Residents speak about why they chose Upstate.
Meet the Residents 2022 - 2023
PGY-1
Valerie Amedeo, PharmD
College: Western New England University College of Pharmacy
Email: amedeov@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: When searching for a pharmacy residency program, I wanted to make sure I had opportunities to learn and grow in various aspects of pharmacy. I was so thrilled to discover this PGY-1 residency program includes a teaching and learning certificate, clinical research microcredential, and medical emergency certificate all while learning in an academic medical center. Receiving additional training in these areas will guide me to becoming a well-rounded pharmacist with a more extensive range of skills. With areas of interest in pediatrics, emergency medicine, infectious diseases, and academia, I knew Upstate would be the best place for me to further explore these. Combined with the support of my “Upstate family,” I knew that l had all the necessary resources available to help me succeed. I look forward to developing my clinical knowledge this year, and I’m excited to see how this program will shape my future as a clinical pharmacist!
College: Western New England University College of Pharmacy
Email: amedeov@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: When searching for a pharmacy residency program, I wanted to make sure I had opportunities to learn and grow in various aspects of pharmacy. I was so thrilled to discover this PGY-1 residency program includes a teaching and learning certificate, clinical research microcredential, and medical emergency certificate all while learning in an academic medical center. Receiving additional training in these areas will guide me to becoming a well-rounded pharmacist with a more extensive range of skills. With areas of interest in pediatrics, emergency medicine, infectious diseases, and academia, I knew Upstate would be the best place for me to further explore these. Combined with the support of my “Upstate family,” I knew that l had all the necessary resources available to help me succeed. I look forward to developing my clinical knowledge this year, and I’m excited to see how this program will shape my future as a clinical pharmacist!
Erica Barbay, PharmD
College: St. John Fisher College, Wegmans School of Pharmacy
Email: barbaye@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: I chose Upstate for my PGY-1 residency in pharmacy for the vast opportunities that this facility provides. As a new pharmacy graduate, I was not set on one specialty as I have not had the chance yet to experience all that a career in pharmacy provides. Matching at Upstate gives me the opportunity to find my niche in this job for the future years in pharmacy to come. Upstate also offers education and experience in many different clinical environments to allow me to become a well-rounded pharmacist. One of the ways Upstate provides this education is by being a teaching hospital where everyone is always looking to provide or engage in a “learning moment.” Although I am graduated, there is always something new to learn or to improve on. During schooling, we learned just enough to become pharmacists but as I want to be successful in my career, I wanted to do more. I also wanted to improve my clinical skills within the hospital setting, along with other capabilities, which is exactly what this residency program will help me do. I am beyond grateful for matching to Upstate and being able to continue my education in a welcoming and family-feel type of environment. I am very much looking forward to this year of residency!
College: St. John Fisher College, Wegmans School of Pharmacy
Email: barbaye@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: I chose Upstate for my PGY-1 residency in pharmacy for the vast opportunities that this facility provides. As a new pharmacy graduate, I was not set on one specialty as I have not had the chance yet to experience all that a career in pharmacy provides. Matching at Upstate gives me the opportunity to find my niche in this job for the future years in pharmacy to come. Upstate also offers education and experience in many different clinical environments to allow me to become a well-rounded pharmacist. One of the ways Upstate provides this education is by being a teaching hospital where everyone is always looking to provide or engage in a “learning moment.” Although I am graduated, there is always something new to learn or to improve on. During schooling, we learned just enough to become pharmacists but as I want to be successful in my career, I wanted to do more. I also wanted to improve my clinical skills within the hospital setting, along with other capabilities, which is exactly what this residency program will help me do. I am beyond grateful for matching to Upstate and being able to continue my education in a welcoming and family-feel type of environment. I am very much looking forward to this year of residency!
Andrea Dressler, PharmD
College: D'Youville College
Email: dresslea@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: Choosing Upstate University Hospital for my PGY-1 pharmacy residency was the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make. When initially exploring different residency programs, I was looking for a program that offered a wide variety of inpatient rotation experiences, an atmosphere that promoted growth and development, and numerous teaching and research opportunities. I was thrilled with the idea of working at a level 1 trauma center, being able to utilize the clinical knowledge I’ve obtained thus far and build upon it. However, while there was a multitude of factors that led me to this decision, the number one reason I chose Upstate was the sense of solidarity and fellowship that the pharmacy department seemed to share. Speaking with the past residents and many of the preceptors here, I could tell that the love and support everyone had for one another was genuine, and to me, that is precisely what makes a program successful. I could tell that the dedication and passion expressed by each preceptor would help me become a capable and proficient clinical pharmacist. Upstate exceeded my expectations of what I thought a program could offer, and I couldn’t be more proud to call myself a resident of this incredible institution. I cannot wait to see how much I can learn and grow as a clinical pharmacist here!
College: D'Youville College
Email: dresslea@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: Choosing Upstate University Hospital for my PGY-1 pharmacy residency was the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make. When initially exploring different residency programs, I was looking for a program that offered a wide variety of inpatient rotation experiences, an atmosphere that promoted growth and development, and numerous teaching and research opportunities. I was thrilled with the idea of working at a level 1 trauma center, being able to utilize the clinical knowledge I’ve obtained thus far and build upon it. However, while there was a multitude of factors that led me to this decision, the number one reason I chose Upstate was the sense of solidarity and fellowship that the pharmacy department seemed to share. Speaking with the past residents and many of the preceptors here, I could tell that the love and support everyone had for one another was genuine, and to me, that is precisely what makes a program successful. I could tell that the dedication and passion expressed by each preceptor would help me become a capable and proficient clinical pharmacist. Upstate exceeded my expectations of what I thought a program could offer, and I couldn’t be more proud to call myself a resident of this incredible institution. I cannot wait to see how much I can learn and grow as a clinical pharmacist here!
Jiajie Guan, PharmD
College: University at Buffalo
Email: guanji@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: The PGY-1 pharmacy residency program at SUNY Upstate University Hospital offered everything I was looking for in my postgraduate training. As a large academic medical center and a level 1 trauma center, Upstate has a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient experiences that would prepare me well for practicing in different settings. My area of interest is in geriatric pharmacy and ambulatory care, and I am excited that Upstate offers learning experiences in both areas. The microcredential in Clinical Research was one of the most appealing features and I was astonished to find how dedicated the department is to research. Another highlight of the program is how we were immediately welcomed to the Upstate family and how everyone is enthusiastic about our growth. I am very grateful to be a resident at Upstate and I am excited to see how I will grow in the upcoming year!
College: University at Buffalo
Email: guanji@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: The PGY-1 pharmacy residency program at SUNY Upstate University Hospital offered everything I was looking for in my postgraduate training. As a large academic medical center and a level 1 trauma center, Upstate has a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient experiences that would prepare me well for practicing in different settings. My area of interest is in geriatric pharmacy and ambulatory care, and I am excited that Upstate offers learning experiences in both areas. The microcredential in Clinical Research was one of the most appealing features and I was astonished to find how dedicated the department is to research. Another highlight of the program is how we were immediately welcomed to the Upstate family and how everyone is enthusiastic about our growth. I am very grateful to be a resident at Upstate and I am excited to see how I will grow in the upcoming year!
Hannah Morley, PharmD
College: University of Rhode Island - Kingston
Email: morleyh@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: When looking at different residency programs, I looked for ones that would help me to achieve my future goals by offering learning experiences that aligned with my interests of emergency medicine and pediatrics. Upstate offers a wide variety of high-caliber learning experiences that enable residents to pursue their interests. Along with these clinical interest areas, I wanted the opportunity to push myself in areas that I felt less confident in, while having support to succeed. The Pharmacy Research Microcredential program is an example of how Upstate sets their residents up for success. Along with the variety of clinical experiences offered, upstate fosters an environment of learning and teaching. Residents have the opportunity to precept students to develop their own teaching style and build foundational precepting skills. In addition to being able to precept students, residents get a teaching certificate to further expand the skillset of the residents. Most importantly, the people at Upstate are what set them apart. When speaking with a variety of people at Upstate through the residency application process, it was clear that everyone here cared for the residents and genuinely want them to succeed. At Upstate you learn something new every day and are challenged to practice at the top of your license while having unwavering support. I am excited to continue to grow and develop my own practice style here at Upstate!
College: University of Rhode Island - Kingston
Email: morleyh@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: When looking at different residency programs, I looked for ones that would help me to achieve my future goals by offering learning experiences that aligned with my interests of emergency medicine and pediatrics. Upstate offers a wide variety of high-caliber learning experiences that enable residents to pursue their interests. Along with these clinical interest areas, I wanted the opportunity to push myself in areas that I felt less confident in, while having support to succeed. The Pharmacy Research Microcredential program is an example of how Upstate sets their residents up for success. Along with the variety of clinical experiences offered, upstate fosters an environment of learning and teaching. Residents have the opportunity to precept students to develop their own teaching style and build foundational precepting skills. In addition to being able to precept students, residents get a teaching certificate to further expand the skillset of the residents. Most importantly, the people at Upstate are what set them apart. When speaking with a variety of people at Upstate through the residency application process, it was clear that everyone here cared for the residents and genuinely want them to succeed. At Upstate you learn something new every day and are challenged to practice at the top of your license while having unwavering support. I am excited to continue to grow and develop my own practice style here at Upstate!
Zhongyue Zhang, PharmD
College: St. John's University
Email: zhangzho@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: I am extremely grateful to be matched with the Upstate PGY-1 pharmacy residency program. I love and chose Upstate for three main reasons. First, I love the Upstate Family. I felt instantly welcomed into this close-knit environment. And my perspective has not changed since my first interaction with the team during the midyear meeting. Second, as a teaching hospital, students and residents are always welcomed and encouraged to ask lots of questions. We can provide patient-centered care as a collaborative member of an interdisciplinary team. Preceptors, RPD, and RPC are always here for us and try their best to help us grow. Residents have the unique opportunity to participate in longitudinal internal medicine rotation which helps us to mature into independent practitioners. Lastly, another aspect that sets Upstate apart from the other programs is the opportunity to obtain certificates in Teaching and Medical Emergency Certificate as well completing a microcredential in Pharmacy Clinical Research. These opportunities will provide me with great tools for my future as a clinical pharmacist. I look forward to seeing my growth over this year’s training at Upstate!
College: St. John's University
Email: zhangzho@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: I am extremely grateful to be matched with the Upstate PGY-1 pharmacy residency program. I love and chose Upstate for three main reasons. First, I love the Upstate Family. I felt instantly welcomed into this close-knit environment. And my perspective has not changed since my first interaction with the team during the midyear meeting. Second, as a teaching hospital, students and residents are always welcomed and encouraged to ask lots of questions. We can provide patient-centered care as a collaborative member of an interdisciplinary team. Preceptors, RPD, and RPC are always here for us and try their best to help us grow. Residents have the unique opportunity to participate in longitudinal internal medicine rotation which helps us to mature into independent practitioners. Lastly, another aspect that sets Upstate apart from the other programs is the opportunity to obtain certificates in Teaching and Medical Emergency Certificate as well completing a microcredential in Pharmacy Clinical Research. These opportunities will provide me with great tools for my future as a clinical pharmacist. I look forward to seeing my growth over this year’s training at Upstate!
PGY-2
Sara Farooqi, PharmD - Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident
Residency: Upstate University Hospital
College: The Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences - Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY
Email: farooqis@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: I am incredibly excited to continue my residency training with Upstate as the PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident. I am grateful to work with the incredibly supportive pharmacy team again! The residency program cultivates a positive learning environment that allows for continuous growth and development. It offers a multitude of learning experiences through various clinics and specialty services, including diabetes, neurology, anticoagulation, rheumatology, and more. One of the program's advantages is its ability to provide patient-centered care to a large and diverse patient population. By doing so, the program emphasizes the importance of demonstrating cultural competence as essential in becoming a well-rounded practitioner. Moreover, the affiliation with St John Fisher University provides unique teaching and mentoring opportunities that will strengthen my academia skills and shape me into a successful future preceptor. I believe Upstate has given me the resources to cultivate my critical thinking, leadership, research, and intradisciplinary skills. I am confident that Upstate will push me to become a competent ambulatory care pharmacist, and I am excited to see what the year will bring!
Residency: Upstate University Hospital
College: The Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences - Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY
Email: farooqis@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: I am incredibly excited to continue my residency training with Upstate as the PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident. I am grateful to work with the incredibly supportive pharmacy team again! The residency program cultivates a positive learning environment that allows for continuous growth and development. It offers a multitude of learning experiences through various clinics and specialty services, including diabetes, neurology, anticoagulation, rheumatology, and more. One of the program's advantages is its ability to provide patient-centered care to a large and diverse patient population. By doing so, the program emphasizes the importance of demonstrating cultural competence as essential in becoming a well-rounded practitioner. Moreover, the affiliation with St John Fisher University provides unique teaching and mentoring opportunities that will strengthen my academia skills and shape me into a successful future preceptor. I believe Upstate has given me the resources to cultivate my critical thinking, leadership, research, and intradisciplinary skills. I am confident that Upstate will push me to become a competent ambulatory care pharmacist, and I am excited to see what the year will bring!
Ally Hitchcock, PharmD - Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Resident
Residency: Upstate University Hospital
College: St. John Fisher College, Wegmans School of Pharmacy
Email: hitchcoa@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: When first applying for a PGY-1 residency, I was drawn to the extensive opportunities offered at SUNY Upstate University Hospital including: clinical rotations of various pharmacy specialties, participating in interdisciplinary rounds at an academic medical center, creating my own research project with involvement in the research microcredential, and educating pharmacy students through the teaching certificate program. I am very fortunate to have learned from such dedicated colleagues during my PGY-1 training here at Upstate, whose guidance and support taught me how to become an independent, well-rounded pharmacist. I had entered PGY-1 with interests in infectious diseases and academia, and I am so thankful to continue my residency training as the PGY-2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Resident here at Upstate. This program offers antibiotic stewardship, infectious diseases consult, and HIV ambulatory care rotations that allow direct collaboration with physicians, medical residents, and students alongside preceptors that display a constant enthusiasm for teaching. Further, this year I will expand upon my teaching experiences from PGY-1 training through precepting at Upstate and lecturing at the Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, which will allow me to progress toward my future career goal of pursuing academia. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue my clinical development at Upstate and continue the necessary training to reach my professional vision of becoming an infectious diseases pharmacist!
Residency: Upstate University Hospital
College: St. John Fisher College, Wegmans School of Pharmacy
Email: hitchcoa@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: When first applying for a PGY-1 residency, I was drawn to the extensive opportunities offered at SUNY Upstate University Hospital including: clinical rotations of various pharmacy specialties, participating in interdisciplinary rounds at an academic medical center, creating my own research project with involvement in the research microcredential, and educating pharmacy students through the teaching certificate program. I am very fortunate to have learned from such dedicated colleagues during my PGY-1 training here at Upstate, whose guidance and support taught me how to become an independent, well-rounded pharmacist. I had entered PGY-1 with interests in infectious diseases and academia, and I am so thankful to continue my residency training as the PGY-2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Resident here at Upstate. This program offers antibiotic stewardship, infectious diseases consult, and HIV ambulatory care rotations that allow direct collaboration with physicians, medical residents, and students alongside preceptors that display a constant enthusiasm for teaching. Further, this year I will expand upon my teaching experiences from PGY-1 training through precepting at Upstate and lecturing at the Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, which will allow me to progress toward my future career goal of pursuing academia. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue my clinical development at Upstate and continue the necessary training to reach my professional vision of becoming an infectious diseases pharmacist!
Marrium Qureshi, PharmD - Geriatrics Pharmacy Resident
Residency: John Dempsey Hospital at Uconn Health
College: University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy
Email: qureshma@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: I chose to pursue my PGY2 training in geriatrics at Upstate University Hospital knowing it would be an excellent match for my goals to become a board-certified geriatric pharmacotherapy specialist with strong opportunities in emergency medicine, teaching, and leadership. During my interview process, I learned how the geriatrics program at Upstate is a “powerhouse” in that they are busily improving patient care for the geriatric population by thinking outside the box. I was struck by the sincerity and dedication displayed by everyone as well as the diverse presence of the preceptors, and the focus on interprofessional collaboration. The program offers many unique opportunities that will enable me to become a well-rounded geriatric pharmacist including exposure to unique practice settings such as the Geriatric emergency medicine department and geriatric hematology/oncology, the opportunity to complete the Clinical Research Microcredential, and the Humanitarian Healthcare elective longitudinal. I appreciate how this program has a strong component of research projects that are designed to be publishable which will help me grow my research skills. I look forward to my time at Upstate knowing I’ll be a valued member of a multidisciplinary team and will be able to advocate for this vulnerable population in critical areas of care!
Residency: John Dempsey Hospital at Uconn Health
College: University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy
Email: qureshma@upstate.edu
Why I chose Upstate: I chose to pursue my PGY2 training in geriatrics at Upstate University Hospital knowing it would be an excellent match for my goals to become a board-certified geriatric pharmacotherapy specialist with strong opportunities in emergency medicine, teaching, and leadership. During my interview process, I learned how the geriatrics program at Upstate is a “powerhouse” in that they are busily improving patient care for the geriatric population by thinking outside the box. I was struck by the sincerity and dedication displayed by everyone as well as the diverse presence of the preceptors, and the focus on interprofessional collaboration. The program offers many unique opportunities that will enable me to become a well-rounded geriatric pharmacist including exposure to unique practice settings such as the Geriatric emergency medicine department and geriatric hematology/oncology, the opportunity to complete the Clinical Research Microcredential, and the Humanitarian Healthcare elective longitudinal. I appreciate how this program has a strong component of research projects that are designed to be publishable which will help me grow my research skills. I look forward to my time at Upstate knowing I’ll be a valued member of a multidisciplinary team and will be able to advocate for this vulnerable population in critical areas of care!