Residents

2020 - 2021 Residents

Lexi Koon, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: Miami University
Pharmacy School: University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Solid Organ Transplant, Hematology/Oncology, Academia
Research Project: Pentamidine Efficacy and Tolerability Differences Between CYP2C19 Phenotypes
Why CMC?: When looking for a residency, I knew I wanted to complete my year at an academic medical center that offered not only a wide variety of rotations, but also promoted research/teaching opportunities, and a strong mentorship program. Carolinas Medical Center incorporates all of these things into their program and exceeded my expectations. The pharmacy team is highly valued and practices a progressive and integrated approach. One of my interests is hematology/oncology, and CMC offers not only a PGY2 in Hematology/Oncology but also numerous rotations including both pediatric and adult populations. I love having 5 other co-residents with me to take on the challenging year ahead. Charlotte is a wonderful city, and I cannot wait to explore!

Alyssa Lear, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Pharmacy School: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Clinical Interests: Critical Care/ Academia

Research Project: Short vs. Long Course IV Antibiotics for Neonatal Urinary Tract Infections

Why CMC: While searching for programs, I knew I wanted to complete my PGY1 residency at large, academic medical hospital that offered a variety of rotation experiences, teaching and educational opportunities, and collaboration with different multidisciplinary teams. I am also impressed so far by all the preceptors at Carolinas Medical Center and their dedication to resident’s learning and success. Additionally, Carolinas Medical Center offers a personalized and unique mentorship program which helped acclimate me to residency. I love that I have a go-to mentor for the year as well as dedicated mentors for each of my longitudinal projects. I was also drawn to the teaching and learning curriculum this program offers because it gives me the opportunity to learn to precept multiple students from local pharmacy schools and obtain a teaching certificate. My transition and move from Pittsburgh to Charlotte has been great so far, and I am excited for all my opportunities this year at CMC!

Amanda Lefemine, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: University of Rhode Island

Pharmacy School: University of Rhode Island

Clinical Interests: Infectious Diseases, Critical Care, Pain/Palliative Care

Research Project: Risk factors and clinical outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies and infections caused by ESBL producing Enterobacterales

Why CMC?: When searching for residency programs, I was drawn to those with a strong research program, a variety of rotations that would provide exposure to unique populations, and ample opportunities to precept students. The Carolina’s Medical Center PGY-1 program clearly encompassed each of these, and when I met the preceptors, I realized the program had so much more to offer. The preceptors are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about teaching. The autonomy and continual feedback provided to residents promotes an environment of self-development and growth. Additionally, being from Connecticut and having all of my pharmacy practice experiences in New England, I was eager to explore what pharmacy was like in a new region. The progressive pharmacy environment that North Carolina and CMC had to offer was apparent. Lastly, the residency class size has allowed us to become close quickly, and Charlotte is an amazing city to live in!

Michelle Ton, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) 
Pharmacy School: University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Pediatrics, psychiatry, and critical care
Research Project:  Validation of an adult and pediatric clinical tool for the evaluation and assessment of beta-lactam allergies
Why CMC?: My priorities when evaluating residency programs included having a wide variety of challenging clinical rotations, opportunities in education and research, and having a supportive culture with an emphasis on work-life balance. Carolinas Medical Center had all of this and more! Between the strong pharmacy presence on interdisciplinary teams and unique mentorship program, everyone is invested in my growth as a pharmacist and as a person. Living in Charlotte is an extra bonus because there is constantly something to do. I am excited to see what this year will hold for me and my co-residents!

Hunter Vanderburg, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: University of Mississippi

Pharmacy School: University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy

Clinical Interests: Infectious Diseases, Critical Care

Research Project: Impact of Antibiotic Stewardship Treatment and Management Algorithm for Liver Abscesses

Why CMC?: I wanted to complete my PGY1 residency at a large academic medical center that provided a large variety of opportunities that could provide me with a well-rounded experience. The robust clinical rotations, research/teaching opportunities, and the mentorship provided by CMC were all aspects I was looking for in a program. In addition, CMC has a robust antimicrobial stewardship program and offers a PGY2 in infectious diseases. I truly believe that everyone involved with the program has your best interest in mind and everyone is always willing to help. This has made the transition from student to pharmacist much easier. Charlotte has been great so far, and I look forward to the rest of this year!

Megan Wayman, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University
Pharmacy School: The University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics, Transplant

Research Project: Incidence and risk factors of arterial and venous thrombosis in renal cell carcinoma
Why CMC?: As a fourth-year student, I had the pleasure of completing the majority of my APPE rotations at Carolinas Medical Center and within the Atrium Health system. This unique longitudinal program offered exposure to various areas of pharmacy practice and insight into the innovative and collaborative environment at CMC. I was initially drawn to this program for the opportunities and stayed for the people. CMC offers a large network of preceptors with a passion for teaching and mentoring. The layered learning model and emphasis on the development of presentation skills leads to effective communication on both a personal and professional level. CMC not only provides the critical tools and skill-sets necessary to become an exceptional, well-rounded pharmacy clinician, but also the support system to ensure you succeed. I look forward to pursuing my specialties of interest here at CMC and to a great year with my co-residents!