Program Alumni
Learn how our alumni have leveraged the HSPAL Residency Program to grow as leaders, advance their careers and make an impact across the pharmacy profession.
Sang Kit (Stephen) Wat
What motivated you to pursue a pharmacy residency? Career growth prospect
What years did you complete your residency? 2022-2024
What did you gain from the program? Specific technical knowledge related to pharmacy leadership
What is your current position and organization? Pharmacy Manager, 340B
What did you enjoy most about living and working in Cleveland? The slow pace environment compared to other major cities
Isabella (Bella) Popielarczyk
What motivated you to pursue a pharmacy residency? Enhanced training, more hands on learning and experience
What years did you complete your residency? 2023-2025
What did you gain from the program? I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of the why and the big picture. Often times we think in the day to day but a huge piece the puzzle to why our day to day is what it is to understand the why of what we do and where we are going. I also gained a foundation in developing my own leadership style after learning from so many various leaders with varying styles.
What is your current position and organization? Pharmacy Manager, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
What did you enjoy most about living and working in Cleveland? I really enjoy the coffee shops, bakeries (top favorites are Ocelot and Cafe Blanc), the metro parks, and all the various events and activities that Cleveland has to offer.
Jessie Rupp
What motivated you to pursue a pharmacy residency? My motivation to pursue a HSPAL Residency was driven by a desire to make a broader, systemic impact on patient care beyond individual clinical encounters.
What years did you complete your residency? 2022-2024
What did you gain from the program? The HSPAL Residency I completed with UH provided a powerful combination of clinical grounding, operational expertise, and strategic leadership capabilities.
What is your current position and organization? SCC Minoff Pharmacy Supervisor
What did you enjoy most about living and working in Cleveland? Having called Cleveland home since 2010, my appreciation for living and working here ties directly into both my professional identity and lifestyle. Cleveland offers a world-class healthcare ecosystem, thriving local food and arts scene, access to excellent outdoor recreation, and community rootedness.
Audrey Harrington
What motivated you to pursue a pharmacy residency? My desire to learn more from subject matter experts and gain more hands-on experience
What years did you complete your residency? 2024-2026
What did you gain from the program? Increased knowledge, connections, and experience
What is your current position and organization? Pharmacy Supervisor at Renown Regional Medical Center
What did you enjoy most about living and working in Cleveland? I loved working with my co-residents and exploring Cleveland with them. I enjoyed all the unique experiences that I was able to do throughout my PGY1 and PGY2. I also had lots of fun trying out new restaurants, going to different coffee shops, taking walks at Edgewater Beach around sunset, and visiting my friends in Findlay.