Pharmacy Residency Programs

Iowa City Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (ICVAHCS) will offer four, ASHP-accredited, Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) pharmacy residency positions for 2026-2027. The residency program is coordinated by Abby Beane, PharmD, BCACP.

Purpose Statement: The Iowa City VAHCS PGY1 residency program builds upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the ASHP educational competency areas, goals, and objectives. Residents who successfully complete our PGY1 residency program will be skilled in patient care, practice management, leadership, and education. Residents will be prepared to provide patient care, seek board certification in pharmacotherapy (i.e., BCPS), and pursue advanced education and training opportunities including postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies. The ICVAHCS is a teaching hospital providing the unique opportunity for our residents to engage in direct patient care, practice management, and medication related education.

Program Design: Our PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency program mirrors the activities of a clinical pharmacy specialist. The residency is a full-time temporary appointment of 52 weeks in duration. 

Orientation to the residency program and ICVA pharmacy service is scheduled July-August. 

• Required longitudinal learning experiences (LE) extending throughout the year
  • Education Program for Residents (August-June)
  • Medication Safety (Aug-June)
  • MUE Project (6 consecutive months between Aug-June)
  • Project Development (July-June)
  • Staffing (August-June)
• Required block learning experiences (minimum duration is 26 weeks)
  • Administration (daily for 5-6 weeks)
  • Internal Medicine (daily for 5-7 weeks)
  • Orientation (daily for 8-10 weeks)
  • Selective Required Ambulatory Care Block (8-10 weeks)
• Residents will select one elective track (10-14 weeks each)
  • Ambulatory Care Track (select 2-3 LE; 12-14 week experience)
  • Specialty Clinical Track (select 2 LE; 5-7 weeks/each)
  • Psychiatry PGY-2 Track (Acute care & Am Care psychiatry; 5-7 weeks/each)
• Residents will complete one daily elective (for 5-7 weeks) 

Appointment Period: 52 weeks, starting at the beginning of a pay period (June 29, 2026)

Salary: $48,608 per annum (based on 2025-2026 pay)

Benefits: Federal Employee medical insurance, dental and vision. Up to 13 vacation and 13 sick days, all federal government holidays, continuing education opportunities and partial travel funds.

Education Program for Residents

The Pharmacy Educator Preparation Program for Residents and Fellows (PEPPR) Teaching and Learning Curriculum prepares participants to confidently and effectively identify the needs of University of Iowa College of Pharmacy (UICOP) learners as well as design, implement, and evaluate relevant educational activities with thoughtful instructional design. Upon successful completion of the teaching and learning curriculum, participants will be prepared to educate learners in both clinical and academic environments. 

During the fall and spring semester residents will participate in a variety of PEPPR activities including workshop sessions, large group and small group UICOP student teaching sessions, assisting in UICOP labs, and in the experiential setting. In addition, residents will be given a schedule for completion of a drug class review, journal club discussion, and a one hour continuing education program.

Medication Safety

This longitudinal LE provides pharmacy residents the opportunity to learn about all components related to medication safety in a federal healthcare system. The resident is expected to participate in monthly meetings and complete assigned responsibilities in an appropriate time frame under the supervision of the ICVA Medication Safety Program Manager. Medication use evaluation tracker (MUET), MUET initiatives, VA Adverse Drug Event Reporting System (ADERS), FDA alerts, medication shortages and patient safety tools will be explained and taught during this experience. 

Project Learning Experiences

• MUE Project: The Medication Use Evaluation (MUE)  Project identifies changes needed to improve patient care/medication use in the Iowa City VA Health Care System. Each resident will work with Dr. Egge and another preceptor (content expert) to complete the MUE. Completion typically takes 6 months. Results will be presented to pharmacy management.
• Project Development
  This is a year-long learning experience. Each resident will work with the Project Advisory Board (PAB) and project preceptor to identify, design and execute an investigational project. Findings from this project will be presented to the pharmacy department and at a spring Pharmacy Residents Conference. Conclusions from this project will then be summarized in a manuscript suitable for publication. 

Staffing
This experience will provide residents the opportunity to interact with inpatient teams and
staff to improve patient care. Starting after licensure is secured and orientation is completed (Aug-Sept) residents will 1) rotate through inpatient pharmacy (7:00-3:30) and outpatient pharmacy (8:00-4:30) on the weekends and 2) will work 3 hours one evening per week in the inpatient pharmacy directly following their scheduled tour of duty. Each resident will staff 13 weekends and 28 evenings throughout the residency year. Residents are allowed to switch weekends/evenings if necessary to accommodate personal needs.  

Required Block Learning Experiences (LE) 

Administration

This 5-6 week learning experience is designed to give each resident the opportunity to work with members of the pharmacy administrative team. The resident will work alongside our Pharmacy Chief of Staff, Pharmacy Associate Chiefs, pharmacy department supervisors and support staff to help manage operational tasks, programmatic concerns, and help precept general hospital APPE pharmacy students. The resident will attend meetings as assigned and be assigned projects from members of the pharmacy management team throughout the learning experience.

Good organization and interpersonal skills are vital to success in this experience.  The resident must devise efficient strategies for accomplishing the required activities in a limited time frame.  This rotation is specifically designed for residents to train and learn how to work autonomously.

Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine (IM) is a 5-7 week learning experience designed to increase the resident's skills in the treatment of complex patients in an acute care setting.  The resident will gain experience in providing and monitoring pharmaceutical care for a variety of acute and chronic diseases.  Throughout the rotation, residents will have opportunities to provide and improve patient assessment skills, communication with healthcare professionals, and overall pharmacotherapy knowledge.  Problem solving, multitasking, drug information, writing, and presentation skills will also be enhanced during the rotation.

Orientation 

Orientation is an 8-10 week learning experience scheduled at the beginning of the residency year. During new employee orientation residents are introduced to the mission of the VA and educated about general administrative rules.  During residency orientation, they receive information about residency requirements/expectations and individual learning experiences. Pharmacy training will occur in the ambulatory care, inpatient pharmacy, and outpatient pharmacy setting. Residents will be introduced to the workflow  and procedures which will assist them on other rotations. Each resident will learn about VA formulary and criteria for use. They will work with preceptors to review and resolve non-formulary requests. During orientation residents will acquire the knowledge and ability to perform necessary dispensing and verification functions to provide complete pharmaceutical care to our veterans. Orientation for the administration and clinical learning experiences will occur prior to each rotation’s start date.

Ambulatory Care Block 

This 8-10 week learning experience is designed to give each resident experience in our outpatient ambulatory care clinics. This experience gives the resident time in our anticoagulation clinic, medication management clinic, PACT clinic, and an elective of their choice (as listed under option 1 below except PACT-2).

• Anticoagulation Clinic  Anticoagulation Clinic (AC) is a required learning experience for the PGY1 pharmacy resident.  The experience involves the provision of direct patient care and telephone management of patients taking anticoagulation. Residents will work in the anticoagulation clinic 1-2 days per week during their 8-10 week selective required Ambulatory Care Block. Knowledge of warfarin, low molecular weight heparins, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), antiplatelet agents, and vitamin K administration are important in this setting.
• Medication Management Medication Management (MM) is a required learning experience for the PGY1 pharmacy resident. Medication management allows the resident to gain experience reviewing non-formulary medication requests and evaluate the appropriateness of each request using VA Criteria For Use (CFU), current practice guidelines, published literature, drug-interactions, and monitoring parameters. If the medication is disapproved, the resident will provide an alternative option. Another function of MM is to complete pharmacotherapy e-consults which are complex medication related questions. Residents will work in the MM clinic 1-2 days per week during their 8-10 week selective required Ambulatory Care Block.
• Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT)-1  PACT 1 is an opportunity for residents to perform as a clinical pharmacist practitioner in the primary care setting. Residents will be scheduled 2 days per week in PACT-1. The resident will work alongside clinical pharmacist practitioners managing a variety of primary care disease states (including by not limited to diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and tobacco cessation). Visits will be conducted F2F, by telephone and by video telehealth. 

TRACKS AND ELECTIVES

Residents will select one elective track (10-12 weeks each) from the three options below

Option 1: Ambulatory Care Track (select 2-3; 10-12 week experiences)

• Diabetes (one ½ day/wk and Fridays)
• Heart Failure (two ½ days/wk)
• Home based and geriatric care (2 days/wk)
• Pain management (2 days/wk)
• PACT-2 (2-3 days/wk)
• Transplant (Wed/Thursday)
• Virology (Tuesdays)

(Cannot include same clinic/service from Selective Required Ambulatory Care Block)

Option 2: Specialty Clinical Track (select 2; daily; 5-7 week experiences each)

• Acute Care Adult Psychiatry
• Antimicrobial Stewardship/Infectious Diseases/Sterile Compounding
• ICU
• Internal Medicine-2
• Oncology
• Palliative and hospice care

Option 3: Psychiatry PGY-2 Track (select both; daily;  5-7 week experiences  each)

• Acute Care Adult Psychiatry
• Ambulatory Care Mental Health

Daily Elective

Residents will also complete one daily elective (for 5-7 week experience)

• Acute Care Adult Psychiatry
• Ambulatory Care Mental Health
• Antimicrobial Stewardship/Infectious Diseases
• ICU
• Internal Medicine-2
• Oncology
• Palliative and hospice care

Please submit all materials required in PhORCAS. Applications submitted outside the PhORCAS system will not be accepted. We encourage applicants to customize their cover letter to our program. Applicants should expand on why they are interested in our program, with specific career goals and characteristics which make them a strong candidate. 

Please include all scheduled APPE rotations on your CV with a description of activities performed and presentations given. The applicant should have three individuals complete the standardized reference template in PhORCAS. We recommend each applicant select individuals who can comment on their clinical knowledge and/or work in a pharmacy setting. 

Requirements for Applicants:

According to ASHP, applicants to all pharmacy residencies must be a graduate or candidate for graduation of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited degree program (or one in process of pursuing accreditation) or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduation Equivalency Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). At a minimum, the college must be a five-year pharmacy degree program. 

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA)/Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) oversees all clinical health professions training programs. Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical exam, including a negative drug test. To participate in VA training, you must be eligible for federal appointment. Please review this checklist to confirm eligibility: https://www.va.gov/OAA/docs/Am_I_Eligible_v5.pdf

Applicants to the Iowa City VA PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program will have maintained a pharmacy GPA > 3.0 or pass/fail equivalent* (*No repeated pharmacy course; pass all pharmacy courses and in top 50% of pharmacy class).  According to VHA directive 1108.07, residents need to secure pharmacy licensure within 90 days of starting the PGY1 residency training program. 

Iowa licensure is not required. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen by the application deadline. 

This residency site agrees that no person at this site will solicit, accept, or use any ranking related information from any applicant. 

Application Deadline: January 4

Personal interviews with a 15-20 minute presentation are required. Virtual interviews will be conducted this year using Microsoft Teams. All applicants will be notified of their interview status no later than February 14.

For further information, address all correspondence to:

Abby Beane, PharmD, BCACP
Residency Program Director
VA Medical Center Pharmacy Service (119)
Iowa City, IA 52246-2208
♦♦♦

abby.beane@va.gov
FAX: 319-887-4904

The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) offers a Postgraduate Year Two (PGY2) Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency Program to provide specialized training in psychiatric and neurologic pharmacy. The residency program is coordinated by Lucas Watson, Pharm.D., BCPP – Clinical Pharmacy Specialist.

Purpose Statement: The ICVAHCS PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy residency will provide a challenging and comprehensive program designed to prepare the resident to become a skillful, competent clinician in psychiatric pharmacy practice, to help develop their skills in psychiatric pharmacy clinical outcomes research, and to foster their growth as an educator of psychiatric pharmacotherapy. 

The ICVAHCS PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy residency program builds upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency training to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives for advanced practice areas. Residents who successfully complete PGY2 residency programs are prepared for advanced patient care or other specialized positions, and Board Certification in Psychiatric Pharmacy (BCPP).

Program Description: Residents will gain valuable experience in a variety of clinical settings.

•  Required Learning Experiences
  • Acute Care Adult Psychiatry I
  • Ambulatory Care Adult Psychiatry (I and II)
  • Acute Care Medicine-Psychiatry (rotation at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)
  • Communication, Education, and Professional Development (Longitudinal)
  • Residency Project Management (Longitudinal)
  • Medication Use Evaluation (Longitudinal)
  • Staffing (Longitudinal)
• Elective/Selected Learning Experiences
  • Acute Care Adult Psychiatry II  (emphasis on precepting)
  • Ambulatory Substance Abuse
  • Ambulatory Care Psychiatry, Longitudinal
  • Ambulatory Mental Health Intensive Case Management
  • Acute Care Consult-Liaison Psychiatry
  • Acute Care/Ambulatory Care Palliative Care
  • Administration
  • Ambulatory Care Pain Management
  • Acute Care Geriatric Psychiatry (rotation at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics)
  • Acute Care Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (as available; rotation at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)

Appointment Period: Twelve months from July 1 through June 30 (flexible)

Salary: $51,974 per annum

Benefits: Federal Employee medical benefits; up to 13 vacation days and 13 sick days; all federal government holidays; continuing education opportunities; and travel funds to attend ASHP-MCM and/or the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) Annual Meeting as available

Administrative Leave: Residents are eligible for administrative leave to attend conventions and professional meetings including (but not limited to) the Iowa Pharmacy Association Fall Residents Conference, ASHP-MCM, and College of Psychiatric & Neurological Pharmacists Annual Meeting (may not exceed 37 days total leave)

Requirements of Applicants:

• Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College of Pharmacy
• Pharmacy licensure by start date
  • Iowa licensure required by October 1st
• Completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY1 Residency
• U.S. Citizenship (by application date)

Application Materials (submitted in PhorCAS):

• Letter of Intent
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three references
• College Transcripts

Application Deadline: refer to the ASHP Residency Directory listing

Showcases/Recruitment Events: refer to the ASHP Residency Directory listing

Interviews: Personal interviews with a 20-25 minute presentation are required.  Please contact the PGY2 residency director for more information about our interview process.

Appointment of applicants: Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical exam, including negative drug test. Applicants must meet requirements for federal employment.

For further information, address all correspondence to:

Lucas Watson, Pharm.D., BCPP
PGY2 Residency Program Director
Pharmacy Service (119)
VA Medical Center
Iowa City, IA 52246-2208
♦♦♦
319-338-0581, ext. 635448 or pager 362
lucas.watson@va.gov

The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) offers a Postgraduate Year Two (PGY2) Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) residency to provide specialized training in the fundamentals of pharmacy management and leadership in clinical pharmacy and operational practice settings. The residency program is coordinated by Traviss Tubbs, PharmD – Chief of Pharmacy Service.

Purpose Statement: The ICVAHCS PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) residency program builds upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency training to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the ASHP education competency areas, goals, and objectives. Areas of competence emphasized throughout the program include safe and effective medication-use systems, quality assurance and improvement, management of human and financial resources, use of technology, and advanced leadership. Upon successful completion of this PGY2 residency program, the pharmacist will be prepared for advanced patient care or other specialized positions requiring high-level managerial, supervisory, and leadership roles. 

Program Description: Residents will gain valuable experience in a variety of administrative and clinical settings. The residency is a full-time temporary appointment of 52 weeks in duration. 

Orientation to the residency program and ICVAHCS pharmacy service is scheduled for an 8-week period in July-August. For residents who completed their PGY1 residency at a VA site, orientation will be shortened to 4 weeks, allowing the resident the opportunity to complete a second clinical elective. 

•  Required Block Learning Experiences
  • Orientation (4-8 weeks)
  • Pharmacy Enterprise (6 weeks)
  • Pharmacy Informatics (6 weeks)
  • Outpatient Operations (6 weeks)
  • Inpatient Operations (6 weeks)
  • Specialist Operations (6 weeks)
  • Formulary Management (4 weeks)
  • Clinical Elective(s) (4-8 weeks)
• Required Longitudinal Learning Experiences
  • Budget + Inventory (5 months)
  • Medication Safety (5 months)
  • Human Resources (5 months)
  • Pharmacoeconomics (5 months)
  • Resident Research (12 months)
  • Staffing – Inpatient (10 months)
• Elective Learning Experiences
  • Acute Care Adult Psychiatry (4 weeks)
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship/Infectious Disease (4 weeks)
  • Intensive Care Unit (4 weeks)
  • Internal Medicine (4 weeks)
  • Oncology (4 weeks)
  • Palliative Care and Hospice (4 weeks)

Appointment Period: 52 weeks, starting at the beginning of a pay period (July 2026)

Salary: $51,974 per annum (based on 2025-2026 year)

Benefits: Federal Employee medical insurance and dental and vision insurance. Up to 13 vacation and 13 sick days, all federal government holidays, continuing education opportunities, and partial travel funds to attend ASHP-MCM. 

Administrative Leave: Residents are eligible for administrative leave to attend conventions and professional meetings, including (but not limited to) the Iowa Pharmacy Association Fall Residents Conference and ASHP-MCM (may not exceed a total of 37 days of leave in the residency year).

Requirements of Applicants:

• Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College of Pharmacy
• Pharmacy licensure by start date
• Completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY1 Residency
• U.S. Citizenship (by application date)

Application Materials (submitted in PhorCAS):

• Letter of Intent
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three references
• College Transcripts

Application Deadline: refer to the ASHP Residency Directory listing

Showcases/Recruitment Events: refer to the ASHP Residency Directory listing

Interviews: Interviews with a 20-25-minute presentation are required.  Please contact the PGY2 HSPAL Residency Director for more information about our interview process.

Appointment of applicants: Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical exam, including a negative drug test. Applicants must meet the requirements for federal employment.

For further information, address all correspondence to:

Traviss Tubbs, PharmD
Chief, Pharmacy Service
PGY2 HSPAL Residency Program Director
Pharmacy Service (119)
VA Medical Center
♦♦♦
Iowa City, IA 52246-2208
traviss.tubbs@va.gov

Beth Acevedo, PharmD, BCPS, is an inpatient clinical pharmacist.  She has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2013 from Creighton University. She completed a PGY-1 residency at Unity Point Health Allen Hospital in 2014. She worked at Mercy Cedar Rapids as an inpatient pharmacist from 2014-2016.  She joined Iowa City VA as an inpatient clinical pharmacist in 2016. She enjoys precepting students and residents for Internal Medicine. 

Derek Adams, PharmD, MSS, is a 2002 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. He joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in 2014 as the Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor. From 2016 to 2021 he served as the Associate Chief of Pharmacy – Operations. In this capacity he was responsible for overseeing operations in the inpatient and outpatient pharmacies, providing oversight and direction for pharmacy informatics, pharmacoeconomics, and the antimicrobial stewardship program, and contributing to planning efforts in the pharmacy department. From 2021 to 2025 he served as the Associate Chief of Pharmacy – Outpatient Operations. He currently serves as the Associate Chief of Pharmacy – Clinical Services. He is a member of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, the Medication Safety Subcommittee, and the Emergency Management Committee. He serves as the health system’s Chief of Operations within the Incident Command System. Prior to joining the Iowa City VA Health Care System, he was a clinical pharmacist in ambulatory care, long term care, outpatient, and inpatient at Great River Health Systems for 7 years, then a supervisor in inpatient pharmacy at Great River Medical Center for 5 years. Derek has served in the Army National Guard for over 30 years and currently holds the rank of Brigadier General. He is a combat veteran, a graduate of the US Air War College, and has been awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

Molly Adams, PharmD, is an inpatient clinical pharmacist.  She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University and pursued a pharmacy practice residency at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Mission, KS.  She started her pharmacy career at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas, but moved back to Iowa and joined the ICVA originally in 2003. She has worked in various roles in both inpatient and outpatient pharmacies.  She enjoys precepting pharmacy students from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and working with residents as a preceptor for the Internal Medicine 1&2 modules as well as during their staffing experience.  

Abby Beane, PharmD, BCACP, joined the ICVAHCS in July 2017 as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Ambulatory Care.  Abby’s main areas of interest are anticoagulation and medication management.  She received her PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2007 and went on to complete a PGY-1 Residency in Community Practice from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2008.  Dr. Beane received her Board Certification in Ambulatory Care in the Fall of 2016.  Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, Abby was a pharmacist at Hy-Vee starting as a Clinical Pharmacist after residency and then transitioning to Pharmacy Manager.  Abby participated in the IPA Leadership Conference in 2018. Throughout her practice she has been a preceptor for pharmacy students and enjoys working with students and residents which has lead to Abby transitioning to the PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director in 2025.

Delaney Brainerd, PharmD, BCPP is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Psychiatry for the Coralville VA Clinic. Delaney did her undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa before trading Big Ten schools and attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, where she received her doctorate in pharmacy in 2021. Upon graduation, she moved back to the Hawkeye state and completed her PGY-1 residency training in general pharmacy practice at the Iowa City VA as well as her PGY-2 in psychiatry, where she rotated between services at the Iowa City VA and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). Her clinical interests include PTSD and depression pharmacotherapy, serious mental illness (SMI), and pharmacogenomics. 

Brooke Burkhalter, PharmD, joined the ICVAHCS in July 2017 as a Clinical Pharmacist in the Outpatient Pharmacy. In April 2018, she transferred to a clinical specialist position in Ambulatory Care; focusing on anticoagulation and medication management. She received her PharmD. from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2005. Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, Brooke was a pharmacist at Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Washington, Iowa (2005-2008) and Iowa City Hy-Vee Market (2008-2017). During her time with Hy-Vee she focused her care in medication therapy management programs, such as Outcomes, Mirixa, and EQUIPP. She also played an active role in immunization administration and biometric screenings. During her time at Hy-Vee she served as a preceptor for pharmacy students and interns. 

Matthew Cantrell, PharmD, BCPS, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA Health Care System. He graduated from Mount Mercy College in 2000 and received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa in 2005. He completed a Primary Care Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Iowa City VA in 2006. His primary clinical responsibilities include anticoagulation and medication management. Dr. Cantrell is active in many state and national organizations and is a former Chair of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Geriatric Practice and Research Network (PRN).  He has collaborated with students, residents, and professional colleagues on original research, chapters, and review articles.  He has been board certified in Pharmacotherapy since 2008. Dr. Cantrell has received awards related to teaching and is a former recipient of the Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award sponsored by the Iowa Pharmacy Association and Pharmacists’ Mutual Insurance Company. 

Andrea Chase, PharmD, originally hails from Texas but now happily calls Iowa home. She graduated from Columbia University with a BS in Neuroscience, served 4 years in the US Army, and then earned her PharmD at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. To escape the sweltering Texas heat she traveled 1,000 miles north and completed the PGY1 residency program at the Iowa City VA. She went on to work in outpatient pharmacy, PACT pharmacy, and is now the Primary Care Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor. She continues to provide clinical support to primary care teams in Iowa City and the Women’s Health Clinic. She serves on the Residency Advisory Committee, Women Veterans Health Committee, as well as local and VISN and Clinical Pharmacy Practice Councils. She routinely precepts both residents and students rotating through PACT during the year. Outside of work, there is a high degree of probability she is telling her five-year-old “Yes I’m watching!” and/or chasing her two-year-old around the park. She occasionally finds time to sneak in a powerlifting meet.

Megan Dahlke, PharmD, BCACP, is a Clinical Pharmacy Provider for the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) for the Dubuque VA clinic.  She graduated from the University of Iowa with her PharmD in 2004.  She served as a pharmacist in the United States Navy from 2004-2009 and was in the United States Navy Reserve from 2009-until her retirement in 2023. She completed a pharmacy practice residency at St. Vincent Indianapolis in 2010.  She worked as a PACT/anticoagulation Pharmacist at the Peoria VA Clinic from 2011-2014, was mobilized to Landstuhl Army Medical Center from 2011-2012, and was an inpatient clinical pharmacist at the Iowa City VA from 2014-2015.  She has been at the Dubuque clinic since 2015 and works with residents through medication use evaluations.  Her interests are diabetes and patient centered care. 

Yvonne De Sloover, PharmD, BCACP, is the Pain Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner at the Iowa City VA Medical Center and Adjunct Professor (Clinical) at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and then completed a Primary Care Specialty Residency within the University of Iowa Department of Family Medicine. Dr. De Sloover’s primary area of practice is in Pain Management, opioid use disorder and complex persistent opioid dependence. She was the 2016 recipient of the Excellence in Interprofessional Education & Practice Award from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Graduate Medical Education Office.

Tess Dyson, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist practitioner in hospice & palliative Care. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2019 and completed a PGY-1 residency at the Iowa City VA in 2020. Following residency, she accepted a position as an Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist at the Iowa City VA where she rotated through a variety of areas. In August of 2022, she transitioned into her current role on the Hospice & Palliative Care team where she has enjoyed functioning as a practitioner in both the inpatient and clinic settings and working with the interdisciplinary team. She has been actively engaged as a preceptor for pharmacy students and residents along with internal medicine residents. 

Jason A. Egge, PharmD, MS, BCPS, joined the Iowa City VA in January 2006 as a clinical pharmacy specialist. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 2002 then completed a specialty practice residency in ambulatory care at the Iowa City VA the following year. He practiced as a clinical specialist in internal medicine/nephrology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota from 2003 to 2006 before rejoining the VA as a clinical pharmacy specialist. Dr. Egge completed an MS in epidemiology through the University of Iowa College of Public Health the Spring of 2009. He is currently the pharmacoeconomic and education program manager. His interests include pharmacoeconomics, formulary management, medication use evaluation, and drug evaluation.

Thomas Fisher, PharmD, BCACP, graduated from the University of Iowa, College of Pharmacy in 2009. He began his pharmacy career working with Walgreens as a community pharmacist and pharmacy manager in Denver Colorado. After 5 years in the community sector, Thomas went on to complete a PGY-1 Ambulatory Care residency at the Phoenix VA HCS.  After finishing his residency, Thomas moved back home to Iowa and began his career with the Iowa City VA HCS as an outpatient pharmacist. Shortly after receiving his board certification in ambulatory care, Thomas also decided to join the Iowa Army National Guard. Following this initial military training, he transitioned into a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist position (Feb/2017) as one of the anticoagulation clinic coordinators. Thomas then deployed to Kuwait with the Iowa Guard from 2017 to 2018 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Following his deployment, Thomas resumed his role as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist as serving as the anticoagulation clinic coordinator. In 2021, Thomas became a supervisor for his area, and continues to split his time working in anticoagulation and administrative duties. His areas of interests include anticoagulation, combat medicine, cardiology, and mental health pharmacy. He loves working with and alongside our Veteran population. 

Chris Fox, PharmD,  is an inpatient clinical pharmacist. Chris received his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2020. Upon graduation, he completed his PGY-1 residency training at the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS). Following residency training, he accepted a position at the ICVAHCS as an Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist in 2021.  As an inpatient clinical pharmacist, he serves and enjoys working in a variety of areas including internal medicine, sterile IV preparation and central pharmacy in addition to precepting pharmacy students and residents. At home he enjoys spending time outside with his wife and kids. 

Alecia Grimm, PharmD, has been a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Ambulatory Care since April 2025.  She graduated from the Iowa City College of Pharmacy in 2018 and completed her PGY1 residency at the Iowa City VA.  She then spent 5 years as an Outpatient Pharmacist at ICVA.  Her greatest joys are her family- including her husband, 3 boys, and 85 pound goldendoodle- working out, eating, and traveling.

Kaitlin Hanken, PharmD, BCPP, joined the ICVAHCS as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in mental health in April 2018. Dr. Hanken graduated from Drake University with her PharmD in 2014. Upon graduation, she completed her PGY-1 residency at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois, where she then completed her PGY-2 residency specializing in mental health. Prior to joining the Iowa City VAMC, she served as the only mental health CPS at the Hines VA. Her clinical interests include substance abuse and psychotic disorders. 

Danielle Harris, PharmD, BCACP, graduated from the University of Iowa in 2010 with her B.S. in Microbiology, then continued on to receive her PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2014.   Afterwards she completed a PGY1 Community Pharmacy Practice Residency with UNC/Walgreens in Chapel Hill, NC and later accepted a position as the UNC/Walgreens Residency Site Coordinator in Asheville, NC (2015-2017). While there she was the recipient of the programs UNC Outstanding Residency Preceptor Award (2015-2016). Dr. Harris then joined the ICVAHCS as an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in 2017 and transitioned to the role of Facility Program Manager in Pharmacy Informatics/ADPAC/Research in 2024.  She received her Board Certification in Ambulatory Care in the Fall of 2018.  Dr. Harris’s interests include precepting, patient care, informatics and project management. 

Brett Heintz, PharmD, BCPS-ID, received his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy and completed his residencies in pharmacy practice and infectious diseases at the University of California, Davis Medical center.  After post-graduate training he served as an infectious disease clinical pharmacy specialist and Assistant Clinical Professor from 2007-2012 jointly with UCSF School of Pharmacy.  He also is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist with added qualification in infectious diseases. Dr. Heintz, a Pharmacy Specialist in Infectious Diseases joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in September 2012 initially serving as the internal medicine pharmacy specialist and currently as the director of the antimicrobial stewardship program. He holds an academic position as Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and precepts pharmacy students, delivers didactic lectures and coordinates a pharmacotherapy course. Dr. Heintz’s primary research and clinical interests include antimicrobial dosing in special populations; management of outpatient delivery of antimicrobial therapy; predictors of treatment failure and antimicrobial stewardship principles. Dr. Heintz has authored several articles and book chapters related to antimicrobial therapy and presented numerous presentations and posters at local, state and national level meetings.  He is also the recipient of several teaching awards. 

Shannon J. Heintz, PharmD, received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She completed a Pharmacoepidemiology Research Fellowship at the California Department of Public Health and Touro University College of Pharmacy, a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at the University of California San Diego Medical Center, and a PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Residency at the University of California Davis Health System.  Dr. Heintz joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in 2012 as a pharmacy specialist covering critical care, solid organ transplant, and parenteral nutrition therapy. She also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and enjoys working with pharmacy students and residents in various stages of their careers as well as the other health care professionals that make up the care teams. 

Olivia Hopton, PharmD, is an Outpatient Pharmacist at the Iowa City VA. Olivia graduated from Drake University in 2019 and then completed her PGY-1 residency at the Iowa City VA 2019-2020. Since residency completion, Olivia has been a pharmacist in the outpatient pharmacy. She serves as one of the preceptors for outpatient pharmacy/orientation for the PGY-1 residency program and enjoys working with residents and students. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys traveling, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.  

Nick Howell, PharmD, joined the ICVAHCS in July 2023 as Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor in the pharmacy department.  He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2006. Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, Nick was a pharmacist at Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Coralville, Iowa (2006-2018) and then became the manager of this location from 2019-2023. During his time with Hy-Vee, he focused on patient care and medication therapy management through programs such as Outcomes and Mirixa. He served an active role in pharmacy operations and immunization programs for the Coralville area and assisted with biometric screenings. During his time with Hy-Vee, he served as a preceptor for pharmacy interns and students at the University of Iowa. 

Kelsey Ibeawuchi, Pharm.D., BCACP, is a clinical pharmacist practitioner in ambulatory care with a primary focus in anticoagulation, medication management and weight loss medications. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa in May 2019. Followed by the completion of a PGY1 Residency at the Iowa City VA Health Care System. Prior to her transition to ambulatory care, she was a clinical pharmacist practitioner on the Quad Cities Home-Based Primary Care team for five years. Her area of interests include ambulatory care with an emphasis on anticoagulation, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking cessation management. 

Shella Johnson, PharmD, BCGP, came to the Iowa City VA Health Care System as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in 2003.  She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2002 and completed the Primary Care Pharmacy Residency within the University of Iowa Department of Family Medicine.  She joined the VA Geriatric Scholar Program and earned her BCGP in 2013; this has afforded her opportunities to participate in clinical practica at VA medical centers across the country in areas such as alternative medicine, functional assessment, and palliative care.  Shella co-chairs the ICVA Dementia Committee, and in 2023 was awarded the Dementia Capable Care Specialist credential from the Crisis Prevention Institute. Dr. Johnson is currently the Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner for the Iowa City VA Home-Based Primary Care Team.  In this role she performs comprehensive medication assessments in veterans’ homes, offers disease state management, and provides specific education as needed. Her practice encompasses the “4 Ms of Geriatrics” with specific areas of interest include deprescribing, shared decision making, and end-of-life care 

Julie Karlan, R.Ph, joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in August 2020 as the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor.  Prior to her position here, she was the Manager of Pharmacy at UnityPoint Health System St. Luke’s Hospital for 30 plus years. Julie participates on the Falls Committee, Medication Safety Committee, Patient Experience Council, and Equipment Committee.  Julie serves on the Kirkwood Technician Advisory Committee and has been an officer of the Linn County Pharmacist Association.  Julie enjoys working with students and the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy engaging the next generation of Pharmacy Professionals. Project management is an area of enjoyment with planning/implementing a mail order pharmacy and designing/opening a state of the art pharmacy.  She looks forward to serving the veterans and the Iowa City VA Health System. 

Sean Kubik, PharmD, BCACP, is the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) for the Coralville VA Clinic. Sean graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2013. He then went on to complete a PGY-1 Residency focused in ambulatory care at the Lincoln, Nebraska VA. After residency, he accepted a position at the Lincoln VA as a (PACT) pharmacist for two years. Sean transferred to the Iowa City VA in July of 2016. His areas of interest are diabetes, hypertension, and medication management.

Jazmin Lee, PharmD, BCPS, is an inpatient clinical pharmacist. She went to high school in a small Nebraska town and completed the Rural Health Opportunities Program at Wayne State College in 2016. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2019 (Go Big Red). Her first experience in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System was at the Omaha VAMC as a pharmacy intern for three years. Upon graduation, she completed her PGY-1 residency training at ICVAHCS and became a clinical pharmacist in 2020. As an inpatient clinical pharmacist, she serves and enjoys working in a variety of areas including internal medicine, sterile IV preparation, and central pharmacy. Her clinical interests include infectious diseases, transplant, and internal medicine. She currently serves on the Dialysis Quality Assessment & Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee.

Jon Linder, PharmD, BCACP, is the Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner for the Home-Based Primary Care teams at the Ottumwa and Quincy VA Clinics.  Jon graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2016 after studying journalism and medical sciences throughout undergraduate studies (also at the University of Iowa). He worked as a student research assistant at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in the Department of Psychiatry before pursuing a career in pharmacy (focusing primarily in bipolar disorder and heart rate variability). Jon graduated from the PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Iowa City VA Health Care System in June 2017 before transitioning to a VA staff position with the Ambulatory Care Specialist group for two years. His areas of interest include diabetes, virology, cardiology, geriatrics, and primary care; and he is passionate about improving veterans’ care through building trust and goal setting.

Brian C. Lund, PharmD, MS, has been a Core Investigator with ICVAHCS’ health services research division, the Center for Access & Delivery Research & Evaluation (CADRE), since 2009. He received a Doctor of Pharmacy in 1998 and a Master of Science in Epidemiology in 2002 from the University of Iowa. His training also encompassed a clinical residency in psychiatric pharmacy in 1999, a fellowship in clinical psychopharmacology in 2001, and a post-doctoral scholar position in pharmacoepidemiology and health outcomes research in 2002. Dr. Lund’s research focuses on pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety, with an emphasis on mental health and older adult populations. He currently serves on the Pharmacy Resident Project Advisory Board (PAB), which oversees resident research projects, and is actively involved as a team member in many of the individual residency projects, which includes providing assistance with design, conduct, analysis, and reporting. 

Meaghan Meyer, PharmD, BCPS, is a Clinical Pharmacy Provider within Cardiology at the Iowa City VAHCS.  Dr. Meyer received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin Superior in 2000, then went on to conduct genetic research at the University of Minnesota Duluth until 2003.  She graduated with her PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2007 and completed the PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Iowa City VAHCS in 2008.  She worked in clinical research focusing on physician/pharmacist collaboration at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and Iowa City VAHCS until 2010 when she returned to the Iowa City VA Pharmacy as part of the Medication Reconciliation Core.  She transitioned into the Clinical Specialist group in 2015 while also serving as a PACT pharmacist for the Women’s Health Clinic and pharmacy consultant for the Gender Affirming Clinic. From 2023 to 2024, she served as a Clinical Pharmacy Provider [CPP] within the Neurology service line, focusing on treatment of migraine headache as part of the facility designation as a Headache Center of Excellence.  In fall of 2024, she joined the Cardiology service line as a CPP to manage patients with heart failure.

Billie Jo Myers, PharmD, is a 2003 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She joined the Iowa City VA in 2008, working in the Outpatient Pharmacy. During her outpatient career, she served on several committees including: Take back workgroup, Controlled Substance Crew, and the Opioid Sentinel Group. She is the pharmacy representative for the Disruptive Behavior Committee and is also an instructor and lead pharmacist for the Iowa City HCS MOVE program (weight loss program).  She joined the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist group in July, 2018.  Her primary focus is in anticoagulation and medication management. Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, Dr. Myers worked at several Hy-Vee pharmacies in the Iowa City and Coralville area. She has been working with pharmacy students throughout her career and enjoys being a preceptor for students and residents. 

Macklin (Mack) O’Brien, PharmD, BCPS, graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2012. After graduation he moved to the Pacific Northwest where he completed a PGY1 residency at PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver. After residency he practiced on the inpatient surgery floors at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. Mack’s surgery practice included care for patients on the bariatric, emergency, general, neuro and trauma surgery floors. He was part of a pilot transitions of care program for surgery patients discharging from the hospital. OHSU was the hub of bariatric surgery in Oregon and Mack was integral to the optimization of pharmaceutical care for bariatric surgery patients throughout their hospital stay and at time of discharge. While at OHSU Mack was a clinical adjunct professor with Oregon State University and precepted pharmacy students on rotation. Mack became a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist in 2015. Mack moved back to his Iowa roots in 2017 when he accepted a position working in primary care as a Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner at the Iowa City VA Healthcare Center. He provided disease state management remotely for the Sterling, Illinois and Burlington, Iowa Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). In February 2023 Mack accepted a new role for the ICVAHC as the Medication Safety Program Manager. This role focuses on the zero-harm goal founded on principles of High Reliability Organizations. Mack’s focus is nurturing a Just Culture and improving medication systems to minimize harm. Pharmacy residents engage in a longitudinal medication safety experience with Mack where aspects of safe medication use systems are covered. Mack is proud to be reconnected with his alma mater as an adjunct professor for the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. He also enjoys mentoring pharmacy students through the College of Pharmacy’s 1885 Society mentorship program. Mack’s mission in pharmacy is veteran-centric safe pharmaceutical care.   

Kelsey Pausche, PharmD, BCACP, is originally from West Chicago, IL and has been with the ICVA ambulatory care pharmacy specialist group since 2019, following completion of a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI, earlier that year. She earned her PharmD in 2018 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, but prior to that, completed her bachelor's degree in chemistry at the University of Iowa in 2014. Not to worry, she does root for the Hawkeyes when the two schools play each other. She kept herself occupied during the COVID quarantine by studying for and passing the ambulatory care pharmacy board certification exam in October 2020. Kelsey has been interested in ambulatory care ever since volunteering in the ICVA anticoagulation clinic during her undergrad years and is honored to be back now working with the pharmacists and clinic that inspired her pharmacy journey!

Jacquelyn Rector, PharmD, received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2021. Upon graduation, she completed her PGY-1 residency training at the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS). Following residency training, she accepted a position at the ICVAHCS as an Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist in 2022 and staffs in a variety of areas in this role.  She enjoys serving as a preceptor for both pharmacy students and residents. Her clinical areas of interest include internal medicine, infectious diseases, and anticoagulation. 

Bibiana “Bee” Ruiz Granado, PharmD, is the Compounded Sterile Preparations Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA Healthcare System. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2021 and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy residency at the Iowa City VA in 2022. Post-residency, Bee remained with the ICVA and worked as a Clinical Pharmacist in the Inpatient setting. She later transitioned to a specialist role working as the USP 797/800 Program Facility Manager. In this role, she ensures the facility is compliant with all USP standards and serves in a variety of interdisciplinary committees where she provides expertise in sterile compounding, hazardous drug handling, and education related to these. Her clinical pharmacy interests include antibiotic stewardship, acute care, and anticoagulation. She enjoys precepting pharmacy students and residents. 

Michelle Schmidt, PharmD, BCGP, cares for veterans as a clinical pharmacist practitioner in palliative care and serves at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy as an adjunct assistant professor.  She completed two years of residency training in the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Healthcare System after graduating from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  Since 2015, Michelle has contributed to advancing the pharmacist role in palliative care across VA, home hospice, inpatient, and classroom settings. As a military spouse, she finds working with veterans to be both professionally and personally fulfilling. In her role as a preceptor, she hopes to empower residents to integrate palliative care throughout the healthcare system.  In her eyes, the best part of being a palliative care pharmacist is the gift of getting to know patients and their families beyond the medical record and helping them achieve their best quality of life possible.

Amy Schweitzer, Pharm D, BCPS, HF-Cert, is a Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner in Cardiology/Heart Failure, operating the Pharmacist-Led Heart Failure Medication Titration Clinic, in addition to serving as a resource in clinic for Cardiology providers and fellows. She graduated from the University of Iowa with her Pharm D in 1999.   Joined the ICVAHCS in 2000 as a Clinical Pharmacist in the Outpatient Pharmacy. Additional opportunities allowed for a broader experience as part of the Medication Reconciliation Team, Transitions of Care Clinic, and Heart Failure Clinic.   Amy is part of the first cohort of heart failure (HF) providers to earn Heart Failure Certification (HF-Cert) as a member of HFSA (Heart Failure Society of America) and currently serves as a member of the HFSA National Pharmacist’s Committee.    She also has participated as a writer/reviewer for test items for the BCPS and HF-Cert exams.  

Abby Tague, PharmD, CACP, joined the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center in July 2009.  She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2003 and competed a Primary Care Specialty Residency at the William S. Middleton VA Hospital in Madison, WI. She currently works in the Iowa City VAMC anticoagulation clinic and medication management service. Prior to joining the Iowa City VAMC, she worked for the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics as the Clinical Coordinator of the Anticoagulation Clinic.

Marshall Tague, PharmD, BCOP, joined the Iowa City Veteran Affairs Medical Center in July 2009.  He is a 2003 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Upon graduation he completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin from 2003 to 2004.  He then went on to complete an Oncology Specialty Residency at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida from 2004 to 2005.  Prior to joining the Iowa City VAMC he worked at the University of Wisconsin Hospital Clinics providing services to inpatient Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care services. He is currently the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Oncology at the Iowa City VAMC.

Jess Thompson, PharmD, MBA, is an Outpatient Clinical Pharmacist at the Iowa City VAMC.  He is originally from Des Moines, IA and received his Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration from Drake University in 2019. After graduation, he completed a PGY-1 residency in community pharmacy through the University of Iowa. He then worked as a staff pharmacist at Hy-Vee in Coralville, IA from August 2020 until accepting his current position at the Iowa City VAMC in February 2023. During his time at Hy-Vee, he served as a preceptor for University of Iowa students and had a particular interest in medication management and promoting adherence. In his current role, Jess serves as a residency preceptor for outpatient pharmacy orientation and staffing. He greatly enjoys mentoring residents and pharmacy students alike.

Krystal Titus-Rains, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, Krystal graduated from the University of Iowa College of pharmacy in 2014 and pursued a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at the Iowa City VA Healthcare System.  She completed a PGY2 residency in oncology pharmacy at the VA in Durham, NC prior to returning to the Iowa City VA in 2016.   She worked as an inpatient clinical pharmacist and resident co-coordinator for the inpatient pharmacy rotations and staffing experiences until 2022 when she transitioned to Oncology Pharmacy Specialist.  Her interests include internal medicine and oncology.  She enjoys reading, running, baking, and traveling.  

Traviss Tubbs, PharmD. is the Chief of Pharmacy Services for the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) as well as the Residency Program Director (RPD) for the PGY-2 Residency in Health Systems Pharmacy Administration & Leadership (HSPAL).  He also holds the titles of Assistant Dean of Veterans Affairs and Assistant Professor (Clinical) at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2001.  After graduation Dr. Tubbs worked for Wal-Mart Pharmacy in roles including Pharmacy Manager, Pharmacy District Manager and Corporate Recruiter for Pharmacy and Optometry.  Traviss then took a position as a Clinical Pharmacist in the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Department at the UIHC.  He joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in October of 2009 as the Pharmacy Supervisor for Outpatient Services.  Dr. Tubbs was later promoted to Associate Chief of Operation Compliance and Supply Management and subsequently to the Chief position.  As Chief of Pharmacy, Traviss is ultimately responsible for all pharmacy related operations, contracting, budgeting, compliance, outcomes, inventory management and clinical practice.  Dr. Tubbs is also involved in policy management and development for the ICVAHCS.  He serves on the Residency Advisory Board, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Medical Executive Board, Health Care Operations Committee, Quality Safety Value Committee, Space Committee, Informatics Committee, Pain Committee, Affiliation Partnership Council and Peer Review Committee for the ICVAHCS.  At the VISN level, Dr. Tubbs serves on the VISN 23 Pharmacy Advisory Board, VISN 23 Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, VISN 23 Pharmacy Operations Practice Council and the VISN 23 Pain Committee. At the national level, Traviss has previously worked with the Medication Reconciliation Documentation Workgroup, the Pharmacy Recruitment and Retention Advisory Board and a workgroup tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to the national directive on controlled substance inspections.  In his work with the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Tubbs serves on the Dean’s Executive Committee, lectures in the Residency Preparation Elective, serves as preceptor for the General Hospital APPE experience and mentors pharmacy students.

Nancee Waterbury, PharmD, BCACP, has been a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA since 2001. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and completed the specialized practice residency in Ambulatory Care at the Iowa City VA in June 2001. Dr. Waterbury served as the PGY 1 Pharmacy Practice Residency Program Director from 2008-June 2025. Her primary areas of clinic involvement include diabetes education and management, weight loss management, and virology. She is an active member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association participating in the Leadership Pharmacy Conference, receiving Young Pharmacist of the Year award, completing a two-year term on the Board of Trustees in 2012 and serving on a variety of committees. Dr. Waterbury is an adjunct assistant professor for the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, lecturing and precepting students. 

Luke Watson, PharmD, BCPP, joined the ICVAHCS as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Psychiatry in 2016. Dr. Watson received his B.S. in Chemistry from the Truman State University in 2010.  Dr. Watson received his PharmD. degree from the University of Iowa in 2014. He completed his PGY-1 residency training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.  He then completed his PGY-2 residency training in psychiatric pharmacy residency at the ICVAHCS and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  Dr. Watson’s clinical interests include psychiatric and neurological pharmacy. Dr. Watson is currently the Residency Program Director for the PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy residency program at the ICVAHCS.

Megan Watson, PharmD, BCPS is a clinical pharmacy informaticist. She is originally from Iowa and studied biology at Wartburg College before starting pharmacy school at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She worked at the ICVAMC as a pharmacy student intern during pharmacy school. After pharmacy school she completed a PGY1 residency at the Omaha VAMC. She then returned to ICVAMC inpatient pharmacy team as an inpatient clinical pharmacist and was in that role for 7 years before transitioning to pharmacy informatics. As a pharmacy informaticist she focuses on inpatient management of pharmacy automation, physician order entry optimization, and drug file management. She is a team preceptor for the combined informatics/medication safety elective learning experience. 

Ryan Weber, PharmD, is the Pharmacy Informatics and Research Supervisor for the Iowa City VA Health Care System. He also holds a clinical adjunct professor appointment at the University of Iowa.  His responsibilities include oversight and management of the pharmacy informatics and investigational drug service programs.  Dr. Weber is a farm kid from western Iowa and obtained a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University in 2009 along with a Minor in Business Studies and Certificate in Church Music (Organ).  After graduation, he worked for an independent pharmacy in the Des Moines area and held a clinical adjunct appointment with Drake.  He joined the ICVAHCS as an outpatient clinical pharmacist in 2015, moved to an informatics and research role in 2022, and then the supervisor position in 2023.  Dr. Weber serves on the ICVA Health Informatics Governance Committee, ICVA Medication Safety Subcommittee, ICVA Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, ICVA P&T Subcommittee for Review of Investigational Studies, ICVA Research and Development Committee, and the University of Iowa Institutional Review Board (IRB-03).  He has also served as a national tester for VistA patches and the VA Advanced Medication Platform (AMPL) program.

Marcia Chace Zeithamel, BS, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, Dr. Marcia Zeithamel is an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner at the Iowa City VA Health Care System.  She received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. She is a Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and a Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, successfully re-certifying for both specialties in 2024.  Dr. Zeithamel practiced in the outpatient pharmacy setting at the ICVA HCS before joining the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist group in 2017. Additionally, she is the Geripact pharmacist for the ICVA HCS Geriatric Clinic.  Dr. Zeithamel is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and enjoys precepting pharmacy students and residents. Her primary areas of interest and clinic involvement include Primary Care, Geriatric Pharmacy, Medication Management and Anticoagulation.  She is a member of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Noor Alwaan, PharmD, I am originally from Iraq. I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025. During my time in pharmacy school, I was actively involved in various initiatives that fueled my passion for patient care and community service. I participated in the Mobile Clinic, served as the Chair of Remember the Ribbon through SNPhA, focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness, and collaborated on a project development initiative with my best friend, which deepened my interest in innovative, patient-centered care. My professional interests are centered on ambulatory care, with a particular emphasis on psychiatry and chronic disease management. I am especially passionate about supporting underserved populations, a mission that motivates and inspires my work. I am dedicated to helping patients manage complex, long-term health conditions. Outside of pharmacy, I enjoy a full and joyful life with my family. I am a mom of three children, and I spend most of my free time with them.

Claire Behymer, PharmD, originally from Davenport, IA, received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University in Des Moines, IA in May 2025. She has been involved in a variety of organizations including APhA and Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity. In the future, she is open to a variety of career opportunities in both inpatient and outpatient areas. Her professional interests include ICU/critical care, infectious disease, geriatrics, and teaching. In her free time, she enjoys exploring walking trails, finding new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. 

Lauryn Hanson, PharmD, originally from Burlington, IA, received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025. She has been involved in both the college's Admissions Committee as well as national organizations, including the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP). She is currently interested in pursuing a career in ambulatory care pharmacy but is also looking forward to gaining more acute care experiences during residency. Dr. Hanson's professional areas of interest include chronic disease state management, mental health, pain management, and education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her cat, as well as scrapbooking, watching TV series, and going to concerts.

Ellise Mueller, PharmD, I am originally from Adel, IA, received my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025. I have been involved in the American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP), University of Iowa Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists (UI-SSHP), University of Iowa Pharmacy Student Ambassador Network (PSAN), and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. My professional areas of interest include chronic disease state management, specifically cardiology, as well as geriatrics. In the future, I intend to seek board certification in ambulatory care.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

QUESTION

What clinical rotations are available, how are they selected, is scheduling flexible?

ANSWER

• Every resident is required to complete the following clinical learning experiences
  • Internal Medicine-1
  • Selective Required Ambulatory Care Block
    • Anticoagulation Clinic
    • Medication Management
    • Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT)-1
    • One clinic/service from the Ambulatory Care track
• Residents select ONE elective track
  • Ambulatory Care Track
  • Specialty Clinical Track
  • Psychiatry PGY-2 Track
• Residents select one daily elective
• RPD meets with residents at the beginning of the year and every quarter to review the schedule; changes made based on resident preference

QUESTION

How much patient interaction will residents be exposed to while on ambulatory care rotations?

ANSWER

• Patient interaction is the hallmark of ambulatory care
• F2F, telemedicine, video to home and phone calls are used to interact with patients
• Eighty percent of a resident’s time is spent performing direct patient care activities

QUESTION

What is the staffing schedule, responsibilities, and support? How many hours, on call?

ANSWER

• Staffing schedule is determined by the residents
• Each resident will work the same number of weekends and evenings
  • 13 weekends (26 shifts): Saturday and Sunday for 8.5 hours each day
  • 28 evenings: one evening a week for 3 hours
• Residents will always have a clinical pharmacist(s) working with them on the weekends
• Residents are NOT on call
• Staffing is part of the residency program. Extra hours are not available for additional pay

QUESTION

What is the support system for the research project, how often do projects get published? How are they selected. Is this a large area of focus in this program?

ANSWER

• We have a project advisory board (PAB) who helps to guide projects to completion
  • Residents start meeting with the PAB in July
  • Meetings are weekly for the first several months
• There is a list of projects to select from; own ideas are welcome
• We do put a lot of focus and dedicate resources to the residency project and MUE
• We average 1-2 published projects a year

QUESTION

What are the expectations and opportunities of Education Program for Residents (PEPPR)?

ANSWER

• PEPPR is our teaching program affiliated with the University of Iowa COP
• Residents attend several educational workshops between August-December and select activities to participate in
  • Design and deliver 1 learning activity (large group)
  • Facilitate learning activities in the pharmacy practice course series one day in the Fall and one day in the Spring semester (small group/lab)
  • Can select more if desired
• Outside of the classroom residents assist in precepting students on rotations, but will not be the primary preceptor for a student
• All residents are responsible for completing a drug class review, CE program and
  pharmacy-wide journal club

QUESTION

What type of autonomy do ICVA pharmacists have?

ANSWER

• In the VA Health Care System clinical pharmacists have their own scope of practice
  • Can prescribe medications and order labs
  • Without physician co-signature
• VA Health Care System does not allow PGY-1 residents their own scope of practice
  • Can work under preceptors’ scope of practice
  • Can order medications and labs under preceptors’ name for signature
• Each clinical pharmacist has a unique scope of practice based on their area of expertise

QUESTION

How are residents evaluated? (how frequently is feedback given and from whom)

ANSWER

• PharmAcademic is the formal website
  • Preceptor evaluations at the end of each learning experience
  • Residents evaluate each learning experience and preceptor(s)
• Residents receive feedback on their projects and presentations throughout the year
• VA Health Care System requires preceptors to co-sign all PGY-1 resident notes
  • Feedback on recommendations and monitoring plans
  • Feedback on notes
• Every quarter RPD meets individually with each resident
  • Reviews most recent evaluations
  • Determines if changes in the schedule need to be made

QUESTION

Where have residents (over the past five years) gone after completing residency?

ANSWER

• Initial positions of past residents
  • Inpatient Positions: 40%
  • Outpatient/Am Care Position: 30%
  • PGY-2:  30%
• Currently working in the VA Health Care System: 80%

QUESTION

What is there to do in the area when not at work?

ANSWER

• Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa.     
  • Iowa City, IA | Home (icgov.org)
  • The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu)
• Coralville and North Liberty are the immediate surrounding areas
  • Coralville, IA - Official Website | Official Website
  • Home | City of North Liberty (northlibertyiowa.org)

QUESTION

How is transportation to work/parking handled? Is there adequate housing in the area?

ANSWER

• Parking onsite at the ICVA is reserved for veterans
• Residents are allowed to park onsite the evenings they staff and on the weekends
• We encourage residents to secure housing on a bus route
• There are multiple busing options; all stop behind VA for easy access
  • University Cambus (no charge)
  • Iowa City busing routes
  • Coralville busing routes
• Discounted busing passes are provided for VA employees