PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program
CHOC’s ASHP-accredited pharmacy residency aims to foster passionate pediatric pharmacists. For over 10 years, our program has been training residents to become future pediatric pharmacy leaders.
Residency statement of purpose
VPGY1 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification, and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training.
CHOC PGY1 Residency Program Objectives
- Cultivate future leaders in pediatric pharmacy practice
- Master the principles of pharmacotherapy and be competent and confident practitioners capable of providing direct patient care in various subspecialties
- Understand the principles of a sound pediatric pharmacy operational system and be able to integrate these principles into their clinical practice
- Be skilled in educating other health care professionals, patients, and the community on medication-related issues
- Be capable of conducting basic clinical research to answer medication-related questions
- To demonstrate professional maturity by following a personal philosophy of practice, monitoring their own performance, exhibiting commitment to the profession, and exercising leadership in improving the safety of the medication-use system
Program Overview
The PGY-1 Residency Program is a one-year training program. The Clinical Pharmacy Manager serves as the Director and the Clinical Educator serves as the Co-Director of the Residency. Twenty-two other Clinical Pharmacists serve as mentors and preceptors to the resident in their respective practice areas.
The residency is designed to foster clinical expertise in pediatric pharmacotherapeutics, an understanding of the practical and administrative considerations of providing pharmaceutical care to pediatric patients and experience in teaching as well as clinical research. The resident will function as an active member of various multidisciplinary pediatric teams. He or she will be able to tailor the learning experiences to best meet his or her professional goals. The residency program consists of nine months of required rotations and three months of elective rotations.
The resident will attend the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting in December, CSHP Seminar in October and the Western States Residency Conference in May or June of their residency year. The resident is also encouraged to attend local pharmacy meetings as well.
Institution Overview
Since 1964, CHOC has been steadfastly committed to providing the highest quality medical care to children. Medically affiliated with the University of California, Irvine, our regional pediatric healthcare network includes a state-of-the-art 334-bed main hospital facility in the City of Orange, and a hospital-within-a-hospital in Mission Viejo. CHOC also offers many primary and specialty care clinics, more than 100 additional programs and services, a pediatric residency program, and four centers of excellence – The CHOC Heart, Neuroscience, Orthopedic and Hyundai Cancer Institutes.
CHOC is the first hospital devoted exclusively to caring for children in Orange County. Since opening its doors, CHOC has led the way in many areas of pediatric health care. CHOC has a PICU, level 4 NICU, CVICU, neuroscience unit, oncology unit, Tidwell procedure center and surgical unit, medical unit, transport services, and CHOC at Mission Hospital. CHOC has the only pediatric emergency department and inpatient mental health unit in Orange County.
Pharmacy Department
The Department of Pharmacy Services provides pharmaceutical care through decentralized teams of staff pharmacists and technicians to meet the needs of patients and health care professionals. The Department maintains state-of-the-art inpatient pharmacies and a clinic pharmacy. We have 3 satellite pharmacies in the following areas: ED, PICU/CVICU, and OR. Our clinical pharmacist currently round with/follow patients of 8 units including general pediatrics, ED, PICU, CVICU, NICU, OR, oncology, and mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we submit our application?
Please submit applications to PhORCAS
What are the accreditation standards of ASHP for a PGY-1 residency program?
CHOC fulfills the accreditation requirements as detailed on ASHP.org
What residency showcases will CHOC be attending?
ASHP Midyear and CSHP Seminar are the 2 residency showcases that CHOC attends yearly. CHOC may attend additional showcases as applicable.
Does CHOC have an open house for prospective residency candidates?
Yes, typically CHOC holds an open house for residency candidates in late December of every year.
Where do most residents end up after completing the program?
Many stay on at CHOC, while some take positions at other children’s hospitals.
Contact Us
Residency Program Director
Allison Jun, Pharm.D., BCPPS
[email protected]
714-509-8806
Residency Program Coordinator
Grace Lee, Pharm.D., BCPPS
[email protected]
714-509-8334
Required Rotations (5 weeks)
- Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacy Orientation
- General Pediatrics
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Pharmacy Administration
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Longitudinal Experiences (6 – 12 months)
- Epilepsy Clinic
- Cystic Fibrosis Clinic
- Pharmacy Staffing (currently 2 weekend days per month)
- Project Management
- Investigational Drug Service
- Pharmacy Quality Reporting
Elective Rotations
- Cardiovascular Intensive Care
- Oncology 2 (Bone Marrow Transplant)
- Breath mobile
- Other pediatric subspecialties based on interest and availability
Stipends and Benefits
- A competitive annual stipend
- 26 days paid-time-off (which includes holiday, vacation and sick days)
- Hospital Benefits Program: medical, dental, vision, prescription, disability, life insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts, 403b plans
How to apply
- Submit and apply all materials on PhORCAS
Application Requirements
- Be a graduate of an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Program
- Be eligible for licensure in the state of California
To complete the applications package, the following must be received by the deadline indicated on PhORCAS:
- Headshot of applicant (preferred)
- Letter of intent
- Curriculum vitae
- Pharmacy school transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
Current Residents
Belanna Geniza, Pharm.D.
2025-2026 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Belanna obtained her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC Irvine and completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at UC San Francisco. Her interest in pediatrics began in pharmacy school from attending panels with pediatric pharmacists, and this interest continued to grow through her experiences during clinical rotations in general pediatrics and poison control. As a PGY1 resident, she is motivated to develop her skills as a clinical pharmacist, preceptor, and educator while working alongside such a knowledgeable, kind, and supportive team. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, reading, singing, playing piano and ukulele, coloring (yes, like in coloring books) while listening to music or audiobooks, and playing cozy/story-based video games.
Hannah Patch, Pharm.D.
2025-2026 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Hannah received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of New Hampshire and completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Utah. She developed her interest in pediatrics during pharmacy school through working at the Utah Poison Control Center. After a clinical NICU rotation, she decided to pursue a career in pediatric pharmacy. She is looking forward to continuing to explore her interest in critical care and is excited to learn from the diverse group of accomplished preceptors here at CHOC. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys gardening, crafting (especially crochet), and taking her dogs to the beach.
Past Residents
Mai Vy Tran, Pharm.D.
2024-2025 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Lissette Tordera, Pharm.D.
2024-2025 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Kelsie Morioka, Pharm. D.
2023-2024 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Shasta Erickson, Pharm. D.
2023-2024 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Nicole Farah, Pharm. D.
2022-2023 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Michelle Vu, Pharm. D.
2022-2023 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Allison Nguyen, Pharm. D.
2020-2021 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Maki Usui, Pharm. D.
2020-2021 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Monica Huynh, Pharm.D.
2019-2020 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Ruquaya Quraishi, Pharm.D
2019-2020 Clinical Pediatric Resident
Susan Abbaszadeh, Pharm.D.
Medical Surgical
Pharm.D.: University of Southern California School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Valley Children’s Hospital
Chara Aueyong, Pharm.D.
Medical Surgical
Pharm.D.: University of Southern California School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Valley Children’s Hospital
Katie Bui, Pharm.D.
Medical Surgical, Emergency Department
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Francisco
PGY1 Residency: University of California, San Diego Medical Center
William Burr, Pharm.D.
Critical Care (PICU and CVICU)
Pharm.D.: University of Southern California School of Pharmacy
Jessie Chang, Pharm.D.
Medical Surgical
Pharm.D.: University of the Pacific
PGY1 Residency: Valley Children’s Hospital
Shirley Chen, Pharm.D., BCPS
Investigational Drug Services
Pharm.D.: University of Maryland
PGY1 Residency: University of California, San Francisco
PGY2 Residency: University of California, San Francisco (Pediatrics)
Esther Chu, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCPPS
Critical Care (PICU and CVICU)
Pharm.D.: University of Texas
PGY1 Residency: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center
PGY2 Residency: Boston Children’s Hospital (Pediatrics)
Jeff Curless, Pharm.D., BCPPS
Critical Care (PICU and CVICU)
Pharm.D.: University of Wisconsin
PGY1 Residency: Children’s Hospital of Orange County
Nicole Dinh, Pharm.D.
Oncology
Pharm.D.: University of the Pacific
PGY1 Residency: Valley Children’s Hospital
Shasta Erickson, Pharm.D.
Emergency Department
Pharm.D.: Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Children’s Hospital of Orange County
Gerald Gamboa, Pharm.D.
Medical Surgical
Pharm.D.: Chapman University School of Pharmacy
Tianyun (Robin) Gao, Pharm.D., BCPS
Critical Care (PICU and CVICU)
Pharm.D.: University of Oklahoma
PGY1 Residency: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Ryan Hughes, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCCCP
Critical Care (PICU and CVICU)
Pharm.D.: Ohio Northern University
PGY1 Residency: Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
Allison Jun, Pharm.D., BCPPS
Clinical Pharmacy Manager
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Francisco
PGY1 Residency: University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center
Claire Kim, Pharm.D.
Oncology
Pharm.D.: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Fionna Lam, Pharm.D.
Oncology
Pharm.D.: University of Southern California School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Veterans Administration San Diego
Kara Lau, Pharm.D.
Oncology
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Francisco
PGY1 Residency: Valley Children’s Hospital
Dustin Le, Pharm.D.
Emergency Department
Pharm.D.: Chapman University School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Dignity Health – Stockton
Vu Le, Pharm.D., BCPS
Oncology
Pharm.D.: Nova Southeastern University
PGY1 Residency: Indian River Medical Center
Grace Lee, Pharm.D., BCPPS
Clinical Educator, Pharmacy Department; Epilepsy Clinic
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Francisco
PGY1 Residency: University of Washington
Tina Lee, Pharm.D., BCPPS
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Pharm.D.: Western University of Health Sciences
PGY1 Residency: Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
Jennifer Lower, Pharm.D., BCPS, MHA
Ambulatory Pharmacy Clinic Coordinator
Pharm.D.: University of Iowa School of Pharmacy
Carolyn Luu-Quan, Pharm.D.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Pharm.D.: University of Southern California School of Pharmacy
Angela Mercado, Pharm.D., DPLA
Pharmacy Operations Supervisor, Outpatient Infusion Center
Pharm.D.: Western University of Health Sciences
PGY1 Residency: University of California, San Francisco
PGY2 Residency: University of California, San Francisco
Sandra Merino, Pharm.D., BCPPS
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Pharm.D.: Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University
PGY1 Residency: Hackensack University Medical Center
PGY2 Residency: Children’s Hospital of Orange County (Pediatrics)
Sukhraj Mudahar, Pharm.D., MBA
Executive Director of Pharmacy
Pharm.D.: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
PGY1 Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital
Additional Education: National Louis University (MBA)
Bang Nguyen, Pharm.D.
Emergency Department
Pharm.D.: California Northstate University
John Nguyen, Pharm.D.
Medical Surgical
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Diego
PGY1 Residency: Children’s Hospital of Orange County
Peter Nguyen, Pharm.D.
Critical Care (PICU and CVICU)
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Francisco
PGY1 Residency: University of California, Irvine Medical Center
Nga My (Theresa) Nguyen, Pharm.D., BCPPS
Oncology
Pharm.D.: University of the Pacific
Tran Nguyen, Pharm.D., BCPPS
Oncology
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Francisco
PGY1 Residency: Valley Children Hospital
Codi Peterson, Pharm.D., MS
Emergency Department
Pharm.D.: Duquesne University
Michael C. Shaaw, Pharm.D., BCPS
Pharmacy Operations Manager
Pharm.D.: University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Children’s National Medical Center
Winnie Stockton, Pharm.D., BCPPS
Investigational Drug Service
Pharm.D.: University of Texas at Austin
Victoria Roe Su, Pharm.D., BCPPS, BCPS
Oncology
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Francisco
PGY1 Residency: Valley Children’s Hospital
Melody Sun, Pharm.D.
Medication Safety
Pharm.D.: University of Southern California School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Children’s Hospital of Orange County
Mai Vy Tran, Pharm.D.
Oncology; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Francisco
PGY1 Residency: Children’s Hospital of Orange County
M. Tuan Tran, Pharm.D., BCIDP
Infectious Diseases
Pharm.D.: University of the Pacific
PGY1 Residency: University of New Mexico Hospitals
PGY2 Residency: University of Southern California (Infectious Diseases)
Kristin Willins, Pharm.D.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Pharm.D.: Chapman University School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
Nancy Woo, Pharm.D., BCSPC
Director of Pharmacy
Pharm.D.: University of the Pacific
PGY1 Residency: Valley Children’s Hospital
Annie Xie, Pharm.D.
Critical Care (PICU and CVICU)
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Francisco
PGY1 Residency: Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
PGY2 Residency: Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital (Critical Care)
Jennifer Yen, Pharm.D., BCPPS
Transitions of Care
Pharm.D.: University of California, San Francisco
PGY1 Residency: The Johns Hopkins Hospital
PGY2 Residency: Children’s Hospital of Orange County (Pediatrics)
CHOC is conveniently located within the heart of Orange county. With 278 days of sunshine and only a short 10-minute drive from Disneyland Resort, you will never be bored. One of the hospital’s visionaries is Walt Disney, which is why CHOC has many events sponsored by Disney. Within the hospital, you will be sure to bump into a familiar Disney character from your childhood.
We are within walking distance from many great places to eat and grab coffee. We are within 15 miles of beautiful beaches, including Huntington and Newport beach. In addition, we are 9 miles away from one of the biggest malls in Southern California. CHOC’s location is prime for many reasons, but most of all you will never run out of things to do!