Dr. Rand Hussein (BSc, MSc, PhD'22) is a pharmacist, researcher and a new mom. She finished her PhD this past September at the School of Pharmacy and is currently pursuing her post-doctoral fellowship at the School, under Dr. Nancy Waite’s supervision, with a focus on vaccine hesitancy.
“When I looked at graduate programs, the pharmacy PhD program at the School of Pharmacy stood out because it matched my research interest and provided the opportunity to work with outstanding scholars,” she says.
Rand has always loved working in academia. For over six years she worked as a lecturer of pharmacy practice and clinical pharmacy at two universities in the Middle East. She always felt that she had more to offer, and her goal was to pursue a PhD in pharmacy. Under Dr. Kelly Grindrod’s supervision at the School of Pharmacy, Rand’s PhD focus was researching the effects of digital education on a pharmacist.
“I started by conducting a scoping review to identify gaps in the literature. I found that there was limited research exploring the effects of computer-based education on a pharmacists’ knowledge, skills and behaviour,” she says.
Rand’s two key projects were:
- investigating the effect of Pharmacy5in5 in the field on a pharmacists’ knowledge
- identifying barriers to the provision of pharmacy services by pharmacists and addressing them using digital education
Alumni Answers
UW: Tell us about your overall pharmacy journey.
RH: My pharmacy journey started in Jordan, where I earned my bachelor's and master's degree in clinical pharmacy from the University of Jordan. After graduation, I worked as a lecturer for PharmD students and have been a practicing clinical pharmacist for more than ten years. In 2017, I arrived in Canada and obtained my Canadian pharmacy license within a year. I worked as a part-time pharmacist in two team-based community health centres while pursuing my PhD.
UW: Tell us about your PhD experience under Dr. Kelly Grindrod’s supervision.
RH: My PhD experience was incredible. Kelly is an exceptional mentor and I was so lucky to have her as my PhD supervisor. She creates a supportive environment for her students, where you can openly talk about anything and she would always have the best advice for you. She continuously provided me with opportunities to network and grow professionally and personally. I feel that she is a mentor for LIFE for me!
UW: What are your future career plans?
RH: I was always fascinated by teaching and research and would like to continue in academia. I believe my current post-doctoral fellowship will help sharpen my skills and prepare me for a successful career as an assistant professor.
Non-Pharm Fun
During her time pursuing her PhD, Rand and her husband expanded their family. With the support of her family and PhD supervisor, Rand was able to balance her studies, overall pandemic challenges and raising her baby. During her spare time, Rand loves to take her baby out for walks when the weather is nice.
“The biggest challenge for me was keeping up with my studies after having my first baby. As a full-time PhD student my time was primarily dedicated to my studies but after having my baby, my priorities were different and I had to learn how to reschedule my day based on my baby’s needs,” she says.
There are challenges to any new venture and Rand encourages those who are new to the PhD program to ask questions and use the resources provided by the School of Pharmacy.
“No one is expected to know it all, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek support from your supervisor and colleagues when you need it. Also, try to have time for yourself to do things you enjoy. It will boost your mood and productivity.”
Dr. Rand Hussein holding up her baby during convocation. Photo credit: Hazma Al Khatib.