Meet our Residents 2019-2020PGY-1Ambulatory Care

Kaya BorgPharmacy school: South Dakota State UniversityCareer interests: Ambulatory CareResidency Project: Feasibility and Impact Assessment of an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Technician at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital Why the Madison VA? : From the first time I spoke with residents from the Madison VA, I knew it was a great fit for me. Not only is this program known for excellence in ambulatory care, it also has an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. It was apparent that people that worked here loved their jobs and were passionate about serving the Veteran population. Hobbies: Crafting (crocheting, painting, etc.), kickboxing, spending time with my co-residentsFavorite things to do in Madison: Exploring the trails at the arboretum, eating/shopping at the capital square, playing spike ball at the many parks, kayaking/paddle

boarding on the lakesContact email: Kaya.Borg2@VA.gov

Jessica ChmielinskiPharmacy school: University of PittsburghCareer interests: Diabetes, Tobacco Treatment, Primary Care, Mental HealthResidency Project: Pharmacist-led institution of a standardized deprescribing tool (VIONE) to decrease PIMs and improve patient safety and patient/provider satisfactionWhy the Madison VA?: When I interviewed here I fell in love with the

people and the culture. Pharmacists truly work at the top of their license. The Madison VA is a leader in ambulatory care and mental health practice which are my interests. Hobbies: Running, swimming, hiking, skiing, going to country concerts Favorite things to do in Madison: Willy Street, run on all the marvelous trails around the cityContact email: Jessica.Chmielinski@VA.gov

Emily FongPharmacy school: University of Wisconsin-MadisonCareer interests: Primary care, Transitions of Care, Mentorship

Residency Project: Improving Patient Safety by Promoting Guideline-concordant Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) UseWhy the Madison VA? The preceptors at the Madison VA really foster an environment of learning and growth as a new pharmacist. I was thrilled to join a team that shared my enthusiasm and passion for this career. Hobbies: Traveling, cooking and listening to podcasts Favorite things to do in Madison: Have you heard of the Memorial Union Terrace? 😊 Also, I love the diversity in restaurants – even after living here for a few years, I’m still trying new things!Contact email: Emily.Fong@VA.gov

Leigh HeffnerPharmacy school: Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (Hilo, Hawaii)

Career interests: Mental Health and Pain Management Residency Project: Evaluation of a Pharmacist’s Role in the Epilepsy Clinic SettingWhy the Madison VA? I’m very interested in a PGY-2 in our AMAZING Mental Health Department plus the work environment here won me over. Everyone works so hard for those around them and you can tell coworkers really get along. Hobbies: soccer, hiking, snowboarding, rock climbingFavorite things to do in Madison: play Spikeball by the lake with my co-residentsContact email: Leigh.Heffner@VA.gov

Macy McConnell Pharmacy school: University of Wisconsin-MadisonCareer Interests: Cardiology, Primary CareResidency Project: Evaluating the impact of a clinical pharmacy specialist in a specialty osteoporosis clinic at the Madison VA Why the Madison VA? The Madison VA had everything that I was looking for in a residency including progressive ambulatory care specialty and primary care clinics, teaching and precepting opportunities, and research opportunities that support change in patient care outcomes. While these were all motivating factors to come here, it was the positive pharmacy culture and the enthusiastic and supportive pharmacy staff that ultimately set the Madison VA apart from the rest!Hobbies: hiking, camping, horesback riding, playing Spikeball, running, board/card gamesFavorite things to do in Madison: going to the Farmer’s Market, exploring new restaurants, and hanging out at the Memorial Union Terrace with friends!Contact email: Macy.McConnell@VA.gov

General Practice PGY-1

Kristen Schmidt Pharmacy school: Creighton University Career interests: Inpatient/Ambulatory CareResidency Project: Phase 1 Implementation of an ED Pharmacist at the Madison VAWhy the Madison VA? To serve those who have served us! The Madison VA is known for its collaborative and progressive work environment, and I am so lucky to be part of it! 😊Hobbies: running, hiking, lifting, yoga Favorite things to do in Madison: Explore the beautiful scenery, try new restaurantsContact email: Kristen.Schmidt@VA.gov

PGY-2 Ambulatory Care

Jessica AckerPharmacy school: University of Wisconsin-MadisonPGY-1: Ambulatory Care (William S. Middleton VA)Career interests: Tobacco Treatment, Geriatrics, Specialty Care, Formulary Management, Transitions of CareResidency Project: Assessment of a DOAC management program in a pharmacist-led anticoagulation serviceWhy the Madison VA? : Positive culture in the pharmacy departmentHobbies: Volleyball, running, board/card gamesFavorite things to do in Madison: Bar league volleyball, boating on the lakesContact email: Jessica.Acker2@VA.gov

Rachel MaysPharmacy school: Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesPGY-1: Ambulatory Care (William S. Middleton VA)

Career interests: Ambulatory Care (Primary Care, Diabetes), Interdisciplinary Education, TeachingResidency Project: Assessment of Pharmacist Delivered Virtual Care via Video to Home Technology for VeteransWhy the Madison VA?: Advanced opportunities for clinical pharmacy practice, emphasis on resident development, supportive pharmacy staff, and provision of Veteran careHobbies: Cooking, baking bread, indoor/outdoor activity, travelingFavorite things to do in Madison: Summer evenings at the terrace, trying out new restaurants, Saturday Farmer’s Market Contact email: Rachel.Mays@va.gov

Whitney Simons (Pilger)Pharmacy school: University of Wisconsin-Madison PGY-1: Ambulatory Care (William S. Middleton VA)Career interests: Diabetes, Cardiology, Primary Care and GeriatricsResidency Project: The influence of melatonin on blood pressure control in patients with chronic kidney disease and hypertensionWhy the Madison VA? The most important aspect, for me, is the opportunity to give back to and provide top notch care to the Veterans who served our country. I am so grateful to be part of the Madison VA team and couldn’t image completing a residency elsewhere. The practice advancement is unparalleled, the culture is supportive and welcoming, great collaborative practice within interdisciplinary teams and allows me to practice with great autonomy. Hobbies: Hiking, biking, camping, traveling, (basically anything outdoors), DIY projects, and spending time with friends and familyFavorite things to do in Madison: Biking the Lake Loop around Lake Monona, exploring the numerous natural areas/state parks around Madison, visiting the Dane County Farmer’s Market and taking part in a variety of local activities. Oh, and I cannot forget about the awesome pumpkin patches, Christmas tree farms and candle light hikes/ski/snowshoeing for fall and winter activities!Contact email: Whitney.Pilger@VA.govMaggie SiodlakPharmacy school: University of Wisconsin-MadisonPGY-1: Ambulatory Care (William S. Middleton VA)

Career interests: Primary Care, Geriatrics, Cardiology, Teaching, Practice Management and AdvancementResidency Project: Evaluating the implementation of a pharmacist-driven epilepsy education and adherence programWhy the Madison VA? I love being a part of the Madison VA pharmacy team! The culture is community-focused and very supportive of pharmacist practice advancement. Hobbies: Cooking up new recipes, traveling at every opportunity, and staying active outdoors with hiking, biking, skiing… you name it! Favorite things to do in Madison: Shopping at the Saturday Farmer’s Market, hiking at Devil’s Lake, biking around Lake Mendota, sampling Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream on the Terrace!Contact email: Magdalena.Siodlak@VA.gov

Christina TranPharmacy school: University of Wisconsin-MadisonPGY-1: Ambulatory Care (William S. Middleton VA)Career interests: Primary care, infectious disease, internal medicineResidency Project: A Multimodal Approach to Outpatient Antimicrobial StewardshipWhy the Madison VA? At the Madison VA, I feel empowered by my colleagues and patients to deepen my clinical expertise and confidence, across a spectrum of inpatient and ambulatory care experiences. I have enjoyed working at an unparalleled level of autonomy, while also collaborating extensively within interdisciplinary teams. I also love the program’s emphasis on teaching and mentorship as cornerstones of professional development. Above all, there is nothing like the sense of community here! It’s been a dream to work alongside such innovative and passionate pharmacists, serving a patient population

truly deserving of exceptional care. Hobbies: I like running and biking outdoors, cooking seasonal dishes with family and friends, jamming out at indie concerts and record stores, reading and writing poetry, and brewing pour over coffee every morning.Favorite things to do in Madison: Trying out new coffee shops, running the lakeshore and Arboretum trails, and watching the sunset at the Terrace.Contact email: Christina.Tran2@VA.gov

PGY-2 Pain and Palliative CareCaleb ChitwoodPharmacy school: University of Wisconsin-MadisonPGY-1: Fort Memorial Hospital

Career interests: Acute and chronic pain management, mental health, infectious disease and emergency medicineResidency Project: Evaluation of prescribing patterns following surgical procedures in opioid naïve patientsWhy the Madison VA? The incredible pharmacists, the scope of practice, and the wide variety of learning opportunities. The program incorporates a lot of mental health training, which is so important for managing pain. Hobbies: running (kinda), biking, DYI projectsFavorite things to do in Madison: biking around the Madison lakes, trying new restaurants, going to the terraceContact email: Caleb.Chitwood@VA.gov

PGY-1/PGY-2 Health-Systems Pharmacy Administration

Ryan Simonet PGY-1 Health-Systems Pharmacy Administration ResidentPharmacy School: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Career Interests: Health System Pharmacy Administration focusing on inpatient, ambulatory care, formulary operations, supply chain, pharmacoeconomics, or community based outpatient clinic management Residency Project: Implementation of a Centralized Specialty Medication Management ServiceWhy the Madison VA: The Madison VA provides a plethora of opportunities in health system pharmacy management with rotation opportunities that met all of my interests and more. The PGY-1 year, focusing on clinical pharmacy, allows me to develop my skills and knowledge as a clinical pharmacy specialist and understand the workflow and processes pharmacists use every day before transitioning into the pharmacy administration-focused PGY-2 year. One thing you will notice is the unbelievably positive and supportive pharmacy work environment present at the Madison VA that makes it unique and an amazing place to work, learn, and grow. Hobbies: I really enjoy weightlifting, running, almost any sport, and watching my favorite Wisconsin sports teams. I also like to explore Madison, try new restaurants, and play board games and video games with friends. Favorite things to do in Madison: I really enjoy running on the many trails throughout the Madison area. I like attending Badger football, basketball, volleyball, and hockey games. I also like to attend Packer, Brewers, and Bucks games which isn’t too far of a drive! Madison has many restaurants to try. I have a good time planning tennis as well as golfing the Madison public golf courses with friends, as well. Contact Email: Ryan.Simonet2@VA.gov

Emily BollomPGY-2 Health-Systems Pharmacy Administration ResidentPharmacy School: University of Wisconsin-MadisonPGY-1: Health-Systems Pharmacy Administration Career Interests: Leadership development, professional organizations/practice advancement, ambulatory care services, academiaResidency Project: Implementation of a Centralized Specialty Medication Management ServiceWhy the Madison VA: I love the culture here that I first experienced during a fourth-year rotation at the Madison VA and all the people I came in contact with were incredibly helpful and loved teaching students. The close affiliation with the UW Madison School of Pharmacy provided the perfect setting for academia. Pharmacy practice at our VA is very advanced thanks to the dedication of our leadership team and our pharmacists are highly involved members of the care team. Additionally, our residents serve as active members of various teams through the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, alongside other pharmacy residents throughout the state.Hobbies: Golfing, barre classes, playing card games, traveling, and watching the Packers and Badgers!Favorite things to do in Madison: I enjoy golfing, going to the farmers market, trying out all the local restaurants, and spending time on the lakes with friends and family!Contact Email: Emily.Bollom@VA.gov

PGY-2 Mental HealthHaley PalsPharmacy school: Drake UniversityPGY-1: University of MN College of Pharmacy – Guide Point Pharmacy/Northern Pines Mental Health ClinicCareer interests: Ambulatory Care Substance Use DisordersResidency Project: Implementing Alcohol Use Disorder pharmacotherapy management calls in primary care patientsWhy the Madison VA? Supportive, dedicated pharmacy team with a passion for advancing the role of pharmacists throughout mental health Hobbies: Kayaking, painting, baking, poker, and hanging out with my dogsFavorite things to do in Madison: New to town, but so far EATContact email: Haley.Pals@VA.gov

Shuwen (Suzy) Wu Pharmacy school: Northeastern UniversityPGY-1: Massachusetts State Office for Pharmacy Services/CompleteRxCareer interests: Substance Use Disorders and Public HealthResidency Project: Naloxone acceptance by outpatient Veterans: a risk-prioritized telephone outreach eventWhy the Madison VA? The residency here provides the most extensive opportunities for training in addictions treatment compared to other programs. It allows pharmacists to practice independently as prescribing providers under a scope of practice, and also collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. When interviewing, I met preceptors who modeled a mental-health mindset for Veterans and providers alike, and they were so genuinely kind and passionate about patient care that I couldn’t imagine not being here. I felt at home.Hobbies: Playing violin in the Medical Orchestra of UW SMPH

Favorite things to do in Madison: visiting the farmer’s market and hanging out with my fellow co-residents!Contact email: Shuwen.Wu@VA.gov

Andrea ZuloagaPharmacy school: Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston, SCPGY-1: Ambulatory Care (William S. Middleton VA) Career Interests: Mental health, diabetesResidency Project: Establishing Care Management Telephone Calls in Rockford Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)Why the Madison VA? I wanted to work for the Madison VA because I want to give back to the men and women who served and selflessly gave so much for us. In addition, the opportunities provided here for the residents are beyond what I could have asked for, so I knew I’d

be gaining valuable experience here. Lastly, when I interviewed here, everybody showed so much passion and genuinely seemed to love their job, and that was the kind of environment I wanted to be a part of.Hobbies: Hiking, cooking, reading, working out, exploring new areas, photographyFavorite things to do in Madison: The farmers markets on Saturday mornings! Also, I love all the festivals they have going on. I’m excited to explore new activities in the area with each season.Contact email: Andrea.Zuloaga2@VA.gov