Emory University Hospital Midtown
Current Pharmacy Residents

Nathan Hanzelka 

Dr. Nathan Hanzelka is from Land O’ Lakes, Florida. He completed his pre-pharmacy work and achieved a degree in Biological Sciences from Florida State University. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. After completing his PGY-1, he intends to complete a PGY-2 in a specialty area or begin working as a clinical pharmacist. He also intends to become board certified in pharmacotherapy. Outside of pharmacy, Nathan enjoys spending time with his two dogs, watching sports (baseball, hockey, football) and reading historical nonfiction books.

Mattie Kilpatrick

Dr. Mattie Kilpatrick is from Nashville, Tennessee, and attended Auburn University where she majored in biomedical sciences and Spanish. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy. Following her PGY1, Mattie plans to pursue a PGY2 in oncology with goals of becoming board-certified, practicing as an oncology clinical specialist, and precepting students and residents. Outside of pharmacy, Mattie enjoys traveling, spending time with family, friends, and her dog and cat, watching reruns of The Office and Jeopardy!, and of course cheering on her Auburn Tigers (War Eagle!).

Ruchi Shah

Dr. Ruchi Shah is from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and attended Mercer University where she majored in health sciences with a minor in chemistry.  She received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Mercer University College of Pharmacy.  Her professional interests include infectious diseases and ambulatory care. She completed her PGY-1 at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. After completing her PGY-2 residency, Ruchi hopes to become a clinical specialist at an academic medical center, where she can pursue opportunities in academia and precepting. Outside of the hospital, Ruchi enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Brooks Patterson

Dr. Brooks Patterson is from Blairsville, Georgia. He completed his pre-pharmacy coursework and received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Georgia. Brooks will be completing both his PGY-1 and PGY-2 training at Emory University Hospital Midtown. After completion of his residency, he intends to practice in an area of pharmacy leadership in some capacity within a larger health system. In his free time, Brooks enjoys spending time with his wife Tara and their two cats, trying new restaurants, walking on the beltline, and cheering on the Dawgs, Braves, Hawks, and Atlanta United.

Sahand Golpayegany

Dr. Sahand Golpayegany is from Marietta, Georgia. He completed his pre-pharmacy coursework and Doctor of Pharmacy at The University of Georgia. He completed his PGY-1 residency at Emory University Hospital. After completion of his PGY-2, Sahand plans to pursue a position on a hospital’s ID consult service as a clinical specialist and potentially also pursue a career in academia or the pharmaceutical industry. Outside of pharmacy, Sahand loves to travel, try new restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops, experiment with different methods of making coffee, and watching TV.

Parker Gundersen

Dr. Parker Gundersen is from Huntsville, Utah.  He completed his pre-pharmacy coursework at Brigham Young University and Weber State University. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degrees from Roseman University in South Jordan, Utah and completed his PGY-1 Specialty Pharmacy residency at Emory University Hospital Midtown. After completing his PGY-2, he intends to become board-certified and practice as an oncology clinical pharmacy specialist at an institution where he can precept learners. Outside of pharmacy, Parker enjoys spending time with his wife and 4 kids, watching and playing sports (soccer, football, golf), and collecting Disney pins with his wife.

Amari Marshall

Dr. Amari Marshall is from Snellville, GA. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. After completing her PGY-2, she plans to practice as an oncology clinical specialist at an institution where she can conduct research, serve on various committees, and have a lasting impact on patient care. In her free time, Amari enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping for home décor, and trying new restaurants. 

Michelle Knizner

Dr. Michelle Knizner is from Richmond, Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech and her Doctor of Pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her PGY-1 residency at Emory University Hospital. After completing her PGY-2 residency, Michelle hopes to become a clinical specialist at an academic medical center, where she can pursue opportunities in academia, precepting, and research. In her free time, Michelle enjoys exercising, learning to golf, and trying new restaurants in the ATL!

Catherine Ngombe

Dr. Catherine Ngombe is originally from Kenya but lived in Seattle, Washington prior to pharmacy school.  She completed her Master’s in business administration along with her Doctor of Pharmacy from Mercer University. She completed her PGY-1 residency at Emory Decatur Hospital.  After completing her PGY-2, Catherine hopes to become a clinical specialist at a large academic medical center where she can have the opportunity to be involved in precepting residents and students as well as being involved in research. Outside of pharmacy, Catherine enjoys baking, binge watching Netflix shows and spending time with family.