Pharmacy Residency Program

PGY-1 Residency

The PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Virtua is a post-graduate program consisting of 12 months of general training and experience in various aspects of hospital practice.

The Residency Experience

During the PGY – 1 Pharmacy Practice Residency year, the residents will be exposed to required core and longitudinal learning experiences. They will also have the opportunity, based on their interests and preferences, to choose various elective learning experiences. Together the core, longitudinal, and elective learning experiences will enhance the resident’s knowledge base and fulfill the purpose of the residency.

Core Learning Experiences*

• Critical Care
• Emergency Medicine
• Infectious Disease/Antimicrobial Stewardship
• Internal Medicine
• Oncology
• Pediatric/NICU
• Pharmacy Orientation I - 2 weeks
• Pharmacy Orientation II
• Research Block - 2 weeks
• Transitions of Care/Heart Failure
• Transplant

Longitudinal Learning Experiences*

• Ambulatory Care
• Clinical Pharmacy Administration
• Hospital Pharmacy Staffing
• Pharmacy Management/Leadership
• Research Project

Elective Learning Experiences*

• Cardiac ICU
• Decentralized Pharmacy
• Quality
• Teaching Certificate Program (St. Joseph's University - Philadelphia College of Pharmacy)

*All learning experiences are based on preceptor availability.

Teaching Opportunities

The teaching certificate program is offered through St. Joseph's University - Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and is an optional part of the residency program. It involves teaching assignments, precepting a student, and other coursework throughout the year. Residents may participate if it aligns with their professional goals.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: $52,000
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Insurance
• Paid Time Off - 20 days and 5 sick days
• On-site parking
• Wellness Programs

The PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program conducted by Virtua, Mount Holly, NJ is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Applicants must possess a Pharm.D. degree from an ACPE-accredited College of Pharmacy and must be eligible for licensure as a pharmacist in the state of New Jersey by the start of the program. Selected applicants must also go through an interview process and participate in the ASHP Residency Matching Program.

We select eligible applicants on the basis of program-related criteria such as preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills, as well as personal qualities such as motivation and integrity. We will not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status.

Application Information

• Applications will be accepted using the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS TM) and must be completed by January 5. Use NMS Code 185413.
• Completed Application form
• Letter of Intent/Personal Statement
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three (3) Electronic References (Letters of Recommendation may supplement)
• Official Pharmacy School Transcript (Doctor of Pharmacy Degree)
• Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
• NJ Licensure eligible

Once chosen employment is contingent upon:

• Meeting all Virtua employment, departmental, and institutional requirements
• Meeting the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy licensure requirements and obtaining a license to practice Pharmacy in the State of New Jersey in accordance with Virtua Pharmacy Residency Policy. (By September 1, preferred).

Kavitha S. Dalal, Pharm.D., RPh
Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director
Department of Pharmacy
Virtua Health System
Phone: 856-355-6134
Fax: 856-355-6139
Email: Pharmres@virtua.org

Kavitha S. Dalal, Pharm.D. - Pharmacy Residency Program Director

Kavitha joined the Virtua in 2013 as the Critical Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with a focus in Critical Care for the Marlton campus and in 2015 became the Pharmacy Residency Program Director. Kavitha graduated from Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She completed a PGY-1 pharmacy practice residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Md. Kavitha has previous experience as a Critical Care Clinical Pharmacist at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton, N.J. She also has experience as a Clinical Adjunct Professor and Pharmacy Field Manager at Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Kavitha sits on multiple committees throughout the health system including but not limited to critical care committee, code blue committee, graduate medical executive council. In her time at Virtua, Kavitha has successfully maintained ASHP accreditation of the pharmacy residency program. She also merged two existing pharmacy residency programs into one large program of five pharmacy residents, creating more learning experiences for all. In her free time, she likes to spend time with family and friends and follow sports.

Jim Anderson, B.S. Pharm., Pharm.D.

Jim joined the pharmacy team in 1997 as a pharmacy student, transitioned into a staff pharmacist upon graduation from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 2000 and currently is the Director of Pharmacy at Virtua Mount Holly Hospital. Jim received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy (summer 2014). Jim has served as a Soarian super-user, RX user group member, and assisted with numerous technology-based upgrades. His work interests include technology enhancement, Critical Care, and serving as a training resource within the department. Outside of work, Jim enjoys blueberry farming with his family and friends.

Benson Aningalan, Pharm.D., BCPS

Benson graduated from Thomas Jefferson University College of Pharmacy in 2017. Following graduation, he joined Virtua and completed his PGY-1 pharmacy residency. After residency he transitioned into a staff pharmacist role at the Marlton division in 2018. In his free time he enjoys fitness, cooking, and listening to different genres of music.

Christopher Becker, Pharm.D., MBA, BCPS

Chris joined Virtua Health in 2017 as a PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident and transitioned into a pharmacist role at the Virtua Marlton hospital upon graduation. Chris currently works as a pharmacy operations manager at the Virtua Voorhees division. His work interests are pharmacy management/leadership and adult medicine. Outside of work, Chris enjoys playing hockey and spending time with his family and dogs.

Abigail Bertonazzi, Pharm.D.

Abby joined Virtua in 2016 as a PGY1 pharmacy resident. After completing residency in 2017, she transitioned into the role of a staff pharmacist at the Mount Holly division. Abby is currently a staff pharmacist at Virtua Voorhees Hospital. She graduated from the Jefferson University College of Pharmacy in 2016. Abby began precepting pharmacy students in 2021, where she gained teaching experience. In her free time, she enjoys reading, doing Pilates, and spending time with friends and family. 

Kathleen Bonner, B.S. Pharm., R.Ph.

Kathy resides in Mantua, N.J. She joined Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden in 1986 just prior to graduation from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. After graduation, she began as a staff pharmacist working first the night shift, then evenings, and then finally the day shift. Kathy has over 35 years of hospital pharmacy experience. During her tenure at Lourdes, Kathy has progressed from paper profiles to automation, first with Sorian and now Epic. She serves as one of the preceptors for the staffing block for the PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program. Kathy helps the residents acclimate to the hospital, main pharmacy, IV room, and each of the satellite pharmacies. The staffing rotation allow residents to gain confidence and the proper knowledge to staff their required weekends throughout their residency year. Kathy is married to her husband of 34 years and has three children. While not working Kathy enjoys trips to the shore, reading, crocheting and spending time with her family.

Jessica Colmerauer, Pharm.D.

Jessica graduated from the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y. in 2019. Following graduation, she completed a PGY-1 pharmacy residency at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Mass., and a PGY-2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Conn. Jessica joined Virtua Health in 2021 following residency as an Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. Her clinical and research interests include antimicrobial stewardship, Gram-negative resistance, and fungal infections. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts, and visiting with friends and family.

William Haigh, B.S. Pharm.

Bill joined Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden in 1980 as a pharmacy student. He received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. After graduation, he began as a staff pharmacist and is currently Director of Pharmacy at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden. Bill has over 30 years of hospital pharmacy experience. During his tenure at Lourdes, Bill has implemented technology resources for the hospital, including bar code medication administration at the bedside; automated dispensing cabinets; the pharmacy carousel; Sentri 7 (a pharmacy surveillance software); and Simplify (a USP 797/800 management system). He is an active member of interdisciplinary committees throughout the hospital, such as the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Medication Safety Committee, and Code Committee. He maintains membership in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Many IPPE and APPE students from local pharmacy schools have benefited from his preceptorship, and Bill won Preceptor of the Year in 2012 from Temple University School of Pharmacy. During his free time, Bill enjoys traveling, trying new pizzas and listening to live music. 

Jessica Hunt, Pharm.D.

Jess joined Virtua in September 2015 as the Neonatal and Pediatric Clinical Specialist based at Virtua Voorhees Hospital. Jess graduated from Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in 2010. Following graduation, she completed a PGY-1 residency at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa., and a PGY-2 Pediatric Residency at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. She then worked as the Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Clinical Specialist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for 3 years. Jess has a passion for improving transitions of care and education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside hiking, biking, skiing, and traveling.

Joseph Lee, Pharm.D.

Joe graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 2021. Following graduation, he completed a PGY-1 Residency at Virtua Health and a PGY-2 Solid Organ Transplant Residency at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Joe joined the Virtua team in August 2023 as the Transplant Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. In his free times, he enjoys watching movies, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends.

Michelle Maloney, Pharm.D., PRS

Michelle joined Virtua in October 2017 as the Pharmacy Quality and Regulatory Manager. Michelle graduated from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in 2013. Michelle spent over four years at the University Medical Center of Princeton where she obtained experience in operations and clinical areas, including precepting pharmacy students and residents. An area of interest is in pharmacy regulations, with focus on USP 797/800 chapters where she spent a majority of time managing the coordination of sterile compounding. Michelle loves to educate and empower people with knowledge and tools to enhance compliance, quality and safety measures. Michelle resides in Princeton with her husband and her passion is traveling to new places.

Christina (Nina) Mangiamele, B.S. Pharm., R.Ph.

Nina is the Pharmacy Director at the Marlton Campus. She began her career at Virtua Mount Holly in 1998 serving as the anticoagulation therapy specialist. Nina has over twenty five years of hospital pharmacy experience. She also has worked in the Palliative Care Industry consulting on pain management. Nina resides in Hainesport, N.J., and has two boys, Rob and Jake. She has a passion for yoga, skiing and cooking. 

Alyssa Pagliaro, Pharm. D.

Alyssa joined Virtua in 2022 as the Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for both undergraduate and pharmacy school and graduated in 2019. She completed her PGY-1 residency at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, and then moved to San Antonio, Texas, for her PGY-2 in Emergency Medicine at University Hospital. Alyssa’s clinical interests within emergency medicine, among many, include stroke management and anticoagulant reversal. In her free time, she loves cooking, hiking, traveling, and walking her goldendoodle.

Karishma Patel, Pharm.D.

Karishma joined Virtua Health as the Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in August 2022. She graduated from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University in 2020. She then completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency at Unity Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. and PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Conn. Karishma’s strong interest in oncology led her to pursue this role. She also maintains her ambulatory care skills by counseling patients in the outpatient infusion center. In her free time, she enjoys working out, hiking, and trying new restaurants.

Jeanmarie S. Perch, Pharm.D., BCPS

Jeanmarie Perch is the Director of Clinical Pharmacy for Virtua Health. Jeanmarie graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and completed both a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency and PGY2 Critical Care Specialty Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md. Upon completion of post-graduate training, Jeanmarie began her career in Philadelphia where she started critical care pharmacy services and then went on to become clinical pharmacy coordinator. Jeanmarie joined Virtua Health in 2017 as the system Medication Safety Pharmacist. In this role, Jeanmarie coordinated clinical and operational medication safety initiatives across all hospitals in Virtua Health. In 2021, Jeanmarie became the Director of Clinical Pharmacy for the system. Jeanmarie oversees the clinical pharmacy specialists and clinical pharmacy programs, as well as coordinates formulary management and system Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee.

Susan Schobert, B.S. Pharm., R.Ph.

Sue jointed Virtua in 1981 after receiving her Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree from Temple University School of Pharmacy. With over 34 years of hospital experience, including Family Medicine Resident rounding and teaching, she has also done community outpatient teaching for a monthly Arthritis Group. As a Memorial Mentor, Sue developed a HCAPS Pain Education. Sue is very involved in Critical Care and is on the Code Blue Committee. She is BLS, CPR and AED certified for Healthcare Professionals and is a member of New Jersey Society of Health-System Pharmacists. She enjoys teaching students and residents and spending time with her family.

Bethany Toole, Pharm.D.

Bethany grew up in Maple Shade, N.J., and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y., in May 2019. Bethany joined Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in July 2019 as a PGY-1 pharmacy resident. Her pharmacy residency research project was “The Impact of Pharmacist-Led Interventions on Heart Failure Readmission Rates and Length of Stay.” She is currently the Transitions of Care/Heart Failure Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. As a clinical pharmacy specialist, she actively participates in heart failure interdisciplinary rounds, patient education and the cardiology investigational drug studies. In her free time, Bethany likes to cook, travel, and spend time with friends and family. 

Barbara D. Zambon, B.S. Pharm., R.Ph., BCGP, CCP

Barb graduated from Butler University in 1984 with a B.S. in Pharmacy and started her career at Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis, where she quickly embraced clinical pharmacy and leadership roles in Pediatrics, SCN, Mother-Baby, and Critical Care. Wishard acquired Marion County Healthcare Center and she became supervisor of this 300-bed, long-term care facility. There she was instrumental in initiating physician-led multidisciplinary rounds, implementing computer and billing systems, developing and precepting rotations for B.S. and Pharm.D. candidates from Butler. Barb returned to South Jersey with her family and she began working at Virtua Voorhees in 1993, working in various roles. In 2002, she joined the newly formed pharmacy clinical team, continuing working at Voorhees in Pediatrics and NICU, and later transitioned to Critical Care. In 2004, Barb became Berlin’s clinical pharmacist on Virtua’s Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) multidisciplinary team with continued critical care responsibilities. When Berlin closed its hospital, Barb went to Mount Holly as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, assisting in many areas including rounding in Pediatrics and SCN. In 2017, she joined Virtua’s pain initiative, which has expanded to her current role as co-chair of the Opioid Stewardship Program. At Virtua, she has been preceptor for various Pharmacy PGY-1 Residency rotations, currently for the Ambulatory Care Rotation. Barb is a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, and in 2021 earned the new ASHP Pain Management Certificate. In addition, she has certifications in Immunization, Medication Therapy Management, Diabetes, and Consultant Pharmacy. When not working, she enjoys cooking and spending time kayaking on the lake or in LBI with her family, especially her young grandchildren!

Nicholas Grillo, Pharm.D., is from Cherry Hill, N.J. He earned is Doctor of Pharmacy from Temple University School of Pharmacy in May 2023. His professional interests include pediatrics, critical care, and ambulatory care. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys playing roller hockey, playing the guitar, and going to the beach.

Richard G. Wilkes, Pharm.D., grew up in Greenville, S.C. and graduated from Clemson University in 2016 with a B.S. in Biology. He earned his Pharm.D. from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 2023, and has clinical interests in infectious disease, internal medicine, and cardiology. After completing a PGY-1, he hopes to pursue a PGY-2 program in one of his areas of clinical interest. In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing chess, trying new foods and recipes, and hanging out with friends.

Sylvia Truong, Pharm.D., grew up in Piscataway, N.J. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy in May 2023. Her clinical interests include pediatrics and oncology. After completing her PGY-1 pharmacy residency, she hopes to pursue a PGY-2 residency in pediatric oncology. In her free time, Sylvia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, going to the beach, trying new and fun activities, exploring different cuisines/restaurants, and learning new recipes.

2022 - 2023
PGY 1 Residency Class
Mina Awad, Katie Delrusso, Muhaimin Iddeen, Nisha Surti, Jessica Tranchina

• Mina Awad is employed as pharmacist at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
• Katie Delrusso is employed as a clinical pharmacist at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
• Muhaimin Iddeen is employed as Ambulatory Care Neurology Pharmacist at Christiana Care, Newark, Del.
• Nisha Surti is employed as pharmacist at Jefferson - Washington Township Hospital, Sewell, N.J.
• Jessica Tranchina is employed as a PGY2 Pediatric Resident at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, Texas

2021 - 20232
PGY 1 Residency Class
John Belardo, Joseph DeAssis, Bryce Gokool, Megan Hastings, Joseph Lee

• John Belardo is employed as a Pharmacist at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, Camden, N.J.
• Joseph DeAsssis is employed as a PGY – 2 Ambulatory Care Resident at Inspira, Mullica Hill, N.J.
• Bryce Gokool is employed as a Clinical Pharmacist at Christiana Care, Newark, Del.
• Megan Hastings is employed as a Pharmacist at Virtua Voorhees, Voorhees, N.J.
• Joseph Lee is employed as a PGY – 2 Solid Organ Transplant Resident at Methodist Healthcare, Memphis, Tenn.

2020 - 2021
PGY 1 Residency Class
Cho Cho Aung, Yujin Jang, Michelle Nguyen

• Cho Cho Aung is employed as a Pharmacist at Virtua Voorhees, Voorhees, N.J.
• Yujin Jang is employed as a Pharmacist at Byrn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, Pa., and as a per diem Pharmacist at Virtua Marlton, Marlton, N.J.
• Michelle Nguyen is employed as an Oncology Pharmacist at Jefferson Health, Philadelphia, Pa.