Preceptors
Moffitt Cancer Center utilizes a multi-preceptor model to allow for a broad and diverse learning experience for the resident. The majority of the preceptors have obtained post-graduate degrees with post-graduate residency and/or fellowship training. Many of our residency preceptors are Board Certified in Oncology Practice (BCOP), Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialists (BCPS) and Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (BCNS).
Jorge G. Avila, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Medical Oncology
School of Pharmacy: Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
PGY1 Residency: Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV
PGY2 Oncology Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Outpatient Breast Clinic rotation for PGY2
Advice for candidates: Take advantage of the variety of learning opportunities a residency can offer. Be modest and know your limitations: It’s OK not to know everything there is to know about oncology as you start your specialized training. A residency can provide you with initial expertise, but you will never stop learning and growing in your practice.
Christina Bachmeier, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Cellular Immunotherapy
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: Baptist Medical Center/Wolfson Children’s Hospital
PGY2 Residency: University of Florida Health Shands Hospital
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: PGY2 Elective Cellular Immunotherapy rotation
Piece of advice for candidates: If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room
Harrison Bachmeier, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Internal Hospital Medicine
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: Lee Health
PGY2 Residency: University of Kentucky (Infectious Diseases)
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Internal Medicine
Piece of advice for candidates: Embrace the ride – there's a reason 1 year of residency equals 3 years of experience
Hanna Bailey, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor
Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: Orlando Health
PGY2 Residency: Huntsman Cancer Institute at University of Utah
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Required Inpatient Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy rotation for PGY2
Piece of advice for candidates: Nothing is impossible, the word itself says "I’m possible." – Audrey Hepburn. The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others. – Gordon B. Hinckley.
Sal Bottiglieri, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator, Medical Oncology
College of Pharmacy: Albany College of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Moses Cone Health System, Greensboro, NC
PGY2 Oncology Residency: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Rotations Precepted: Required Ambulatory GI Malignancy and Elective Ambulatory Head & Neck Malignancy
Piece of advice for candidates: Put in what you want out of a residency experience. Hard work will pay off with enhanced clinical skills and optimal patient care.
Sarah S. Chehab, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Medical Oncology
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: Orlando Health
PGY2 Residency: Emory Healthcare
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Required Ambulatory Care rotation for PGY1 and required Outpatient GI Clinic rotation for PGY2
Piece of advice for candidates: When you are working on presentations and your research projects, try to focus on your preceptors’ feedback relating to the actual formatting and content development. This will help you when you are a clinical specialist and no longer have that source of feedback.
David S Craig, PharmD
Pharmacist Lead, Acute Pain and Supportive Care Medicine
School of Pharmacy: University of Tennessee
PGY1 Residency: Duke University Hospital
PGY2 Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: PGY 1 and PGY 2, Acute Pain Management and Palliative/Supportive Care medicine.
Piece of advice for candidates: Do your homework and come prepared and ready to learn! Know your limitations and weaknesses and work to overcome them. Be open to all learning experiences no matter how trivial they may seem, because knowledge and skills can come from many different sources.
Ariel Denson, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Malignant Hematology
School of Pharmacy: Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center
PGY2 Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center
Rotations to be Precepted at Moffitt: Inpatient Hematology
Piece of advice for candidates: Be open-minded to new opportunities and take on challenges outside of your comfort zone.
Elizabeth DiMaggio, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy
School of Pharmacy: Palm Beach Atlantic Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: West Palm Beach VA Medical Center
PGY2 Residency: University of Florida Health Shands Hospital
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Hematology and BMT
Advice for candidates, fun quote or career advice: Work will always be there. Don’t forget to find time for family and friends. Find a professional mentor. It doesn’t have to be someone who you work with regularly, but it should be someone that can give you objective opinions and guidance, sound career advice, and someone who keeps your best interest at heart (even if you don’t agree with them).
Eric Gaskill, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy
School of Pharmacy: Medical University of South Carolina
PGY1 Residency: University of Utah Health
PGY2 Residency: Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: PGY2 Required and Elective Inpatient Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy rotation, PGY2 Elective Outpatient Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy
Tyra Gatewood, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacist Specialist
School of Pharmacy: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Area of Practice: Ambulatory Oncology
PGY1 Residency: St. John Hospital and Medical Center Detroit, MI
PGY2 Residency: Detroit Medical Center-Karmanos Cancer Institute Detroit, MI
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: GYN and Neuro Ambulatory Oncology (required and elective)
Advice for candidates, fun quote or career advice: Remember that a residency is not just about gaining knowledge; it is also about learning how to apply that knowledge. Knowledge without wisdom can be destructive.
Rebecca Gonzalez, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: Lee Memorial Health System
PGY2 Residency: West Virginia University Hospital
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: PGY2 Required and Elective Inpatient Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy rotation, PGY2 Elective Outpatient Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy
Piece of advice for candidates: Be a sponge, absorb as many ideas and clinical experiences as you possibly can. Be flexible, this will not only open your opportunities to learn but a skill you will carry forward in your career. Work smart, don’t be afraid to ask for help and prepare everything you do with passion.
Melissa Ho, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Oncology Infusion Pharmacist Specialist
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: Shand's Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
PGY2 Oncology Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center Tampa, FL
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Required Ambulatory Care Infusion Center rotation for PGY2
Van D. Hoang, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Malignant Hematology
School of Pharmacy: The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy
Oncology Specialty Residency: The Ohio State University Medical Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Inpatient Hematology
Advice for candidates: It’s OK to say "I don’t know but I will find the answer and get back with you."
Rutvik N. Joshi, PharmD, BCPS
Medication Safety and Compliance Coordinator
School of Pharmacy: The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: University of Utah Health
PGY2 Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Pharmacy Leadership & Administration rotation for PGY1 residents and Medication Safety Longitudinal for PGY2 residents
Advice for candidates, fun quote or career advice: You are not just a learner, but a colleague to us. You will learn from us, but we can learn from you too. I encourage you to ask open-ended questions starting with "how," "what," and "why" to help understand the concepts better. This training will allow you to gain once-in-a-lifetime experience of rotating through various clinics and services of the hospital in such a short time – be observant and use this opportunity to the fullest. Last but not least, ensuring your well-being is vital to this experience.
Michelle Kidd, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy
School of Pharmacy: Nova Southeastern University
PGY1 Residency: Tampa VA Medical Center
PGY2 Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: BMT
Advice for candidates: Take advantage of your residency year to soak up as much knowledge as possible from all of the preceptors you work with, learning and observing different practice styles as you develop your own. One of my favorite quotes is "Whatever you do, do it well." Once your residency is completed, don’t underestimate the importance of a good work/life balance…something that is critical when working in the field of oncology.
Kris Lombardi, PharmD, C.Ph., BCPS
Senior Adult and MKC 6th floor Clinical Pharmacist
Area of Practice: Geriatric oncology
Ambulatory Care Residency: University of Southern California
Rotation Precepted: Senior Adult Oncology Program (SAOP)- Senior Adult Clinic- elective
Jamie Lee, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Area of practice: Outpatient Malignant Hematology clinic
School of Pharmacy: Nova Southeastern University
PGY1 Residency: Lakeland Regional Medical Center
PGY2 Residency: University of Kansas Hospital
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Required Ambulatory Clinic- Malignant Hematology PGY2
Advice for candidates: Great things never come from comfort zones
Todd W. Mattox, PharmD, BCNSP, FASPEN
Medical/Surgical Clinical Pharmacist
College of Pharmacy: University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy
Residency: M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center-East Bank Hospital
Fellowship: M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center-East Bank Hospital
Rotations Precepted: Longitudinal Pharmacy Nutrition Support experience as a part of Critical Care rotation
Motivational thoughts: Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. - Soren Kierkegaard
I hold a little fundraiser every day. It’s called going to work. - Stephen Colbert
Dan Melzer, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Medical Oncology
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: Columbus Regional Healthcare Columbus, GA
PGY2 Residency: Columbus Regional Healthcare Columbus, GA
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Required Ambulatory Care Infusion Center rotation for PGY2 and required Outpatient Thoracic/Sarcoma Clinic rotation for PGY2
Piece of advice for candidates: You are sacrificing a year of full-time pay for a year of experience doing a residency. Immerse yourself into this residency and take advantage of every learning opportunity!
Austin Morrison, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship
University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Henry Ford Hospital
PGY2 Infectious Disease Residency: Henry Ford Hospital
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Infectious Diseases, Transplant Infectious Diseases
Piece of advice for candidates: Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. If you keep doing things the way they've done now, you can only end up in the past.
Yanina Pasikhova, PharmD, BCPS AQ-ID, BCIDP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship
Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Long Island University
PGY1 Residency: The Brooklyn Hospital Center
PGY2 Infectious Disease Residency: Bay Pine VA Medical Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Infectious Diseases, Transplant Infectious Diseases
Fun Quote: "To thrive in life you need three bones. A wish bone, a back bone, and a funny bone."
Samantha Price, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy
School of Pharmacy: Duquesne University
PGY1 Residency: West Virginia University
PGY2 Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Required and Elective Inpatient Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy rotation for PGY2, Elective Outpatient Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy for PGY2
Piece of advice for candidates: During your residency work hard, as this will prepare you for your career. Come prepared with questions!
Rod Quilitz, PharmD, BCOP
Lead Clinical Pharmacist
Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic
PGY2 Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center (Oncology)
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Infectious Diseases
Piece of advice for candidates: Take advantage of this special year – you may never again find yourself surrounded by so many talented colleagues who are so excited to share their knowledge and expertise with you!
Erika Richter, PharmD, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
ICU/SSU/PCU
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: St. Joseph’s Hospital
Rotation Precepted at Moffitt: Critical Care for PGY1
Advice for candidates, fun quote or career advice: Look forward to learning something new every day!
Sarah J. Rockwell, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Malignant Hematology
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: Tampa General Hospital
PGY2 Oncology Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Required Outpatient Hematology Clinic rotation for PGY2
Piece of advice for candidates: Hard work pays off, compassion goes a long way, and never turn down a free coffee!
Priya Sahadeo, PharmD, MS, BCPS
Hazardous Drug Safety & Compliance Officer
Former Medication Safety & Compliance Coordinator
School of Pharmacy: Nova Southeastern University
PGY1 & PGY2 Residency: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Combined PGY1/PGY2/MS in Health-System Pharmacy Administration
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Pharmacy Leadership & Administration rotation for PGY1 and Administration Rotation for PGY2
Piece of advice for candidates: Maintain a humble, teachable spirit throughout your learning experience, question everything in an effort to learn how to think independently and problem-solve, and take care of your body and mental wellness with the same amount of importance throughout your time as a resident!
Amy Schneider, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Medical Oncology
College of Pharmacy: University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
PGY1 Residency: Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, Bronx, NY
PGY2 Oncology Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Rotations Precepted: Required Outpatient GU Clinic rotation for PGY2
Piece of advice for candidates: Be receptive to feedback and take advantage of the learning opportunities provided.
Anand B. Shah, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacist Lead
Medical Oncology
School of Pharmacy: State University of NY - University at Buffalo
PGY1 Residency: Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
PGY2 Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Required Ambulatory Care rotation for PGY1, Required Outpatient GI Clinic rotation for PGY2, Elective Outpatient Head & Neck Clinic rotation for PGY2
Piece of advice for candidates: A residency is an investment in your career and your professional future. Use this time wisely, scoop up all learning opportunities and be ready to give 100% of effort 100% of the time!
Matthew Snyder, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Moffitt Wesley Chapel
School of Pharmacy: West Virginia University School of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center
PGY2 Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Required Ambulatory Care Infusion Center rotation for PGY2, Elective Outpatient Hematology Clinic rotation for PGY2, research electives
Advice for candidates: A positive attitude and willingness to learn will go a long way in helping you get the most out of your residency year and succeed in your career.
Katelyn R. Sommerer, PharmD, MS, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Medical Oncology
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: St. Joseph’s Hospital
PGY2 Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Required Ambulatory Care rotation for PGY1 and required Outpatient GI Clinic rotation for PGY2
Piece of advice for candidates: Take advantage of every learning opportunity that comes your way during residency!
Jennifer Swank, PharmD, BCOP
Pharmacist Lead, PGY2 Oncology Residency Director
Inpatient Medical Oncology/Internal Medicine
PGY1 Residency: James A. Haley VA Medical Center Indianapolis, IN
PGY2 Oncology Residency: Moffitt Cancer Center Tampa, FL
Rotations Precepted: Required and Elective Inpatient Medical Oncology, research electives
Piece of advice for candidates: Please come prepared for your interview with questions and be yourself, no need to be nervous
Cheryl Tate, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Blood and Marrow Transplant
School of Pharmacy: Mercer University; Atlanta, Georgia
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Inpatient BMT
Advice for candidates: Have deep compassion to learn and serve others. Be prepared to give up your time and knowledge to build up others.
Christy Thai, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Internal Hospital Medicine
School of Pharmacy: University of Florida
PGY1 Residency: Tampa General Hospital
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Internal Medicine
Piece of advice for candidates: Take advantage of this year to see and learn everything you can - don’t be afraid to ask a million questions but also be sure to try to think and evaluate things critically as well. Take the time to learn the diagnostic workup so that your therapeutic recommendations have more value.
Katie Tobon, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Malignant Hematology
School of Pharmacy: Medical University of South Carolina – South Carolina College of Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency: University of Utah Hospital and Clinics
PGY2 Oncology Residency: Huntsman Cancer Institute at University of Utah
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Outpatient Hematology Clinic
Advice for candidates: Take advantage of every learning opportunity – you will only be a resident once. Your hard work and dedication will pay off.
Christine Walko, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP
Associate Member, Individualized Cancer Management
Precision Medicine Team Lead and Clinical Service Attending
School of Pharmacy: Duquesne University
PGY1 Residency: Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University
PGY2 Oncology Residency: University of North Carolina
Oncology Pharmacotherapy Fellowship: University of North Carolina
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Precision Medicine
Advice for candidates: Be the most authentic version of YOU. We all have different strengths, interests and experiences. Let your unique passion shine and be known.
Bethany Withycombe, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Cutaneous Clinic, Medical Oncology
Oregon State and Oregon Health & Science University
PGY1: Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital
PGY2: Moffitt Cancer Center
Rotations Precepted at Moffitt: Outpatient Cutaneous Clinic rotation for PGY2
Advice for candidates, fun quote or career advice: Embrace every opportunity to learn and seek feedback to help you succeed and grow as a pharmacist.
Learn More:
PGY-2 Residency | PGY-1 Residency | PGY-2 Residency Curriculum | Preceptors | Current Residents | Application and Qualifications | Terms and Benefits | About Moffitt Department of Pharmacy
PGY-2 Oncology Residency