Current Residents
PGY1 class of 2026: Alexis, Joelys, *Taylor, Karol, Adrian, Damaris, Garrett, Ashley, Parker, Elma, and *Alyssa
*PGY-1 nontraditional residents, 2024-2026
Traditional PGY1 Residents
Dr. Elma Abdulbaki, originally from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, moved to Chicago where she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include solid organ transplant, infectious diseases and emergency medicine. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys reading books, going to concerts or Broadway shows in the city, and exploring new restaurants with friends. A fun fact about Dr. Abdulbaki is that she’s fluent in 4 different languages!
“I chose RUMC because it offers a wide variety of rotations to explore, on-call program with vigorous demands to challenge your on-the-spot thinking, a large residency class, knowledgeable and supportive preceptors, and in located in the great city of Chicago.”
Dr. Adrian Bak, originally from Norridge, IL, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. His professional interests include oncology and solid organ transplant. Outside of pharmacy he enjoys exercise, playing basketball, piano, and listening to music. A fun fact about Dr. Bak is he had a pet turtle that ran away.
“I chose RUMC because of what I had heard during Midyear. Specifically, I heard from current PGY1 and PGY2 residents how friendly and supportive the culture was and knew that it would be a great fit for me. I learned about the on-call program and knew that was something I wanted to do because I wanted to challenge myself and build upon my critical thinking skills.”
Dr. Ashley Fanco, originally from Barrington, IL, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include oncology, informatics, and ambulatory care. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys going to music festivals, taking workout classes, and playing the daily New York Times games with her boyfriend. A fun fact about Dr. Fanco is she loves hiking and did a solo trip to SoCal to visit Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Channel Islands National Park.
“I chose RUMC because of the opportunities/ rotations that they have to offer. I knew that this program would be an environment where I would be able to push myself to be at the top of my practice as a clinical pharmacist.”
Dr. Alexis Goggin, originally from the southwest side of Chicago, IL, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include inpatient oncology and infectious disease. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, eating delicious food, and watching movies and tv shows. A fun fact about Dr. Goggin is that she holds a degree in biochemistry.
“I chose RUMC because I love the people here (I know everyone here says the same thing, but it’s true!) because they are so supportive and approachable. I consider myself lucky to be here and hope to contribute to the positive environment!”
Dr. Damaris Jacota, originally from The Woodlands, TX, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include critical care and academia. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys going on a hot girl walk down Michigan Ave and jamming to Morgan Wallen. A fun fact about Dr. Jacota is that she performed at an NBA halftime show when she was 12 years old.
“I chose RUMC because they have a heavy focus on critical care. I knew RUMC would give me the opportunity to expand on my emergency response skills through their 24-hour in-house on-call program. The on-call program would give me the opportunity to grow my independence and confidence to successfully respond to complex emergency situations and challenge me to become a clinically competent practitioner at a large academic medical center in the great city of Chicago!”
Dr. Parker Quinlan, originally from Jacksonville Beach, FL, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. His professional interests include emergency medicine and infectious diseases. Outside of pharmacy he enjoys live music, farmer’s markets, video games, and outdoorsy activities. A fun fact about Dr. Quinlan is that he was part of a relay kayaking trip that was 275 miles long, stretching across North Carolina into the Outer Banks.
“I chose RUMC because I worked there as an inpatient intern during pharmacy school and had no hesitation to stay for the next step of my professional development. I saw first-hand a level of trust afforded to pharmacy residents by pharmacists, physicians, and nurses alike that would enable me to rapidly grow in my clinical knowledge and foster my independence as a practitioner, all while backed up by incredibly supportive preceptors.”
Dr. Garrett Shepard, originally from Dexter, Michigan, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. His professional interests include critical care and infectious disease. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, disc golf, video games and going down YouTube rabbit holes. A fun fact about Dr. Shepard is that he worked as a bartender in South Africa for four months.
“I chose RUMC because of all the amazing things I had heard from previous residents, the large residency class, supportive preceptors, and ideal city location. I was also blown away at how great my interview process was and really felt a connection to the preceptors through a virtual interview which is rare. The on-call program also highly interested me with its various demands and on the spot learning that can’t be replicated in any other fashion.”
Dr. Karol Marcela Suarez, originally from Bogotá, Colombia and raised in Miami, Florida, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include cardiology, critical care and academia. In her free time, she enjoys music archival and curation, DJing, thrifting, road cycling, yoga, and taking naps in the park. A fun fact about Dr. Suarez is that she’s been fascinated with how medications work since she was a little girl—and at age eight, she told her mom that when she grew up she would move to Chicago, discover a medication that saves lives, and adopt a cat who loves to cuddle. (The med discovery is still in the works... But her cat’s name is Blake, and he is a very happy and cuddly boy.)
“I chose RUMC because of the incredibly welcoming pharmacy department, talented preceptors, versatile rotations, and the strong commitment to upholding the important role of pharmacists in patient care.”
Dr. Joelys Tardy Vargas, originally from Mayaguez, Puerto Rica, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Her professional interests include ambulatory care and internal medicine. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys exploring new restaurants, hunting down ice cream spots, attending concerts and dance classes. A fun fact about Dr. Tardy Vargas is that before choosing pharmacy school, she was considering moving to Europe to specialize in Restauration and Conservation of Master Pieces.
“I chose RUMC because of its diverse rotations that can provide the opportunity to develop into a well-rounded pharmacist. From the very first moment in my interview, I felt genuinely welcome. Every pharmacist I spoke with shared that they chose to stay at RUSH after their training because of the strong, supportive culture. During orientation week, every member of the institution treated me with warmth and kindness, which only reinforced that feeling. For me, having that kind of supportive environment is essential to navigating, and ultimately thriving through, the many challenges that residency brings.”
Non-Traditional PGY1 Residents
Dr. Taylor Hudik, originally from South Elgin, IL, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Roosevelt University. Her professional interests include infectious diseases and oncology. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and watching football. A fun fact about Dr. Hudik is that she has 2 dogs and 2 bunnies, when she finishes residency, she plans to foster animals.
“I choose RUMC due to the connections I made from previous rotations here as a student and the amount of learning opportunities available to residents including the various rotations and on-call program.”
Dr. Alyssa Woodall, originally from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, Illinois. Her professional interests include cardiology and internal medicine. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Hiccup, as well as her friends and family. She also loves traveling, exploring Chicago’s restaurants and shops, and crafting.
"I chose RUMC because I immediately felt a strong sense of community within the pharmacy department and observed the mutual respect the pharmacists have from the entire interdisciplinary team. I was also drawn to the 24-hour on-call program and the unique structure of the non-traditional PGY1 residency, which I am now fortunate to be completing."
PGY2 class of 2025-2026: Kara, Samantha, Laurynas, Dionisia, Tessa, Bijal, and Nicholas
Kara Brown
Pediatrics
Dr. Kara Brown, originally from Lansing, IL, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from University of Chicago Illinois Retzky College of Pharmacy, and completed her PGY1 at University of Illinois Chicago. Her professional interests include pediatrics. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys rewatching old tv shows and movies, her comfort show is Law and Order SVU, she has also been trying to travel more and has been trying to book a trip with her 2 children. A fun fact about Dr. Brown is that she commutes 66 miles roundtrip to Rush every day.
“I chose RUMC because of the strong reputation it holds, as well as the positive experiences shared by past preceptors and former residents. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to work within a women’s and children’s hospital, allowing me to further build on my pediatric knowledge and care for patients across the continuum, from mothers to newborns to adults. Coming from a PGY1 program with an on-call component, I gained invaluable experience that I’m eager to expand upon during another year of training. Looking forward to a great year!”
Nick DiStefano
Oncology
Dr. Nick DiStefano, originally from Ellicott City, Maryland, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy and completed his PGY1 residency at the University of Pennsylvania. His professional interests include hematology and pediatric oncology. In his free time, he enjoys running on the lakefront trail, playing basketball, trying new breweries, and traveling. A fun fact about Dr. DiStefano is he recently went on a trip to South Korea and Japan.
“I chose RUMC because of the diverse community of patients, large residency class, strong preceptorship, and variety of specialties represented within the health system. These opportunities and more allow RUMC to provide a strong learning environment for residents that facilitates professional and personal growth.”
Sam Heintschel
Solid Organ Transplant
Dr. Sam Heintshel, originally from Oregon, OH, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The Ohio State University, and completed her PGY1 at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Her professional interests include solid organ transplant. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys trying new restaurants, watching college football, going to the movies, and driving home to see her dog. A fun fact about Dr. Heintschel is that she has 3 siblings – an older sister and two younger brothers.
“I chose RUMC because I really enjoyed my interview and could tell immediately how supportive my preceptors would be. Everyone has been so welcoming and the culture here is unmatched!”
Bijal Patel
Critical Care
Dr. Bijal Patel, originally from Des Plaines, IL, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Roosevelt University College of Health, Science, & Pharmacy, and completed her PGY1 at Rush University Medical Center. Her professional interests include critical care. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys trying new restaurants in Chicago and lifting weights. A fun fact about Dr. Patel is that she is trilingual, she can speak Spanish, English, and Gujarati.
“I chose to stay at RUMC because of its strong culture of collaboration, supportive preceptors, and wide variety of clinical opportunities. The mentorship I’ve received here, along with the sense of community, made Rush the right place to continue growing into the kind of pharmacist I want to be.”
Laurynas Slusnys
Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership
Dr. Laurynas Slusnys, originally from Palos Hills, IL, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Midwestern University – Downers Grove IL, and earned his PGY1 from Rush University Medical Center. His professional interests include operations management, 340B and informatics. Outside of pharmacy he enjoys spending time with his friends and family. A fun fact about Dr. Slusnys is that he occasionally goes sailing on the weekends.
“I chose to stay at RUMC because everyone in the pharmacy department is eager to learn and lend a helping hand to residents; Overall a very friendly work environment and I highly enjoy the pharmacy team at the site.”
Sia Vassos
Oncology
Dr. Sia Vassos, originally from Addison, IL, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Butler University, and completed her PGY1 at Rush University Medical Center. Her professional interests include hematology and oncology. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, traveling and trying new restaurants. A fun fact about Dr. Vassos is that she is 100% Greek, and her dogs name is Filo – which means ‘friend’ in Greek.
“I chose to stay at RUMC for my PGY2 because of the exceptional experience I had during my PGY1 year. The preceptors are truly dedicated to supporting resident learning, growth, and success, treating each of us as valued colleagues. Pharmacy is highly respected here at RUMC, and I wanted to continue working within a collaborative interdisciplinary environment where I can learn from a diverse team of healthcare professionals. The shared commitment to patient care is truly inspiring, and I am eager to continue contributing to this mission. I also remain deeply motivated by RUMC’s transformative vision and the pharmacy department’s strong culture of mentorship in patient care, education, and research—an environment I’ve experienced firsthand and greatly appreciate.”
Tess Vagasky
Emergency Medicine
Dr. Tess Vagasky, originally from Streator, IL, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Iowa, and completed her PGY1 at Rush University Medical Center. Her professional interests include emergency medicine and toxicology. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, beach volleyball and spending time with friends. A fun fact about Dr. Vagasky is that she took a scuba diving class in college.
“I chose to stay at Rush because of how supportive and amazing all the preceptors are! I also really enjoy being challenged by the on-call program, which helped me become a confident and independent pharmacist early on in residency.”