Current Residents
PGY1 class of 2024-2025: Bijal, *Kara, Neera, Laurynas, Christine, *Taylor, Riya, Sia, Tess, and Jess
*PGY-1 nontraditional residents, 2024-2026
Traditional PGY1 Residents
Dr. Desai, a native of Schiller Park, Illinois, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Roosevelt University. Her professional interests lie in infectious diseases, critical care, and emergency medicine. In her free time, she enjoys reading.
"I chose RUMC because the warmth and friendliness I experienced during my interview made me feel at home. I knew Rush would provide both a supportive and challenging environment for my PGY1 year!"
Dr. Eugenides, originally from Naples, Florida, earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree at Midwestern University Downers Grove. Her professional interests include pharmacy informatics and emergency medicine. In her free time, she enjoys watching films, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
“I chose Rush because I was fortunate enough to join as an intern while I was in pharmacy school. I knew I wanted to continue my residency training with such a dedicated and supportive pharmacy team. The variety of experiences offered was exactly what I was looking for in a PGY1 program!”
Dr. Kadiyala, originally from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include infectious diseases, internal medicine, solid organ transplant, and behavioral health/psychiatry. In her free time, she enjoys watching YouTube video essays, playing Pokémon, reading webtoons, and watching horror movies.
"I chose RUMC after experiencing an APPE rotation here, where I truly appreciated how pharmacy is seamlessly integrated within the multidisciplinary team. The preceptors are not only supportive but also deeply passionate about their practice and teaching. This was further confirmed during my interview, and I knew RUMC was the perfect place for me to grow and develop as a new pharmacist!"
Dr. Lynch, originally from Eugene, Oregon, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Colorado. Her professional interests focus on solid organ transplant. In her free time, she enjoys brewing and drinking coffee, taking long walks to find the perfect cup of Joe, reading, and baking.
"I chose RUMC because everyone I encountered during the interview process was incredibly welcoming, and they had fantastic things to say about the program. I knew I would be challenged through both rotations and the 24-hour call program, while being fully supported by the wonderful pharmacists who serve as preceptors."
Dr. Patel, originally from Des Plaines, Illinois, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Roosevelt University College of Health, Science, and Pharmacy. Her professional interests include critical care and infectious diseases. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and powerlifting.
"I chose RUMC because of the people. As a student on rotations, I realized this would be the best environment to foster my growth as a pharmacist and help me practice at my highest potential. The preceptors are incredibly supportive and consistently challenge me to dig deeper, explore further, and make the best evidence-based decisions for my patients."
Dr. Slusnys, originally from Palos Hills, Illinois, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Midwestern University. His professional interests include informatics, pharmacy operations, and diabetes management. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, playing tennis, and exploring new destinations in the Midwest.
"I chose RUMC primarily because of the friendliness and kindness of the staff. There is always someone willing to lend a helping hand, and I believe that a sense of community is essential for a residency program. Additionally, the level of support provided to residents, especially in facilitating their own projects, is remarkable."
Dr. Vagasky, originally from Streator, Illinois, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa. Her professional interests include emergency medicine and critical care. In her free time, she enjoys running or walking by the lake, reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends.
“I chose Rush because of all the amazing things the previous residents had to say about the program and how welcomed I felt during the interview process. I was also extremely interested in the on-call program and how it pushes residents to think on their feet. It really challenges us to become confident pharmacists early on.”
Dr. Vassos, originally from Addison, Illinois, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Butler University. Her professional interests include pediatrics, hematology/oncology, and internal medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
“I chose RUMC for residency for a multitude of reasons. For starters, I immediately felt the support and encouragement of the preceptors, residency program coordinators, and residency program director during my interview. They made me feel valued and treated me as a future colleague, which I sincerely appreciated. I was also intensely motivated by the pharmacy department’s commitment to fostering an atmosphere for mentorship in patient care, education, and research. I also chose Rush for the diverse training experiences that would allow me to collaborate within a multifunctional team to purposefully care for patients and contribute to my goal of determining a specialized focus for my career. The Teaching Certificate Program Rush offers in collaboration with UIC was also an attractive feature as it provides a meaningful opportunity to positively impact future leaders by imparting knowledge through preceptorship and mentorship, a sincere desire of mine. Rush's rigorous on-call program was another highlight that I knew would allow for immense growth in my independence and confidence to successfully respond to complex code situations and provider questions, helping mold me into a clinically competent practitioner.”
Non-Traditional PGY1 Residents
Dr. Hudik, originally from South Elgin, Illinois, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Roosevelt University. Her professional interests include infectious diseases. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, going to the gym, crafting, and discovering new coffee shops and restaurants.
"I chose RUMC for residency after having such a positive experience during my APPE and IPPE rotations. From the start, I felt the warm, welcoming atmosphere and saw how eager each team member was to help me learn. I knew RUMC would challenge me to become the best clinician I can be, through the on-call program, diverse rotations, and the support of the wonderful staff."
PGY2 class of 2024-2025: Iram, Abby, Chyna, Murrah, Marissa, Kasia, and Seva
Marissa Agnello
Critical Care
Dr. Agnello, originally from Novi, Michigan, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at RUMC and stayed on to complete a PGY2 in critical care. Her professional interests are centered on critical care. In her free time, she enjoys dining out, exploring new workout classes, and spending quality time with family and friends.
“I chose RUMC for the opportunity to learn from an amazing group of preceptors who are so supportive, and the variety of intensive care unit experiences offered! The 24-hour on call program has also provided experiences that have allowed me to become a more confident and independent pharmacist.”
Katarzyna Blair
Internal Medicine
Dr. Blair, originally from Arlington, Illinois, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Cincinnati. She completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at RUMC and stayed on to complete a PGY2 in internal medicine. Her professional interests include internal medicine. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games, participating in group fitness and intramural sports, and engaging in arts and crafts.
“I chose RUMC because I was very impressed by the on-call program and all of the windows in the hospital.”
Abbigale Hampton
Solid Organ Transplant
Dr. Hampton, originally from Amherst, Ohio, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University. She completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at UH Cleveland Medical Center and chose RUMC for her PGY2 in solid organ transplant. Her professional interests are centered on solid organ transplant. In her free time, she enjoys reading or listening to audiobooks, watching reality TV, and participating in outdoor activities.
“I chose RUMC because I immediately felt connected to the preceptor group and appreciated all the rotation opportunities Rush has to offer. Also, I was excited by the chance to expand my clinical knowledge and autonomy through participating in the 24-hour on call program!”
Iram Nasreen
Emergency Medicine
Dr. Nasreen, originally from Seymour, Connecticut, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at RUMC and stayed on to complete a PGY2 in emergency medicine. Her professional focus is on emergency medicine, critical care, and academia. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and exploring new places through travel. Her travels have taken her to Pakistan, Dubai, Turkey, Canada, and many major cities along the East Coast of the U.S.
"I chose RUMC for its diverse patient population, unique 24-hour in-house on-call program, and the incredibly supportive preceptors."
Murrah Sabouni
Hematology/Oncology
Dr. Sabouni, originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at RUMC and stayed on to complete a PGY2 in hematology/oncology. Her professional interests include hematology/oncology and bone marrow transplant. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new restaurants, and attending music festivals.
“I chose RUMC because I was able to experience first-hand as an APPE student that it was an environment conducive to my learning style. The preceptors do a great job of challenging you to be the best pharmacist you can be, but also supporting you along your journey as well. There are also ample opportunities for growth through the on-call program where we get to respond to high-acuity situations related to a variety of practice areas, such as critical care, emergency medicine, infectious diseases, oncology, and pediatrics!”
Chyna Sical
Pediatrics
Dr. Sical, originally from Hahnville, Louisiana, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Ochsner LSU Health and chose RUMC for her PGY2 in pediatrics. Her professional interests include general pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and pediatric infectious diseases. In her free time, she enjoys CrossFit and exploring new restaurants.
“I chose RUMC because of the large residency class and incredibly kind and supportive preceptors. RUMC's residency program provides a wide variety of clinical rotations and the opportunity to foster independence with the on-call program. Pharmacists at RUMC are highly respected, which allows for an amazing learning experience for residents!”
Vsevolod Tikhomirov
Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership
Dr. Tikhomirov, originally from Chicago, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy. His professional interests include pharmacoeconomics, health policies, and improving health literacy. In his free time, he enjoys music, exploring new foods, and spending time with friends.
“I chose RUMC because I was very interested in staying local to Chicago and pursuing a renowned residency program with a special focus on pharmacy administration. Also, I had very inviting conversations with the preceptors and faculty members that helped solidify my decision in pursuing Rush.”