Rajesh Shrestha

Experience

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  Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology Genomic Core Facility

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2007

  Lab Manager | Biotechnology Scientist

  During this period, I launched the University of Hawai’i Hilo Core Genetics Facility and managed a team in providing genetic services to academic institutions and government agencies, including DNA sequencing, amplified fragment length polymorphisms, microsatellite detection and analysis, and real-time PCR for quantification and identification. In 2003, I assumed management of another fee-for-service DNA and protein sequencing laboratory on behalf of the university. My Achievements Include: § Streamlined operations and identified process improvements to generate funding surpluses.§ Conducted biotechnology lectures and workshops to train and educate students, faculty and staff on state-of-the-art instrumentation and techniques. § Performed community outreach to local schools to introduce biotechnology to students and mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students to facilitate thesis project completion. Show less

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  ATCC Immunology Core

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2010

  Research Scientist

  During this time, I characterized biomarkers for diabetes mellitus type 2 in mouse model. Performed monoclonal antibody production and purification.

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  UN Neuroscience & MRI Research Center

  Jan 2016 - Jan 2017

  Research Scientist

  I assessed images from MRI brain scans for a study on methamphetamine use. Completed pathology reports and compiled data for ongoing research projects.

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  Oncology Pharmacy - Queens Medical Center

  Jul 2019 - Aug 2019

  Pharmacy Clinical Clerkships (APPE/IPPE)

  Evaluated appropriateness and safety of prescribed chemotherapeutic regimens and suitable adjunct therapies for emesis and hematologic issues for 3 inpatient and ~10 outpatient plans under the supervision of a Pharmacist. Attended rounds for radiation/surgery oncology and gynaecological oncology. Assessed chemotherapy regimens for various oncological conditions for solid tumors and lymphomas/leukemias. Learned proper preparation, dispensing, and safety regarding chemotherapeutic agents. Analyzed patient therapy outcomes and suggested alternative therapies by researching both the personal health record as well as national oncology databases. Provided mentorship for 2nd year pharmacy students on presentation topics, providing guidance on research and identification of potential therapies. My Achievements Include:§ Reported on the “Management of Hypercalcemia of Malignancy: Case Study”. Analyzed causes of elevated calcium levels in a patient with cancer that spread to the bones as well as guidelines for therapy and strategy healthcare team used to address the issue. Show less

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  Ambulatory Care Pharmacy, Veterans Affairs/Pacific Islands Healthcare

  Aug 2019 - Sept 2019

  Pharmacy Clinical Clerkships (APPE/IPPE)

  Interacted with patients to address and treat chronic illnesses under the supervision of a Pharmacist. Reviewed and interpreted patient medical history, interviewed patients to gather data on current medication reconciliation doses/formulations, allergies and adverse drug reactions, as well as societal and cultural factors affecting patient’s healthcare. Implemented a treatment plan and monitored and assessed drug regimens. Provided recommendations for non-prescription medications, lifestyle modifications, and complementary and alternative therapies. Educated patients on proper use of glucometer, insulin and diabetic medication injection self-administration, and asthma inhaler use. Counseled patients on tobacco and alcohol use, including medications and programs for cessation. My Achievements Include:§ Conducted journal club sessions with Pharmacists, nursing staff and Pharmacist Technicians on topics such as, educating participants on a recurring error that was resulting in patient dosage issues. § Presented on new 2019 guidelines for asthma, COPD, and overlap syndrome and the ISMP medication safety alert for dispensing levothyroxine orders. Show less

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  Pharmacy Information Systems - Queens Medical Center

  Sept 2019 - Nov 2019

  Pharmacy Clinical Clerkships (APPE/IPPE)

  Gained valuable knowledge of pharmacy-based information technology systems, pharmacy workflow management, including NDC & CPT code reconciliation, pharmacy label printer management, billing and functional script assessment. Troubleshot and resolved information technology issues, including server infrastructure, interfacing, application integration, facility design and implementation. Facilitated design and construction for order sets of non-formulary medications within the system. My Achievements Include:§ Contributed to smooth transition to a new version of Epic by testing various scenarios to identify potential quality issues and risks and participating in discussions regarding modifications to existing Epic physician order entry system. § Presented on “Vancomycin dosing using AUC:MIC pharmacokinetics”, “Acute coronary syndrome management and order set design and construction in Epic software” Reviewed cost justification for purchase of a new software that uses AUC:MIC to dose in a safer manner. Proposed improved protocols to obtain the same quality results without the additional purchase. Show less

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  Hospital/Psychiatric Pharmacy - Hawaii State Hospital

  Nov 2019 - Dec 2019

  Pharmacy Clinical Clerkships (APPE/IPPE)

  Evaluated psychiatric patient information in a state-sponsored forensic institution, including appropriateness of the patient’s pharmacotherapy, identification of adverse drug reactions, and assessment of patient specific medication efficacy and safety concerns. Attended rounds with interdisciplinary healthcare professional teams, applying medical residency experience to effectively interact and observe psychiatric patients, identify potential changes in behavior or side effects from medications. Provided evidence-based drug information to physicians and staff for prescribed and complementary medications and supplements. Presented on pharmacotherapy topics for various psychiatric issues; conducted journal club sessions to Pharmacists and Pharmacy Residents. Participated in central pharmacy stocking and maintenance of Pyxis automated dispensing units and cabinets.My Achievements Include:§ Aided in interactive patient education sessions to inform patients on psychiatric illnesses, discuss medication side effects, and provide an open forum for patients to ask questions and discuss efficacy of psychiatric medication therapy.§ Delivered presentation on “Azithromycin-induced Catatonia: Case Study”. Identified Azithromycin as the cause of a patient’s change of behaviour, discontinued medication, and monitored patient through symptom relief. Show less

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  Retail Compounding Pharmacy, Elix RX

  Jan 2020 - Feb 2020

  Pharmacy Clinical Clerkships (APPE/IPPE)

  Processed and dispensed new/refill prescription orders in a community pharmacy practice setting. Compounded medication following standard protocols, including suspension/solution and cream/ointment production, capsule preparation, and development of novel troche formulations. Collaborated with Physicians, Pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals in delivering new prescriptions, transferring prescriptions, and clarifying existing orders. Documented information within the electronic healthcare record. Ordered and stocked medications and supplies and performed maintenance of compounding instrumentation.My Achievements Include:§ Filled ~30 prescriptions per day, educating patients on health-related issues for prescription and over-the-counter medications and resolving issues related to prescription medication coverage, health insurance or government health care programs. Show less

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  Acute Care Pharmacy - Queens Medical Center

  Feb 2020 - Mar 2020

  Pharmacy Clinical Clerkship (APPE/IPPE)

  Evaluated ~5 patients’ pharmacotherapy regimen and participated in daily rounds with attending physicians, residents and nursing staff in the neuroscience intensive care unit. Reviewed medical records and medical history that might cause possible drug interactions. Identified, monitored, and offered suggestions for resolving medication therapy issues; utilizing drug information resources to make patient specific recommendations and offer options for alternative treatments.My Achievements Include:§ Completed a Case Study on “Vertebral coccidioidomycosis diagnosis and management”, and “Advanced cardiovascular life support current guidelines”. Described diagnosis treatment, medication and insights of vertebral coccidiodomycosis disease. Show less

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  AMN Healthcare

  Sept 2021 - now

  Community Health Pharmacist

  FEMA Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity (ASHE) - Black Doctor’s Covid Consortium, Philadelphia, PAFEMA New Hampshire – Elliot Health System, Manchester NHFEMA North Carolina - Emergency Operations Center, Raleigh, NC• NC: Management of Mobile Vaccination Unit (MVU) for COVID-19 vaccination distribution to remote rural communities in North Carolina, New Hampshire, and inner-city areas of Philadelphia, with the primary mission to ensure access to vaccine in underserved populationso COVID-19 Vaccine inventory management: preservation of proper cold chain, storage and handling of vaccines, preparation, and assistance for the Pharmacy team in the administration of vaccines; maintenance of records, including responsibility for ensuring accuracy of information on the COVID Vaccine Management System (CVMS) through the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)o Clinician in-charge duties: supervision of nurses, pharmacy technicians, and other staff; participation in healthcare education and patient counselling; liaison to manufacturers, clinicians, state and local health departments for vaccine information disseminationo Maintain inventory for healthcare supplies, including syringes/needles, diluent, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency supplies• Administration of COVID-19 vaccines (to all age groups), o Monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19 positive patients • PA: Performed vital sign monitoring on patients (BP, HR, SpO2, T, ECG), and made referrals to physicians as appropriate• Adherence to best practice guidelines and recommendations from ACIP / CDC, COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers; compliance with state and federal drug laws as regulated by the State Board of Pharmacy, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Food and Drug Administration Show less