Graduate Students

Information about Dr. Onukwugha’s current advisees is provided below.

Current advisees include:

Candice Yong
Jinani Jayasekera

CANDICE YONG

CY_Picture_compress I was born and raised in Singapore, and received my BSc in Pharmacy from the National University of Singapore. Prior to enrolling in the PhD program in Pharmaceutical Health Services Research (PHSR) at the University of Maryland (UM), I worked as a pharmacist at Changi General Hospital in Singapore. As a hospital pharmacist, I was involved in many aspects of pharmacy practice, including providing Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services to patients, working with the multidisciplinary parenteral nutrition team, as well as preparing drug monographs for the hospital’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee to guide formulary decision-making.

My interest in research began during my final year in college. Under the guidance of my project supervisors, I conducted a cost analysis of Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) in Singapore for my final year project. In my role as a hospital pharmacist, I was also involved in a drug use evaluation project on the use of N-acetylcysteine for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in the hospital. The methodological challenges I faced during my research experiences made me realize that advanced training and a stronger foundation in research methods acquired through a PhD would be essential for a career in research.

When I was applying to graduate schools, what appealed to me most about the PhD program in PHSR at UM was its interdisciplinary nature, which allows students to be exposed to disciplines other than their chosen track. My most positive experience in the program so far is being able to participate extensively in research projects through my research assistant work. Under Dr. Onukwugha’s mentorship, I have been able to participate in many aspects of research, including assisting with writing grant proposals, conducting literature reviews, statistical analysis, and writing manuscripts. As a member of Dr. Onukwugha’s research team, I have also had the opportunity to present our research at several professional meetings, which has been rewarding and enriching for my personal and professional development. The most challenging experience so far is the dissertation. Having to play a lead role in the entire research process, from study conception and design to analysis, can be daunting. However, I feel that the dissertation process, albeit grueling, will help improve my research skills and train me to become an independent researcher. My career goal is to continue growing and developing as a researcher, and to be able to engage in economic and clinical outcomes research that informs clinical decision-making.

PUBLICATIONS

Yong C, Fisher DA, Sklar GE, Li SC. A cost analysis of Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT): an Asian perspective. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2009; 33(1): 46-51.

PAPERS PRESENTED

PODIUM

Onukwugha E, Yong C, Mullins CD, Seal B, Hussain A. Skeletal-Related Events and Mortality among SEER-Medicare Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer: The Implications of Measurement Approach. ISPOR 18th Annual International Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 2013.
Yong C, Wee I, See M. Use of oral and intravenous N-acetylcysteine for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy at Changi General Hospital. Changi General Hospital Annual Scientific Meeting, 2008.
Yong C, Fisher DA, Sklar GE, Li SC. Cost-effectiveness of Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) in Singapore. 19th Singapore Pharmacy Congress, 2007.

POSTER

Yong C, Stuart B, Zuckerman I. Use of diabetes self-management education and its effectiveness in the Medicare population. AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting, Baltimore, MD, June 23-25 2013.
Yong C, Onukwugha E, Mullins CD, Seal B, Hussain A. Differences in provider encounters between metastatic (M1) and non-metastatic (M0) prostate cancer (PCa) patients. 2013 American Urological Association Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, May 3-5 2013.
Onukwugha E, Yong C, Mullins CD, Seal B, Hussain A. Predictors and prognostic implication of pathologic fracture (PF), spinal cord compression (SCC) and bone surgery (BS) following diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). 2013 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, Orlando, FL, Feb 14-16 2013.
Yong C, Onukwugha E, Mullins CD, Seal B, Hussain A. Health services utilization differences between metastatic (M1) and non-metastatic (M0) prostate cancer (PCa) patients. 2013 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, Orlando, FL, Feb 14-16 2013.
Onukwugha E, Mullins CD, Yong C, McNally D, Seal B, Hussain A. Bone Metastasis (BM) based on SEER Registry versus Medicare Claims among Metastatic Prostate Cancer (PCa) Patients (pts) in SEER-Medicare. J Clin Oncol 30, 2012 (suppl; abstr e15148)
Yong C, Shih YCT, Onukwugha E. Relationship between birthplace and treatment receipt among stage III and stage IV prostate cancer patients. 2012 Summit on the Science of Eliminating Health Disparities Summit. National Harbor, MD. December 2012.
Onukwugha E, Mullins CD, Yong C, Mcnally DL, Seal BS. Bone metastasis (BM) based on SEER registry versus Medicare claims among metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) patients in SEER-Medicare. J Clin Oncol 30, 2012 (suppl; abstr e15148).
Onukwugha E, Yong C. Patient-, hospital-, and county-level predictors of readmissions among patients with cardiovascular disease. ISPOR 17th Annual International Meeting, Washington DC, 2012.
Yong C, Wee I, See M. Use of oral and intravenous N-acetylcysteine for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in a Singapore hospital. ACCP/ESCP International Congress on Clinical Pharmacy, Orlando FL, 2009.

AWARDS

Best Student Podium Presentation. International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research 18th Annual International Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 18-22, 2013.
Second prize in Oral Presentation (Competitive) Category. 19th Singapore Pharmacy Congress, 2007.

SERVICE

International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Business Manager, University of Maryland Student Chapter. 2011-2012.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Tennis, watching Broadway musicals (My favorite is Wicked).

FUN FACT

I played second base for my high school softball team, and I have watched Wicked three times — in London, Melbourne, and Baltimore.

JINANI JAYASEKERA

JJpic I am a pharmacist from Sri Lanka. I completed my degree in Pharmacy at University of Colombo in 2007, and obtained a master’s in financial economics in 2009. After completing my degree in 2007, I worked for a non-governmental organization to promote access to medicines and rational use in the Asia-Pacific region.

It made sense for me to pursue a PhD that allowed me to combine my academic and work experience which had previously involved several different directions. The PhD program at PHSR suited me well, as it was designed to methodically establish core skills necessary to conduct research in the field of applied pharmacy and medicine. I believe the courses and research experience facilitate the development of a unique set of skills which are essential to addressing factors that influence health care delivery in the US and other countries. I plan to pursue a career in pharmaceutical policy decision making.