Our Graduates
2019 - 2020 Residents
Olivia Roberts, PharmD
PGY2 Cardiology Resident
Dr. Olivia Roberts, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, completed her prerequisite training at Miami University before earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Cincinnati. At UNC REX Healthcare, she completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice residency before serving as the first PGY2 Cardiology Resident. Her practice interests include general cardiology, cardiac critical care medicine, and ambulatory care. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Roberts was involved with several quality improvement initiatives, including the implementation of an institution-wide automatic pharmacist warfarin dosing policy. Her research focused on using investigational assays to validate the use of an institutional heparin nomogram for patients receiving heparin that were previously on oral factor Xa inhibitors. Dr. Roberts is currently pursuing a clinical cardiology specialist position in the Triangle area of North Carolina.
Brandon Beers, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Dr. Brandon Beers, originally from Nashville, Tennessee, earned his Bachelor of Science in biochemistry before completing his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. His practice interests include cardiology, ambulatory care and antimicrobial stewardship. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Beers completed the UNC Resident Teaching and Learning Certificate Program and served as a teaching assistant at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy during his PGY1 year. His research involved the evaluation of efficacy and safety of antithrombotic regimens in patients undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures. Dr. Beers is currently completing a cardiology PGY2 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. During his time there, he will complete research, clinical, and academic training in preparation for boards, teaching, and the practice of inpatient cardiology medicine.
Rachel Diaz, PharmD, MS
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Dr. Rachel Diaz, originally from Boca Raton, Florida, obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. She then attended the University of Tennessee Health Science Center to earn her Master of Science and Doctorate of Pharmacy degrees. Her practice interests include internal medicine and critical care. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Diaz completed the UNC Teaching Certificate Program and served as a teaching assistant at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in the spring. Her research focused on evaluating the use of a Pain, Agitation, and Delirium protocol in the ICU. Dr. Diaz is currently working as an emergency department pharmacist at UNC Rex.
Ethan Gerrald, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Dr. Ethan Gerrald, originally from Aynor, South Carolina, obtained his B.S. in Biochemistry at the College of Charleston. He then earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. During his time as a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice resident, Dr. Gerrald’s research dealt with the identification and evaluation of potential patient characteristics that may predispose multiple myeloma patients to develop carfilzomib-induced cardiotoxicities. Additionally, he obtained a Teaching & Learning Certificate from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Dr. Gerrald is currently completing his PGY2 Cardiology residency training at the University of Kentucky Healthcare, where his research will focus on LVADs & GI bleed outcomes with hemostatic agents. His current cardiology specific practice interests are complex disease state anti-thrombotic management, advanced HF therapies/mechanical cardiac support devices, heart transplant, cardiothoracic surgery, and pulmonary hypertension.
Steven Skovran, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Dr. Steven Skovran, originally from Knoxville, TN completed his prerequisite training at Brigham Young University. He then earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy. During his PGY1 year at UNC Rex, he obtained a Teaching & Learning Certificate through the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and in addition to serving as a teaching assistant. Throughout the year, Dr. Skovran completed a research project on the ideal antithrombotic regimens for iliac vein thrombosis with stent placement. After completing the PGY1 Pharmacy Practice residency, he accepted a position to stay on as the clinical specialist for internal medicine in addition to the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program. He will look to obtain his BCPS certification by examination in the fall of 2020.
2018 - 2019 Residents
Justin Harrison, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Dr. Justin Harrison, originally from Apex, North Carolina, completed his prerequisite training at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He then earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. His practice interests include cardiology, emergency medicine and pediatrics. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Harrison pursued the UNC Resident Teaching Certificate served as teaching assistant at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. His research involved the management of heparin anti-Xa lab interference in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants. Dr. Harrison is currently working as a pediatric pharmacist at Duke University Hospital.
Rebecca Nickell, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Dr. Rebecca Nickell, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Duquesne University School of Pharmacy. Her practice interests include oncology, ambulatory care, and infectious disease. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Nickell pursued a UNC Resident Teaching Certificate and served as a teaching assistant at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Her research involved the impact of smoking status on the response rate to pembrolizumab in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Dr. Nickell is currently a PGY2 resident in Ambulatory Care at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Justin Wilson, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Dr. Justin Wilson, originally from Cary, North Carolina, obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before attending the Medical University of South Carolina to earn his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree. His practice interests include oncology, infectious diseases, and ambulatory care. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Wilson participated in the UNC Teaching Certificate Program and served as a teaching assistant at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. His research focused on evaluation of direct oral anticoagulant safety in oncology patients with thrombocytopenia. Dr. Wilson is currently a PGY2 in Internal Medicine at Kingsbrook Medical Center.
Olivia Witt, PharmD
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident
Dr. Olivia Witt, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, completed her prerequisite training at Miami University before transferring to the University of Cincinnati where she earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree. Her practice interests include cardiology, ambulatory care, and oncology. In addition to her clinical responsibilities at UNC REX Hospital, Dr. Witt participated in the UNC Teaching Certificate Program and served as a teaching assistant at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Her research involved the use of beta-blockers as cardioprotectants for anthracycline chemotherapy. Dr. Witt is currently the first PGY2 resident in Cardiology at UNC REX Healthcare.
2017-2018 Residents
Michael Crawford, PharmD
Dr. Michael Crawford, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Wingate University School of Pharmacy. He is currently practicing as an Emergency Medicine Pharmacist in the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Emergency Department. During his PGY1 residency at UNC REX Hospital, Dr. Crawford participated in research involving the recurrence rates of seizures in first-time seizure patients receiving various antiepileptic medications. During his PGY1, Dr. Crawford also pursued a UNC Resident Teaching Certificate and served as a teaching assistant at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Dr. Crawford plans to obtain board certification in pharmacotherapy and serve as a preceptor for advanced pharmacy practice experiences for Campbell University College of Pharmacy.
Legacy Marsolek, PharmD
Dr. Legacy Marsolek, originally from Cheyenne, Wyoming, completed her prerequisite training at Laramie County Community College before transferring to Wingate University where she earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree. Her practice interests include critical care, emergency medicine, and infectious disease. In addition to her clinical responsibilities at UNC REX Hospital, Dr. Marsolek participated in the UNC Teaching Certificate Program and served as a teaching assistant at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in the spring. Her research involved the evaluation of two dosing protocols for n-acetylcysteine in patients with acetaminophen toxicity. Dr. Marsolek is currently a Clinical Staff Pharmacist at Atrium Health, specializing in Cardiology, Oncology, and Critical Care and plans to earn board certification in pharmacotherapy.
Nathan Wayne, PharmD
Dr. Nathan Wayne, originally from Tiger, Georgia, completed his prerequisite coursework at the University of Georgia. He then earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the UGA College of Pharmacy. During his PGY1 training, Dr. Wayne completed the Teaching Certificate program through the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. His practice areas of interest include anticoagulation, cardiothoracic surgery, and advanced heart failure and hemodynamics. Dr. Wayne completed a PGY2 residency in cardiology at the University of Kentucky Healthcare, where his research is focused on comparing different ultrasound-facilitated, catheter-directed thrombolysis dosing strategies with alteplase in the treatment of submassive pulmonary embolism. He then accepted a position as a Cardiology Clinical Specialist at the Augusta University Medical Center. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), and the Critical Care and Cardiology PRNs.
2016-2017 Residents
Zach Kritzer, PharmD
completed his prerequisite coursework at North Carolina State University before transferring to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy for his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree. His residency research involved a retrospective evaluation of guideline-discordant empiric vancomycin use in patients with febrile neutropenia. After completion of his PGY1 Residency, Dr. Kritzer began working here at REX as a clinical pharmacist in inpatient oncology and antimicrobial stewardship.
J. Alex Toler, PharmD
Dr. Alex Toler, originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina, earned his Bachelors of Science degree in biochemistry from the North Carolina State University prior to his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. His practice interests include infectious disease, cardiology, and critical care. He continues to serve as a member of the UNC REX Pharmacy team as a clinical pharmacist in critical care and on the cardiology. Dr. Toler precepts APPE students from the UNC Eshelman school of Pharmacy.
Rachel LaBianca Toler, PharmD, BCCP
Dr. Rachel LaBianca Toler, originally from Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at UNC REX Healthcare, followed by a PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. She is currently an Emergency Medicine Pharmacist at Duke Regional Hospital, where she serves as a primary preceptor for PGY1 Residents at Duke Regional and for students at Campbell University College of Pharmacy and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Her practice areas of interest include sepsis and vasopressor use in critically ill patients, ICU agitation and delirium, and toxicology.
Dr. Elizabeth Weddendorf, PharmD,
BCPS
Dr. Elizabeth Weddendorf is the Women’s Health clinical pharmacist at the UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, NC. Her practice interests include gynecological oncology, obstetrics, and infectious disease and is currently part of the Gynecologic Oncology, Antepartum, Labor and Delivery, and Obstetrics pharmacy teams. During her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at UNC REX Hospital in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Weddendorf participated in research evaluating the use of direct oral anticoagulants in oncology patients within the UNC Healthcare System. Prior to earning her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry from The Ohio State University. Dr. Weddendorf continues to serve as a preceptor for early immersion and advanced pharmacy practice experiences for the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
2015-2016 Residents
Taylor White, PharmD
Dr. Taylor White earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and completed a PGY1 Residency at UNC REX Hospital. He was involved in research assessing the stroke and bleeding outcomes associated with reduced-dose prescribing of non-warfarin oral anticoagulants (NOACs). After completion of his PGY1 Residency, Dr. White accepted a pharmacist position in New Brunswick, Canada. In his new role, Dr. White is responsible for developing new collaborative practice initiatives and serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the Pharmacy Technician Program at Oulton College.
Tramaine Young, PharmD, MSCR, BCPS
Dr. Tramaine Young is the team leader specializing in internal medicine here at REX. He is also a member of the emergency medicine team and a dispensing pharmacist for investigational drug studies. Dr. Young earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy and Masters of Clinical Research degree from Campbell University College of Pharmacy. He completed his PGY1 Residency at UNC REX Hospital and his residency research project was published in the peer-reviewed journal Drugs in R&D under the title of “Methodological Study of Vancomycin Dosing in Elderly Patients Using Actual Serum Creatinine Versus Rounded Serum Creatinine”. Dr. Young continues to serve as a preceptor for Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, Campbell University College of Pharmacy, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy. His practice interests include internal medicine, critical care, and investigational drug studies. Currently he is the team coordinator for the Internal Medicine team and Orthopedic Liaison.
2014-2015 Residents
Will Criswell, PharmD
Dr. Will Criswell, originally from Saint Petersburg Florida, earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida and a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. Criswell completed his PGY1 Residency at UNC Rex Hospital and accepted the Internal Medicine clinical pharmacist position at Fort Bragg's Womack Army Medical Center where he serves on the Residency Advisory Committee and is the Internal Medicine preceptor for Campbell University, University of North Carolina, and High Point University. Dr. Criswell received the preceptor of the year award from Campbell University in 2017.
Debbie Liang, PharmD, BCCCP
Dr. Debbie Liang is the Cardiac Critical Care Coordinator for the CICU and CSICU here at REX. Originally from southern California, Dr. Liang earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Biological Sciences and the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of California Irvine and her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. Liang completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at UNC REX Healthcare and her PGY2 Critical Care Residency at University of Florida Health Shands Hospital. Her areas of interest include sedation, analgesia, and delirium management in the critically ill, drug pharmacokinetic alterations during extracorporeal circulation, and infectious disease management in the critically ill. She is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) and the Cardiology, Critical Care, and Infectious Disease PRNs. Dr. Liang serves as the primary preceptor for the PGY1 Critical Care II elective rotation and PGY2 Cardiology CICU and CSICU rotations at UNC REX Healthcare.
2013- 2014 Residents
Nastaran Gharkholonarehe, PharmD, BCPS, CPP
Dr. Gharkholonarehe earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa and her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Dr. Gharkholonarehe completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at UNC REX Hospital, Raleigh, NC. After completion of her PGY1 Residency, Dr. Gharkholonarehe began working as a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiovascular disease states here at REX. As a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP), she has experience in staffing in REX Ambulatory Care Clinics specializing in anticoagulation, hyperlipidemia, heart failure readmission prevention and peripheral artery disease prevention. Dr. Gharkholonarehe currently is the Cardiovascular Clinical Coordinator and preceptor for Cardiology I and Transitions of Care Rotations for students and residents. Her areas of interest include heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, venous thromboembolism, transitions of care services and ambulatory care. She is a member of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) and the Cardiology PRN.
Madison Sasser, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Madison Sasser earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy and completed a PGY1 Residency at UNC REX Hospital. She was involved in research comparing the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous versus intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in sickle cell pain crisis. After completion of her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Dr. Sasser began working as a Clinical Staff Pharmacist in outpatient oncology at UNC REX Hospital. She is a preceptor for introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy and Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
2012- 2013 Residents
Matt Daniel
Dr. Matt Daniel earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy and completed a PGY1 Residency at UNC REX Hospital. For his residency research project, he helped implement a dose-range checking clinical decision support system at UNC REX Hospital and analyzed its impact on patient safety. After completion of his PGY1 Residency, Dr. Daniel began working at UNC REX Hospital as a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in cardiology, ambulatory care, emergency medicine, and internal medicine. Dr. Daniel is an authorized Dispensing Pharmacist for several clinical trials being conducted at UNC REX Hospital and he is the designated Analytical Reporting Specialist for the UNC REX Hospital Department of Pharmacy. Dr. Daniel serves as an Introductory and Advanced Hospital Preceptor for PY1 and PY4 pharmacy students.
Tanner Ringley, PharmD
Dr. Tanner Ringley earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and completed a PGY1 Residency at UNC REX Hospital. After completion of his residency, he continued to work at UNC REX in the infectious disease, critical care, and oncology services. Dr. Ringley then moved to work at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as a clinical pharmacist in the Neuro and Genito/urinary oncology services. He currently works as a clinical oncology pharmacist for Carolinas Healthcare at the Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, NC. He continued his professional development by becoming a board certified Oncology pharmacist (BCOP), as well as a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP). He has remained active in oncology research with journal publications and being the primary investigator on current pharmacy driven prospective studies. Dr. Ringley is a member of the Hematology Oncology Pharmacists Association and the North Carolina Oncology Pharmacists Association.
