This month's faculty highlight features Dr. Sonia Amin Thomas (Patel), assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice.
When I was in pharmacy school, I really enjoyed some of my professors who inspired me to want to go into academia. I also was inspired by preceptors I had on rotation who spent an ample amount of time with me to teach me. I was very impressed by how much pharmacists could do and how they could make a difference which I didn't realize going into pharmacy school. I wanted to be able to show other students the same vision of pharmacy and how important pharmacists are to the community. I enjoy learning with the students—they always keep you fresh and on your toes with having to stay up to date for coursework. On rotations, I really love oncology and being able to teach students allows me to give back!
My research interest stems from multiple areas. I like looking at new drugs and the effects they have on patients in terms of side effects and how they fit into treatment algorithms. I also like non-patient research that focuses on how to better a system or process and develop protocols. This type of research also focuses on the value of a pharmacist at a specific location.
My first piece of advice is to get some experience by working or shadowing to see if you are truly passionate about pharmacy—doing something you love can go a long way! I would also advise to keep your options open until you get to rotations in the fourth year because you never know what you'll end up liking or seeing the many different areas that pharmacists can be involved. Explore different types of rotations as well as this will be your only opportunity to do something out of your comfort zone to see what pharmacy entails!
Vanilla! Tied with birthday cake and oreo!
