Shenandoah Pharmacy Graduates Secure Competitive PGY2 Residency Matches

By Jacqueline Arellano ’25

Four recent graduates of Shenandoah University’s Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy – Leeann Williamson ’20, ’22, ’24, Pharm.D.; Joseph Robinson ’20, ’24, Pharm.D.; Maranda Switzer ’20, ’24, Pharm.D.; and Adeola Adesuyi ’24, Pharm.D. (not pictured) – were matched with highly competitive postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies in their chosen specialties in the spring of 2025. Three of the four – Williamson, Switzer and Robinson – started their journey in the pharmacy program’s early assurance pathway.

PGY2 programs are an essential step for pharmacists pursuing advanced clinical roles and are known for their selectivity. Robbie Kidd, Pharm.D., Ph.D., dean of the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, said the four graduates not only demonstrated academic excellence, but also took full advantage of the opportunities that Shenandoah University has to offer, including the early assurance and dual degree programs.

I am so proud of all our students and graduates! Drs. Adesuyi, Robinson, Switzer and Williamson are perfect examples of what can happen when students take advantage of everything Shenandoah University has to offer. Their PGY2 specialty residencies at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Veterans Administration Health Care Systems, and Duke University Hospital are among the most competitive programs in the country.

“Everything we do at SU is centered around what is best for our students: from our early assurance program for high school seniors, to our top-notch undergraduate preparation, to our dual degree programs that help our students distinguish themselves from all the other pharmacy school graduates. Drs. Adesuyi, Robinson, Switzer and Williamson are four more in a long list of examples of how Shenandoah University graduates can successfully compete with any graduate from any school of pharmacy in the nation.”

Robbie Kidd, Pharm.D., Ph.D., dean of the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy

Williamson was accepted to a PGY2 residency in pediatric pharmacy at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina.

“I want to be a pediatric pharmacist because they play a unique role in patient care, and often serve as patient advocates when sometimes patients are not able to advocate for themselves,” Williamson said. “Additionally, I feel like there is a lot of medication education that we are able to do both to provider teams and to patients, the best of both worlds.” 

Williamson completed her PGY1 residency at the University of Virginia Health System and holds four degrees from Shenandoah University: a Bachelor of Science in chemistry (2020), a Master of Business Administration (2022), a Master of Science in pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine, and Doctor of Pharmacy (2024). She earned the latter two degrees through Shenandoah’s Pharm.D. and M.S. in PGPM dual degree program.

Robinson matched with a PGY2 residency in oncology pharmacy at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, one of the most competitive programs in the country. He previously completed his PGY1 residency at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, building a strong foundation for advanced clinical training.

His interest in oncology began during a student rotation at the Ambulatory Thoracic Oncology Clinic at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he supported lung cancer patients through smoking cessation and supportive care regimens. The combination of scientific innovation and deeply personal patient care is what solidified Robinson’s passion for oncology and his desire to work in that field. 

Robinson earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry (2020), and a Master of Science in pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine (2024) and Pharm.D. (2024) through the dual degree program. Robinson credits Shenandoah’s hands-on learning environment for shaping his communication skills and clinical confidence. 

“The community support allowed for a personal education where I knew professors in my program and other programs in the School of Health Professions,” Robinson said. “These experiences built skills in interpersonal communication that make me a better pharmacist today.”

Switzer matched with a PGY2 residency in psychiatric pharmacy at Salem Veterans Affairs Health Care System in Salem, Virginia – the same location where they completed their PGY1 residency. Their passion for serving the rural veteran population began during a student rotation on the inpatient psychiatry unit. 

Switzer said they are excited to take the next step in their career while continuing to build new skills and deepen their understanding of psychiatric pharmacy. The initial experience during their first rotation shaped their commitment to the field and a deep appreciation for the veterans they will continue to serve during their PGY2.

Switzer earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology (2020), and a Master of Science in pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine (2024) and Pharm.D. (2024) through the dual degree program, and credited Shenandoah for preparing them both academically and professionally.

“The rigor of pharmacy school prepared me to be successful in a PGY1 program,” Switzer said. “The professionalism and other soft skills I learned helped me to connect with other healthcare professionals.”