Lynn ThomaThe HealthLinc Pharmacy Residency Program is a PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency at HealthLinc Community Health Center, with a heavy focus on ambulatory care for underserved populations. Residents have the opportunity to provide chronic disease state management, by working under more than 10 collaborative practice agreements, including specialty disease states such as hepatitis C virus and complex diabetes patients on pump therapy. The medication distribution learning experience is completed in the on-site entity-owned and operated community pharmacy. The residency also partners with Purdue University for the research, business plan, and drug information learning experiences and will complete a teaching certificate through the Indiana Pharmacy Teaching Certificate Program (IPTeC).
HealthLinc’s mission is to create healthy communities. We are committed to providing coordinated, comprehensive, accessible care. HealthLinc services include medical, dental, optometry, clinical pharmacy, health insurance enrollment assistance, pediatrics, women’s health, including prenatal care, and more.
HealthLinc is a Federally Qualified Health Center and Patient-Centered Medical Home Level 3. Our collaborative interdisciplinary approach to patient care sets our program apart and raises it to the next level. Besides pharmacy residents, there are other types of learners at HealthLinc including P4 pharmacy students, family nurse practitioner residents and other medical professional students. There are two PGY1 Community Pharmacy positions available; one located in Valparaiso, IN and the other in Mishawaka, IN.
Universal Residency Program Purpose
To build upon the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to develop community-based pharmacist practitioners with diverse patient care, leadership, and education skills who are eligible to pursue advanced training opportunities including postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies and professional certifications.
HealthLinc Residency Program Purpose
Graduates will be able to provide, develop, and manage advanced patient care services to the underserved and underinsured patient population at a Federally Qualified Health Center.
- Rotation Learning Experiences
- Orientation
- Drug Information
- Longitudinal Learning Experiences
- Patient Care
- Medication Distribution
- Research Series
- Leadership and Self-Improvement
- Business Plan and Quality Improvement
- Management
- Teaching
Henry Papineau – PharmD (Valparaiso Patient Care)
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2019
Dr. Papineau is currently serving as the Clinical Pharmacist at our La Porte and Knox clinics after completing his PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency in 2019-2020 with HealthLinc in Valparaiso. Henry entered the residency with a strong interest in the ambulatory care, teaching, professional development, and interdisciplinary care opportunities that HealthLinc’s residency program had to offer. The personal relationships developed with patients, the caring nature of HealthLinc employees and the strong team dynamic of the pharmacists made a lasting impression on Henry. Henry’s professional areas of interest include ambulatory care, pharmacy education, and expansion of pharmacy practice. Outside of work, Henry spends his time playing guitar, fishing, going for walks, and watching movies.
Kristen Bessler – PharmD (Business Plan and Quality Improvement)
Rosalind Franklin University College of Pharmacy, 2019
Dr. Bessler is currently serving as the Clinical Pharmacist at our Southeast and IUSB Healthlinc clinics located in South Bend, IN. She completed her PGY1 Community Pharmacy residency with HealthLinc/Purdue University in 2019-2020 and was the first pharmacy resident at the Mishawaka HealthLinc location. Kristen was inspired by HealthLinc’s interprofessional approach to health care which allows everyone to work at the top of their respective license and work together to provide exceptional health care for their patients. Kristen’s professional areas of interest include diabetes management, nutrition, and precepting various learners. During her downtime, Kristen loves to cheer on the Chicago Blackhawks, stay active and craft!
Brittany Kubal – PharmD (Valparaiso Medication Distribution)
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2015
Dr. Kubal is the Pharmacy Manager at the Valparaiso Clinic. She finds great fulfillment in providing services to the patients of our community and loves the amazing staff she works with daily! She lives in Valparaiso, IN with her fiancé (Dan), two dogs (Biff and Brody), and two cats (Jager and Bomber). She enjoys anything outdoors (camping, hiking, wakeboarding, and snowboarding), being with friends and family, and traveling as much as possible.
Brock Davis – PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM, MATS (Mishawaka Site Coordinator & Mishawaka Patient Care)
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2017
Dr. Davis is the Site Coordinator for the Mishawaka residency site and serves as the Clinical Pharmacist for the Mishawaka clinic. He lives in Granger, IN with his wife (Cheaney) and sons (Holden and Harrison). He enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching Purdue sports and “Mickey Racecar” with Holden, and being a Starbucks enthusiast.
Elizabeth Shinn – PharmD, BC-ADM (Leadership and Self-Improvement)
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2016
Dr. Shinn is currently the clinical pharmacist at our Michigan City clinic. Having spent time in Kenya, she is interested in HIV and infectious diseases, as well as diabetes management and tobacco cessation. She enjoys traveling, hiking at the Indiana Dunes, and spending time with friends and family.
Jessica Sinclair – PharmD, MATS (Teaching)
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2018
Dr. Sinclair is currently the clinical pharmacist in East Chicago. She lives in St John, IN with her husband, Noah and has a passion for diabetes management and an interest in substance use disorder. She is hoping to start learning Spanish to be able to connect better with her patients in East Chicago. Jessica loves pizza and is busy with her new puppy!
Lynn Thoma – PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDE, LDE, LDIF (Residency Program Director & Valparaiso Patient Care)
Purdue University, 2012
Dr. Thoma is the Director of Pharmacy for HealthLinc. Additionally, she is the Residency Program Director and the primary preceptor at the Valparaiso clinic. She lives in Valparaiso, IN with her husband (Gage), son (Fletcher), and dog (Violet). She enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and anything and everything fitness.
Marjie Laciak – PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES, 340B ACE (Management)
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2002
Dr. Laciak is currently the Senior Pharmacy Manager at HealthLinc. She is also passionate about diabetes education and educates patients at our Valparaiso clinic. She lives in Porter, Indiana with her husband Geoff, son Lucas, and daughter Leightyn. She enjoys running, playing sports and traveling the world with her family.
Mark Sundh – PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM (Business Plan and Quality Improvement)
Rosalind Franklin University College of Pharmacy, 2018
Dr. Sundh is the current Clinical Pharmacist at our South Bend Centennial clinic. His interests include diabetes management, healthcare and diabetes technologies, and pharmacy advocacy. Outside of clinic, Mark enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and is passionate about his Chicago sports teams, especially the Chicago Cubs.
Monica Rivers – PharmD, MBA (Mishawaka Medication Distribution)
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2007
Dr. Rivers is the Pharmacy Manager at the Mishawaka Clinic. She is passionate about providing great patient care and motivating patients to take responsibility of their overall healthcare! She lives in Granger, IN with her husband (Nathan), five children (Collin, Carter, Creedon, Corbin, Cora), dog (Trina), Cat (Gouda). She enjoys being as active as possible with the family and all aspects of home décor: refurbishing, building, staging, you name it!!
Margie Snyder – PharmD
Amy Sheehan – PharmD
- 10 PTO days
- Paid holidays (2 floating)
- Eligible for health insurance after 60 days
- Paid memberships to applicable professional organizations
- Stipends for conferences/travel
Kate Wees – PharmD
Rosalind Franklin University College of Pharmacy, 2020
HealthLinc/Purdue PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency, 2021
Lauren Johnson Keaveney – PharmD
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2020
HealthLinc/Purdue PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency, 2021
Henry Papineau – PharmD
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2019
HealthLinc/Purdue PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency, 2020
Dr. Papineau is currently serving as the Clinical Pharmacist at our La Porte and Knox clinics after completing his PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency in 2019-2020 with HealthLinc in Valparaiso. Henry entered the residency with a strong interest in the ambulatory care, teaching, professional development, and interdisciplinary care opportunities that HealthLinc’s residency program had to offer. The personal relationships developed with patients, caring nature of HealthLinc employees, and strong team dynamic of the pharmacists made a lasting impression on Henry. Henry’s professional areas of interested include ambulatory care, pharmacy education, and expansion of pharmacy practice. Outside of work, Henry spends his time playing guitar, fishing, going for walks, and watching movies.
Kristen Bessler – PharmD
Rosalind Franklin University College of Pharmacy, 2019
HealthLinc/Purdue PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency, 2020
Dr. Bessler is currently serving as the Clinical Pharmacist at our Southeast and IUSB Healthlinc clinics located in South Bend, IN. She completed her PGY1 Community Pharmacy residency with HealthLinc/Purdue University in 2019-2020 and was the first pharmacy resident at the Mishawaka HealthLinc location. Kristen was inspired by HealthLinc’s inter-professional approach to health care which allows everyone to work at the top of their respective license and work together to provide exceptional health care for their patients. Kristen’s professional areas of interests include diabetes management, nutrition, and precepting various learners. During her down time, Kristen loves to cheer on the Chicago Blackhawks, stay active and craft!
Mark Sundh – PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM
Rosalind Franklin University College of Pharmacy, 2018
HealthLinc/Purdue/Walgreens PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency, 2019
Dr. Sundh is currently serving as the Clinical Pharmacist at our South Bend Centennial clinic after completing his PGY1 Community Pharmacy residency in 2018-2019 with HealthLinc. Mark was initially interested in the diverse learning experiences in ambulatory care, community-based pharmacy practice, teaching, research, leadership and management offered by the HealthLinc Pharmacy Residency Program, but it was the patient-focused culture of collaboration and care that made the program truly stand out to him. Mark’s professional areas of interest include diabetes management, healthcare and diabetes technologies, and pharmacy advocacy. Outside of clinic, Mark enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and is passionate about his Chicago sports teams, especially the Chicago Cubs.
Jessica Sinclair – PharmD, MATS
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2018
HealthLinc/Purdue/Walgreens PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency, 2018 – 2019
Dr. Sinclair serves as a clinical pharmacist post-residency at the East Chicago clinic, serving the Lake County community. She had her second APPE rotation at HealthLinc Vaparaiso as a student, and that’s where she fell in love with HealthLinc and what it offers. Jessica loved the atmosphere and the relationships that she was able to create with her co-workers and her patients. Her area of interests includes patient education, diabetes management, substance use disorder, and pharmacy student/resident precepting. During her downtime, Jessica LOVES to play games, watch the Cubs, hang out with friends and her husband, and eat pizza! She just got a new puppy, named Pete!
Brock Davis – PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM, MATS
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, 2017
HealthLinc/Purdue/Walgreens PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency, 2018
Dr. Davis is currently serving as the Clinical Pharmacist at our Mishawaka clinic location after completing his PGY1 Community Pharmacy residency in 2017-2018 with HealthLinc. He was interested in this residency program due to its wealth of ambulatory care clinic hours, affiliation with other community pharmacy residencies through the Purdue College of Pharmacy, and the community pharmacy experience as well. His area of interests includes diabetes management, substance use disorder, and pharmacy student/resident education. Outside of his work responsibilities, Brock is an avid Purdue sports fan, enjoys playing the piano, and spending time with his wife Cheaney, and sons Holden and Harrison.
Maureen Moynihan – PharmD
Ohio Northern University, 2016
HealthLinc/Purdue/Walgreens PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency, 2017
HealthLinc utilizes PhORCAS for all application materials and National Matching Services for resident selection.
Requirements in PhORCAS
- Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Intent
- Current Transcript(s)
- 3 Formal Letters of Recommendation
Requirements for acceptance
- PharmD Degree
- US Citizenship
- Eligible for Indiana Licensure
- COVID-19 vaccination or a medical or religious exemption
Specific questions about the residency program should be addressed to the Residency Program Director, Lynn Thoma, at lthoma@healthlincchc.org or 219-462-7173, ext. 2608.
“As a pharmacy student, I was lucky enough to spend three months at HealthLinc, which is what originally drew me to the pharmacy residency program. During my time as a student, I was a first-hand witness to the exceptional, patient-centered care that all employees and staff members provide. Every single patient is treated with the utmost respect and highest level of care which was even more evident upon my first week as a pharmacy resident. Additionally, since becoming a resident, there is an obvious sense of teamwork between all disciplines of the healthcare team that is unmatched compared to other programs. Within this interprofessional team, pharmacists are valued highly and treated at the same level as any other provider. However, the one aspect of HealthLinc that separates itself apart is the amazing team of pharmacists that I have the pleasure of working with every day. I have never been a part of a team where I am valued this highly and feel supported in everything I do, especially given the strenuous work and challenges that come along with the residency. I truly feel like I could not be in a better learning environment and am excited to see what opportunities the next year brings to me.”
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to complete my residency here at HealthLinc! I was incredibly drawn to the organization’s emphasis on living out their values daily along with the trust that is placed in the pharmacy team. This ambulatory-care based residency allows you to practice at the top of your license, find innovative roles for pharmacists, and have a direct impact on others daily. I felt immediately welcomed and supported by the entire pharmacy staff from the moment I joined the team. The team places a strong emphasis on providing the best care to every patient along with challenging you to be the best pharmacist you can be.”
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Lilia Bonilla - Family Nurse Practitioner
Site Medical Director
Lilia Bonilla is the Site Medical Director and a Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine. She is board certified with over 19 years of experience as a highly skilled and dedicated family nurse practitioner. Lilia provides comprehensive care for a wide variety of patients with diverse needs. She has extensive experience in family and adult medicine, women’s health and pediatrics. Lilia is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and American Nurses Association. She also serves as a preceptor and mentor for Nurse Practitioner Residents. Lilia is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Specialties: Family Practice, Women’s Health, Pediatrics
Diana Garcia Burns - Family Nurse Practitioner
Diana Garcia Burns has been serving East Chicago for over 30 years. She is experienced in family medicine, emergency medicine, public health, and administration. Diana is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is certified in Advanced Life Support, Pediatric Life Support, and Stroke Care. She is currently an instructor for the American Heart Association and a member of the Indiana Nurses Association (INA), American Nurses Association (ANA) and American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Specialties: Emergency Medicine, Public and Environmental Health
Dr. Ed S. Hassan - Internal Medicine
Dr. Hassan has practiced medicine on four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, giving him a unique perspective to health care. He received additional training in Internal Medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Hassan is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Physicians. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Arabic.
Specialties: Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma, Elevated Blood Cholesterol
Nadine Salman - Family Nurse Practitioner
Nadine Salman delivers patient-centered care from infancy to adulthood by providing education and counseling on health promotion and disease prevention. She serves as an advocate by working in a partnership with patients and families to provide holistic care. Nadine’s passion is to give patients the tools and knowledge to help them make better health choices so they can live longer and healthier.
Specialties: Pediatrics, Disease Prevention, Adult Health and Wellness Promotion
Jessica Sinclair - Clinical Pharmacist
Dr. Carl Toren - Pediatrician
Dr. Toren’s practice is focused on the health of children, both for the present and the future. He partners with families to monitor a child’s growth, development, nutrition, and safety, while following expert guidelines for vaccinations and screenings. If sickness comes, he offers comprehensive examinations, tests to discover the cause and then arranges any necessary treatment and follow-up. Dr. Toren is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Specialties: Pediatric Development, Pediatric Nutrition, Immunizations
Charita Weekly - Family Nurse Practitioner
Charita Weekly’s number one priority is providing excellent, comprehensive health care. She serves the entire family with a focus on promoting health and maintenance. Each approach is age specific to her patient and transitions throughout their life span. With emphasis on disease prevention and wellness, she treats the whole person and assists in achieving a higher quality of life.
Specialties: Family, Medical Examiner for the Department of Transportation, Disease Prevention
Dr. Firas Adhami - Dentist
Dr. Firas Adhami is committed to alleviating the health disparities of the underserved. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Prosthodontics Award from the American College of Prosthodontics. In May 2016, he published an article in the Journal of the American Dental Association entitled “Soft-tissue calcification on a panoramic radiograph.” Dr. Adhami maintains active memberships in the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Specialties: Extractions, Root Canal Therapy, Prosthodontics
April Chaja - Dental Hygienist
LaTonya Cooper - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
HealthLinc, Inc. is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254b, and a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n)