PharmD Graduate Spotlight: Ajla Mujezinovic

May 10, 2021
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In preparation for the College of Pharmacy’s 2021 Convocation, we’re highlighting a few of our many extraordinary graduates.

One of those outstanding students, Ajla Mujezinovic shared with us some advice and memories that she collected during her time at the College of Pharmacy.

Name: Ajla Mujezinovic
Hometown: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina
Program: PharmD 

Q: What inspired you to pursue your PharmD?

A: My mother has been the biggest influencer for most of the things I do in life. Her health care battles throughout adulthood led her to be taking 16 medications daily. This prompted my interest in chemistry and biology because I wondered how adding all these chemicals could affect the normal human process functions. I learned that some medications were prescribed solely to treat adverse effects of other medications rather than the primary condition. I became interested in finding solutions to correct this for all chronically ill patients. Pharmacy appealed to me because many patients don’t understand their medications, why they are being prescribed, or the importance of adherence. This puts pharmacists in a unique position to directly influence patient healthcare and response to treatment and it is exactly what I want to be doing for my patients.

Q: What have you accomplished during your studies that you are proud of?

A: I am incredibly honored to be a recipient of the United States Air Force Health Professions Scholarship, but I take the most pride in the things I’ve been able to accomplish for my patients either at rotations or at work. I also completed the Arizona Area Health Education Center Scholar program where I worked in rural settings on an interprofessional team of medical, pharmacy, nursing, and public health students. This experience was really enlightening because it showed all of us how much we can accomplish as a team! I felt like I got to see the future of healthcare and how collaborative practice can improve our health system. It was also very rewarding to see the direct impact we had in those areas.

Q: What are your other plans for after graduation?

A: Career goals: I aim to complete a PGY1 residency through the United States Air Force. I want to develop trusted interprofessional relationships to improve patient health outcomes and further my knowledge and capabilities as a pharmacist. I hope to care for my patients with compassion and integrity to increase the standard of care provided to our military. I also hope to continue being a mentor to students either by serving as a preceptor for students or in academia.

Q: What is your favorite memory from school? 

A: Right before COVID shut everything down, there was an APhA banquet where everyone got really dressed up and we all had a fancy dinner at Stillwell House. I laughed so much with some of my best friends and got the cutest pictures in our fancy clothes that we may never wear again. I am so happy I went because it’s the last time I got to really hang out with that big of a group since COVID. 

Q: Do you have any words of advice for students who may be thinking about pursuing their PharmD?

A: It sucks. Do it anyway! I know that’s the worst advice ever, but pharmacy is such a rewarding career. If you’re truly passionate about helping others, you will fulfill that passion as a pharmacist and will have many opportunities afterward.

Story by: Gracie Lordi