Pharmacy Residency Programs Current Pharmacy Residents

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Dana Elder, PharmD

• Hometown: Montgomery, Texas
• Pharmacy Education: University of Houston College of Pharmacy
• Why did you choose Texas Children's Hospital? Every hospital has a mission, vision, and values that influence patient care. At Texas Children's Hospital these things are more than just buzz words on a website; they are palpable. Not only does this attract an incredibly diverse patient population, but it also attracts skilled, passionate employees with a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and compassion. These qualities were exemplified in the pharmacy team as I interacted with them to learn more about the residency program. It quickly became very evident to me that, with the unmatched support of  dedicated leadership and extraordinary preceptors, this residency program would establish a strong foundation through robust clinical  rotations, research opportunities, and professional development experiences upon which I could grow into a confident, well-rounded pediatric clinical pharmacist. 
• Areas of Interest: critical care, cardiology, solid organ transplant
• Biggest items on my non-professional bucket list: learn how to play piano and grow a garden
• Favorite animated movie: How to Train Your Dragon and Big Hero 6
• What I like to do for fun: I enjoy game nights with family and friends, antiquing, attending sporting events (especially college football and baseball), and going on road trips to the Texas hill country to explore breweries and BBQ spots.

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Samara Mendez Nunez, PharmD

• Hometown: Tijuana, Mexico
• Pharmacy Education: The Ohio State University
• Why did you choose Texas Children’s Hospital? I chose Texas Children's Hospital because of the emphasis that is placed on forging critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration into your practice to provide the best patient care possible. Texas Children's Hospital attracts a diverse pediatric population and all of the preceptors will encourage you to think outside the box while also providing you with strong guidance and constant support. One can tell everyone is invested in each child’s success and I feel fortunate to be involved in a team that embraces a wholesome culture.
• Areas of Interest: Hematology/Oncology, Critical Care
• Biggest item on my non-professional bucket list: Learn how to swim good enough to learn how to surf
• Favorite animated movie: Mulan
• What I like to do for fun: Reading, running, trying new restaurants, hanging out with friends

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Cheng Yu (Yvonne) Yen (2023-2024)

• Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
• Pharmacy Education: University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy
• Why did you choose Texas Children’s Hospital? Texas Children’s Hospital stood out to me because of its culture and mission to consistently find ways to provide innovative care. By choosing Texas Children’s Hospital, I knew there would be countless opportunities for me to grow clinically and professionally to become a reliable resource for patients, providers, and the community.
• Areas of Interest: Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Pediatrics
• Biggest item on my non-professional bucket list: Go on a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey!
• Favorite animated movie: Spirited Away
• What I like to do for fun: Posting photos and videos of my 2 cats on their Instagram page, going on long road trips, and decorating my house.

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Olga Popova

• Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
• Pharmacy Education: Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy at Long Island University
• Why did you choose Texas Children’s Hospital?  While looking for a residency program, I knew I wanted to be at a pediatric hospital that would challenge and develop my clinical, research and professional skills. Texas Children's Hospital offered everything I looked for in a program, from the wide array of rotation experiences, to the diverse patient population, to the outstanding preceptors and their unwavering commitment to the residency program. I was also drawn to TCH’s core values along with their longstanding pledge to treat patients from around the world. I look forward to completing my PGY-1 residency training at an institution which garners both a warm and motivating environment filled with positivity and passion for the care of children.
• Areas of Interest: Infectious disease, Pulmonology/Cystic Fibrosis
• Biggest item on my non-professional bucket list: See the northern lights in Iceland or go on safari in Kenya
• Favorite animated movie: Finding Nemo
• What I like to do for fun: I love spending time with my family, trying new restaurants, binging reality TV, travelling whenever I get the chance to and watching Jeopardy!