and raised in Houston, TX. Amanda completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Texas A&M University before completing her pharmacy degree at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include oncology and ambulatory care. In the future, Amanda hopes to combine her two interests and practice as a board-certified ambulatory care oncology pharmacist. Amanda enjoys going to cycling classes, taking walks in Hermann Park, and hanging out with her two cats, Winston and Josie.

Why Harris Health System: During her fourth-year pharmacy rotations, Amanda felt that she had the most meaningful patient interactions in the outpatient setting. Therefore, she was drawn to Harris Health due to the wide variety of outpatient experiences offered. Additionally, being born and raised in Houston, Amanda was looking for the opportunity to provide care to underserved community of her hometown.

Jeena Joseph, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Jeena.Joseph@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Sugar Land, TX

About: Jeena Joseph was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She completed her prerequisites at Houston Baptist University prior to starting at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. Jeena’s professional interests include ambulatory care, internal medicine and academia. In the future, Jeena desires to work as a clinical pharmacist and continue to safeguard the health of patients in underserved communities. During her free time, Jeena enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and playing with her dog, Nala.

Why Harris Health System: What drew me to Harris Health is the extensive medical services provided in the acute and outpatient setting that will refine my experience in ambulatory care while developing clinical skills. The diverse rotations such as HIV/AIDS and Oncology offered in the PGY-1 residency program are a key component in the development of a well-rounded and autonomous clinical pharmacist, which I strive to become. Lastly, the large focus on mentorship and strong preceptor relationship provided throughout the program will assist me in my advancement in the pharmacy profession. I look forward to working with the underserved Houston community to provide world-class patient care.

Danchau Le, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Danchau.Le2@harrishealth.org

Hometown:New Orleans, Louisiana

About: Danchau Le was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in Houston, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Houston and her Doctor of Pharmacy at Texas Southern University. Her current interests include ambulatory care and oncology. Danchau plans to pursue a PGY2 in one of my interest areas, become board certified, and establish a career as a clinical specialist at an academic hospital. A fun fact about Danchau is that she can make a super tiny whistle sound with her mouth closed. She enjoys trying different food and boba drinks, watching shows, and spending time with family in her free time.

Why Harris Health System: Danchau had a memorable experience completing all her rotations within the Harris Health System. She was compelled by the positive learning environment and the diverse patient population it serves. Danchau admires the impact of the pharmacy team’s knowledge and dedication to providing exceptional patient care. Harris Health System offers a vast opportunity that aligns with her aspirations of becoming a well-rounded pharmacist. She looks forward to continuing the contributions of assisting patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

Summer Naser, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Summer.Naser@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Summer Naser is from Houston, Texas. She attended the University of Houston for both undergraduate and pharmacy school, graduating in 2022. Her professional interest includes ambulatory care and oncology. Throughout pharmacy school, Summer worked in an outpatient community setting where she discovered her passion for patient education. After completing a PGY-1 at Harris Health System, Summer hopes to pursue a PGY-2 in one of her areas of interest. In her spare time, Summer enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and paddle boarding.

Why Harris Health System: Harris health system stood out to Summer due to its commitment to providing excellent patient care to the underserved community. Summer had the pleasure of completing a rotation at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital where she got to experience the positive and collaborative learning environment created by the healthcare team. Summer looks forward to practicing in an institution that supports and challenges her as she continues to learn during her post-graduate training.

Dena Thach, Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Dena.Thach@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Carrollton, TX

About: Dena is Cambodian-American and was born and raised in Carrollton, TX. She later moved to Houston, TX where she received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. Her clinical interests currently include ambulatory care, cardiology, and internal medicine. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency at Harris Health System, she hopes to obtain further clinical training and to practice in a healthcare setting where she can make an impact on the underserved community. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, weightlifting, and trying new cuisines.

Why Harris Health System: Dena chose Harris Health System because of its dedication to providing exemplary patient care to the underserved population in the Houston area. With a wide range of clinical interests, she was drawn to this program as it provides diverse experiences in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Harris Health System allows pharmacists to practice at the top of their license and truly provides excellent and innovative care to all of its patients.

Neethu Mary Mathew, Pharm.D.

PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Resident
Neethu.Mathew@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Neethu was born in Saudi Arabia and lived in India before moving to the United States at the age of 10. She completed both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees at the University of Houston. Neethu completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Harris Health System. Her current areas of interest include endocrinology, cardiology, and academia. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and close friends, traveling, dancing, and making crafts. In the future, Neethu plans to practice as an ambulatory care clinical pharmacist while combining her interest in precepting students, engaging in research, and promoting patient care.

Why Harris Health System: Harris Health stood out to Neethu after she completed a rotation with Harris Health as a pharmacy student. She enjoyed working with the pharmacy team who were eager to teach and provided her with hands-on experiences. Moreover, she was impressed by the quality of care provided to patients and the team's dedication to prioritize patient safety which continued to be evident during her PGY1 experience. Neethu is confident that continuing her PGY2 training at Harris Health will provide her with robust training experiences to strengthen her clinical skills and knowledge to become a competent and well-rounded ambulatory care pharmacist.

Luan Truong, Pharm.D.

PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Resident
Luan.Truong@harrishealth.org

Hometown:Houston, TX

About: Luan was born in Saigon, Vietnam and later immigrated to the U.S with her family when she was seven years old. She grew up in Houston, TX where she completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in May of 2021 at the University of Houston. She completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Harris Health System and is staying on board to continue her training in the ambulatory care setting. Her goal is to become a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist and a certified educator in her areas of interest. Her current areas of interest include endocrinology, cardiology, and pulmonology. In her spare time, she enjoys playing board games, powerlifting, and spending time with her dogs and cats.

Why Harris Health System: Luan chose to continue her PGY-2 training at the Harris Health System because the institution’s vision and mission continues to align with her clinical ideology. The supportive learning environment within the system between preceptors, physicians, and nursing team allows her to confidently practice at the top of her degree. In addition to the progressive pharmacy practice model at Harris Health, Resident can make an impact towards such a diverse patient population at Ben Taub, Lyndon B. Johnson, and the many outpatient clinics within the Harris Health County.

Jason Levy, Pharm.D.

Chief Pharmacy Resident
PGY-2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident
Jason.Levy@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Plano, TX

About: Jason Levy was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Plano, Texas with his family when he was just four years-old. He graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience in 2016. Soon after, he moved to Houston to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. Dr. Levy’s professional interests include quality assurance, 340B Drug Pricing Programs, opioid stewardship, operations management, and mentorship. In the future, he hopes to utilize his technical skills to improve clinical services to ensure patients receive safe and optimal medications that are cost-effective during every interaction. Outside of the pharmacy, Dr. Levy spends his time with his Border Collie, Morgan, and his girlfriend, Susan, whom he met while on his first APPE rotation at Harris Health System. They enjoy taking walks when it does not feel like a furnace outside and attempting to cook new recipes they find online to varying degrees of success.

Why Harris Health System: Jason’s driving force for selecting Harris Health System was not only because of the population they serve, but the passion that Harris Health employees demonstrate for the roles they serve. Jason had the opportunity to work under Dr. Shiby Zachariah at LBJ Hospital, who helped him discover the immense influence he can have on patient care and safety from an administrative standpoint. Jason is dedicated to educating and motivating his colleagues while fostering fellowship within his community, something that Harris Health System does every day. As an incoming PGY-2 HSPAL resident, Jason is enthusiastic for the opportunity to further hone his pharmaceutical skills to promote the profession of pharmacy and make a greater impact on the community he serves.

Reena Maheshwari Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident
Reena.Maheshwari@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Plano, TX

About: Reena Maheshwari was born in Houston, TX and moved to Plano, TX with her mother when she was young. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2019. In the same year, she began her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from Texas Tech Health Science Center’s School of Pharmacy. She completed her 1st two years in Amarillo, TX and then her 2nd two years in Lubbock, TX. Reena’s professional interests include informatics, finance, operations, mentorship, and leadership. Reena hopes to use the skills and knowledge attained through her residency with Harris Health System and the Houston Program to utilize informatics and data analytics to make innovative clinical and financial pharmacy decisions that improve patient care and patient outcomes. In her free time, Reena likes to be with her friends and family, take road trips, or build Lego sets.

Why Harris Health System: Reena was drawn to Harris Health System for its commitment to its diverse patient population, which includes the uninsured and low-income. Coming from a low-income family and being in and out of doctors’ offices and the hospital, Reena wanted to give back to the system that helped her and her family when she was younger. She was also drawn to the residents and employees of Harris Health System. They have the passion and drive not only to help their patients but the colleagues around them. Reena looks forward to continuing this passion and drive while expanding her pharmaceutical skills to help the community around her.

Anu Cherayil Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Anu.Cherayil@harrishealth.org

Hometown: McAllen, TX

About: Anu Cherayil was born in Kerala, India and immigrated to the United States when she was five years-old. She is from the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas where she completed her BS in Biology at UT-RGV, graduating summa cum laude. Soon after, she moved to Houston to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. Anu’s professional interests include emergency medicine and infectious diseases, specifically antimicrobial stewardship. Anu hopes to utilize her skills in an effort to educate and optimize antimicrobial use among patients to improve patient outcomes, ensure cost-effective therapy and reduce overall antimicrobial resistance. In her free time, Anu loves to travel the world with her family and friends and immerse herself in new cultures.

Why Harris Health System: Anu was ecstatic to pursue a PGY-1 residency at Harris Health for a variety of reasons. She wanted to deliver nothing short of exceptional patient care and after completing a rotation at Harris Health, it was evident to her that Harris Health puts patients first and is highly dedicated to improving the health of those who are most in need. Growing up in the underserved area of the Rio Grande Valley has allowed Anu to form genuine relationships and provide care and education to vulnerable patient populations. Anu’s passion for helping the underserved population is her driving force for selecting Harris Health System. As an incoming PGY-1 resident, Anu is excited to be in a challenging learning environment that fosters personal and professional growth and ultimately, practice in a setting where she can combine her dedication for clinical practice, research, and mentorship to make a positive impact on the community she serves.

Leslye Echeverria Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Leslye.Echeverria@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Honey Grove, TX

About: Leslye was born in Sherman, TX and raised in the small town of Honey Grove, TX. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Houston. Her current professional interests include infectious disease, academia, and ambulatory care. In the future, Leslye aims to specialize in one of her areas of interest and utilize her dedication and passion for patient care to improve safety at an institutional level, advocate for her patients, and provide transcendent care. During her free time, Leslye enjoys spending time with her friends and family, watching new TV series, and indulging in desserts.

Why Harris Health System: Leslye comes from a rural town in Texas, in which the population is largely underserved with limited resources. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, she understood the strenuous hardships and knowledge gaps in regard to health care that are essential to address today in patient care. She was drawn to Harris Health System due to its devotion to provide exceptional care across all dimensions to the underserved Houston population. Harris Health System provides her with the opportunity to be challenged and to further explore her interests across the inpatient and outpatient setting.

Sherin John Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Sherin.John@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Pearland, Texas

About: Sherin John was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She completed her pharmacy prerequisites at the University of Houston – Downtown and Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Sherin’s professional interests include ambulatory care, cardiology, pharmacy administration, and mentorship. In the future, Sherin hopes to utilize her clinical knowledge to become board certified and serve the community to ensure safe and optimal medication management. Outside of the pharmacy, Sherin spends her time going on hikes, traveling, singing in the church choir, and spending time with family and friends.

Why Harris Health System: Sherin was first introduced to the Harris Health System at a young age through her mother, who recently retired from the system. Her incredible experience with the Harris Health System is what excited Sherin to complete her IPPE rotations at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital under Dr. Alvin Nnabuife. This opportunity further inspired her to complete all of her APPE rotations within the Harris Health System, where she learned from exceptional Harris Health employees who continually strive for excellent patient care. As an incoming PGY-1 resident, Sherin is enthusiastic about the opportunity to further hone her pharmaceutical skills to promote the profession of pharmacy and make a greater impact on the Harris County community.

Tangela Moore Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Tangela.Moore@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Houston, TX

About: Tangela Moore was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2012. Tangela then continued to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Upon the completion of her Nursing degree in 2016 she entered the Nurse Residency Program at Harris Health System. After experiencing several years of a rewarding career in nursing practice, Tangela decided to challenge herself and her commitment to healthcare even more by pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Tangela’s professional interests include specialty pharmacy practice areas such as oncology and ambulatory care, medication therapy management, mentorship, and research. Tangela is passionate about improving the quality of life for patients. She hopes to utilize her clinical expertise to help bridge the gap between pharmacy practice and nursing practice in a manner that will yield an increase in positive patient health outcomes. Outside of pharmacy, Tangela loves spending time with her family and mentoring the youth and young adults at her church.

Why Harris Health System: Tangela is vested and has found great fulfillment in impacting the lives of the patient population for which Harris Health serves. She appreciates that as a community-focused academic hospital system, Harris Health serves a vast and diverse population with a primary focus on the indigent and underserved. In her experience, she has found that the value placed on people as noted in the organization’s strategic pillars is evident by the quality of care provided to the patients and the optimal training, education and mentorship opportunities provided to the staff. She loves that Harris Health offers a challenging yet supportive environment. Ultimately, to Tangela, Harris Health is home and there is no place in the world like home.

Noemie Senawong Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Noemie.Senawong@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Houston, TX

About: Noemie was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. Noemie’s professional interests include ambulatory care, internal medicine, and infectious diseases. Upon completing residency, she aspires to be a clinical pharmacy specialist and mentor pharmacy students. Noemie enjoys trying new places to eat, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Why Harris Health System: Noemie was drawn to Harris Health System after completing a rotation in her second year of pharmacy school where she witnessed the welcoming and encouraging learning environment. She stayed on as a pharmacy technician at Ben Taub General Hospital and recognized the world-class pharmacy services that each member of the healthcare team provided. Additionally, Harris Health System’s mission aligns with Noemie’s passion for serving those with limited access to care. The robust training experiences in both inpatient and outpatient settings within the hospital setting will provide her with the opportunity to develop her clinical skills and serve the community.

Zahie Charide Pharm.D.

PGY-1 Community-Based Resident
Zahie.Charide@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Houston, TX

About: Zahie Charide was born and raised in Houston, Texas where she developed a deep-rooted connection to her community. In 2016, she graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Microbiology. Zahie's fascination with the intricacies of the human body and her unwavering dedication to patient safety motivated her to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Texas Southern University. After obtaining her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2021, Zahie embarked on a journey in the community pharmacy setting, striving to influence patient care through advocacy, patient safety, and medication management. Her professional interests include ambulatory care, medication safety, and patient advocacy reflecting her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and patient well-being, particularly within underserved communities. Zahie envisions utilizing her skills and knowledge to enhance clinical services and patient outcomes, while also advancing the pharmacy profession through research and mentorship. Beyond pharmacy, Zahie finds joy in spending cherished moments with friends and family, exploring the outdoors, exercising, trying new food spots, and discovering hidden gems within the city.

Why Harris Health System: Zahie's decision to join the Harris Health System stems from a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes and delivering compassionate patient care to the local underserved population. She is particularly drawn to the opportunity that Harris Health System provides to work with specialized patient populations, such as HIV and oncology patients, through various outpatient clinics. During an APPE rotation, she witnessed the remarkable dedication of the healthcare professionals at the Harris Health System, who embody the core values of patient-centered care and innovation. As an incoming resident, Zahie is excited about the prospect of gaining valuable experience in offering specialized care to these populations and contributing her skills, expertise, and passion to further the Harris Health System's mission. She is dedicated to continually expanding her knowledge, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, and leaving a lasting positive influence on patient care initiatives.

Jessica Chiu Pharm.D.

PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Resident
Jessica.Chiu@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Dallas, TX

About: Jessica Chiu was born and raised in Dallas, TX. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin. Jessica completed her PGY1 at Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. She strives to build upon her clinical knowledge and skills as a PGY2 ambulatory care resident. Her current interests include chronic heart failure, diabetes, and geriatrics. In her free time, Jessica enjoys trying out new restaurants, drawing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Why Harris Health System: What stood out the most about Harris Health is its diverse learning experiences and push for growth in the evolving healthcare landscape. Harris Health's rigorous program is designed to support aspiring clinicians and leaders in developing the necessary skills to excel in their field. The emphasis on serving the underserved population resonates with Jessica's interest in making a difference in those who have limited access to healthcare. Harris Health aligns with her goals of developing her professional skills and contributing to the advancement of the pharmacy profession.

Mario Gutierrez Pharm.D.

PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Resident
Mario.Gutierrez@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Houston, Texas

About: Mario Gutierrez was born, raised, and trained in Houston, Texas. He completed his undergraduate pre-requisites and Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Houston. After graduation, he completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center where he solidified his desire to pursue Ambulatory Care/Primary Care Pharmacy. Mario’s clinical interests include cardiology (with a special interest in heart failure), endocrine, and infectious disease. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys weightlifting and running, watching movies, game nights, and prioritizing his well-being by spending time with family and friends.

Why Harris Health System: Mario chose to complete his PGY-2 training at Harris Health because it is an organization that exemplifies its commitment to serving the most vulnerable populations in the Houston area while providing quality care. The department of pharmacy’s integration into the continuum of care has created unique experiences in which he will be able to hone both his clinical and administrative skills. Above all, he looks forward to working with the program leadership and preceptors to provide compassionate patient care.

Alma Aguilar Pharm.D.

PGY-2 Oncology Resident
Alma.Aguilar@harrishealth.org

Hometown: Houston, Texas

About: Alma was born in Coahuila, Mexico but grew up in Houston, Texas since she was seven years old. Alma received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. Alma is an incoming PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Practice resident at Harris Health System with a primary interest in hematologic malignancies and plans to become a board-certified oncology pharmacist. Outside of pharmacy, Alma enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying out new restaurants, and being outdoors.

Why Harris Health System: Providing care to the underserved community in addition to the endless opportunities to learn at various Harris Health System locations is what drew Alma to Harris Health System. The field of oncology offers an abundance of opportunities for growth as a clinician and Harris Health System will provide Alma with the tools necessary to offer the best patient care and advocate for her patients. Additionally, advancements in medicine through clinical trials, current literature, and development of new agents will allow Alma to stay up to date and provide the most current evidence-based patient care.

Danchau Le Pharm.D.

PGY-2 Oncology Resident
Danchau.Le2@harrishealth.org

Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

About: Danchau Le was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in Houston, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Houston and her Doctor of Pharmacy at Texas Southern University. Her current interests include ambulatory care and oncology. Danchau plans to pursue a PGY2 in one of my interest areas, become board certified, and establish a career as a clinical specialist at an academic hospital. A fun fact about Danchau is that she can make a super tiny whistle sound with her mouth closed. She enjoys trying different food and boba drinks, watching shows, and spending time with family in her free time.

Why Harris Health System: Danchau had a memorable experience completing all her rotations within the Harris Health System. She was compelled by the positive learning environment and the diverse patient population it serves. Danchau admires the impact of the pharmacy team’s knowledge and dedication to providing exceptional patient care. Harris Health System offers a vast opportunity that aligns with her aspirations of becoming a well-rounded pharmacist. She looks forward to continuing the contributions of assisting patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.