Faces of PharmSci: Yasmin Aboelzahab

What is your academic background and why is this area of research important?

As an international pharmacy graduate with experience in community and hospital settings, I have become aware of the critical role pharmacists play in supporting public health. To expand my expertise and contribute to generating evidence that can make a difference in the healthcare systems, I started my academic journey by pursuing a Master of Health Sciences in Translational Research at the University of Toronto. This program equipped me with the skills to identify and address unmet healthcare needs. Currently, as a PhD candidate in Dr. Lisa Dolovich’s research group, I am exploring the pharmacist’s role in supporting newcomer international students when they transition from the healthcare systems in their home countries to the Canadian healthcare system. My research also focuses on integrating digital health solutions such as virtual care to improve access to healthcare services for populations facing barriers.

Understanding and addressing the challenges newcomer international students face is essential as their health status significantly influences the overall well-being of the Canadian population. These students often encounter barriers such as unfamiliarity with the healthcare system, cultural and language differences, and difficulties with medication management. Tackling these issues is key to developing a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system. Through this work, I aspire to develop scalable evidence-based interventions that foster greater equity and inclusivity within healthcare systems, ultimately creating practical and lasting improvements in healthcare delivery.

What led you to your current Supervisor’s research group?

Dr. Dolovich’s research group was an ideal fit for my PhD research interests. I have always admired her dedication to improving healthcare delivery through innovative approaches. Her work on improving care continuity and prioritizing the patient experience perfectly aligned with my interests in addressing healthcare gaps and inequities. Since joining her group, I have been inspired by her focus on integrating pharmacists into primary care teams and advancing the role of pharmacy in healthcare delivery which has been pivotal in shaping my own research journey.

What are some of the challenges you had to overcome while pursuing your research?

I have always been interested in translating my research into real-world impact. This led me to explore and learn about implementation science, a completely new area of research for me, and how it could guide the process of turning research findings into practical solutions. With the support of my supervisor Dr. Dolovich, I am also learning how to communicate my research effectively and engage stakeholders who are essential to co-creating and applying the outcomes of my work. Engaging these stakeholders helped me think critically about how to create tangible, long-lasting impacts through my research and ensure it is meaningful in practice.

I was also eager to further my qualitative research skills, given its important role in gaining a deep understanding of people's lived experiences and diverse perspectives. To support this, I completed the essentials of qualitative research course series and earned the Advanced Training in Qualitative Health Research Methodology Certificate from the Centre for Critical Qualitative Health Research at the University of Toronto. These experiences have been both challenging and rewarding and I am confident that the skills I have developed will support my growth as a researcher and enhance my future contributions to the field.

How do you see your current research playing a role in your career?

I see my current research as a stepping stone in shaping my future career in academia. By exploring the role of pharmacists in supporting healthcare transitions for newcomer international students, I am gaining first-hand experience in developing practical strategies that address complex healthcare challenges. Additionally, my work on integrating digital and virtual care solutions has provided me with insights into how innovative technologies can enhance healthcare access and bridge gaps in care, especially for underserved populations.

The skills I am building such as strengthening my expertise in research methodology, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and applying knowledge translation, are directly aligned with my career goals. These experiences are equipping me to design and implement transformative approaches that improve healthcare delivery and accessibility which will be integral to advancing my academic and professional aspirations. .

What do you like to do when you are not working on research?

Maintaining balance in my daily life is important, especially with the challenges of graduate school. I enjoy spending quality time with my kids through activities like drawing, cooking, and playing board games. I am also passionate about community initiatives that foster engagement and inclusion. I had the opportunity to lead and develop programs at the University Family Housing that supported the diverse needs of students and their families including language support programs and community-building events that created a welcoming environment. I am currently participating in designing and implementing a virtual program that aims to improve access to university available resources and introduce students and their families to their new life there.