Current Residents
PGY1 Class of 2027: Jess, Bella, Miki, Victoria, Akrum, *Mansi, Jason, Ashley, Lauren, *Alyssa, and Kayley
*PGY-1 nontraditional residents, 2026-2027
Traditional PGY1 Residents
Dr. Miki Jamerson, originally from Okinawa, Japan, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include hematology/oncology and cardiology. Outside of pharmacy she enjoys running along the Lakefront trail, watching childhood cartoons (SpongeBob SquarePants of course), doing escape rooms, and solo traveling. A fun fact about Dr. Jamerson is that she has run over 50 marathons!
“I chose RUMC because of its excellence in cancer care, the diverse learning opportunities available through its rotation experiences, and the collaborative environment among pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. My hematology/oncology rotation at Rush during my P4 year, along with the support I received from my very knowledgeable preceptors, further solidified that this was the best place to start my career as a pharmacist!”
Dr. Bella Vrapciu, originally from Lindenhurst, IL, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Roosevelt University, College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy. Her professional interests include solid organ transplant, emergency medicine, and academia. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys trying new restaurants, reading, and walking throughout the city. A fun fact about Dr. Vrapciu is that she met “Gibby” from iCarly when she was younger!
“I chose RUMC because I instantly loved the environment when I completed an APPE rotation here. I have always wanted to be an educator, and being at Rush provides me with many opportunities to complete that goal. From precepting students to completing a teaching certificate, I know this is where I am meant to be. Additionally, all the staff here are motivated to help residents improve and gain valuable experience, it is quite evident how much everyone cares about our success!”
Dr. Jessica Helwig, originally from Oak Forest, IL, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include hematology/oncology and pediatrics. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys anything crafty (Cricut, embroidery, needle point- you name it!) and catching up on reality TV. A fun fact about Dr. Helwig is that she LOVES pickles!
“I chose RUMC because of the people and the opportunities it offers. From my interview day, I immediately connected with the pharmacists and staff, and the welcoming environment stood out to me. I was excited by the chance to learn from providers and pharmacists with expertise across a variety of clinical areas, knowing I would be exposed to a wide range of patient populations and experiences. The strong interdisciplinary culture and emphasis on learning were especially appealing. Additionally, RUMC’s outstanding oncology program further solidified my decision, and I knew it would be a great place to develop both professionally and personally as I begin my career as a pharmacist.
Dr. Ashley Dahlquist, originally from St. Charles, IL earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. Her professional interest is in critical care. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys spending Saturday mornings at the Lincoln Park Farmers Market, trying new restaurants with friends, and cheering on the Chicago Bears. A fun fact about Dr. Dahlquist is that she is a third-degree black belt and has competed internationally for karate.
“The culture and the people drew me to RUMC. From the start, it was clear that Rush holds clinical excellence and resident development in equal regard. The breadth of learning opportunities, the caliber of critical care training, and the quality of preceptorship made it stand out. I wanted a program that would demand my best while giving me the support to get there, and I found exactly that at Rush."
Dr. Victoria Hannahoe, originally from Commack, NY earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include internal medicine, emergency medicine, and pediatrics. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys traveling to new countries, reading, trying new restaurants, yoga, and running. A fun fact about Dr. Hannahoe is that she has traveled to over 30 countries.
“I chose RUMC for many reasons. I felt that the on-call program would challenge me to grow into a more independent and confident clinical pharmacist while strengthening my critical thinking and clinical problem-solving skills. Previous residents consistently spoke highly of the preceptors, emphasizing their knowledge, support, and commitment to resident development, which has fostered a collaborative and positive learning environment. Lastly, RUMC offers a broad range of clinical rotations and the opportunity to care for a broad and diverse patient population, providing a well-rounded residency experience.”
Dr. Lauren Hendrix, originally from Blue Springs, Missouri, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include critical care, pediatrics, and hematology/oncology. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys reading, traveling, cheering on Kansas City sports teams and drinking Diet Coke. A fun fact about Dr. Hendrix is that she climbed the Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia!
"I chose RUMC because it checked every box for what I was looking for in a residency. I wanted a program that would challenge me, give me a strong clinical foundation, let me explore different specialties, and surround me with people who are invested in my growth and success - and Rush does all of that. I know working with such a diverse patient population and alongside so many different healthcare professionals in an academic medical center will help me become a more confident and well-rounded pharmacist. Leaving Kansas City was a big change, but one of the reasons I felt so comfortable making the leap was the people at Rush. I could tell the preceptors and pharmacists genuinely care about their residents, and that kind of support was something I knew I wanted as I started this next chapter."
Dr. Kayley Sherwood, originally from Elmwood Park, IL earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include pediatrics and cardiology. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with my dog. A fun fact about Dr. Sherwood is she shares the same birthday with her husband!
"I chose Rush because of the strong clinical training and the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population in a collaborative environment. I really value the emphasis on teaching and resident development, and I felt that Rush would challenge me while also providing the support I need to grow into a confident, independent pharmacist. I was also really drawn to the variety of experiences available throughout the year and the opportunity to learn from pharmacists with different areas of expertise. I wanted a program that would push me clinically, encourage me to step outside of my comfort zone, and give me the tools to continue developing both as a pharmacist and as a professional. I felt that Rush offered that balance of challenge, support, and opportunity for growth."
Dr. Akrum Elshazali, originally from Jacksonville, FL earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. His professional interests include transplant and emergency medicine. In his free time, he enjoys reading, building Legos, and exploring new restaurants throughout Chicago. A fun fact about Dr. Elshazali is that he's on a mission to reverse-engineer his favorite restaurant dishes at home.
“Having spent a few years working at RUSH already, I was familiar with the culture and how challenging and rewarding the Residency program can be. My experiences here gave me confidence that I was at a program where I would be challenged but would have the support of both preceptors and colleagues to guide me. I look forward to expanding my clinical knowledge through diverse learning experiences and learning from the expertise of preceptors across a variety of practice settings. Additionally, I hope to grow both professionally and personally during my residency while building the foundation needed to become a compassionate, well-rounded clinical pharmacist.”
Dr. Jason Nako, originally from Alsip, IL, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy. His professional interests include pharmacy administration, infectious diseases, and hematology/oncology. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys exploring nature, coaching wrestling, and spending time with family and friends. A fun fact about Dr. Nako is that you may find him competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments as well as playing in flag football leagues.
“I chose RUMC because of its strong reputation for clinical excellence and the opportunity to grow as both a pharmacist and healthcare leader. My decision was also influenced by previous preceptors and colleagues who spoke highly of their experiences, including the 24-hour on-call during their time here. In addition, I believe the HSPAL program offers a great mix of clinical training, leadership development, and exposure to complex health-system operations. I look forward to learning from diverse clinical pharmacists and leaders.
Non-Traditional PGY1 Residents
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."
Dr. Mansi Desai, originally from Schaumburg, IL earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Roosevelt University College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy. Her professional interests include solid organ transplant, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring Chicago, and watching psychological thrillers. A fun fact about Dr. Desai is that she was a member of a competitive collegiate Raas dance team.
"I chose RUMC because I experienced firsthand the supportive culture within the pharmacy department during my rotations as a student. The pharmacists and preceptors challenged me to grow while creating an environment where I felt welcomed and supported. I was also drawn to the non-traditional residency structure, diverse clinical experiences, and the opportunity to further develop my clinical decision-making through the on-call program."
PGY2 Class of 2027: Cameron, Lexi, Adrian, Damaris, Rhiann, Elma, and Joy
Dr. Adrian Bak, originally from Norridge, IL, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. His professional interests include abdominal transplant. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys playing basketball, playing the piano, and exploring new places. A fun fact about Dr. Bak is that he can solve a Rubix cube.
“I chose to stay at Rush for a PGY2 in solid organ transplant because of all the lovely people I met during my first year. Each preceptor truly loves what they do and makes sure to prioritize your learning. I enjoy being able to work on an interdisciplinary team every day where pharmacy’s input is strongly appreciated. While offering a strong system of support, I believe that Rush also challenges its residents with the 24-hour on-call program. I am very grateful that I get to continue my growth and development at an institution as great as Rush!”
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 mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and sedation. 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 to continue my training at RUMC for my critical care PGY2 because of the strong relationships I have built with medical residents, fellows, advanced practice providers, and nursing staff who all make learning and coming to work so enjoyable. The wide variety of critical care units will prepare me to become a highly skilled critical care practitioner who provides compassionate medical care! Additionally, I am so thankful to have such supportive preceptors who pour into me both personally and professionally, always making sure that I am taking care of myself during a clinically rigorous year."
Dr. Cameron Hammers, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. His professional interest includes surgical and cardiac intensive care units. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys hiking, trying new things, crafting, and cooking. A fun fact about Dr. Hammers is that he can tolerate extreme levels of spicy food.
“I chose Rush University Medical Center for my Critical Care PGY2 residency because of Rush’s commitment to high-quality patient care. Additionally, the challenging learning environment and the breadth of experience offered through its on-call program would provide the ideal framework for critical thinking and integrating new knowledge into my existing foundation. From my first interviews and interactions with the program, I recognized that the preceptors were invested in resident growth. It was clear that they were committed teaching and pushing me beyond my comfort zone to help me become the best version of myself as a clinician.”
Dr. Rhiann Sato, originally from Honolulu, HI, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her professional interests include substance use disorder, toxicology, and neurocritical care. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys crocheting, running, solidcore, and spending time with her cat. A fun fact about Dr. Sato is that she built her own custom mechanical keyboard during pharmacy school that she still uses every day.
"Rush University Medical Center sets a leading example of progressive pharmacy practice within an outstanding teaching institution. As this year's PGY2 emergency medicine pharmacy resident, I chose RUMC not only for its wide breadth of clinical complexity, but also for its commitment to fostering independence and adaptability. I was searching for a PGY2 program that was actively invested in its residents' well-being and dedicated learning time; this attitude is consistently reflected by Rush's profoundly supportive network of preceptors and pharmacy mentors. Between its ample collaborative teaching opportunities and 24-hour on-call program, RUMC does not shy away from challenging its pharmacy residents to be resourceful and dynamic assets to the clinical team."
Dr. Joyjeet Khosa, originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, moved to Chicago and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Her professional interests include internal medicine, infectious disease, and ambulatory care. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys travelling, trying new restaurants, reading, hiking and exploring new areas around the city of Chicago. A fun fact about Dr. Khosa is that she reads the entire Harry Potter book series every year during a week in December.
"I chose Rush University Medical Center because of its diverse patient population and extensive resources for training future pharmacists. I wanted to be part of an institution where I could continue to expand my knowledge while developing my clinical and professional skills in pharmacy. During my rotations at Rush University Medical Centeras a pharmacy student, I gained confidence through guidance, encouragement, and meaningful discussions with my preceptors. These experiences strengthened my clinical knowledge and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Overall, I was excited to be joining a team that is collaborate, innovative and supportive"
Dr. Elma Abdulbaki, originally from 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 inpatient hematology and CAR-T therapy. 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: Arabic, French, English and German!
“I chose to continue my hematology/oncology training at RUMC because of the amazing 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.”
Dr. Alexis (Lexi) Goggin, originally from the southwest side of Chicago, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy and completed her PGY1 residency at Rush University Medical Center. Her professional interests include inpatient malignant hematology and bone marrow transplant (BMT). Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, trying new foods, and watching great movies and TV shows. Her favorite Chicago restaurant is Tuk Tuk Thai in Lakeview, and a fun fact about Dr. Goggin is that she's left-handed!
"I chose to stay at RUMC because of the incredible people who make it such a supportive and welcoming place to learn and grow. The pharmacists, preceptors, and staff are approachable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in resident success. I feel fortunate to be a part of this team and hope to contribute to the positive environment that makes RUMC such a special place to train."