Preceptors

Maria Agunsoye, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacist

Maria Agunsoye serves as the primary preceptor for the cardiovascular intensive care unit PGY1 rotation. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a bachelor of science before proceeding to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, College of Pharmacy to complete her doctor of pharmacy. At the College of Pharmacy, she completed the honors program and graduated Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction. As a member of the pharmaceutical honor society, Rho Chi, Maria values education, self-growth and awareness. She comes from a diverse background and has lived in several countries before moving to the United States. Maria completed her PGY1 residency training with a teaching certificate at the University of Minnesota Medical Center Fairview. Upon completion of her residency, she moved to the Southwest region of the United States to diversify her portfolio and enhance her experience with different health systems. She has been with the Abbott Northwestern Pharmacy Department since August 2016 and is excited to continue her practice interest area in critical care. She currently serves as a critical care team co-captain. Her professional interests include: critical care, diversity, teaching engagement, infectious disease, and optimization of work flow including enhancing electronic medical records. Her nonprofessional interests include, traveling, light hiking, exploring old buildings/ruins, tinkering with recipes, yoga, reading, watching movies/shows and napping. She is excited to be part of future residents’ professional journeys. 

Adam Bakken, PharmD, DPLA
Pharmacy Manager

Adam is responsible for co-precepting the Operational Leadership rotation for both the PGY1 and PGY2 HSPAL residencies. He has oversight of sterile medication preparation, surgical services, oncology, and investigational drug study service lines. Adam received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree with leadership emphasis from the University of Minnesota. Previously, Adam has worked as a pharmacy supervisor with North Memorial Health and Site Lead - Pharmacy Manager at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. He has served in a variety of roles within MSHP-Central and MSHP including past-president of MSHP-Central and current Treasurer-elect of MSHP. He is passionate in mentoring students and pharmacists, and committed to supporting his patients, profession, and community.

Keith Behrend, PharmD, BCCP
Clinical Pharmacist

Keith Behrend serves as the primary preceptor for the PGY2 Cardiovascular resident in their orientation/staffing and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit rotations. Keith received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 2018, then completed his PGY1 and PGY2 Cardiology residencies at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He received his board certification in cardiology in 2020 and currently works decentralized on our Critical Care Team, where he enjoys precepting residents and students. Keith’s areas of interest include advanced heart failure, anticoagulation, mechanical circulatory support, and transplant. He also enjoys exploring the Minnesota brewery scene, visiting National Parks and board games with friends.

Jeff Bouman, PharmD
Pharmacy Manager

Jeff Bouman graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and previously worked as a pharmacy manager at Owatonna Hospital and a nurse at Children’s Minnesota Hospital. He oversees inpatient medication procurement, distribution, and waste, emergency preparedness and hospital-based clinic medication distribution and compliance.  

Jason Chheda, PharmD, BCCP
Clinical Pharmacist

Jason Chheda serves as the primary preceptor for the PGY-1 cardiology rotation. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy in New York in 2007. Jason completed a PGY1 residency at Bronx Lebanon Medical Center in 2012, and a PGY-2 solid organ transplant residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 2013. Shortly there-after he completed his BCPS certification. Jason has worked at Abbott Northwestern Hospital since 2016 and is currently a primary member of the CV team. He has worked on projects in a variety of areas, including DVT prophylaxis in the orthopedic population, aspergillus prophylaxis in our heart transplant population, and was a co-member of the CLABSI team. Jason also received his board certification in cardiology in 2021. His areas of interest include anti-coagulation, and chronic management of heart failure.

Jen Dixon
Clinical Pharmacist

Jen serves as a co-preceptor for the PGY2 Oncology AHCI Compounding Pharmacy rotation. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University in 2012 and completed a PGY1 residency at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, MN the following year. Jen continued to work at St. Luke's as a clinical staff pharmacist. In March 2017, Jen joined the Abbott Northwestern team, where she works as a clinical pharmacist. She is a primary team member and team co-captain of the oncology medical-surgical team and a secondary team member of the renal medical-surgical team.

Lauren Dubosh, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist

Lauren Dubosh is the co-primary preceptor for the Internal Medicine 1 rotation.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience from University of Michigan – Ann Arbor in 2013 and went on to receive her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 2017.  She completed her PGY1 Residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital the following year and obtained board certification in pharmacotherapy shortly thereafter. In addition to working on the Renal / Medicine / Surgery team, Lauren works on our Mental health floors and helps precept pharmacy residents and students during the Psychiatric rotation. Her areas of interest are nephrology, internal medicine, and psychiatry. When not at work, Lauren enjoys hiking, biking, playing tennis, and reading.

Jay Eidem, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacist Clinical Specialist – Solid Organ Transplant

Jay Eidem's responsibilities at Abbott Northwestern are to provide inpatient and outpatient pharmaceutical care to heart and kidney transplant recipients. Eidem graduated from the University of Minnesota's College of Pharmacy and completed a specialty residency program in nephrology and kidney transplantation at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn. Eidem became board certified in pharmacotherapy in 2011. He serves as the preceptor for the PGY2 cardiology/infectious disease and PGY1 residents during nephrology/solid-organ transplant elective rotations. His areas of interest are solid organ transplantation, renal medicine, infectious diseases, cardiology and ambulatory care.

Krista Gens, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, DPLA
PGY2 Infectious Diseases Residency Program Director; System Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Manager

Krista earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from North Dakota State University in 2008 and completed her pharmacy practice (PGY1) and infectious diseases (PGY2) residencies at Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis. Krista is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and a board-certified infectious diseases pharmacist. She also completed ASHP’s Pharmacy Leadership Academy (PLA) in 2015. Krista is actively involved in several multidisciplinary committees including Allina Health Infectious Diseases Physician/Pharmacy Task Force (co-chair), , Allina Health System Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Committee (co-chair) and the Allina Health Infection Prevention and Control Program Committee. Krista serves as residency program director and a preceptor for the PGY2 infectious diseases rotation. Professionally, Krista is an active member of ASHP, MSHP, SIDP (member of the Policy and Governmental Affairs committee), and the MN One Health Antibiotic Stewardship Collaborative (served as vice-chair and chair of the Human Health Work Group in 2018 and 2019). Krista’s areas of interest include antimicrobial stewardship, antimicrobial resistance, C diff, penicillin allergy de-labeling and teaching.

Anne Gerdes, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist

Anne Gerdes serves as co-preceptor for the PGY1 Oncology initial decentral rotation and longitudinal staffing learning experience and PGY2 AHCI compounding pharmacy learning experience. Anne graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha in 2009. Following graduation, she completed a PGY1 general pharmacy practice residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital staying on as staff after residency. She is currently a member of the oncology/medical/surgery (OMS) team at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and serves as co-team captain leading several process improvement initiatives both inpatient and at Allina Health Cancer Institute (AHCI) infusion pharmacy.  Anne is also an active member of other committees at ANW including the Clinical Practice Committee (CPC) and the Labor Management Committee (LMC).   

Kristine Gullickson, PharmD, MBA, FASHP, FMSHP, DPLA
PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residency Program Director; Director of Pharmacy

Kristi Gullickson serves as the RPD for the HSPAL program and preceptor for the PGY1 executive leadership rotation. At the system level, Kristi is the director lead for the Allina Health Pharmacy Operations Committee responsible for strategy and operational alignment across the 11-hospital health system.  She also serves as the director liaison to the Allina Health Cancer Institute.  Kristi received her pharmacy degree from North Dakota State University, completed a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency and received her MBA from New England College. Kristi currently serves as faculty on the ASHP Manager Boot Camp and delegate to the ASHP House of Delegates. She also holds a director at large position on the Vizient Pharmacy Network Executive Committee.  In Minnesota, she currently serves as Chair of the MN Hospital Association medication safety committee, member of the Minnesota Pharmacy Alliance and member of the MSHP public policy committee.  Kristi is a past chair of the ASHP Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders Executive Committee and past chair of the Council on Pharmacy Practice.  She is past president of the Minnesota Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) and 2020 recipient of MSHP’s highest award, the MSHP Hallie Bruce Lecture Award.

Delaney Hart, PharmD, BCIDP
Pharmacist Clinical Specialist—Infectious Diseases

Delaney is one of the pharmacy specialists for infectious diseases and the program coordinator for the PGY2 infectious diseases residency program. Delaney earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota and completed her pharmacy practice (PGY1) and infectious diseases (PGY2) residencies at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. She previously worked at United Hospital in St. Paul as an emergency medicine and neuro ICU pharmacist and obtained her board certification in infectious diseases in 2021. As an infectious diseases clinical specialist, Delaney helps maintain antimicrobial stewardship programs at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and multiple regional hospitals within Allina. Delaney also serves on multiple committees within Allina, including co-chairing the Abbott Northwestern Antibiotic Stewardship Committee and the Allina Health Infectious Diseases Physician/Pharmacy Task Force. She is a preceptor for PGY1 and PGY2 rotations in antimicrobial stewardship and is a preceptor for the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. Outside of work, Delaney enjoys reading, golfing, kayaking and spending time with her family.

Emily Herstine, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
Pharmacist Clinical Specialist—Infectious Diseases

Emily serves as a preceptor for PGY1 and PGY2 infectious diseases/antimicrobial stewardship resident rotations along with precepting APPE students. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2012 and completed her PGY1 and PGY2 (Infectious Diseases) residencies at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Following residency, Emily spent time working as a clinical pharmacist at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, then as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and PGY1 Residency Program Director at North Memorial Health before returning to Abbott Northwestern Hospital. In her role here, she helps maintain antimicrobial stewardship programs at Abbott Northwestern and at several Allina Health regional hospitals. Emily is actively involved in several multidisciplinary committees including being co-chair of the Abbott Northwestern Antibiotic Stewardship Committee and the Allina Health Infectious Diseases Physician/Pharmacy Task Force. She is a member of SIDP, MSHP, ACCP, ASHP, and the MN One Health Antibiotic Stewardship Collaborative. Emily’s areas of interest include antimicrobial stewardship, antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention and precepting residents and students. In her free time, she enjoys traveling anywhere and everywhere, trying out new restaurants, running and reading.

Stephanie Kling, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist

Stephanie Kling serves as a co-preceptor for the PGY1 Internal Medicine 1 rotation. She graduated from the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy in 2013 and completed a PGY1 pharmacy residency at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, N.D., in 2014. Kling has been with the Abbott Northwestern Hospital Pharmacy Department since October 2017. She is a primary member of the oncology medical-surgical team and secondary member of the renal medical-surgical and the vascular/observation teams.

Amy Yang Kriese currently serves as a co-preceptor for the PGY1 neurology/orthopedic/rehab/spine rotation. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy in 2015. Kriese then completed a PGY1 residency at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Community Memorial Hospital in 2016. Post-residency, she worked as a clinical pharmacist at St Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. She joined the Abbott Northwestern Hospital pharmacy department October 2017. She is a primary team member and co-captain of the neurology/orthopedic/rehab/spine team and a secondary team member of the vascular/observation unit. Kriese also sits on a variety of committees including the Clinical Pharmacy Council, the Allina Pharmacy Diversity & Inclusion committee and serves as a pharmacy intern preceptor.

Jacob Langness, PharmD, BCPS
PGY1 Residency Program Coordinator, Pharmacist Clinical Specialist – Ambulatory Care

Jacob Langness serves as the PGY1 residency coordinator and preceptor for the PGY1 Internal Medicine rotations. Jacob earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 2010. Upon graduation, he completed his PGY1 residency at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) and his board certification in pharmacotherapy shortly after. Post-residency, he worked in a variety of clinical settings both inpatient and outpatient focusing on chronic infectious disease, delivering care to underrepresented and stigmatized patient groups, and internal medicine. In 2019 he established ambulatory clinical service in the education-based residency clinic - ANGMA General Medicine Clinic. Through direct patient care and resident education, he delivers care for common chronic medical conditions, opioid dependency, HIV and HIV PrEP, and transitions of care.  He active with the Allina Health LBGTQ+ Employee Resource Group and the Allina Health Green Committee, as well as with various roles through MSHP and ASHP.

Steve Larson, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist

Steve Larson received his doctor of pharmacy degree at the University of Minnesota class of 2013. He subsequently completed his PGY1 residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital the following year. After continuing his career at Abbott as a staff pharmacist, he has worked in several decentral areas and currently serves as the second co-preceptor for the critical care residency rotation. Larson is also acting treasurer for the Phi Delta Chi- Theta Alumni Chapter. For recreation, he enjoys playing hockey, camping, and biking. He also enjoys travel, board games, and live music.

Matthew Lillyblad, PharmD, BCCCP, BCCP
PGY2 Cardiology Residency Program Director, Pharmacist Clinical Specialist - Cardiology and Critical Care 

Matt Lillyblad is the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for Cardiology and Critical Care and the program director for the PGY2 pharmacy residency in cardiology. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2010. Lillyblad completed a PGY1 pharmacy residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in 2011 and went on to be the inaugural resident for PGY2 cardiology residency program. Upon completion of his residencies, Lillyblad spent two years as a clinical pharmacist for cardiology at Hennepin County Medical Center, practicing in both acute care and ambulatory care cardiology and one year as a clinical pharmacist for advanced heart failure and the cardiovascular ICU at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Matt obtained his BPS certification in pharmacotherapy in 2013, added qualification in cardiology in 2015, certification in critical care in 2018, and certification in cardiology in 2020. Matt is the primary preceptor for the PGY1 advanced heart failure rotation, multiple PGY2 cardiology experiences, and major project/MUEs. His nonteaching responsibilities include project management involving the safe and effective use of cardiovascular pharmacotherapy at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Allina Health. He maintains a patient care practice with the Minneapolis Heart Institute Advanced Heart failure Service. He was awarded the ACCP Cardiology Practice/Research Network Clinical Practice Award in 2017. Matt is actively involved with several local and national pharmacy organizations, lecturing at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, and publishing. His professional interests include heart failure, anticoagulation, acute coronary syndromes and critical care cardiology.

Ryan McCoy, PharmD, BCPS
Lead Pharmacist – Operations

Ryan’s responsibilities are to oversee a variety of operational and clinical areas at Abbott Northwestern. He received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at St. John’s University (MN) and pursued his PharmD from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. After completing his PGY1 pharmacy residency at Abbott Northwestern, he obtained his BCPS that fall and has worked there ever since, primarily in Oncology. In his free time, he doesn’t have free time with a two-year-old and a newborn at home.

Mary McNeely, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist

Mary McNeely is the co-primary preceptor for the PGY1 Neuro / Med-Surg Intensive Care Unit Rotation.  She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Creighton University in 2019 and completed her PGY1 Residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital the year after. She is currently a member of our Critical Care and Oncology teams.

Kelly Moritz, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP
Clinical Pharmacist

Kelly Moritz currently serves as a preceptor for the PGY2 electrophysiology and general cardiology rotations. She graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and completed a pharmacy practice residency at Abbott Northwestern. After which she began working at Abbott Northwestern in cardiology. She currently staffs in the cardiology and critical care areas of the hospital and is co-captain for the cardiology team of pharmacists. She is co-chair of the department’s Clinical Pharmacy Council committee.  Her areas of interest include anticoagulation and electrophysiology.

Scott Pearson, PharmD, BCACP
Pharmacist Clinical Specialist - Ambulatory Care

Scott Pearson serves as a preceptor for the PGY1 Internal Medicine II and Ambulatory Care rotations. His primary practice site is in the ANGMA Center for Outpatient Care, a hospital-based internal medicine clinic. He completed his PharmD training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, then completed a PGY1 Residency with University of Colorado Hospital and a PGY2 Ambulatory Care Residency with the University of Colorado. Prior to his current role, he served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences with a clinical practice site in the UCHealth Seniors Clinic. His practice and research interests include geriatrics, transitions of care, cardiology and diabetes.

Chad Peterson, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Supervisor

Chad Peterson graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 2011 and completed a PGY1 residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He has clinical experience in behavioral health and emergency medicine and sits on numerous pharmacy and interdisciplinary committees. His other areas of interest include transitions of care, medication safety and optimizing medicine access. 

Brittany Picard, PharmD, BCPS, DPLA
Pharmacy Manager

Brittany Picard is responsible for pharmacists and services in the areas of medical/surgical, cardiology, neurology/orthopedics/spine, rehabilitation and medication histories. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and completed PGY1 and PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration residencies at Mercy Hospital, part of Allina Health. She has also completed ASHP’s Pharmacy Leadership Academy and is board certified in pharmacotherapy. Her prior work experience includes positions as a pharmacy technician, substitute purchaser, and intern at St. John’s Hospital, Maplewood; clinical pharmacist and lead pharmacist in surgical services before transitioning to her pharmacy manager role at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Her professional interests include quality & process improvement, employee engagement and precepting.  

Justine Preedit, PharmD, BCOP
Pharmacist Clinical Specialist - Oncology

Justine serves as co-preceptor for the PGY1 Oncology elective rotation. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2011 and worked as a retail and hospital discharge pharmacist before going back for residency. Justine completed her PGY1 pharmacist practice residency at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI and PGY2 oncology residency at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. After graduating residency, she worked at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina and Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she specialized in malignant hematology-oncology. Her professional interests include CAR-T therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, infectious disease, and teaching. In her free time, Justine enjoys dancing, hiking, wilderness camping and Wisconsin custard.

Rachel Root, PharmD, MS, BCPS, FMSHP, FASHP
PGY1 Residency Program Director, Pharmacy Coordinator           

Rachel is responsible for leading process improvement initiatives, facilitating project management, and coordinating teaching programs for residents and students. She received her Pharm.D. and M.S. degrees from University of Minnesota and completed a PGY1/PGY2 health-system pharmacy administration and leadership residency at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center. In the previous decade, Rachel worked as a manager at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon overseeing a variety of clinical services (including neurology, orthopedics, rehabilitation, spine and ambulatory internal medicine) along with sterile medication preparation, perioperative services, informatics and medication distribution operations. Rachel has served in a variety of roles within MSHP, ASHP, OSHP, and Vizient (formerly UHC), including past president of MSHP, chair of the ASHP Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders Advisory Group on Frontline Leaders, and chair of the Minnesota Pharmacy Alliance, an organization focused on state-wide pharmacy policy change and practice advancement. Currently, Rachel serves on the ASHP Council on Public Policy. Rachel’s contributions to the profession have been recognized via several awards including the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Master Preceptor Award, MSHP Hugh F. Kabat Award, MSHP Tom Kohout Meritorious Service Award, and MPhA Distinguished Service Award for pharmacy advocacy efforts in Minnesota.

Addy Schoening, PharmD, BCCP
Clinical Pharmacist

Addy Schoening is a co-primary preceptor for the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit Rotation.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Luther College in 2013 and completed her Doctorate of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa – College of Pharmacy in 2017. She then completed her PGY1 Residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and went on to complete a PGY2 Residency in Cardiology from Abbott Northwestern as well. She currently works decentralized on our Critical Care Team where she precepts pharmacy residents and students.

Brooke Schug serves as a co-preceptor for the PGY1 Emergency Medicine rotation and as a preceptor for the PGY2 Infectious Diseases Rounding III rotation. Brooke earned her doctor of pharmacy degree from North Dakota State University in 2007 and completed her PGY1 residency at Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis. Brooke is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and has obtained a MAD-ID Basic Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate. In addition, she has completed phase 2 of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate Program through the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP). Brooke is involved in multidisciplinary hospital committees including the Antibiotic Stewardship Committee and the Medication Safety Committee. Brooke has recent speaking engagements in the community including; a panel contributor at the Minnesota Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists 2019 Midyear clinical meeting, topic titled “ED Pharmacist Panel: Initial Antimicrobial Selection,” and as a panel speaker at the 2018 MN Department of Health Antibiotic Stewardship Conference. Brooke’s areas of clinical interest include antimicrobial stewardship and emergency medicine. Brooke enjoys almost anything in the outdoors, traveling and reading.

Paige Skelton, PharmD, BCCP
Pharmacist Clinical Specialist - Advanced Heart Failure Ambulatory Care

Paige Skelton’s responsibilities at Abbott Northwestern are to provide outpatient pharmaceutical care to advanced heart failure patients. Paige graduated from the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy in 2016. She completed a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in 2017 and subsequently stayed on to complete a PGY2 cardiology residency. Following her residencies, Paige was hired at Abbott Northwestern as a clinical coordinator for advanced heart failure ambulatory care. Paige is an active member of MSHP and ACCP. She serves as a primary preceptor for the PGY2 cardiology resident on ambulatory rotations, as well as a co-preceptor for PGY1 residents on their required cardiology rotation. Paige‘s areas of interest include advanced heart failure, anticoagulation, pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease and mentoring/precepting. In her free time, she enjoys riding her horse, Stella, exploring outdoors and cheering on Minnesota sports teams.

Derek Sprang, PharmD, BCPS 
Clinical Pharmacist

Derek Sprang is a co-primary preceptor for the PGY1-psychiatry rotation. Derek obtained his PharmD from Drake University in 2017 and completed his PGY1 at Abbott Northwestern hospital in 2018. Derek is a primary team member of the Mental Health health team and a secondary team member of the Cardiovascular team. Derek’s clinical areas of interest are antipsychotics, ECT, and substance abuse. In his free time, Derek enjoys running, watching sports, travelling, and trying new restaurants.

Jessica Swearingen, PharmD, BCPS, DPLA
PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residency Program Coordinator, Pharmacy Manager

Jessica’s areas of accountability are focused in critical care, emergency medicine, medication safety, quality improvement, and clinical practice optimization and advancement. Swearingen received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and completed a trauma/critical care residency with the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy. She completed the ASHP Leaders Innovation Masters Series, Pharmacy Leadership Academy, and is board certified in pharmacotherapy and MTM services. Her previous work experience includes positions as a staff pharmacist, clinical coordinator, clinical manager and residency program director at both large and small hospitals within large health care systems. Swearingen also held an assistant professor position at the University of Tennessee, College of Pharmacy. She has served MSHP, ASHP, MASPEN (Memphis Area Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition), Neurocritical Care Society, MPhA, and MCCP in a variety of roles, is a past president of MSHP and MCCP, and serves on the Minnesota Hospital Association Medication Safety and the Vizient Quality and Safety Committees.

Sara Telander, PharmD, BCPP
Clinical Pharmacist

Sara Telander serves as a preceptor for both the PGY1 and PD4 APPE Psychiatry electives. Sara earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2007 from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and completed her PGY1 residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview in 2008. She has been employed at Abbott Northwestern Hospital since 2008. Sara is a board-certified Psychiatric Pharmacist and is currently working toward completion of the ASHP-accredited Pharmacogenomics Certificate. Sara is a past member of multidisciplinary hospital and pharmacy committees including Medication Safety, Nursing Pharmacy, Falls Prevention, Clinical Pharmacy Council, & Be the Change, among others. Sara’s areas of clinical interest include psychotropic pharmacology, treatment of thought, mood, and substance use disorders, suicide prevention, patient education and teaching/mentoring. Sara is also a secondary team member of the Renal/Medicine/Surgery decentral team, Sterile Preparations Main Pharmacy, & Medication History teams, and a past member of the Oncology decentral team. She has been involved in several pilot programs including delirium prevention, transitions of care, and medication history. Sara enjoys helping patients better understand their medications and working within the team environment to optimize their overall health.

Allison Veire, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist

Allison Veire serves as a co-preceptor for the APPE inpatient oncology rotation. Veire earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 2012. Upon graduation, she completed a PGY1 residency at Hennepin County Medical Center and became board certified in pharmacotherapy shortly thereafter. She is currently a member of the oncology medical-surgical team at Abbott Northwestern and is a secondary member of the renal medical-surgical team. Her primary areas of interest are oncology, solid organ transplant, dialysis, and internal medicine. 

Derek T Vo, PharmD, BCPS, DPLA
Clinical Pharmacist

Derek Vo serves as preceptor for the PGY2 Infectious Diseases residents’ emergency medicine staffing and for the emergency medicine APPE rotation. Derek earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota in 2019. After graduation, Derek completed his PGY1 pharmacy practice and PGY2 health system pharmacy administration and leadership residencies at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, which included ASHP’s Pharmacy Leadership Academy, and earned his board certification in pharmacotherapy shortly thereafter. Derek works primarily in emergency medicine and critical care, is currently co-captain for the ED team, is involved with the Operations Pharmacy Council, and is engaged in various department initiatives. Additionally, Derek is a member the ASHP Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists Advisory Group on Emergency Medicine. His areas of interest include emergency medicine, critical care, process optimization, and medication safety. Outside of pharmacy, Derek enjoys spending time with family and friends, lifting weights, trying new restaurants and playing video games.

Maria Zarambo, PharmD, BCOP, DPLA
PGY2 Oncology Residency Program Director, Pharmacist Clinical Specialist - Oncology

Maria Zarambo is the residency program director for the PGY2 Oncology program and is the co-preceptor for the PGY1 oncology elective. Maria’s primary responsibilities are to advance oncology care in both the outpatient and inpatient setting. In addition, Maria oversees the pharmacy component of oncology investigational trials. Maria works across Allina to advance system-wide oncology quality and safety initiatives. Maria graduated from Rutgers University, College of Pharmacy and completed an ASHP-accredited PGY1 residency at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. She became board certified in oncology in 2007.

Nate Zimmerman, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist

Nate Zimmermann currently serves as a co-preceptor for the PGY1 neurology/orthopedic/rehab/spine rotation. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2017. Upon graduation, he completed his PGY1 residency at M Health Fairview St. Joseph’s Hospital and stayed on afterwards as a clinical pharmacist on the emergency medicine and cardiology teams. He joined the Abbott Northwestern Hospital pharmacy department in January 2021 and is a primary team member of the neurology/orthopedic/rehab/spine team and a secondary team member of the emergency department. Outside of work, Nate enjoys staying active and following Minnesota sports teams.

Ali Zwack, PharmD, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacist

Ali Zwack serves as a co-preceptor for the PGY1 Emergency Medicine rotation. Ali received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University in 2012. She then completed her PGY1 pharmacy practice and PGY2 critical care residencies at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. After residency, Ali became a board-certified critical care specialist and has primarily worked in emergency medicine and critical care. Her primary areas of interest include emergency medicine, medical-surgical critical care, infectious diseases, and educating students and residents.