MGH Pharmacy Residency Program
Overview
Massachusetts General Hospital is an academic teaching hospital in Boston, MA. It is the largest hospital in New England, and the third oldest in the United States. Consistently recognized as a top hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report Mass General’s history and achievements have earned it a reputation as one of the foremost medical centers in the world for centuries. The hospital's reputation dates as far back as 1846, when the first public demonstration of the use of ether as an anesthetic during surgery took place in the Mass General Ether Dome. Mass General is affiliated with Harvard Medical School and conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the U.S.
Department of Pharmacy
Established in 1845, the Mass General Department of Pharmacy provides innovative and comprehensive direct patient care and operational services to the inpatient hospital and numerous outpatient practices.
The Department of Pharmacy encompasses 15 locations, including the Gray Main Inpatient Pharmacy, Operating Room Pharmacy, Wang Outpatient Pharmacy, Yawkey Ambulatory Oncology Infusion Pharmacy, General and Oncology Clinical Trials Pharmacy, as well as numerous outpatient and ambulatory oncology pharmacies off-campus. Over 9 million medication doses are dispensed annually and are supported by medication carousels, anesthesia workstations, and automated dispensing cabinets. The hospital has a fully implemented electronic medical record across the institution. Pharmacists are involved in complex medical management, integrated into multidisciplinary teams, and provide services such as therapeutic drug monitoring, patient counseling, drug information, medication reconciliation, and acute emergency response.
Pharmacy Residency Training
Our mission is to provide a dynamic, goal-oriented environment to develop a well-rounded clinical expert, educator, and leader and to assure each resident is thoroughly trained in the provision of individualized direct patient care, clinical and didactic teaching, practice-based research, and patient-centric pharmacy leadership. The Mass General Pharmacy Residency Programs are committed to adhering to the accreditation standards set forth by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and therefore strive to meet and exceed those standards.
A multitude of clinical learning experiences are offered to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a resident into an independent practitioner. Under the direction and guidance of expert-level clinical pharmacists, residents will ultimately assume ownership and responsibility of their patients’ pharmaceutical care and become vital members of medical teams. In addition, numerous longitudinal expectations will allow residents to experience interdisciplinary teamwork, pharmacy operations, pharmacy practice management, clinical trials, and process improvement. At Mass General, we take pride in being able to effectively place every residents’ professional objectives at the center of their training, thereby enabling them to excel in a variety of career paths. We instill passion for the practice of pharmacy and empathy for patient care such that each resident is also committed to the advancement of the profession.
Curriculum
The Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Pharmacy offers the following Pharmacy Residency programs:
- PGY1 Pharmacy
- PGY1/2 Health-System Administration and Leadership
- PGY2 Cardiology
- PGY2 Critical Care
- PGY2 Emergency Medicine
- PGY2 Infectious Diseases
- PGY2 Internal Medicine
- PGY2 Oncology
- PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant
Graduate Pharmacy Education
All of the Pharmacy Residency Programs at Mass General are unified together as Graduate Pharmacy Education. Collectively, these criteria-based, post-graduate training experiences are designed to develop trainees into autonomous clinicians with the skills needed to lead patient-specific programs in acute care practice settings.
While on clinical service, post-graduate year one (PGY1) and post-graduate year two (PGY2) residents collaborate and serve as the primary pharmacists for their assigned patients. As members of integrated healthcare teams, residents work cooperatively with other providers to deliver safe medication therapy and achieve optimal outcomes.
Residents participate in multidisciplinary bedside rounds, develop patient care plans, and optimize medication therapy. In all programs, residents develop skills in clinical and didactic teaching, research methodology, critical thinking, and pharmacy practice leadership.
Office of Workforce Enrichment
We are committed to our workforce and helping them thrive.
To be a global leader in healthcare, it is essential that our workforce reflects the patients we serve and offers a variety of perspectives in a welcomed environment. This enables us to develop better solutions to our challenges and deliver higher quality care with better patient outcomes. A workforce with a broad range of skills, experiences, and perspectives is best positioned to innovate, create solutions, provide the highest quality care to all our patients, and ensure that our patients maintain trust and feel confident seeking care from our provider community.
Learn more about Workforce Enrichment and Engagement at Mass General Brigham.
Learning Experiences
- Required core learning experiences
- Elective learning experiences chosen based on resident’s interest
- Longitudinal learning experiences
Presentations
- ACPE-accredited Clinical Education Program
- Pharmacy Grand Rounds
- Journal club and case presentations
- Multidisciplinary in-services
Research
- Longitudinal research project
- Guidance from mentor(s) and the Residency Research Committee
- Poster presentation at the Vizient Council Meeting and/or the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition
- Platform presentation at the Eastern States Conference for Pharmacy Residents and Preceptors or other professional conference
Resident Seminars
- Teaching certificate issued in collaboration with Northeastern University (optional)
Pharmacy Practice Experience
- Decentral pharmacy practice experience (PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents)
- Central pharmacy practice experience (PGY1 pharmacy residents)
- Acute emergency response with ACLS and BLS certification
Leadership Opportunities
- Residency officer positions and resident-run committees
- Pharmacy Therapeutics & Safety Committee
- ASHP Visiting Leaders Program
- ASHP Whitney Reception
- John W. Webb Lecture
Meetings and Conferences
- ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition
- Vizient Pharmacy Council Meeting
- MSHP Annual Meeting
- Regional Pharmacy Residency Conference for Pharmacy Residents and Preceptors
- Other professional conference (with approval from Residency Program Director, Director of Graduate Pharmacy Education and Chief Pharmacy Officer)
Benefits
- Competitive stipend: PGY1: $64,700; PGY2: $66,000
- Health insurance options
- Vacation days, paid holidays and sick time
- Professional materials (laptop, pager, lab coat, office space, drug information resources, etc.)
- Travel reimbursement for approved conferences
- Massachusetts Society of Health-System Pharmacists membership
- Discounted subway/train passes
- Discounted health club membership
- “MGH Perks” for various activities in the New England area
Residency Leadership
Dr. Tasleem Spracklin, PharmD, BCPS
Director for the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency
Dr. Russel J. Roberts, PharmD, BCCCP, FCCM
Residency Director for the PGY-2 Critical Care Residency Program
Dr. Ramy Elshaboury, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
Director, Graduate Pharmacy Education
Dr. Cecilia Li, PharmD, BCIDP
Director for the PGY2 Infectious Diseases (ID) Residency Program
Dr. TuTran Nguyen, PharmD, BCPS, CPPS
Director for the PGY2 Internal Medicine Residency Program
Dr. Lanting Fuh, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP
Director for the PGY2 Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Dr. Edmond Solomon, PharmD, BCCP
Residency Director for the PGY2 Cardiology Program
Dr. Kayla Joyal, PharmD, BCTXP
Director for the PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant Program
Dr. Uvette Lou, PharmD, BCOP
Residency Program Director for the PGY-2 Oncology Pharmacy Program
Dr. Corey McEwen, PharmD, MS
Residency Director for the combined PGY-1/PGY-2/MS HSPAL Residency Program
Current Residents
Ethan Chan
Dr. Ethan Chan grew up in Waterford, Connecticut, before attending Northeastern University for his Doctor of Pharmacy. He has developed a strong clinical interest in cardiology, and he hopes to continue his training through a PGY2 in this area. In his free time, Ethan enjoys listening to music, watching SpongeBob, going to the beach, and biking.
Maxine Cork
Dr. Maxine Cork is originally from Franklin, Tennessee, and is a graduate of Belmont University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is drawn to both critical care and emergency medicine and plans to pursue PGY2 training in one of these areas after completion of her PGY1 year. Her interests outside of pharmacy include attending concerts, traveling, reading in the Boston Public Garden, and taking Solidcore classes.
John (Jack) Devin
A Weymouth, Massachusetts, native, Dr. Jack Devin completed his pharmacy education at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy. Following completion of his PGY1 residency, he plans to pursue a PGY2 in critical care. In his free time, Jack enjoys astronomy, video games, watching Boston sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Autumn Edwards
Dr. Autumn Edwards is from Lucedale, Mississippi, and studied at the University of South Alabama for her undergraduate degree before earning her Doctor of Pharmacy from Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy. Her primary clinical interests for PGY2 training are in critical care and emergency medicine. When she’s not at the hospital, Autumn is an avid reader who enjoys being outdoors and discovering new coffee shops.
Ava Marzo
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native Dr. Ava Marzo is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. She plans to build on her PGY1 experience with a PGY2 in emergency medicine or critical care. Beyond residency, Ava enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants with friends, and watching reality TV.
Sofia Orlando
Before moving to Boston, Dr. Sofia Orlando called St. Louis, Missouri, home. She attended Missouri State University for her undergraduate degree and later completed her Doctor of Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Upon completion of her PGY1 year, she plans to pursue a PGY2 in oncology. Her interests outside of pharmacy include walking and listening to birds, practicing yoga, completing puzzles, and spending time with friends.
Jenna Puleo
Originally from Essex, Vermont, Dr. Jenna Puleo attended Saint Michael’s College for her undergraduate degree before earning her Doctor of Pharmacy from Northeastern University. She is currently completing her PGY1 as part of the combined PGY1/2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership residency. Concurrently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a specialization in Pharmacy Administration at the University of North Carolina. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys playing pickleball, walking on the Esplanade, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Kayla Bey
Dr. Kayla Bey is originally from North Providence, Rhode Island, and completed her Doctor of Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston. Now a PGY2 critical care resident, she is preparing for a career as a critical care clinical pharmacist. In her free time, Kayla enjoys exploring Boston’s restaurants, attending concerts, and spending time with friends and family.
Cassidy Cox
Dr. Cassidy Cox is from Raleigh, North Carolina. She studied at North Carolina State University before completing her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina. Following her PGY2 in critical care, her goal is to practice as a critical care clinical pharmacist. Her interests outside of residency include reading, yoga, traveling, and visiting outdoor breweries.
Shannon Gunawan
New York native Dr. Shannon Gunawan received her Doctor of Pharmacy from St. John’s University. As she continues her PGY2 training in infectious diseases, she intends to continue in this field as a clinical pharmacist following completion of residency. In her free time, Shannon enjoys reading, dancing, baking, and cooking.
Elise Hildebrandt
Dr. Elise Hildebrandt is from Simsbury, Connecticut. She earned her BS in Biology from Clemson University and her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Following completion of her PGY2 oncology residency, she hopes to pursue a career specializing in a specific solid tumor disease state. Outside of residency, Elise enjoys running, exploring new restaurants in Boston, watching Clemson football and Carolina basketball, traveling, and visiting friends and family.
Jean Kim
Dr. Jean Kim is originally from Bayside, New York. After studying at Fordham University for her undergraduate degree, she completed her Doctor of Pharmacy at Northeastern University. Upon completing her PGY2 cardiology residency, she plans to work as a cardiology clinical pharmacist. Beyond residency, Jean enjoys arts and crafts, watching movies, and exploring new restaurants.
Berkin Kutluk
Dr. Berkin Kutluk is from Ankara, Turkey, and completed both his undergraduate studies and Doctor of Pharmacy at The University of Texas at Austin. His PGY2 in oncology is preparing him for a clinical role at an academic medical center, where he hopes to contribute to oncology research and education alongside patient care. Outside of pharmacy, Berkin enjoys exploring new boba and food establishments, hiking, traveling, playing video games, and walking along the Esplanade.
Adam Murphy
Dr. Adam Murphy is originally from Penfield, New York, and received his Doctor of Pharmacy from D’Youville University. He is currently completing his PGY2 residency in internal medicine and plans to continue practicing in this field as a clinical pharmacist. In his free time, Adam enjoys playing chess, cooking, walking around the city, and watching the Steelers and Yankees.
Catherine (Cate) Murphy
Dr. Cate Murphy is from Lawrence, Kansas, and completed her Doctor of Pharmacy at Northeastern University. Through her PGY2 oncology residency, she is preparing for a career as a clinical oncology pharmacist while exploring potential areas of sub specialization. Music remains an important part of Cate’s life through singing and playing instruments. She also enjoys baking and taking long walks.
Valerie Nguyen
Dr. Valerie Nguyen brings Midwestern roots to Boston, having grown up in Chicago and studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before completing her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota. She is currently completing her PGY2 in Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership while concurrently pursuing a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a specialization in Pharmacy Administration at the University of North Carolina. Her professional interests include pharmacy operations and medication safety. Outside of residency, Valerie enjoys cooking and baking, taking and teaching dance classes, exploring restaurants throughout the city, and spending time with her cat, Mooncake.