Waterloo Pharmacy student’s personal experience inspires a future career in oncology pharmacy
For Armaan Mahajan (Rx2027), a personal experience with cancer shaped the direction of his pharmacy education. While beginning his pharmacy journey in the Conditional Admission to Pharmacy (CAP) program at the University of Waterloo Faculty of Science, he was also accompanying his mother to her chemotherapy appointments and witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by patients and their families. Those experiences sparked a growing interest in oncology research, patient care and improving access to new cancer treatments.
Just before the start of his second year in the PharmD program at the School of Pharmacy, Mahajan lost his mother, Monica Mahajan, to lung cancer. Rather than shying away from oncology, he became even more committed to understanding the disease.
"Seeing what she went through, and what my family went through, gave me the drive and motivation to help others going through something similar,” he says.
Motivated to better understand his mother's cancer, Mahajan dedicated significant time, in addition to his studies, to researching KRASG12D, the lung cancer mutation she had. Historically, the mutation has been difficult to target, leaving patients with limited treatment options. What began as a way to understand his mother's disease soon evolved into a research project with Dr. Tom McFarlane, a professor at the School.
Together, they conducted a scoping review examining emerging therapies targeting KRASG12D. Mahajan presented his student research poster at the annual Pharmacy Student Research Poster Fair, and he and Dr. McFarlane are now working toward publishing their results in a scientific journal.
"I wanted to do a research project that could update pharmacists on what new treatments are coming," says Mahajan. "It felt like I was contributing to the field and specifically to my mom's mutation. That was a really great feeling."
Beyond the classroom, Mahajan also pursued oncology-focused co-op work terms, that allowed him to apply his knowledge in clinical settings. During a co-op work term at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's Odette Cancer Centre, he worked on outpatient oral anti-cancer therapy follow-ups, toxicity management and patient counselling, helping patients stay on therapy while maintaining their quality of life.
“For me it’s just another day at work. For them it’s a life-changing moment,” he says. “Supporting patients and their families reinforced my desire to pursue a career in oncology pharmacy.”
Mahajan also completed a co-op work term in the intensive care unit at Mount Sinai Hospital, where critically ill cancer patients from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre receive specialized care. Working alongside pharmacists, he helped manage complex medication regimens and supported patients through critical illness.
“No two cancer journeys are the same, but I still felt I was able to use my personal experience and the knowledge I gained when my mom was dealing with cancer to really comfort my patients and families,” he says. “It made the level of care I provided that much better and gave me a big sense of fulfillment.”
His experiences at Sunnybrook have also inspired his next research project; quantifying the impact of pharmacist-led management of treatment-related hypertension in patients with endometrial cancer. Mahajan says his co-op experiences strengthened his communication skills and his ability to connect with patients during their most vulnerable moments, while his research and classroom learning helped build his confidence to present his research findings.
Christine Peragine, Lead Oral Chemotherapy Pharmacist and Armaan Mahajan at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's Odette Cancer Centre. Photo credit: Sunnybrook.
Dr. Tom McFarlane and Armaan Mahajan at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy
Armaan Mahajan next to his student research poster at the annual School of Pharmacy Student Research Poster Fair.
Looking back, Mahajan says the support he received at Waterloo helped him pursue the opportunities that shaped his interest in oncology. Through the CAP program, he was able to explore the profession early through mentorship, pharmacy-focused resources and experiences that prepared him for the PharmD program.
“I always felt that the School cared about how I was doing and wanted to see me succeed,” he says. “Having that community around me meant a lot during a very difficult time.”
As Mahajan enters his final year at Waterloo, he hopes to build a career in oncology pharmacy. Through research, co-op experiences and direct patient care, he continues to honour his mother's memory while supporting patients through some of life's most difficult moments.
“I look at it as I'm blessed to be in a profession where I can help others go through hard times. Knowing I'm helping others is a way of making my mom proud,” he adds.