Nehal Patel is an Inpatient-Outpatient Clinical Pharmacist with the Multi-Organ Transplant Program at Toronto General Hospital. Nehal divides her time between the inpatient unit and Transplant Outpatient Pharmacy. The Transplant Outpatient Pharmacy opened in January 2013 and is the first and only transplant speciality pharmacy in Canada. She is also a student in the PharmD bridging program.
Where They're Working
Nehal is part of an interdisciplinary team at Canada’s largest solid organ transplant centre for kidney, lung, liver, heart, pancreas and intestine transplantation – Toronto General’s Multi-Organ Transplant Program.
“My passion for this speciality grew out of my time in the Multi-Organ Transplant unit as a student, intern and pharmacist,” says Nehal. “The learning opportunities are endless and personally, connecting with transplant recipients and their families throughout the process is one of the best parts of my job.”
The team on the unit has a busy workload and must stay up-to-date on clinical knowledge and medical advancements related to solid organ transplantation.
Reflections on the Program
“The Waterloo Pharmacy co-op program was a huge contributor to shaping my skills and confidence as a new pharmacist. The professional practice labs, classroom discussions and self-directed learning throughout the program also prepared me to start off my career confidently.”
“In order to keep up with best practice guidelines and ensuring we are offering the best care to our patients, there is extensive collaboration and learning within the transplant pharmacy department and with other health care professionals within the Multi-Organ Transplant unit,” says Nehal.
The long hours and constant need for continuing education don’t bother Nehal. The transplantation process is arduous for patients and over time she has the opportunity to support and connect with them meaningfully.
“It is a difficult journey for patients and their families both pre- and post-transplant and I am grateful to be a part of that journey with them,” Nehal reflects. “I see patients transition from an inpatient to outpatient and connecting with them really highlights the impact and difference organ donation has made to their life.”
Alumni Answers
UW: What advice do you have for pharmacists interested in pursuing hospital specialties?
NP: I recommend pursuing specialties in hospital environments for those who are self-directed learners, enjoy taking on new clinical and operational challenges and teaching colleagues and students. A major focus of your clinical knowledge and expertise will be about that specialty so it becomes challenging to stay updated with other areas of clinical practice.
UW: You also teach at the University of Toronto’s pharmacy program. What interested you in teaching?
NP: Being on the other side now, as a pharmacist, I enjoy teaching students and providing them with constructive feedback and advice that I had appreciated as a student. I also valued when my preceptor and professors shared their clinical experience and I’m glad that I can now offer that to my students.
Non-Pharm Fun
“Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends and planning my next adventure. I enjoy traveling and seeing how people live in other parts of the world, understanding the different cultures, putting myself outside of my comfort zone and overall being grateful for what I have. This year I was able to check off one of my bucket list items by completing the 4 day Inca Trail trek in Peru, an accomplishment I am very proud of.”
