PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program

The Medical Center is a comprehensive level 1b healthcare facility. It is a tertiary care facility offering primary care, inpatient care, domiciliary care, nursing home care, home health care and outpatient specialty care in an environment of teaching, research, and emergency preparedness.

JHQVAMC provides acute care in 114 hospital beds and outpatient primary care and specialty care to 45,000 Veterans at its Mountain Home campus. In addition, JHQVAMC offers geriatric and rehabilitation services through the 120-bed Community Living Center and 170-bed Domiciliary that offers a variety of treatment modalities, including a homeless inpatient treatment program and homeless outreach. JHQVAMC includes a VA-staffed Outpatient Clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee where over 15,000 patients receive care. Additionally, there are seven VA-staffed Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Morristown, Mountain City, Rogersville, Sevierville and Campbell County, Tennessee and Bristol and Norton, Virginia that serve over 9,000 patients. There are two Rural Outreach Clinics associated with the Virginia CBOCs in Jonesville and Vansant.

The medical center is a primary training site for the ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy and Quillen College of Medicine, which are located on the VA campus, and is affiliated with the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy and the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Pharmacy.

Pharmacy Service Overview

The James H. Quillen VA Medical Center Pharmacy Service provides comprehensive pharmaceutical care to both inpatient and outpatient Veterans. The program appears large with a staff of 85 pharmacists, 34 technicians, 1 licensed practical nurse plus administrative and support staff, yet it remains one of the most efficient pharmacies in the VA system.

The inpatient pharmacy is open to serve the Veterans and house staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All medications sent to the ward and IVs are bar-coded for both the specific patient and medication strength. Clinical pharmacists as well as emergency department, infectious disease, and critical care clinical pharmacy specialists work alongside hospitalists and surgeons. These pharmacists work closely with the teaching teams to provide the most comprehensive pharmaceutical care to our Veteran patients. Clinical pharmacy specialists are integral members of the primary care clinics, medical home model teams, specialty clinics, and the multidisciplinary diabetes clinic. Additionally, pharmacists manage the entire outpatient anticoagulation program for Veterans enrolled in the MHVAHCS. Pharmacists actively participate on the P&T committee and manage the non-formulary drug request program, and a pharmacoeconomist provides support for both research and medication outcomes projects.

The outpatient pharmacy processes over 3,000 prescriptions daily from Mountain Home, the State Nursing Home, and the CBOCs of Knoxville, Morristown, Rogersville, Norton, and Bristol. Of these prescriptions, approximately 600-800 are filled for window pickup. Prescriptions to be mailed are filled locally or by the Consolidated Mail Out Pharmacy (CMOP) located in Murfreesboro. Counseling on medications is only one of the patient-centered services provided by this dedicated service, and our outpatient pharmacy patient satisfaction ratings are consistently one of the highest in our Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN).

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Johnson City Life

The beautiful 247 acre Mountain Home campus is a park-like setting within the community of Johnson City. Located in northeast Tennessee, Johnson City has a population of 65,000 and is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Tennessee. It is also the largest of the Tri-Cities, which includes Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. Set in a region known as America’s First Frontier, Johnson City is “Where the Pioneer Spirit Began”. It is a historically significant and culturally rich community surrounded by an abundance of unspoiled natural beauty. The area is world-renowned for its modern and traditional Appalachian and bluegrass music, art and cuisine, storytelling, and outdoor recreation for the whole family throughout all four seasons. Nearby attractions include NASCAR at Bristol Motor Speedway, the Appalachian Trail, the Biltmore House, and the resort destinations of Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. Outdoor activities abound, including whitewater rafting, snow skiing, hiking, and fishing all within driving distance.

• https://www.tnvacation.com/places-to-go/tri-cities-area
• https://visitjohnsoncitytn.com

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PGY1 Program Overview

Program Purpose

The James H. Quillen VA Medical Center PGY1 Pharmacy Residency program builds on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) 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.

The program provides the pharmacy resident with a challenging and comprehensive platform to improve clinical, educational, research, and practice management skills. The program will develop the resident’s ability to transform accumulated knowledge and clinical experience to a final outcome of improved patient care, and fully prepare the resident for general clinical pharmacy practice or continued specialty training.

Program Structure

The program is a twelve-month, postgraduate training experience that begins on July 1. Seven months are comprised of required learning experiences in core subject areas that are considered to be essential for the pharmacy practitioner. A variety of elective rotations are available to ensure flexibility in the program and enable the resident to achieve personal and professional goals.

Number of Positions: Four (4) PGY1 positions                  Appointment: July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027

Core Experiences:

• Orientation and Training (July)
• Primary Care/PACT (6 weeks)
• Anticoagulation (4 weeks)
• Acute Care (4 weeks)
• Critical Care (4 weeks)
• Pharmacy Administration (4 weeks)

Core Longitudinal Experiences:

• Pharmacy Practice (inpatient setting)
• Formulary Management
• Education
• Resident Project
• Population Health Management and Adverse Drug Event Reporting (VA ADERS)

Elective Opportunities:

Four Elective Rotations (4 weeks each) Residents may select four elective rotations from the following:
Mental health

• Substance use disorder
• Home based primary care
• Community living center
• Specialty clinic (cardiology/nephrology)
• Diabetes clinic
• Women’s health
• Pharmacogenomics
• Residency administration
• Academic detailing
• Emergency medicine
• Pain management
• Infectious diseases
• Hematology/oncology
• Advanced rotation of any required rotation

Benefits:

• $47,995 estimated stipend
• 13 paid vacation days
• 13 paid sick days
• 9 paid holidays
• Healthcare insurance
• Administrative leave for professional meetings
• Dual appointment (when available)

Staffing Assignments:

PGY1 residents are required to complete the Pharmacy Practice learning experience. Staffing requirements are the following:

Quarter 1: every other weekend
Quarter 2 through 4: every fourth weekend and one weeknight
Residents will also staff two holidays.

Residents Projects:

Quality Assurance/Improvement Project
Residents will select between four to six major project topics during July and work with the assigned project preceptor on development, implementation, and completion of the project.

Secondary Project
This project may be a medication use evaluation, cost/budget analysis, quality assurance, medication pathway or criteria development, or other similar item.

Teaching Certificates:

VA Teaching and Precepting Certificate
This teaching certificate is a requirement of the education learning experience and focuses on experiential teaching.

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Teaching Certificate
This teaching certificate is an optional opportunity for those who may be interested in teaching in a classroom setting. While the program will support the resident in pursuing this certificate, it may require the resident to have meetings and additional work assignments outside of those for the residency program. Residents will be responsible for completing additional assignments on their own time.

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How to Apply

Application Requirements:

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, graduate of an accredited school of pharmacy, and hold an active pharmacy license or be eligible for licensure in any U.S. state or territory. All applicants must participate in the ASHP Resident Matching Program.

Application Process:

Candidates should complete a standard application in the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service, PhORCAS, at https://www.ashp.org/phorcas

• Letter of intent
• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Official college of pharmacy transcript
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably from APPE preceptors)

Application Deadline:

All application materials must be submitted by January 2, 2026 (11:59pm EST).

NMS code: 188513

Interview Notification:

Candidates will be notified of interview status no later than February 15th.

Position Appointment:

Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of physical exam.  Applicants must meet all requirements for federal employment.

Note: The JHQVAMC pharmacy residency program agrees that no person at this site will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from any residency applicant. The program adheres to the rules of the ASHP Pharmacy Resident Matching Program.

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Contact Information

All correspondence should be addressed to:

Ketrin H. Mount, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP
PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Director
James H. Quillen VA Medical Center
Pharmacy Services (119)
P.O. Box 4000
Mountain Home, TN 37684

ketrin.mount@va.gov

Fax

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Current Residents

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Jeffery Brister, Dr. Kaitlin Roberts, Dr. Madison Brotze, and Dr. Emily Robert

Dr. Jeffery Brister grew up in Martinsville, VA. He attended The Citadel where he received a

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. He then moved back to Virginia where he would attend High Point

University’s Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy for his Pharmacy degree. Jeffery’s favorite hobbies

are to read or listen to books, playing golf, or spending time with family. He also likes to spend time

with his German Shephard named Shadow. After completing his PGY1 residency, Jeffery hopes to

pursue a PGY2 in either psychiatric pharmacy or geriatric pharmacy within the VA healthcare system.

Email: Jeffery.Brister@va.gov

Dr. Kaitlin A Roberts is from Asheville, NC. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from

Presbyterian College in 2021. She then earned Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health

degrees from Wingate University School of Pharmacy. Outside of work, Kaitlin’s hobbies include

reading, crocheting, hiking, and spending time with her family and her cat, Clint. After completing

PGY1 residency, Kaitlin hopes to pursue an infectious disease PGY2 or clinical pharmacist position.

Email: Kaitlin.Roberts@va.gov

Dr. Madison Brotze was born and raised in New Braunfels, TX. She attended the University of the

Incarnate Word to complete her prerequisites before earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from

the Feik School of Pharmacy. Her pharmacy interests include psychiatry, substance use disorders,

and pain/palliative care. Outside of pharmacy, Madison enjoys baking, spending time with her pets,

and exploring the Tennessee area. After completing her PGY1 residency, she hopes to continue

within the VA system as a PGY2 resident. Email: Madison.Brotze@va.gov

Dr. Emily Robert is from Atlanta, GA. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical

Sciences from Mercer University. She then received her Master of Business Administration and

Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from Mercer University. Her pharmacy interests include infectious diseases,

intensive care units, and the emergency department. Emily loves spending time with her

dog and cats. She also loves hiking, kayaking, and staying home reading a good book. After completing

her PGY1 residency, Emily wishes to stay within the VA healthcare system either as a

PGY2 resident or a clinical pharmacist. Email: Emily.Robert@va.gov

Past Residents

Class of 2025

• Justin Barnett
• Jenna Brophy-Wells
• Katherine Carter (Medley)
• Samantha Marshall (Keen)

Class of 2024

• Jonathan Chappell
• Emilee Potter
• Nitin Joshi
• Jordan Osborne

Class of 2023

• Jessica Howington
• Mariah McKinney
• Megan Lathrop
• Rebecca Worsham

Class of 2022

• Jackson Hetzler
• Lauren Clark (DuBose)
• Mariah Huskey

Class of 2021

• Holly Moyer
• Hannah Crutchfield (Oakes)
• Shannon Borsom (Schnable)
• Joshua Spencer

Class of 2020

• Meg Cothern
• Dylan Perkins
• Allison Kwiatkowski (Anderson)
• Megan Van Fleet

Class of 2019

• Reid Allison
• Anesa Hughes-Fields (Hughes)
• Kera Sumner
• Eric Shumann

Class of 2018

• Elizabeth Jacobs
• Shouji Nagata
• Jim Weygandt
• Lynsey Nebolisa (Parker)

Class of 2017

• Chris Blackburn
• Matt Hollifield
• Jessica Gaytan (Osteen)
• Emily Nguyen (Russell)

Class of 2016

• Sara Hand
• Amy Kyle
• Heather Sirek

Class of 2015

• Rebecca Campbell
• Rachel Sharpton
• Candace Jones (Dixon)

Class of 2014

• Emily Hughes
• Que Chau Ngo
• Mo Zakaria
• Kristen Burcham (Nelson)

Class of 2013

• Erin Harshbarger (Woodard)
• Robert Wood

Class of 2012

• David Burke
• Christopher Austin

Class of 2011

• Marsha Dangler
• Rachel Hargreaves (Hanners)

PGY1 Residency Preceptors

Samir Abdelfattah, PharmD, BC-ADM
Precepts: Anticoagulation
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Anticoagulation
PharmD: Appalachian College of Pharmacy

Reid Allison, PharmD
Precepts: Ambulatory Care, Education
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PACT
PharmD: Medical University of South Carolina
PGY1: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center

Nicole Boatright, PharmD, BCPS
Precepts: Ambulatory Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PACT
PharmD: University of Michigan
PGY1: University of Maryland Medical Center

Daniel Bulger, PharmD, BCACP
Precepts: Home Based Primary Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—HBPC
PharmD: Auburn University

David Burke, PharmD, BCPS
Precepts: Ambulatory Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PACT
PharmD: University of Maryland
PGY1: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center

Angela (Angie) Cooper, PharmD, BPCS
Precepts: Ambulatory Care—CBOC elective, Population Health
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PACT
PharmD: Virginia Commonwealth University

Margaret (Meg) Cothern, PharmD
Precepts: Ambulatory Care—CBOC elective
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PACT
PharmD: University of Tennessee
PGY1: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center
PGY2: North Florida/South Georgia VA HCS (Ambulatory Care)

Bianca Creith, PharmD, BPCS, BCACP
Precepts: Women’s Health
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PACT
PharmD: University of North Carolina
PGY1: Tennessee Valley VA HCS
PGY2: Tennessee Valley VA HCS (Ambulatory Care)

Justin Davis, PharmD, BPCS
Precepts: Pharmacogenomics
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PGx
PharmD: University of Florida
PGY1: James A. Haley VA Medical Center

Whitney Elliott, PharmD, BPCS, BCGP
Precepts: Administration
Position: Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Acute Care
PharmD: University of Tennessee
PGY1: Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center
PGY2: Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center (Internal Medicine)

Kerri Ensley, PharmD
Precepts: Geriatric Primary Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—GeriPACT
PharmD: East Tennessee State University
PGY1: Charles George VA Medical Center

Joni Foard, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES
Precepts: Home Based Primary Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—HBPC
PharmD: University of Tennessee
PGY1: Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center

Chase Gilley, PharmD
Precepts: Acute Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Acute Care
PharmD: Campbell University

Erin Harshbarger, PharmD
Precepts: Pharmacy Practice
Position: Clinical Pharmacist—Acute Care
PharmD: Mercer University
PGY1: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center

Rebecca (Becky) Holt, PharmD, BCPS
Precepts: Cardiology/Nephrology
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Specialty Clinic
PharmD: Mercer University

Caprisse Honsbruch, PharmD
Precepts: Pain Management
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Pain Management
PharmD: University of Iowa
PGY1: Confluence Health
PGY2: Roseburg VA Medical Center (pain management)

Brittany Jesek, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP
Precepts: Home Based Primary Care, Education
Position: Geriatrics & Anticoagulation Clinical Pharmacy Programs Supervisor and Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—HBPC
PharmD: Belmont University
PGY1: Tennessee Valley VA HCS
PGY2: Tennessee Valley VA HCS (ambulatory care)

Amber Johnson, PharmD, BCACP
Precepts: Home Based Primary Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—HBPC
PharmD: Campbell University
PGY1: Charles George VA Medical Center

Angela Kaucher, PharmD, BCIDP
Precepts: Infectious Disease
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Antimicrobial Stewardship
PharmD: University of Missouri
PGY1: North Kansas City Hospital
PGY1: Kansas City VA Medical Center (infectious disease)

Amy Kyle, PharmD, BCACP
Precepts: Ambulatory Care—CBOC, Population Health
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PACT
PharmD: East Tennessee State University
PGY1: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center

Mark LaBossiere, PharmD
Precepts: Mental Health
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Mental Health
PharmD: University of South Florida
PGY1: Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center
PGY2: James A. Haley VA Medical Center (psychiatry)

Paul J. (PJ) Laucka, PharmD, BCGP
Precepts: Geriatrics—Long Term Care/Hospice
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Geriatrics
PharmD: Mercer University
PGY1: Malcom Randall VA Medical Center (geriatrics)

Rebecca Maloney, PharmD
Precepts: Substance Use Disorder
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—SUD
PharmD: East Tennessee State University
PGY1: Central Virginia VA HCS
PGY2: Central Virginia VA HCS (psychiatry)

Macey McDaniel, PharmD, BCACP
Precepts: Diabetes
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Diabetes Clinic
PharmD: University of Georgica
PGY1: Carl Vinson VA Medical Center

Carmen Meadows, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP
Precepts: Hematology/Oncology
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Hem/Onc
PharmD: Virginia Commonwealth University

Ketrin Mount, PharmD, BCACP
Precepts: Ambulatory Care
Position: Residency Program Director and Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PACT
PharmD: University of Tennessee
PGY1: University of Tennessee Medical Center
PGY2: University of Tennessee Medical Center (ambulatory care)

Mariah Murphy, PharmD
Precepts: Acute Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist—Acute Care
PharmD: East Tennessee State University
PGY1: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center

Shouji Nagata, PharmD, MBA, BCACP
Precepts: Ambulatory Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PACT
PharmD: East Tennessee State University
PGY1: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center

Christopher Nagengast, PharmD, BCPP
Precepts: Mental Health
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Mental Health
PharmD: University of Illinois
PGY1: James Lovell Federal Health Center
PGY2: James Lovell Federal Health Center (psychiatry)

Madison Nash, PharmD, BCPS
Precepts: Ambulatory Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—PACT
PharmD: East Tennessee State University
PGY1: Columbia VA HCS
PGY2: Columbia VA HCS (ambulatory care)

Andrea Osborne, PharmD, BCPP
Precepts: Academic Detailing, Mental Health
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Academic Detailing, Mental Health
PharmD: Medical University of South Carolina
PGY1: William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital
PGY2: William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital (psychiatry)

Hunter Perrin, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Precepts: Critical Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Critical Care
PharmD: East Tennessee State University
PGY1: Bristol Regional Medical Center
PGY2: Charleston Area Medical Center (critical care)

Emily Potter, PharmD
Precepts: Anticoagulation
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Anticoagulation
PharmD: East Tennessee State University
PGY1: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center

Andrea (Jill) Radford, PharmD, CACP
Precepts: Anticoagulation
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Anticoagulation
PharmD: University of Tennessee

Kendra Rice, PharmD, BCPS
Precepts: Acute Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist—Acute Care
PharmD: East Tennessee State University
PGY1: Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center

Stephanie A. Ring Thompson, PharmD, BCACP
Precepts: Formulary Management, Administration
Position: Residency Program Coordinator and Pharmacy Formulary Manager
PharmD: Campbell University
PGY1: Campbell University/Wilson Community Health Center (academia/ambulatory care)
PGY2: Fayetteville NC VA Coastal HCS (ambulatory care)

Hans Scheerenberger, PharmD, BCIDP
Precepts: Infectious Disease
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Infectious Disease
PharmD: University of Illinois
PGY1: Aurora West Allis Medical Center
PGY2: Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (infectious disease)

Rebecca (Joy) Scott, PharmD, MBA, MHCI, BCACP
Precepts: VA ADERS/Medication Safety
Position: Medication Safety Program Manager
PharmD: East Tennessee State University

Adam Seneker, PharmD, BCPS
Precepts: Administration
Position: Chief of Pharmacy
PharmD: University of Tennessee
PGY1: University of Tennessee Medical Center (psychiatry)

Rita Spencer, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, CDCES
Precepts: Home Based Primary Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—HBPC
PharmD: Virginia Commonwealth University
PGY1: Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia

Rebecca Spivey, PharmD, MBA, BCPS
Precepts: Pain/Opioid Management, Administration
Position: Pain Management, Opioid Safety, and PDMP (PMOP) Coordinator
PharmD: Mercer University
PGY1: Grady Health System

Marty Vannoy, PharmD, BCPS
Precepts: Administration
Position: Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Clinical and Educational Services
PharmD: Samford University
PGY1: Vanderbilt University

Rebecca Worsham, PharmD
Precepts: Anticoagulation
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Anticoagulation
PharmD: Samford University
PGY1: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center

Robert Wood, PharmD, BCCCP
Precepts: Acute Care
Position: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner—Acute Care
PharmD: East Tennessee State University
PGY1: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center
PGY2: East Tennessee State University (internal medicine/academia

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Residency Program Recruitment Events

Federal Pharmacy Virtual Residency Showcase (Day 1)
Wednesday, November 5th
14:00 to 16:00
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Federal Pharmacy Virtual Residency Showcase (Day 2)
Thursday, November 6th
14:00 to 16:00
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SNPhA x ACCP Residency Showcase
Thursday, November 13th
18:00 to 19:00
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JHQVAMC Virtual Residency Program Open House (Day 1)
Wednesday, December 3rd
12:00 to 13:00
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JHQVAMC Virtual Residency Program Open House (Day 2)
Wednesday, December 17th
15:00 to 16:00
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JHQVAMC Virtual Residency Program Open House (Day 3)
Friday, December 19th
09:00 to 10:00
Join the meeting now