CareersThe Pharmacy Residency Programs include preceptors with a range of experience and expertise.
Meet the Preceptors and read their biographies on this page.
Administration Preceptors
Jason Chou, PharmD, MS
Assistant Vice President – Pharmacy Services
Email: jason.chou@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University
Training: PGY-1 & 2 Health System Pharmacy Administration Residency, Wake Forest Baptist Health with MS from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Practice Interests: Leadership, pharmacy practice models, operations
Dr. Chou began work with Ochsner in 2014 and has oversight of professional pharmacy services for Ochsner Medical Center. He serves as a preceptor for the PGY1 pharmacy leadership/administration rotation.
Monica Dziuba, PharmD
Director Clinical Pharmacy Services – System Pharmacy
Email: monica.dziuba@ochsner.org
Education: BS from Louisiana State University, PharmD from University of Louisiana at Monroe College of Pharmacy
Training: PGY-1 in Pharmacy Practice at UT Southwestern Medical Center; Antimicrobial Stewardship Certification through SIDP; Completion of ASHP Pharmacy Leadership Academy
Practice Interests: Formulary management and cost containment strategies; clinical pharmacy innovation; clinical pharmacy practice in the ambulatory care setting
Christopher Entwisle
Director – IS Epic Project – IS Pharmacy
Email: centwisle@ochsner.org
Education: BS in Pharmacy, Xavier University and BA in Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans
Training: Epic Willow IP and Decision Support certified
Practice Interests: Informatics and Technology
Chris Entwisle manages Epic Willow Inpatient, Beacon, and Willow Ambulatory along with all of the non-Epic pharmacy applications.
Richard Indovina, Jr., RPh, MBA
Vice President – Specialty & Retail Pharmacy
Email: Richard.indovina@ochsner.org
Education: B.S. Pharmacy, Xavier University; Master Business Administration, University of New Orleans
Practice Interests: Leadership Coaching and Team Development, Specialty and Retail Pharmacy Operations, Specialty Pharmacy Practice Models
Ricky began work with Ochsner in 2014 and has oversight and responsibility for Specialty and Retail Pharmacy strategies, services, and operations for Ochsner Health System. He is part of the Leadership Coaching program at Ochsner and serves as faculty for the Ochsner Learning Institute. Ricky also serves on the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy and serves on the Regulations Revision, Violations, and Application Review committees.
Rhonda Liberto, BSPharm, PharmD, CPPS
Medication Safety Office – System Pharmacy
Email: rhonda.liberto@ochsner.org
Education: PharmD – University of North Carolina, School of Pharmacy; BS Pharmacy – University of Colorado, School of Pharmacy; Creighton University – Pre-Pharmacy work
Training: Fellowship, Clinical Research – Long Term Care; Hospital Residency – University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Practice Interests: Cardiology, Medication Safety, and Quality
Paul Menasco, PharmD
Director of Pharmacy – West Bank
Email: pmenasco@ochsner.org
Education: Xavier University of Louisiana, BS, Pharm D.
Practice Interests: Community hospital pharmacy leadership, expansion of staff pharmacist’s roles to include clinical practices and patient education, expansion of personal leadership roles as community hospitals sometimes offer opportunities to manage areas outside of pharmacy practice.
Lilly Nix
Director – 340B Pharmacy Program – System Pharmacy
Email: lilly.nix@ochsner.org
Education: B.S. in Engineering, M.S. in Engineering Management
Training: Supply Chain Administrative Fellowship at Ochsner Health System
Practice Interests: 340B program optimization and compliance
Catherine B. Oliver, PharmD, BCPS
Assistant Director-Clinical Pharmacy Services
Email: Catherine.oliver@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana-Monroe
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Cone Health in Greensboro, NC
Practice Interests: Pharmacy practice advancement and care delivery models, pharmacist productivity and value, clinical pharmacy services quality, critical care and infectious diseases
Dr. Oliver is a preceptor for the pharmacy administration rotation. She is involved in the advancement of clinical pharmacy services though development of an integrated practice model and increased pharmacist autonomy in the management of drug therapy. She participated in various activities related to medication use and safety, formulary and drug shortage management, and pharmacy practice advancement.
Ryan Pepper, MBA
Director Contract Management – System Pharmacy
Email: rpepper@ochsner.org
Education: Loyola University New Orleans – Finance ; University of New Orleans - Executive MBA
Practice Interests: Contracting, standardization, regional purchasing coalition
Deborah Simonson, PharmD
Vice President – System Pharmacy
Email: dsimonson@ochsner.org
Education: BS, Pharmacy, Auburn University; Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University
Practice Interests: Healthcare policy, Leadership, Healthcare strategies, innovative care delivery models, technology, medication safety, quality, and overall pharmacy practice
Stacey Zimmer, CPA
Manager Finance – System Pharmacy
Email: Stacey.zimmer@ochsner.org
Education: Bachelor of Science in Finance and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Ambulatory Care Preceptors
Jessalynn Cordaro, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist- Anticoagulation Clinic
Email: jcordaro@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Ochsner Medical Center
Practice Interests: Anticoagulation
Dr. Cordaro started practicing at Ochsner Medical Center’s Anticoagulation clinic in 2003. She is responsible for monitoring and evaluating anticoagulant medication therapy for appropriateness, including devising coumadin and lovenox medication regimens, making necessary adjustments based on patient-specific characteristics, and providing patient education to reach optimal patient care outcomes.
Dr Cordaro is also involved in education services as the preceptor of pharmacy students and pharmacy practice residents. She serves on the clinical pharmacy staff of presenters for the University of Queensland –Ochsner Medical Center Education program. She is also a member of the Anticoagulation Forum.
April D. Green, PharmD, BS
Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist – Population Health
Co-chair of System Vaccine Subcommittee
Email: april.green@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana-College of Pharmacy; Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), Xavier University of Louisiana
Training: PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Xavier University of Louisiana and University Medical Center of New Orleans (formerly Interim Louisiana State University Hospital)
Practice Interests: Population Health, immunizations, education, medication adherence, comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs)/medication therapy management (MTM) and process improvement
Dr. Green currently serves as the Population Health Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist and co-chair of the System Vaccine Subcommittee for Ochsner Health System. April joined Ochsner in 2014 as an inpatient staff pharmacist at the Slidell, LA hospital campus and later joined Ochsner Main Campus located in New Orleans for her current role. As Population Management Pharmacist, she is responsible for assisting with efforts to improve their quality measure outcomes, increase vaccination rates in the pediatric and adult population, increasing comprehensive medication reviews performed by pharmacists, and improving patients’ medication adherence for the treatment of chronic health conditions as well as participate on process improvement projects and serving as a preceptor for fourth-year pharmacy students. She also serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Southeast Louisiana Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SELSHP) for 2018.
Cardiology Preceptors
Kristina Dupré, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Cardiology
Clinical Pharmacist Supervisor
Email: krdupre@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University
Training: PGY 1 Pharmacy Residency, Ochsner Medical Center
Practice Interests: CHF, ACS, Arrhythmias
Dr. Dupré joined the Ochsner Team in 2010. Since that time, she has served as a preceptor for both the PGY1 residency program and the PGY2 Internal Medicine residency program. She is a RAC member and serves on multiple committees within the residency program. Most recently, she transitioned into the role of Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor and is excited to become a leader and resource for her peers.
Laura Fuller, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Cardiology
Email: laura.fuller@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, Methodist University Hospital; PGY2 Cardiology Pharmacy Residency, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Practice Interests: Cardiology, Anticoagulation, Infectious Diseases
Dr. Fuller joined the Internal Medicine team in September 2017 and transitioned to the Cardiology service in the summer of 2018. She serves as a preceptor for both PGY1 residents and the PGY2 Internal Medicine resident, as well as Xavier University fourth-year students. She is also involved in the education of medical interns and residents.
Critical Care Preceptors
Yana Bukovskaya, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Neurocritical Care
Email: yana.bukovskaya@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital; PGY2 Neurology Pharmacy Residency, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Practice Interests: epilepsy, status epilepticus, stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, headache, movement disorders, emergency neurological life support.
Dr. Bukovskaya joined the Ochsner team in 2015. She is involved with the PGY1 program as a preceptor for the Neurocritical Care rotation and is also involved in the education of neurology and anesthesia residents from LSU and Ochsner. Yana serves on several multidisciplinary committees including Critical Care and Stroke Committee.
Kinsey Kowalski, PharmD, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Neurocritical Care
Email: kinsey.kowalski@ochsner.org
Education: University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, 2015
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency & PGY2 Critical Care Residency, University of Cincinnati Medical Center
Practice Interests: intracerebral hemorrhage, autonomic storming following traumatic brain injury, emergency neurological life support, antiepileptic dosing in continuous renal replacement therapy, use of neurostimulants following neurologic injury, hemodynamic instability in status epilepticus
Dr. Kowalski joined the Ochsner team in 2017. She is involved with the PGY1 program as a preceptor for the Neurocritical Care rotation and is the chair for the education committee for the residency program. She also serves as a preceptor for local pharmacy students and teaches recurring lectures to 3rd year University of Queensland medical students. Dr. Kowalski is an active member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine through the Pharmacology Section Research and Communication subcommittees.
Steven Lee, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Critical Care (MICU/SICU)
Email: Steven.Lee@Ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency and PGY2 Critical Care Residency: Huntsville Hospital
Practice Interests: surgical/medical/trauma/emergency medicine, infectious diseases, anti-coagulation, sepsis, nutrition
Dr. Lee began practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in 2017. He is a preceptor for the Medical and Surgical ICU rotation for residents and students.
Katherine Jennings, PharmD, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Critical Care
Education: PharmD, Wayne State University
Training: University of Illinois at Chicago, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency; University of Illinois at Chicago, PGY2 Critical Care Residency
Practice Interests: sepsis, ICU delirium, sedation, antimicrobial therapy for critically ill patients, acute neurological injury, and status epilepticus
Dr. Jennings started practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in 2013. She is involved in the PGY1 and PGY2 Internal Medicine residency programs as a preceptor for the Critical Care rotation. Dr. Jennings provides education to the internal medicine and surgical residents as well as ICU nursing staff. She is also a member of the interdisciplinary Critical Care and Sepsis committees.
Drug Information Preceptors
Nicole Fabre’-LaCoste, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP
Residency Program Director-PGY2 Internal Medicine
Assistant Director – Medication Use, Safety and Quality
Email: nlacoste@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University
Training: PGY 1 Pharmacy Residency, University of Texas Medical Branch
Practice Interests: Internal medicine, diabetes management, education and training
Dr. Fabre’-LaCoste began her clinical practice at Ochsner Medical Center in 1996 practicing in the area of ambulatory care managing a hypertension and lipid clinic in internal medicine. Since then, she has continued practice in the area of acute care medicine. Dr. LaCoste is the current director of the PGY 2 Internal Medicine program. As an assistant director of pharmacy, Dr. LaCoste’s focus is on the development of the department and hospital to build safer medication use processes and systems, improvement of medication use quality and provision of oversight for the education and training of pharmacy students and residents.
Emergency Medicine Preceptors
Cerinda M. Morales, PharmD
Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist
Email: cmorales@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, Ochsner Medical Center
Practice Interests: emergency medicine, disaster preparedness, disaster response
Dr. Morales joined the Emergency Medicine team at Ochsner in 2008. Cerinda is a member of Ochsner’s Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Further, she is involved in the federal disaster response as a pharmacist on Delta-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) under the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS).
Infectious Diseases Preceptors
Travis King, PharmD, BCPS-AQ ID
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Infectious Diseases
Email: samuel.king@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, TN; PGY2 Infectious Diseases Residency, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Practice Interests: medical mycology, molecular detection of antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship practice improvement, and antimicrobial toxicology
Dr. King began work with Ochsner Medical Center in 2018. Prior to this, he served as an professor at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. Dr. King specializes in management of complex infectious diseases, antimicrobial stewardship strategies, clinical microbiology, and molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance. He is an active member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists, American Society of Microbiology, and American College of Clinical Pharmacy.
Kyana Stewart, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Infectious Diseases
Email: kyana.stewart@ochsner.org
Education: B.S. Chemistry; Southern University and A&M College (2004), M.S. Environmental Engineering; University of Florida (2006), Pharm.D.; University of Houston (2010)
Training: PGY1 Residency, Huntsville Hospital System, Huntsville, AL
Practice Interests: Infectious diseases in pediatrics, adults, and immune compromised hosts; optimization of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters of antimicrobial agents in special populations, antimicrobial impacts on the gut microbiome, and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.
Dr. Stewart joined the Ochsner Clinical Pharmacy team in 2018 as an Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. In her current role she works collaboratively to provide infectious diseases pharmacotherapy support to the Ochsner Infectious Diseases consult services as well as contributing to the growth and expansion of the antimicrobial stewardship program at Ochsner Medical Center. Prior to joining the team at Ochsner she has served in multiple roles including Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Co - Chair (Children’s Medical Center - Dallas), Clinical Instructor, Infectious Diseases (UTSW Medical School), Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice (Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center) all leading to the development & implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs and provision of didactic and experiential learning experiences for pharmacy students & residents, medical residents & fellows respectively.
Internal Medicine Preceptors
Ashley Casey, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Internal Medicine
Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor
Email: acasey@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University College of Pharmacy
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Ochsner Medical Center
Practice Interests: Diabetes, Infectious Disease, Medication Reconciliation, and Transitions of Care
Dr. Casey’s scope of practice centers on transitions of care and ensuring each patient is able to afford all medications on discharge. Additionally, she takes pride in opening the lines of communication between everyone involved in the patient's care in order to improve our patients' outcomes.
Eric Coons, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Internal Medicine
Email: eric.coons@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Purdue University
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Practice Interests: Internal Medicine, Infectious Disease, Liver Disease, Cardiology
Dr. Coons started practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in 2017. He serves on an internal medicine team, where his major roles include: optimizing drug therapy, facilitating transitions of care, and educating patients and healthcare professionals. Additionally, he serves as a preceptor for Xavier University College of Pharmacy students, PGY1 Pharmacy Practice residents, and PGY2 Internal Medicine residents on internal medicine rotations. He also serves as co-chair of the residency research committee.
Miranda Dermady, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Internal Medicine
Email: miranda.dermady@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University
Training: PGY 1 Pharmacy Residency, Ochsner Medical Center
Practice Interests: Infectious Diseases, Cardiology, Anticoagulation
Dr. Dermady started practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in 2015. She is a preceptor for the internal medicine rotation for both students and residents. Dr. Dermady serves on the residency recruitment committee.
Jennifer DiLorenzo, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Skilled Nursing Facility
Email: jennifer.dilorenzo@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University
Practice Interests: Geriatric medicine, Diabetes, Anticoagulation
Dr. DiLorenzo started practicing pharmacy in 1998 as a long term care consultant specializing in the management of the medication regimens of geriatric patients living in long term care facilities as set forth by the CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) guidelines. Jennifer is responsible for all aspects of pharmacy services associated with Ochsner Skilled Nursing now located at the new West Campus facility. She serves as a preceptor to fourth year pharmacy students from Xavier University. She also serves on two skilled nursing subcommittees, IDT (Interdisciplinary Team) and QAPI (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement).
Stephanie Elagizi-Youssef, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Internal Medicine
Email: stephanie.youssef@ochsner.org
Education: PharmD, University of Toronto
Training: Ochsner Medical Center PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Ochsner Medical Center PGY-2 Internal Medicine Residency
Practice Interests: Professional Development and Education, Cardiology, Anticoagulation
Dr. Elagizi joined the Ochsner team in 2016. She practiced for a year as a clinical pharmacist at Credit Valley Hospital (Toronto) before pursing her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Ochsner Medical Center. She then continued at Ochsner Medical Center in the PGY-2 Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Elagizi now practices as one of the Internal Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialists, working with the hospital medicine department to provide patient centered care, focusing on education and training of pharmacy residents and students and medical interns, residents and students.
Ekaterina Stanilova, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist- Internal Medicine
Email: ekaterina.stanilova@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency- Yale New Haven Hospital
Practice Interests: anticoagulation, medication safety, critical care
Dr. Stanilova joined the Ochsner team in September, 2016. Prior to that, she worked as Multispecialty Clinical Pharmacist (Medicine/Critical Care) at Yale New Haven Hospital. She is involved with the PGY1 program as a preceptor for the Internal Medicine rotation. Ekaterina serves as a Pharmacy Residency Advisor and sit on the Recruitment Committee.
Britta Staubes, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Internal Medicine
Email: Britta.staubes@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Mercer University
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Emory University Hospital; PGY2 Internal Medicine Residency, Emory University Hospital
Practice Interests: Infectious diseases, hepatology, anticoagulation
Dr. Staubes started practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in August 2015 with the Internal Medicine service. She enjoys educating pharmacy students and residents. She currently rounds with the co-managed hepatology-medicine service for patients being worked up for a liver transplant. She is chair of the recruitment committee and serves as a residency advisor.
Oncology Preceptors
Emily Taylor, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Medical Oncology
Email: emily.taylor@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, South University
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, East Jefferson General Hospital
Practice Interests: Medical Oncology
Dr. Taylor joined Ochsner Medical Center in September 2017 and serves as a preceptor for the Medical Oncology rotation.
Jessica Stover, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant
Email: jessica.stover@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Houston College of Pharmacy
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC; PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency, Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC
Practice Interests: lymphoma, leukemia, bone marrow transplant, and genitourinary cancers
Dr. Stover joined the pharmacy team at Ochsner Medical Center in September 2017 after her prior work experience at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. She serves as a member of the System Oncology Subcommittee and Bone Marrow Transplant Quality Committee. She is a current preceptor for the oncology rotation and enjoys teaching pharmacy students and residents.
Pediatrics Preceptors
Mersina Grass, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Pediatrics
Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor
Email: mersina.grass@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University
Training: PGY 1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Ochsner Medical Center
Practice Interests: sepsis, sedation, antimicrobial therapy for critically ill patients, and oncology
Dr. Grass started practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in 2006. Mersina precepts all PGY1 residents for their required pediatric rotations and also offers an elective rotation in pediatric critical care. She is a member of the Child Health, Glycemic Management, and CDAN committees. Dr. Grass has also been an active member of Vizient Best Practices Pediatrics Committee for the last four years.
Claire Walley, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Pediatrics
Email: katlyn.walley@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy - Union University College of Pharmacy Jackson
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt -Nashville, Tennessee, University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy Teaching and Learning Program Certificate
Practice Interests: Pediatric Cardiology/CVICU & Heart Transplant Pediatric Critical Care, General Pediatrics, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Patient/caregiver medication education, Academia, experiential education
Dr. Walley started practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in 2017. While completing her residency training, she was a adjunct professor in Pediatrics at Belmont University College of Pharmacy. She is a PGY1 pharmacy resident preceptor as well as a student preceptor for Xavier College of Pharmacy. Dr. Walley serves on the Child Health and Pediatric Medication Safety Committees.
Solid Organ Transplant Preceptors
Cody Allison, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Solid Organ Transplant, Lung
Email: callison@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Ohio State University
Training: PGY1 Residency, University Health System, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant, University Health System, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Practice Interests: Lung Transplant, Abdominal Transplant, Infectious Disease
Dr. Allison began his clinical practice at Ochsner Medical Center in 2010. The Lung Transplant Program is where Cody manages most of his time, serving as the preceptor for the PGY-2 required Lung Transplant rotation and also cross covers the abdominal transplant teams.
Stephanie Anders, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Abdominal Transplant
Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor
Email: sanders@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Purdue University
Training: Pharmacy Practice Residency, Rush University Medical Center (formerly Rush-Presbyterian-St.Lukes Medical Center)
Practice Interests: Adult Liver Transplant, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and post-transplant delirium
Dr. Anders joined the Transplant Team at Ochsner in 2007. Since that time, she has served as a preceptor for the PGY1 residency program and created the PGY2 Pharmacy Residency in Solid Organ Transplant in 2011. She serves on the Transplant Quality-Improvement-Performance-Improvement Committee, the Transplant Research Committee, the Residency Recruitment & Research Sub Committees, and the Residency Advisory Committee. She also serves as an ASHP Residency Accreditation Surveyor.
Brooke E. Baetz, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Heart Transplant
Email: bbaetz@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Crozer-Chester Medical Center; PGY2 Cardiology Pharmacy Residency, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Practice Interests: heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, critical care, heart failure
Dr. Baetz started practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in 2011. Brooke participates in the PGY1 and PGY2 transplant residency program as the preceptor for the elective Heart Transplant rotation and serves on the Heart Transplant Selection Committee and Heart Transplant Quality Improvement Subcommittee.
Andrew Freeman, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Abdominal Solid Organ Transplant
Email: afreeman@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, Ochsner Medical Center; PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacy Residency, Ochsner Medical Center
Practice Interests: Abdominal Transplant, Hepatology, Infectious Disease, Nutrition, and Healthcare Technology
Dr. Freeman joined Ochsner Medical Center in 2011. He serves as a preceptor for both the PGY-1 and PGY-2 transplant residency program.
Lisa Hutchinson, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Abdominal Transplant
Email: lisa.hutchinson@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, Henry Ford Hospital; PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant Residency, Barnes Jewish Hospital
Practice Interests: Abdominal transplant, opportunistic infections
Dr. Hutchinson joined Ochsner Medical Center in August 2016 and serves as a preceptor for the abdominal transplant rotation.
Marissa Janusek, PharmD, BCPS
Residency Program Director-PGY1
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Abdominal Transplant
Email: marissa.janusek@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Midwestern University
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Rush University Medical Center; PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant, Residency University of Illinois at Chicago
Practice interests: Abdominal transplant, antibody mediated rejection and cellular mediated rejection, opportunistic infections
Dr. Janusek began practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in September 2015. She serves as a preceptor for the abdominal transplant rotations for both students and residents.
Ushma P. Kaszubski, PharmD, BCPS
Residency Program Director, PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Abdominal Transplant
Email: ushma.kaszubski@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, Ochsner Medical Center; PGY2 Transplant Residency, Ochsner Medical Center
Practice Interests: liver transplant, kidney transplant, AMR and ACR, opportunistic infections, patient education
Dr. Patel started practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in 2015. Ushma participates in the PGY1 and PGY2 transplant residency program as the primary preceptor for the elective kidney transplant rotation. She also serves on the Kidney Transplant Selection Committee, Kidney Transplant Quality Improvement Subcommittee, and the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Quality Improvement Subcommittee.
Steven Q. Thai, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Heart Transplant
Email: sthai@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, Ochsner Medical Center; PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacy Residency, Ochsner Medical Center
Practice Interests: Heart Transplantation, Mechanical Circulatory Support, Pulmonary Hypertension
Dr. Thai serves as the clinical pharmacist on the heart transplant team. His responsibilities include participation in direct inpatient and outpatient care, patient counseling, formal pharmacotherapy education for medical staff, involvement in heart transplant selection committee, pulmonary hypertension committee, synthesis of heart transplantation protocols, research, and resident/student education.
Bailey Wise, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Abdominal Transplant
Email: bailey.obrien@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Florida
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency and PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant Residency, Medical University of South Carolina
Practice Interests: Abdominal transplant, opportunistic infections, antibody mediated and cellular mediated rejection
Dr. Wise joined Ochsner Medical Center in August 2018 and serves as a preceptor for the abdominal transplant rotation.
Specialty Preceptors
Mohammad Ahmad, PharmD
Ochsner Pharmacy and Wellness--Pharmacist
Email: mohammad.ahmad@ochsner.org
Education: Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Pharmacy; Xavier University of Louisiana
Practice Interests: Outpatient Services, Leadership, Operations, Medication Therapy Management
Experience: 8 years
Dr. Ahmad started practicing at Ochsner Medical Center in 2015. Prior to that he was a pharmacist at Walgreens Pharmacy for 5 years. He is a preceptor for the Outpatient rotation students. He is also a volunteer of the Inter-Professional Learning program for the University of Queensland medical students and the Ochsner STAR Program for high school students.
Sheena Babin, PharmD, CSP
Manager, Clinical Services and Business Development
Email: shebabin@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy; Xavier University of Louisiana
Training: PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Ochsner Medical Center
Practice Interests: Leadership, Patient Experience and Outcomes, Specialty Pharmacy Metrics, Medication Safety
Dr. Babin began her clinical practice at Ochsner Medical Center in 2010 practicing in the perioperative area. Next, she has served in inpatient clinical administration with formulary and medication safety management at Ochsner Medical Center. Dr. Babin then started working with the outpatient specialty pharmacy in 2016. Dr. Babin is the current director of the PGY-1 Community Pharmacy Residency. Dr. Babin’s focus is on the development of clinical services in specialty pharmacy, building collaborative practices to improve quality, and working with manufacturers to collaborate initiatives in patient care.
John Brissette, Rph
Clinical Pharmacist-Specialty Pharmacy
Email: john.brissette@ochsner.org
Education: Ernest Mario College of Pharmacy at Rutgers University
Practice Interests: HIV, prevention and treatments for HIV
Dr. Brissette has been practicing since 1996 and began working with HIV immediately. He began a concentrated focus on HIV and HCV in 2010 and supervisory/instructional work with other pharmacists in HIV and HCV in 2015. He has been a preceptor for Rutgers Univ, Long Island, Univ, St John's Univ, Hussar Univ of Maine, and has had students which have included foreign students from as far as South Korea.
Kelly DeFelice, PharmD
Manager of Ochsner Specialty Pharmacy
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University
Training: 10 years of Pharmacy management experience
Practice Interests: Operations, Leadership, Customer service
Dr. DeFelice joined Ochsner in 2015 as a retail Pharmacist. She transitioned to the Specialty Pharmacy team in 2016. She has recently moved into the manager role of Specialty Pharmacy after supervising the fulfillment and clinical teams for 1 year.
Christi Parson, PharmD, CSP
Director of Specialty Pharmacy
Email: Christi.parson@ochsner.org
Education: Doctorate of Pharmacy; Xavier University of Louisiana
Practice Interests: Specialty Pharmacy; Manufacturer Relations; Operations
Dr. Parson joined Ochsner Pharmacy and Wellness in 2013. She is responsible for oversight of specialty pharmacy. Dr. Parson has special interests in patient adherence supported through technology and wearable devices. She serves on the NASP Government Affairs and is active with the NASP organization. Dr. Parson has practiced in community pharmacy for 9 years.
Claire Reuter, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist – Specialty Pharmacy – Solid Organ Transplant and Hepatology
Email: claire.reuter@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University College of Pharmacy
Training: PGY1 Pharmacy Residency, Ochsner Medical Center; PGY2 Transplant Residency, UNC Medical Center
Practice Interests: liver transplant, HBV, HCV, patient education, and health literacy
Dr. Reuter started practicing at Ochsner Specialty Pharmacy in 2017 and serves as the clinical pharmacy for solid organ transplant and hepatology. Dr. Reuter is the primary preceptor for fourth year pharmacy students from Xavier University.
Raymunda Semana, PharmD
Manager of Ochsner Pharmacy and Wellness-Primary Care
Email: raymunda.semana@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana
Practice Interests: Immunization Administration, Medication Therapy Management
Experience: 13 years of retail pharmacy experience with 7 years of leadership experience. 4 years of preceptor experience.
Dr. Semana joined the retail pharmacy team at Ochsner in 2014. She is responsible for pharmacy retail services. Her focus is comprehensive medication review, medication adherence through specialized packaging, immunization administration, and diabetic injection training.
Alicia Verret, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist – Specialty Pharmacy – Inflammatory Disorders
Email: alicia.verret@ochsner.org
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana-College of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Other Inflammatory Diseases
Dr. Verret joined the Ochsner Specialty Pharmacy team in 2016. She is a clinical pharmacist with Rheumatoid Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions as her primary focus. Dr. Verret's scope of practice includes patient assessment and care through extensive counseling and monitoring, as well as providing assistance with the prior authorization process of specialty medications. Prior to joining Ochsner, Dr. Verret has been a practicing pharmacist in the community setting for 14 years.
