PharmD Student Spotlight: Sajad Al-zubaidy
Sajad Al-zubaidy is a third-year Doctor of Pharmacy student at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, Phoenix campus, Class of 2027. With over eight years of experience in the pharmacy field, ranging from technician to intern, Al-zubaidy has built a strong foundation in both community and hospital pharmacy practice.
Demonstrating a deep commitment to leadership and professional development, he currently serves as Class Representative, President of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) student chapter, Vice President of the Phoenix campus within Student Council, and Student Development Chair for the Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS) Honorary Society. Additionally, he contributes to academic advancement as a student member of the college’s Curriculum Committee.
Passionate about personalized medicine and compounding pharmacy, Al-zubaidy aspires to open a compounding pharmacy dedicated to supporting aging populations and managing chronic diseases. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys playing soccer, traveling, hiking, and working out.
Q & A
What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
- My inspiration for pharmacy comes from both family and personal experiences. I grew up in a family deeply rooted in healthcare, with uncles who are plastic surgeons, physicians, and medical school professors. I witnessed firsthand how medicine can change lives. Interestingly, no one in my family pursued pharmacy, which fueled my interest in exploring this path. What drew me most was the pharmacist’s unique role as both a clinician and an educator. I was inspired by the opportunity to be on the frontlines of patient care, bridging the gap between complex science and everyday health. For me, pharmacy represents the perfect balance between my love of science and my passion for mentoring and supporting others.
How do you see the role of a pharmacist evolving in the next decade?
- I think pharmacists will be redefined as healthcare innovators in the upcoming decade. Pharmacists' responsibilities will expand beyond traditional distribution to include pharmacogenomics, AI-driven pharmacies, customized medicine, and increased prescriptive authority. Pharmacists will be used more and more for direct patient management, and community wellness programs as the prevalence of chronic diseases and barriers to healthcare access increase. I envision our field becoming a key player in personalized therapy and preventative health.
What area of pharmacy practice are you most interested in, and why?
- The pharmacy practice that I am most interested in is compounding. It seems to me to be the way that really individualized medicine will develop in the future. Compounding enables us to offer treatment that commercial medications frequently cannot, whether it is for aging individuals with complicated chronic conditions, creating options for patients with allergies, or customizing therapy for the youth. My dream is to run a compounding pharmacy that combines advanced technology with patient-centered care so that a variety of groups may receive customized medications.
What’s one misconception about pharmacists that you wish more people understood?
- The idea that pharmacists just "count pills behind the counter" is a prevalent one. Pharmacists play a crucial role in clinical decision-making, patient safety advocacy, and education. We are qualified to oversee complicated medication regimens, identify drug interactions, and improve the treatment of chronic illnesses. Also, we are among the most approachable medical professionals. Pharmacists are vital members of the healthcare team, and our influence extends well beyond the prescription.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in pharmacy school?
- My advice to someone just starting out in pharmacy school is to embrace every opportunity and not be afraid to get involved early. Pharmacy school can feel overwhelming, but building strong connections with classmates, faculty, and organizations will make the journey much more rewarding. Take things one step at a time, stay organized, and do not compare your path to anyone else’s. Most importantly, remember why you started? Your passion for helping others will carry you through the toughest days.