PharmD Student Spotlight: Misk Al Qaderi

Q & A

What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?

• My passion for the field of pharmacy started since my childhood when my dad who was a pharmacist, used to take me to his own pharmacy when we were in the Middle East, specifically Kurdistan, Iraq, named ‘Misk Pharmacy'. Unfortunately, my dad lost his pharmacy due to terrorists in Iraq. As I got older, my passion for the field of pharmacy grew immensely and I aspired to work hard to get my PharmD degree.
   

Can you describe a particular project or research you’ve worked on that you found especially rewarding?

• I led an educational video project aimed at overcoming influenza vaccine hesitancy issues through a series of social media videos. I blended pharmacy knowledge with innovative video production, while scripting, directing, recording, and creatively editing the videos to address vaccine hesitancy. My fourth video was one of the most viral videos. With all the hard work, the video was able to reach more than 28,000 views on the main University of Arizona’s Instagram page. This was very effective in spreading the message across a wide audience in a meaningful and creative way that allowed me to combine both my passion for pharmacy and my passion for inspiring others through social media and videography.
   
  Another aspect of videography that I am proud of, is creating a PSA video for AzPA that was featured at the Phoenix Suns Game. Creating this video allowed me to advocate for our profession of pharmacy to a huge audience and demonstrate the importance of pharmacists across Arizona.

What qualities do you believe are essential for a successful pharmacist?

• Qualities that are essential for a successful pharmacist are positive mindset, inspiration, determination, adaptability, and effective time management. I learned the importance of these qualities to enhance leadership skills and the success of a student pharmacist. In life, we all face obstacles along the way. But with a positive mindset, obstacles can truly transform into opportunities for success. 
   

What’s one hobby or interest you have that might surprise your classmates?

• One of the hobbies I have that might surprise my classmates is my National Anthem performances. I have performed the National Anthem for the Phoenix Suns multiple times and the Arizona Diamondbacks, along with singing the National Anthem at many other sports events and marathons. 
   

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself since starting pharmacy school?

• Hobbies and pharmacy -or in other words: academic and personal endeavors- do not have to be mutually exclusive. Incorporating my hobbies and interest with pharmacy knowledge and academics together, not only allowed me to be able to lead many creative and successful projects, but also allowed me to not feel burn out. It allowed me to continue inspiring others to combine their passions and academics together. 
   

How do you manage your time being so active in the community?

• Time management is key to being involved so much while also focusing on academic pursuits. In addition, being goal-orientated has allowed me to never feel burnt out, as I know working hard will always result in success. 
   

What project(s) are you most proud about that your facilitated?

• I led an educational video project aimed at overcoming influenza vaccine hesitancy issues through a series of social media videos. I blended pharmacy knowledge with innovative video production, while scripting, directing, recording, and creatively editing the videos to address vaccine hesitancy. Balancing creativity with pharmacy knowledge while addressing vaccine hesitancy enhanced my leadership and problem-solving skills, and it also reinforced my commitment to innovative public health advocacy.
   
  As the VP of Patient Care for APhA, I have the honor of organizing and leading the college’s health fairs. This last semester on the Phoenix campus, we had 2 health fairs, that also involved an innovative and new addition- distributing SODAz Free Naloxone kits. Not only was I maintaining and developing my leadership skills as I organized the health fairs and ensured they are successful the day of, but with my hard work and perseverance, we were able to distribute free naloxone kits at the second health fair. We distributed around 70 free naloxone kits. This is thanks to the kind donation from AzPA’s naloxone distribution program, SODAz. By maintaining responsibility, empathy, and resiliency throughout organizing and leading the health fairs, I was able to effectively ensure that all the health fairs are a success to the students, preceptors, and the patients.