Dr. Rand Hussein (BSc, MSc, PhD'22) is a pharmacist, researcher and a new mom. She finished her PhD this past September at the School of Pharmacy and is currently pursuing her post-doctoral fellowship at the School, under Dr. Nancy Waite鈥檚 supervision, with a focus on vaccine hesitancy.
鈥淲hen I looked at graduate programs, the pharmacy PhD program at the School of Pharmacy stood out because it matched my research interest and provided the opportunity to work with outstanding scholars,鈥 she says.
Rand has always loved working in academia. For over six years she worked as a lecturer of pharmacy practice and clinical pharmacy at two universities in the Middle East. She always felt that she had more to offer, and her goal was to pursue a PhD in pharmacy. Under Dr. Kelly Grindrod鈥檚 supervision at the School of Pharmacy, Rand鈥檚 PhD focus was researching the effects of digital education on a pharmacist.
鈥淚 started by conducting a scoping review to identify gaps in the literature. I found that there was limited research exploring the effects of computer-based education on a pharmacists鈥 knowledge, skills and behaviour,鈥 she says.
Rand鈥檚 two key projects were:
- investigating the effect of Pharmacy5in5 in the field on a pharmacists鈥 knowledge
- identifying barriers to the provision of pharmacy services by pharmacists and addressing them using digital education
Alumni Answers
UW: Tell us about your overall pharmacy journey.
RH: My pharmacy journey started in Jordan,聽where I earned my bachelor's and master's degree in clinical pharmacy from the University of Jordan. After graduation, I worked as a lecturer for PharmD students and have been a practicing clinical pharmacist for more than ten years. In 2017, I arrived in Canada and obtained my Canadian pharmacy license within a year. I worked as a part-time pharmacist in two team-based community health centres while pursuing my PhD.
UW: Tell us about your PhD experience under Dr. Kelly Grindrod鈥檚 supervision.
RH: My PhD experience was incredible. Kelly is an exceptional mentor and I was so lucky to have her as my PhD supervisor. She creates a supportive environment for her students, where you can openly talk about anything and she would always have the best advice for you. She continuously provided me with opportunities to network and grow professionally and personally. I feel that she is a mentor for LIFE for me!聽聽
UW: What are your future career plans?
RH: I was always fascinated by teaching and research and would like to continue in academia. I believe my current post-doctoral fellowship will help sharpen my skills and prepare me for a successful career as an assistant professor.
Non-Pharm Fun
During her time pursuing her聽PhD, Rand and her husband expanded their family. With the support of her family and PhD supervisor, Rand was able to balance her studies, overall pandemic challenges and raising her baby. During her spare time, Rand loves to take her baby out for walks when the weather is nice.
鈥淭he biggest challenge for me was keeping up with my studies after having my first baby. As a full-time PhD student my time was primarily dedicated to my studies but after having my baby, my priorities were different and I had to learn how to reschedule my day based on my baby鈥檚 needs,鈥 she says.
There are challenges to any new venture and Rand encourages those who are new to the PhD program to ask questions and use the resources provided by the School of Pharmacy.
鈥淣o one is expected to know it all, so don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions and seek support from your supervisor and colleagues when you need it. Also, try to have time for yourself to do things you enjoy. It will boost your mood and productivity.鈥
Dr. Rand Hussein holding up her baby during convocation. Photo credit: Hazma Al Khatib.