Pharmacy residency program at Research Medical Center

Research Medical Center is a tertiary-care community teaching hospital and member of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest network and recognized leader in healthcare. RMC offers a wide variety of medical services, including a Level I trauma center, Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, orthopedics, neurosurgery, level III NICU, kidney/pancreas transplant, obstetrics and fertility, and comprehensive oncology services. Our campus includes the 590-bed main campus on Meyer Boulevard, Research Medical Center Brookside, and Research Psychiatric Center.

Length of Program: 12 months (starting the first full week in June)

Number of Positions: 4 PGY1 positions

Accreditation Status: Accredited

• Hold a degree from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education accredited school of pharmacy
• Possess a Missouri pharmacist license within 90 days of beginning of the residency year

Shannon Buck is the Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Residency Program Director, and preceptor for the orientation and administration learning experiences. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice residency at Piedmont Columbus Regional – Midtown Campus in Columbus, GA. Shannon previously worked as a clinical pharmacy specialist in internal medicine and is board certified in pharmacotherapy.

Her professional interests include precepting pharmacy students and residents, providing interprofessional education, and internal medicine. In her free time, Shannon enjoys traveling, spending time with her daughter, Nora, and playing with her dog, Ruby.

Cody Craven is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Resident Research Coordinator, and preceptor for the Emergency Medicine rotation. Dr. Craven earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2019 from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in Oxford, MS. Following graduation, he completed his PGY1 pharmacy practice residency and PGY2 critical care residency at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO. His clinical interests include emergency medicine, trauma, and toxicology. In his free time, Cody enjoys performance boat racing, playing sand volleyball, and watching SEC football.

Mary Kate Eckstaine is a clinical pharmacist, who serves as the preceptor for the surgical services. Mary Kate earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas. Her professional interests include surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis, interprofessional collaboration, and medication safety. In her free time, Mary Kate enjoys being outside, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family.

Sara Fletcher is the Director of Pharmacy for Research Medical Center who serves as a preceptor for the Administration learning experience. She received her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and her Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Health Informatics and Information Management degrees from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dr. Fletcher completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice residency and her PGY2 Medication Use Safety and Policy residency at HCA Healthcare's corporate office in Nashville, TN. Her professional areas of interest include pharmacy informatics, IV workflow technology, and medication use safety. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Elaine Ford is a clinical pharmacist at Research Psychiatric Center and Research Medical Center. She serves as a preceptor for the psychiatric rotation. Dr. Ford received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at South Dakota State University, Doctor of Pharmacy at Howard University and completed a Master of Business Administration from Missouri State University. She is an active member of the Greater Kansas City Society of Health System Pharmacists.

Dr. Ford's professional interests include psychiatry, teaching/mentoring, preventive health, and pharmacy operations. Outside of work, she is an avid learner and researches genealogical information including DNA, maximizes travel opportunities with family, and enjoys fine/performing arts.

David Gajewski is a clinical pharmacist and preceptor in oncology. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas, Masters in Business Administration from Newman University (Wichita, KS), BBA from Wichita State University, and completed his PGY1 residency at Research Medical Center. His professional interests include oncology and internal medicine. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his amazing wife Annabel and their two children.

Kaley Gawedzinski is a Clinical Pharmacist at Research Medical Center and serves as a preceptor for the internal medicine rotation. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City and completed her PGY-1 Residency Program at Research Medical Center. Her professional interests include internal medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her friends and family at the lake.

Amber Graham is a Pharmacy Operations Manager at Research Medical Center who serves as a preceptor for the Administration learning experience. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests are pharmacy operations and automation. She has experience with quality and process improvements, such as implementing pharmacy-owned medication reconciliation, and leading medication management initiatives at prior facilities. Outside of work she enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with family.

Karen Hardinger is a Clinical Professor and Director of Assessment at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy and a Clinical Pharmacist at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Kansas. After completing a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, she trained as a specialty resident in transplantation/immunology at The University of Tennessee/Bowld Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Hardinger is Board Certified in Pharmacotherapy.

Her teaching and patient care activities focus on transplantation, as well as liver and renal disease and her research examines the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of immunosuppressive medications. She has published articles relating to the field of transplantation in the American Journal of Transplantation, Transplantation and Pharmacotherapy and given several presentations at international meetings.

Patricia Hoover is a Clinical Pharmacist at Research Medical Center and serves as a preceptor for the internal medicine rotation. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City and completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Olathe Medical Center. Dr. Hoover is board certified in both Pharmacotherapy and Sterile Compounding. Prior to joining the Clinical Pharmacy team at Research Medical Center, Dr. Hoover served as a Centralized Clinical Lead Pharmacist in internal medicine at an academic medical center for 5 years.

Her professional interests include internal medicine, patient counseling, sterile compounding, medication safety, oncology, and preventative care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring different cultures through food, listening to audio books, binge-watching shows, playing mobile and board games, traveling, and hiking.

Dr. Ozzy Hoversten is a Clinical Pharmacist and preceptor for the Overnights ED/Critical Care rotation experience. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2021. Following graduation, he completed his PGY1 training at Research Medical Center. Dr. Hoversten's clinical interests include emergency medicine and critical care. In his free time, Dr. Hoversten enjoys creating memories with family and working/modifying his car.

Samantha Howard is a clinical pharmacist at Research Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center, and Research Psychiatric Center. She serves as a preceptor for the staffing rotation at RMC. Dr. Howard received her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Pharmacy from Grand Canyon University and Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her professional interest involves Diabetes Health Care and Lifestyle Management. Outside of work, she enjoys photography and building furniture.

Brooke Jacobson is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and preceptor for the Overnight ED/Critical Care rotation. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2021 from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Following graduation, she completed her PGY1 training at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Her professional interests include emergency medicine, trauma, and critical care. In her free time, she enjoys reading, boating, traveling, and watching sports.

Jan Jirousek is a Clinical Pharmacist who oversees the rotation in The Grossman Burn Center and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Jirousek received her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include neonatal sepsis, neonatal abstinence syndrome, and burn resuscitation. She also serves on the NICU performance improvement committee. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, cooking, traveling, and hiking.

Tatum Mead is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Pharmacy. She also maintains an ambulatory care practice at Goppert-Trinity Family Care Clinic at Research Medical Center Brookside Campus.

Dr. Mead earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa and completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency program at Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Her current professional interests include interprofessional education, social determinants of health, and primary care. When not working, she spends time with family and friends, in the outdoors with her dogs, and engages in DIY projects.

Ryan Molander is a clinical pharmacist and preceptor in investigational drugs. He obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa, and completed his PGY1 residency training at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center in Waterloo, IA. His professional interests include oncology and internal medicine. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings, and playing video games.

Michael Moody is the Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist, working closely with both facility administration and clinical staff. He obtained his BS in Chemistry from Missouri State University prior to attending the University of New England in Portland, Maine, where he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree. After graduating, Dr. Moody completed a PGY-1 residency at Truman Medical Center. He is involved in ongoing antimicrobial trials that aim to narrow the empiric use of broad-spectrum antibiotics based on a set of numerous patient specific factors. In his free time, Dr. Moody enjoys playing music (much to his neighbors' dismay), watching soccer, reading books, and running.

Dr. Mackenzie Moritz is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Residency Program Coordinator, and preceptor for the Nephrology/Transplant rotation experience. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Creighton University in 2020. Following graduation, she completed her PGY1 training at Research Medical Center. Dr. Moritz's clinical interests include nephrology, solid organ transplant, and pain management. She is an active member of Greater Kansas City Society of Health System Pharmacists and currently serves as their Programs Coordinator. In her free time, Dr. Moritz enjoys traveling, live music, and trying new restaurants.

Annie Nikodem is a Clinical Pharmacist and preceptor for the Surgical ICU rotation at Research Medical Center. Dr. Nikodem received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. She completed her PGY1 pharmacy residency at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ and her PGY2 in Critical Care at Spartanburg Medical Center in Spartanburg, SC. Dr. Nikodem's clinical interests include critical care, trauma, and transplant. She is an active member of Greater Kansas City Society of Health System Pharmacists and currently serves as the board's secretary. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.

Erin Pender is a Clinical Pharmacist Specialist and serves as a preceptor for the Medical ICU rotation. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Pender completed her PGY1 training at Truman Medical Centers in Kansas City, MO and is board certified in both Pharmacotherapy and Critical Care. Prior to joining the Clinical Pharmacy team at Research Medical Center, Dr. Pender served as a Critical Care Medicine Pharmacist in Kansas City, MO for 12 years.

Her professional interests include critical care, emergency medicine and medication safety. She is an active member of the Greater Kansas City Society of Health System Pharmacists and serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy. In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time with family/friends and her two Greyhounds, Ryker and Emma.

Azhin Qadir is a Clinical Pharmacist and serves as a float preceptor for the Critical Care rotations. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Colorado Skaggs School of pharmacy. Dr. Qadir completed her PGY1 training at The Medical Center of Aurora, Colorado. Prior to joining the Clinical Pharmacy team at Research Medical Center, Dr. Qadir served as an Advanced Clinical Pharmacist in Denver, CO for seven years. Her professional interests include critical care, emergency medicine, and teaching. In her free time, Azhin enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and two kids.

Jake Reinier is a Pharmacy Operations Manager at Research Medical Center who serves as a preceptor for the Administration learning experience. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University and is board certified in pharmacotherapy. Prior to his current role, he worked as a clinical pharmacist in a variety of settings. Jake’s professional interests include internal medicine, automation, and operations. Outside of work he enjoys travel, fitness, and spending time with his family.

Caroline Rogers is a Clinical Pharmacist and preceptor at Research Psychiatric Center. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City College of Pharmacy and began her professional career at the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center serving our Veterans. Her professional areas of interest include psychiatry, neurology, and geriatric pharmacy. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cycling, reading, church activities and playing the flute.

Jeremy Rogers is a Clinical Pharmacist Specialist and preceptor for the Overnight ED/Critical Care rotation experience. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2021 from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy in Lawrence, Ks. Following graduation, he completed his PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Ks. His professional interests include emergency medicine, trauma, infectious disease, and critical care. Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys playing golf, supporting KU athletics, and watching football.

Stephanie Schauner is a Clinical Pharmacist in Family Medicine at the Goppert-Trinity Family Care Clinic and a Clinical Associate Professor with the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy in 2006 and completed a PGY-1 residency at Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. Stephanie's professional interests include family planning, bone health, hormone replacement therapy, and vaccination practices. In her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and three children.

Amy Stewart is a clinical pharmacist and preceptor specializing in oncology. She obtained her doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2010. She started working at Research Medical Center in 2005 and became board certified in oncology in 2020. She is a current member of HOPA since 2021 and her professional interests include cancer preventative screenings, CAR-T therapy, renal and bladder cancers. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading and attending Zumba classes.

Nolan Whipple is the Informatics Pharmacist and serves as a preceptor for the Informatics rotation. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University Of Kansas School Of Pharmacy, and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice residency at Salina Regional Health Center. His professional interests include pharmacy informatics, workflow optimization, and toxicology. Outside of work he enjoys lawn care, being outside, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Katelyn Zink is the Oncology Clinical Coordinator. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas. Dr. Zink completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City and a PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Her professional interests include BMT and Cellular Therapy, acute leukemia, and clinical research and recently published an article titled "Medication use evaluation of the financial and clinical implications of ixazomib compared to bortezomib in the outpatient setting" in the Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice.

On the weekends you can find Dr. Zink drag racing her 1976 Firebird and cheering on the Chiefs and Jayhawks.

Dr. Brianna Zinser is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Residency Program Coordinator, and preceptor for the NeuroICU rotation. Dr. Zinser earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City and completed her PGY1 residency and PGY2 specialty training in Critical Care both at Truman Medical Centers. She achieved the designation of Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist.

Dr. Zinser's professional areas of interest include trauma and neuro critical care. She currently is a member of Neurocritical Care Society and focuses on strengthening both local pharmacy activities and professional development. In her free time, Dr. Zinser enjoys time with her husband and two children as well as running and playing soccer.

Ethan Dodd, PharmD
Current position: Clinical Pharmacist at Centerpoint Medical Center – Independence, Missouri

Kaley Gawedzinski, PharmD
Current position: Clinical Pharmacist at Research Medical Center – Kansas City, Missouri

Zach Painter, PharmD
Current position: Clinical Pharmacist at Research Medical Center – Kansas City, Missouri

Liz Schrader, PharmD
Current position: Clinical Pharmacist at Research Medical Center – Kansas City, Missouri