Committed to Compounding, Phoenix PharmD Students Pursue Dream
Second-year Phoenix PharmD students—Sajad Al-zubaidy and Batuhan Ozdiker—have been close friends ever since their first days of pharmacy school. Bonding over a desire to positively impact patient care, the duo is shaping their future with a shared vision of starting a compounding pharmacy one day.
“After graduation, we plan to open our own compounding pharmacy, focusing on delivering high-quality medicine and custom care that caters to individual patient needs,” Batuhan shares. “We both aspire to do something different in pharmacy, it’s about making a mark beyond traditional roles and providing something truly unique for patients.
Sajad and Batuhan are taking every opportunity to make their dreams a reality. Recently, they attended the PCCA ThinkNext 2024 International Seminar, an event focused on innovations in compounding pharmacy. Although they weren’t representing any student organization, their decision to attend the seminar was driven by a desire to learn from experts and expand their professional network.
The ThinkNext seminar proved to be an invaluable experience for the pair, who were exposed to groundbreaking advancements in patient care, such as the integration of artificial intelligence, hormone replacement therapy, and personalized medicine. “The seminar was an incredible opportunity to learn from industry leaders and gain insights that we can apply as we build our compounding pharmacy,” says Sajad. “It also reinforced the importance of innovation in patient care and the need for pharmacists to be proactive in adopting new technologies to better serve patients.”
The conference also deepened their understanding of the evolving role of pharmacists in addressing healthcare disparities. Both Sajad and Batuhan believe pharmacists are uniquely positioned to make healthcare more accessible, especially in underserved communities. “Pharmacists are on the front lines, interacting with patients in ways other healthcare professionals might not be able to,” says Sajad. “By providing education and tailored medication management, pharmacists can help address health inequities and ensure that all patients receive high-quality care.”
As they near the completion of their pharmacy studies, Sajad and Batuhan are more committed than ever to their goal of opening a compounding pharmacy. Although the journey may have just begun, they are focused on laying the groundwork for a business prioritizing quality, innovation, and compassionate care.
“The University of Arizona has provided us with a solid foundation, both academically and professionally,” says Sajad. “We’re learning from some of the best minds in the field, and we’re eager to apply that knowledge to create a pharmacy that serves the community in a meaningful way.” Their shared vision is clear: to build a compounding pharmacy that doesn’t just fill prescriptions but also builds lasting relationships with patients.
Sajad Al-zubaidy | Class of 2027
Sajad Al-zubaidy is a second-year pharmacy student with a background in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Arizona State University. Born and raised in Arizona to a family of physicians with roots in Baghdad, Iraq, Sajad was inspired by his uncle, a plastic surgeon, to pursue a healthcare career. His journey into pharmacy began at 18 as a pharmacy technician, where he quickly discovered his passion for patient care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he administered thousands of vaccines and provided health tests, deepening his commitment to community health. Sajad has since taken on leadership roles as NCPA President-Elect, PCCA Ambassador, and University of Arizona Ambassador, all while serving on the Student Advisory Committee for pharmacotherapy. His diverse experiences shaped his vision to transform the pharmacy profession and extend its impact beyond traditional roles.
What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
- Coming from a family of healthcare professionals, I always knew I wanted to work in a field where I could positively impact people’s lives. While exploring different paths, I found my passion in pharmacy. Working as a pharmacy technician opened my eyes to the critical role pharmacists play in patient care. I saw firsthand how pharmacists build relationships with patients, guide them in managing their health, and collaborate with other healthcare providers. The COVID-19 pandemic further inspired me, as I contributed by administering vaccines and directly supporting my community. This experience solidified my decision to pursue pharmacy as my career.
How has your experience in pharmacy school changed your perspective on healthcare?
- Pharmacy school has expanded my understanding of healthcare by highlighting the diverse roles pharmacists play, from direct patient care to research and specialty fields like compounding. I now see pharmacy as a multifaceted profession that allows us to impact patients’ lives in various ways, whether through traditional medication management or personalized therapies. It has taught me the importance of teamwork in healthcare, as pharmacists often collaborate with other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for patients. My experiences in pharmacy school have deepened my commitment to innovative and patient-centered care.
What’s one study habit or routine that has been essential to your success in pharmacy school?
- For me, it’s “mind over matter.” Pharmacy school is busy, but it is also about the memories and growth you take away from it. I have realized that success comes from pushing through, even when things get tough. Early mornings at the library or late nights studying before exams have become part of my routine. If you truly want something and enjoy it, it doesn't feel like work. For me, staying up all night learning about pharmacy doesn’t feel like a chore or a job—it feels like a hobby. I am passionate about learning every detail and advancing my knowledge because I genuinely love what I am doing. Attending conferences and connecting with like-minded individuals have also been essential. These experiences remind me of the bigger picture and fuel my drive to keep learning and growing. Pharmacy school is a journey, and every step prepares me for the impact I want to make in the future.
How did the conference inspire you in terms of your career path?
- The conference was truly inspiring as it allowed me to interact with successful business
owners who have walked the path I aspire to follow. Being surrounded by compounding
professionals who share a commitment to personalized patient care validated my
passion for this field. Seeing their success and dedication firsthand solidified our desire
to open a compounding pharmacy after graduation, where we can provide patients with
specialized, compassionate care that meets their unique needs.
Batuhan Ozdiker | Class of 2027
Batuhan Ozdiker is a second-year PharmD student with a passion for advancing healthcare through pharmacy. Originally from Turkey, Batuhan moved to the U.S. in 2013 to pursue his dream of becoming a pharmacist. He is particularly dedicated to the field of compounding pharmacy, with plans to open his own pharmacy post-graduation, where he aims to provide personalized, high-quality care. As a PCCA Ambassador, Batuhan advocates for the compounding community while fostering a deeper connection between pharmacy and patient care. Actively involved in student organizations, he holds leadership roles that help shape his vision for the future of healthcare and pharmacy.
What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
- My journey into pharmacy was inspired by my background and experiences in Turkey, where I saw firsthand the essential role pharmacists play in community health. This motivated me to make a difference in patient care by providing personalized solutions and support in navigating healthcare challenges.
What area of pharmacy practice are you most interested in, and why?
- I am particularly interested in compounding pharmacy because it allows me to create specialized medications tailored to individual patient needs, including those for pets. As a pet lover, I find it rewarding to be able to provide customized solutions for both human and veterinary patients. This focus on personalization enhances patient care and fosters meaningful relationships, allowing me to work collaboratively with clients to find the best therapeutic options for complex conditions.
What challenges do you foresee for new pharmacists entering the field, and how are you preparing to overcome them?
- New pharmacists may face challenges such as adapting to advancements in technology and navigating the evolving landscape of patient care. To prepare, I am actively engaging in networking opportunities and mentorship programs that will equip me with the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic environment. I am also committed to staying informed about industry trends to better serve my future patients.
What was the most inspiring aspect of the conference?
- The ThinkNext2024 seminar was an unforgettable experience, especially as we were surrounded by pioneers in the field. The sessions on innovations in hormone replacement therapy, mitochondrial health, and the integration of AI in patient care showed us the potential of compounding pharmacy. Connecting with other passionate students and professionals only strengthened our commitment to this career path.