We are excited about your interest in the GBMC Pharmacy Residency PGY1 Program. Our program is recognized and accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
Mission
To provide medical care and service of the highest quality to each patient and to educate the next generation of clinicians, leading to health, healing and hope for the community.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Our pharmacy department and residency program follow the mission and vision of the GBMC Organization for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. At GBMC HealthCare, we are committed to a vision of providing every patient, every time with the care we would want for our own loved ones, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, ability, gender identity or expression, demographic, economic position or religion. We pride ourselves on being a continuous learning organization, and that applies to our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. We foster a strong, diverse workforce that feels included and respected which will get GBMC closer to our mission of health equity for all.
Purpose Statement:
PGY1 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification, and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training.
The purpose of GBMC PGY1 residency program is to fulfill the GBMC mission to educate the next generation of clinicians. In this goal, we have put together a great learning program with a dedicated team of faculty members. The program is built with required and elective rotations providing diverse clinical pharmacotherapy experiences in inpatient and outpatient medication management. Longitudinal projects and presentations are embedded throughout the year to focus on enhancing residents’ research and communication skills. Residents with interest in academia can enroll in teaching certificate programs at our affiliated universities.
GBMC Department of Pharmacy
Department of Pharmacy Services demonstrates patient-centered care through inpatient and outpatient clinical services. The pharmacy team is comprised of clinical pharmacists, certified pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants, and administrative staff. The inpatient pharmacy provides centralized and decentralized pharmacy program that integrates directly with multi-disciplinary teams allows pharmacists to have an impact on the following:
- Drug Selection
- Pharmacokinetic Assessment and Drug Dosing
- Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Services
- Patient Education
- Anticoagulation Management
- Drug Interactions
- Renal Adjustment of Medications
- Adverse Drug Reactions
- Antimicrobial Stewardship
Outpatient pharmacy services include Anticoagulation Clinic, Specialty Pharmacy, and Outpatient Pharmacy. The Department of Pharmacy Services is committed to continuous process improvement and a culture of safety.
"I Love the Challenge"
Meet Clinical Pharmacist, Lucy Lee. Lucy talks about and what motivated her to pursue a career as a pharmacist and her experience here at GBMC.
Our Faculty
Select a Faculty Member below to learn more...
Yuliya Klopouh, PharmD, MH
Executive Director of Pharmacy Services
Dr. Yuliya Klopouh is the Executive Director of Pharmacy Services at GBMC. After studying in Ukraine as a nurse and an MD, she earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland. In her free time- she enjoys giving talks and educating people on healthy nutrition, integrative medicine, and wellness. Dr. Klopouh has passion for classical music and literature, that she shares with her family. In her time outside the work, you will find her listening to Rachmaninov, watching Metropolitan Opera, or reading Classics.
Julia West, PharmD, BCPS
Director of Inpatient Pharmacy
Post-Graduate Year One Program Director
Preceptor for Pharmacy Administration & Policy and Pharmacy Informatics Modules
Dr. Julia West is the Director of Inpatient Pharmacy at GBMC. After completing her Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in 2001, she provided pharmacy care to patients at Chester River Health hospital (currently known as University of Maryland Shore Medical Center). In 2010, she joined GBMC, where she held multiple lead roles in the department of pharmacy, including Pharmacy Informatics Coordinator position and successfully managed many operational projects and implementations. Presently, she is pursuing her Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) at the University of Baltimore. Outside of work, she does a lot of activities with her children (golf, Peabody chorus and dance). Dr. West is also an avid traveler, and takes every opportunity to learn about different cultures, support education and diversity.
Kim Ngan Tran, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Manager
Post-Graduate Year One Program Coordinator
Preceptor for Critical Care Modules
Dr. Kim Ngan Tran is the Clinical Pharmacy Manager at GBMC and earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Wingate University in 2014. After graduation, she completed a PGY-1 at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital (MUMH) in Baltimore. She practiced as a critical care pharmacist for 5 years at MUMH before joining GBMC. She has a great passion for teaching. She has been an Assistant Clinical Professor at University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and University of the Sciences precepting students for critical care rotation. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and traveling to beautiful places.
Naaseha Rizvi, PharmD
Lead Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist
Preceptor for Antimicrobial Stewardship/Infectious Diseases Modules
Dr. Naaseha Rizvi is the Lead Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist at GBMC. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy. After graduation, she completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, MD followed by her PGY-2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Perry Shafner, PharmD
Medication Safety Officer
Preceptor for Medication Safety Modules
Dr. Perry Shafner is the Medication Safety Officer at GBMC. After earning a Master of Arts degree in Talmudic Law, he went on to earn a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. He is enthusiastic about medication safety, process redesign, and informatics. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and studying Talmud.
Susan Arnold, PharmD
Lead Ambulatory Care Pharmacist
Preceptor for Ambulatory Care Modules
Dr. Susan Arnold is the Lead Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacist at GBMC. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Virginia Tech, she was employed as a chemical engineer before earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Virginia Commonwealth School of Pharmacy. She then completed her PGY-2 specialty residency in Ambulatory Care at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and pets, working out, and outdoor activities.
Michele Sharkey, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist
Preceptor-in-training for Critical Care Modules
Dr. Michele Sharkey graduated from University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in 2007. She spent three years in retail before making the transition to clinical pharmacy at GBMC. In addition to working in the pharmacy, Dr. Sharkey co-chairs the IV Medication Guidelines Committee and represents pharmacy in the Rapid Response/Code Committee. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Lucy Gin, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Preceptor for Critical Care Modules/Preceptor for Ambulatory Care Modules
Dr. Lucy Lee is a clinical pharmacist at Greater Baltimore Medical Center since 2014. She completed her Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy in 2014 and then completed her Masters of Science in Biotechnology – Regulatory Affairs degree at the University of Maryland University College in 2016. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family as a daughter, wife, mom, and as a dog mom. Dr. Lee has a passion for fashion, makeup, volleyball, and imported cars.
Christopher Kruft, RPh
Clinical Pharmacist
Preceptor for Internal Medicine Modules
Christopher Kruft is a 1984 graduate of University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and has been a clinical pharmacist at Greater Baltimore Medical Center since 2010. Previously, Mr. Kruft served as Director of the Outpatient Pharmacy at GBMC for 22 years, which was then one of the largest dispensers of Assisted Reproductive Technology medications in the Mid Atlantic area. Currently, his practice areas include both inpatient units and the Anti Coagulation Clinic with clinical interest also in Palliative Care. His hobbies include hiking, boating and spending time at the beach with his family.
Quynh Nhu Ha, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Preceptor-in-training for Internal Medicine Modules
Dr. Quynh Ha earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree from Notre Dame of Maryland University in 2018. Upon completing her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Sinai Hospital, she joined GBMC as a clinical pharmacist where she rotates through various clinical areas, including critical care, anticoagulation clinic, and internal medicine. Her professional interest areas include critical care, emergency medicine, and infectious disease.
Josette Siek, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist – Anticoagulation Clinic
Dr. Josette Siek earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Notre Dame of Maryland University in 2018. Prior to being a clinical pharmacist at GBMC, she has worked as a Pharmacy Manager with Walgreens Pharmacy, a Pharmacist in Charge at Partners Pharmacy – Long Term Care Pharmacy, and a clinical pharmacist at Carroll Hospital Center. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing with her dog, and traveling.
Dominick Memoli, PharmD, BCCCP, MBA
Operational Pharmacy Manager
Dr. Dominick Memoli is the Operations Pharmacy Manager at GBMC. He earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from University of Maryland at Baltimore in 2010. After graduation he was a manager at a Costco Pharmacy then went on to do a PGY-1/PGY-2 Health Systems Administration Residency at University of Maryland Medical Center while earning his MBA. He started a transitions of care pharmacy position at Ascension St. Agnes after his residency. During his education and residency, he was originally interested in critical care pharmacy and due to the COVID crisis was asked to be an ICU pharmacist where he was for 2 years before joining GBMC in March 2022. Outside of work, he enjoys weightlifting, movies, and spending time with his wife and kids.
Our Current Residents
Select a Resident below to learn more...
Andrew Ballentine, PharmD
PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident
Andrew Ballentine, PharmD
Pharmacy School: Cedarville University
Clinical interests: Ambulatory Care and Oncology
Hobbies: Sports, drumming, time with family and friends, movies, and cooking
Andy was born in raised in Lebanon, Ohio and received his higher education from Cedarville University. He is a fifth-generation pharmacist and is excited to continue the family tradition as an aspiring ambulatory care clinical specialist. Outside of work he is highly devoted to his friends and family, including his wife Erin, and Cincinnati sports teams.
Michael Lucas, PharmD
PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident
Michael Lucas, PharmD
Pharmacy School: University of Maryland
Clinical Interests: Infectious Disease and Critical Care
Hobbies: Running, playing frisbee and video games
Michael grew up in Baltimore where he attended UMBC for his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He then attended the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, where he graduated in 2023. Michael’s professional interests include critical care and infectious diseases. Outside of work, Michael enjoys running, playing frisbee, and videogames.
About Baltimore and Surrounding Area
GBMC HealthCare is located in Towson, Maryland and serves patients in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Baltimore, Maryland, home to Edgar Allan Poe and Babe Ruth, is a just a short drive from GBMC HealthCare’s campus and is home to many historical sites including Fort McHenry, Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, the B&O Railroad, the Inner Harbor, The National Aquarium, and more. With both M&T Bank Stadium, home field of the Baltimore Ravens and Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home field of the Baltimore Orioles, located just steps from each other, catching a game is a breeze. Baltimore is within driving distance of beaches and many urban areas including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York.
