Faculty Highlight: Shirin Madzhidova, PharmD

February 28, 2018

This month's faculty highlight features Shirin Madzhidova, PharmD, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice.

Why did you choose a career in pharmacy education?

As a fourth-year student I had the privilege to learn from an incredible preceptor who was also a professor, and who became my lifelong mentor. During my rotation with her I had the opportunity to present a short lecture for an elective course. That experience had sparked an interest in academia and I decided to pursue it further. As a pharmacy resident, I completed a teaching certificate program and was able to teach in both didactic and small group settings. I have decided to pursue an academic fellowship to further expand my training in academia and was lucky enough to work with my mentor. The experience and training I have received during my two years of fellowship have solidified my passion for academia and I have pursued it ever since. I believe that a teacher should always be a learner. I strive to continuously build upon my teaching techniques and love to learn from my students.

What is your research interest?

My current research interests are in the field of pediatric wellness, nutrition and pediatric acute care. I am currently completing a grant looking at the rates of hypertension among pediatric patients who are prescribed medications for management of ADHD, as well as a study looking at the trends of use of complementary and alternative medicine among children and adolescents.

What advice do you have for a person considering a career in pharmacy?

Be passionate! The profession of pharmacy is ever-changing and students entering the field now are its future influencers. If you decide to enter the field, have passion to explore beyond the basics and to promote change for the better, whether for an individual patient or for the whole profession.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Pistachio :)