Embarking on a career in pharmacy within the evolving landscape of healthcare requires not only clinical expertise but also strong leadership and a deep understanding of managed care principles. Cigna, through CareAllies, offers a distinguished Managed Care Pharmacy Practice Residency Program (PGY1) that serves as aLaunchpad for pharmacists aiming to become leaders in this dynamic field. This program, expertly directed and precepted by seasoned professionals, provides a robust curriculum and invaluable experiences, setting the stage for a successful and impactful career in managed care pharmacy.
Meet the Program Director: Esteban Gallardo, PharmD
At the helm of this prestigious program is Dr. Esteban Gallardo, PharmD, Chief of Pharmacy at CareAllies. Dr. Gallardo is a proud alumnus of the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, graduating in 2011. His journey with Cigna began in 2013, and he transitioned to CareAllies in 2017, steadily advancing to his current leadership role in 2021. With over a decade of dedicated experience in managed care, Dr. Gallardo brings a wealth of knowledge and a forward-thinking approach to the residency program. His profound expertise in value-based care models and his strategic involvement in organizational growth initiatives are invaluable assets to the program.
Dr. Gallardo’s commitment to pharmacist education is evident through his eight years of service as a preceptor within the residency program. His dedication to teaching and mentorship was recognized when he received the Ambulatory Care Preceptor of the Year Award from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy in 2020. His academic foundation is equally impressive, holding a Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Houston. Dr. Gallardo’s leadership ensures the Managed Care Leadership Development Program at Cigna remains at the forefront of pharmacy residency education.
CareAllies, the home of this impactful residency, is located at 2800 North Loop West, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77092. For inquiries regarding the program, interested individuals can reach out via email at [email protected].
Experienced Program Preceptors
The strength of the Managed Care Leadership Development Program is further amplified by its team of experienced preceptors, each a specialist in their respective domain of pharmacy practice:
- Esteban Gallardo, PharmD: Guides residents through Health Outcomes Research Projects and imparts knowledge in Health Care Leadership and Management.
- Julianna Fernandez, PharmD, BCGP, and Amelia Sofjan, PharmD, BCPS: Provide academic insights and mentorship through their affiliation with the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, focusing on Academia.
- Michael Gin, PharmD: Expert in Quality Improvement methodologies within healthcare settings.
- Grace Mbagwu, PharmD, MS: Specializes in enhancing patient care through Medication Therapy Management.
- Ashley Fosshat, PharmD: Offers comprehensive training in Formulary Management, a critical aspect of managed care.
- Nicole Caffiero, PharmD, BCACP: Leads residents in understanding Clinical Development Program Strategy.
- Lauren Stabler, PharmD, and Ali Rajpari, PharmD: Provide hands-on experience in CareAllies Academic Detailing, focusing on evidence-based communication.
- Stephanie Hernandez, PharmD: Mentors residents in conducting thorough Pharmacotherapy Medication Reviews.
This diverse and experienced team ensures residents receive well-rounded training across all critical facets of managed care pharmacy practice, fostering robust leadership development.
Program Alumni and Career Trajectories
The Cigna Managed Care Leadership Development Program boasts a successful track record of preparing residents for impactful roles in the pharmacy profession. Currently, Susan Yoo, PharmD, is advancing her career as a resident in the program.
The program’s effectiveness is further illustrated by the accomplishments of its alumni. Here’s a glimpse at the residents from recent years:
| Years | Residents |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Kush Modashia, PharmD; Nkese Dike, PharmD |
| 2021-22 | Jelice McBean, PharmD; Faiza Ahmed, PharmD |
| 2020-21 | Sarah Laxa, PharmD; Bumhee “Chloe” Ahn, PharmD |
| 2019-20 | Ryan Payne, PharmD; Michael Gin, PharmD |
| 2018-19 | Maream “Ashley” Fosshat, PharmD; Jocelyne Tientcheu Mamvou, PharmD |
| 2017-18 | Minh Hong, PharmD; Man-Khoi Nguyen, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP |
| 2016-17 | Blessing Adodo, PharmD; Scarlett Najera Sossamon, PharmD |
| 2015-16 | Amanda Woods Mann, PharmD; Bhakti Jadav Raha, PharmD |
| 2014-15 | Amanda Winters Livezy, PharmD, BCACP; Leeda Mohebbi, PharmD; Alexander Nguyen, PharmD |
| 2013-14 | Christopher Henges, PharmD; Cassandra Sanchez Huggar, PharmD, BCPS; Tiffany Johnson, PharmD; Lea Garcia Mendez, PharmD; Tricia Tran, PharmD |
| 2012-13 | Lindy Haynes, PharmD; Eliya Jaffar, PharmD |
| 2011-12 | Tara W. Esse, PharmD, MBA, BCACP |
| 2010-11 | Scott McDowell, PharmD, BCPS; Tochi Nwosu, PharmD |
| 2009-10 | Eunha “Kelsey” Do, PharmD, BCPS; Mary Nguyen Shaw, PharmD |
| 2008-09 | Reba Mathew, PharmD; Omar Serna, PharmD, BCACP |
Graduates of the Managed Care Leadership Development Program at Cigna have successfully transitioned into a variety of significant roles, including:
- CareAllies Clinical Pharmacist
- Community Pharmacist
- Health Plan Clinical Pharmacist, specializing in areas such as Formulary Management, Medicare B/D, and Medicaid
- Health Plan Clinical Pharmacy Manager
- Health Plan Clinical Program Advisor
- Health Plan Clinical Program Senior Advisor
These positions highlight the program’s effectiveness in preparing pharmacists for leadership and specialized roles within managed care and broader healthcare settings.
For further insight into the impactful research conducted by previous residents, please visit our Resources page. This program is not just a residency; it’s a launchpad for your leadership journey in managed care pharmacy with Cigna.
