Meet the Current Pharmacy Residents

Name: Tali Faggiano, PharmD

Email:  tfaggiano@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA

Pharmacy School: Chapman University School of Pharmacy

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Internal Medicine, Leadership, Emergency Medicine

What do you love about UCSD? Everything! The people are amazing – highly supportive, super smart, kind, and enjoyable to work with. The pharmacy team is also highly valued at UCSD, making the learning experience the best of the best! To top it off, I have the most wonderful co-resis and RPD!
Outside of work you can find me: Reading, traveling, at a concert

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Lose Yourself by Eminem

Name: Maria Golovkina, PharmD

Email: mgolovkina@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Madison, WI

Pharmacy School: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Solid Organ Transplant, Primary Care, Academia

What do you love about UCSD? The supportive and collaborative environment at UCSD made me feel welcome from day one. Especially grateful to have such great co-residents and RPD!

Outside of work you can find me: Going to the beach, traveling, taking dance classes, trying out new seafood restaurants

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Time of Our Lives by Pitbull

Name: Elizabeth Haddad, PharmD

Email: enhaddad@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Pharmacy School: UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Specialty Practice/Research Interests:Infectious Diseases, Cardiology, Critical Care

What do you love about UCSD? Pharmacy is an integral member of interdisciplinary care teams at UCSD. It’s amazing to learn from innovative preceptors who make impactful interventions.

Outside of work you can find me: Sipping on a fancy coffee or at In-n-Out.

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam?Dance the Night Away by Dua Lipa

Name: Nidhi Kanchan, PharmD

Email: nikanchan@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Pharmacy School: The Ohio State University

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Oncology, Solid Organ Transplant, Infectious Diseases

What do you love about UCSD? In addition to the numerous opportunities for learning, I feel very supported by my preceptors and RPD who are always looking out for us. I am also very thankful for my co-residents who make the experience even more rewarding!

Outside of work you can find me: At brunch or at a concert

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Rolling in the Deep by Adele

Name: Hayden Kim, PharmD

Email: hhk009@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Seoul, Korea

Pharmacy School: University of Washington

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Solid Organ Transplant, Infectious Diseases

What do you love about UCSD? Diverse learning opportunities, supportive preceptors, and amazing co-residents and RPD!

Outside of work you can find me: Grocery shopping at H Mart or Costco, watching Netflix

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Talk by Khalid

Name: Melanie Kwok, PharmD

Email: mskwok@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Visalia, CA

Pharmacy School:  UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Solid Organ Transplant, Cardiology

What do you love about UCSD? I love that everyone has been very nice and welcoming and it’s a great learning environment!

Outside of work you can find me: At the gym or taking a nap

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Go Girl by Pitbull

Name: Chance Le, PharmD

Email: cle19@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Ninh Thuan, Vietnam

Pharmacy School: University of Washington

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Infectious Diseases, Solid Organ Transplant, Oncology

What do you love about UCSD? Because of the incredible preceptors who are extremely supportive, patient, passionate about teaching, and genuinely want you to succeed. Plus, our RPD is absolutely the best!

Outside of work you can find me: In a studio making new music

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera

Name: Edith Martinez, PharmD

Email:  eam003@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD

Pharmacy School: University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Critical care, academia

What do you love about UCSD? I love my co residents and the incredible pharmacy team

Outside of work you can find me: Tanning at the beach, pool or some other body of water

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Green Light by Lorde

Name: Louis Odeesho, PharmD

Email: lwodeesho@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Pharmacy School: UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: ED, general medicine

What do you love about UCSD? First, the location is unbeatable. San Diego's stunning coastline and UCSD's clifftop campus create an inspiring environment for learning and innovation. Another unique aspect of UCSD is how wonderful and supportive everyone is. I noticed that when I was in pharmacy school and the trend has continued even to residency.

Outside of work you can find me: I'm usually at the gym, immersed in a movie, or exploring virtual worlds through video games.

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? I let fate decide by putting my Spotify on shuffle, embracing the unexpected.

Name: Ieeshiah Otarola, PharmD

Email:  iotarola@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Irvine, CA

Pharmacy School: University of Southern California

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Oncology

What do you love about UCSD? What makes UCSD special is the amazing pharmacy team. We are surrounded by preceptors who are dedicated to our learning and growth, the most supportive RPD, and the kindest and wonderful co-residents. UCSD also offers so many diverse and unique learning opportunities that cater to a wide range of interests.

Outside of work you can find me: exploring the city, trying new hobbies, farmer’s markets, or staying at home with my dog and watching movies.

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? La Corriente by Bad Bunny

Name: Selina Xu, PharmD

Email: skxu@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Pharmacy School: University of California San Francisco

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Oncology, Pediatrics

What do you love about UCSD? The supportive teaching and learning environment, the diverse specialties, and the amazing class of co-residents!

Outside of work you can find me: Searching for good food spots or binging a Netflix show

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Titanium – David Guetta ft. Sia

Name: Alice Yuan, PharmD

Email: alyuan@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Murrieta, CA

Pharmacy School: University of California, Diego

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Oncology, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry

What do you love about UCSD? Supportive RPD, preceptors, and co-residents. Diverse patient population and lots of learning opportunities!

Outside of work you can find me: Drawing, DIYing, admiring the nature, and attempting to pet every cat I see.

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? This is Me by Keala Settle

Name: Francine Mendoza, PharmD

Email:  f4mendoza@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Portland, OR

Pharmacy School: Oregon State University

Specialty Practice/Research Interests:Primary Care, Infectious Diseases, Mental Health/Psych

What do you love about UCSD? The abundance of opportunities to learn in different clinical areas and how supportive all of the preceptors and co-residents are!

Outside of work you can find me: Trying new restaurants, watching the sunset, or working on some type of creative project

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Magic – B.o.B ft. Rivers Cuomo

Name:Mirna Mikhail, PharmD

Email:  mvmikhail@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Anaheim, CA

Pharmacy School: Chapman University

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Primary Care, Academia, Infectious Diseases

What do you love about UCSD? The endless opportunities to get experiences in clinical areas I have never been exposed to before as well as the nurturing environment of all the preceptors and co-residents who all genuinely care about your success and tailor their approach to what works best for you.

Outside of work you can find me: On a plane, at a new restaurant, or watching the sunset at the beach.

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Diva by Beyonce

Name: Juan Samuel Gil Reynoso, PharmD

Email: jsreynoso@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Pharmacy School: University of California, San Francisco
Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Diabetes Management, Cardiology

What do you love about UCSD? Everyone here genuinely cares about your learning. Regardless of how busy and hectic the day may be, preceptors will always make the effort to teach.

Outside of work you can find me: Baseball field, my bed, coffee shops

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Se Me Nota - Chimbala x Omega

Name: Angela Castro, PharmD

Email:  aycastro@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Vista, CA

Pharmacy School: University of California – San Francisco

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Critical Care and Academia

What do you love about UCSD? The preceptors and staff are all kind and welcoming and the Critical Care program is one of the best in the nation. I also love the location; there's a reason San Diego is called “America’s Finest City”

Outside of work you can find me: Reading, going to concerts, spending time with friends/family, or at a Padres game

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam?Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan

Name: Michael Jennison, PharmD

Email:  mjennison@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Pharmacy School: Lipscomb University

PGY1 Pharmacy Training: Saint Joseph Hospital (Denver, CO)

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Critical Care

What do you love about UCSD? I enjoy how robust the critical care program is, the diverse patient population, and the supportive preceptors.

Outside of work you can find me: Golfing, running, playing trivia, watching a movie

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Swing, Swing by The All-American Rejects

Name: Van Do, PharmD

Name: Max Staskauskas, PharmD

Email: mstaskauskas@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Pharmacy School: University of Arizona

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Internal Medicine, Solid Organ Transplant

What do you love about UCSD? Co-residents, preceptors, and pharmacy staff are very nice and awesome to be around!

Outside of work you can find me: Trying a new restaurant/cafe, the beach

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? RISE! - TYLER THE CREATOR FT. DAISY WORLD

Name: Dennis Nguyen, PharmD

Email:  dtn024@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Stockton, CA

Pharmacy School: University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Pharmacy Informatics

What do you love about UCSD?There are so many people who are a part of the pharmacy team, and I appreciate the many diverse perspectives that come along with that. Every who I’ve met here has been so passionate about what they do and is supportive of the interests of their peers.

Outside of work you can find me: Trying dessert places with friends, browsing the skin care aisle, learning K-pop dances, or bouldering.

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? I'm Ready by Chung Ha

Name: Julia Jones, PharmD

Email: jgione@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Oak Park, CA

Pharmacy School: University of California San Francisco

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Academia, Research & Clinical Development

What do you love about UCSD? There is so much to love about UCSD! A few highlights include: 1) the kind, supportive, and fun preceptors, directors, and of course co-residents; 2) a genuine environment promoting teaching and learning; 3) the unbeatable location of sunny Southern California

Outside of work you can find me: Getting some exercise outdoors! I love to go for runs, walks, and hikes. Plus, San Diego has such great beaches, trails, and parks to explore. You may also catch me picking up a latte at a local coffee shop afterwards.

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Saturday In The Park by Chicago

Name: Scott Vo, PharmD

Email: S7vo@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Vallejo, CA

Pharmacy School: University of Southern California

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Hematology

What do you love about UCSD? At UCSD Health, preceptors are invested in your learning and education! Everyone is passionate about teaching and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure you have adequate resources and training to achieve your goals.

Outside of work you can find me: At The Gym, a coffee shop, or stuffing myself at new restaurants

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Journey - Don't Stop Believing

Name: Michael Ley, PharmD

Email: m2ley@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Sharon Township, OH

Pharmacy School:  UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Psychiatry, academia

What do you love about UCSD? We have amazing preceptors, pharmacists, technicians, and staff. UCSD Health serves a diverse patient population and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, which has been integral to my training as a clinical pharmacist.

Outside of work you can find me: At one of many San Diego farmers' markets, watching Cleveland sports teams or hanging with my wife and two adorable cats!

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Higher by Creed

Name: Brittany Huynh, PharmD

Email: Brh001@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Glendale, CA

Pharmacy School: University of California San Francisco

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Solid Organ Transplant, Critical Care, Academia

What do you love about UCSD? The community of people! With everyone being so welcoming, I have felt that there is so much support for the residents as others really want to see you succeed and grow into a stronger practitioner. I love that UCSD has an abundance of preceptors/mentors I find myself in admiration of when it comes to their clinical practice and who they are as people!

Outside of work you can find me: spending time with loved ones, cooking, baking and tapping into my creative hobbies (photography, singing, art, DIYing, scrapbooking)

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam?Miracles Happen by Myra (aka the song from Princess Diaries)

Name: Melissa Vu Maffei, PharmD

Email: memaffei@health.ucsd.edu

Hometown: Orange, CA

Pharmacy School: University of Colorado

Specialty Practice/Research Interests: Solid Organ Transplant, Infectious Diseases

What do you love about UCSD? What's not to? The people, the location, and the expansive clinical roles pharmacists hold here at UCSD Health make it a fantastic place to train.

Outside of work you can find me: Baking, hiking, at the beach, or at the gym.

Bases loaded. Down 2-5. Two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. What is your hype song when stepping up to the plate for that grand slam? Welcome to The Black Parade by MCR