Congratulations to Dr. Wajd Alkabbani (PhD’23), newly appointed assistant professor at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Alkabbani’s journey has been shaped by curiosity, exploring new cities and a love for data-driven questions. After completing her undergraduate pharmacy degree from Kuwait University, she pursued graduate and postdoctoral training at the University of Manitoba and the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy in pharmacoepidemiology, a field that uses real-world data to better understand how medications are used and how they impact people’s health. She completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital before returning to the School as an assistant professor.
“I had the incredible opportunity to live and train in four different cities across three countries. Each place taught me something new, not just academically, but personally, and helped broaden my perspective on healthcare systems and research,” says Dr. Alkabbani.
The opportunity to return to Waterloo for her career is incredibly meaningful to Dr. Alkabbani. “This place shaped my early academic growth. I was drawn to the School’s strong research environment, supportive community and its focus on innovation in both teaching and research,” adds Dr. Alkabbani.
This new role will allow her to build an independent research program in pharmacoepidemiology while also mentoring the next generation of pharmacists and researchers. Her research in pharmacoepidemiology, uses large-scale health data to study how medications are used in real-world settings, and how that use impacts outcomes. Her focus is primarily on chronic conditions like diabetes, where treatment decisions are complex and often evolve over time. Her goal is to generate evidence that helps improve medication safety and effectiveness and ultimately informs better clinical and policy decisions.
Dr. Alkabbani is looking forward to teaching the students, to connect and help them see the real-world impact of what they’re learning.
I’m passionate about bridging the gap between data and practice, and helping students develop the skills to evaluate evidence, challenge assumptions, and think rigorously. It’s incredibly rewarding to play a part in shaping how future pharmacists engage with evidence and make clinical decisions
Dr. Alkabbani loves being outdoors, whether it’s going for a walk or just getting some fresh air. She is a big fan of exploring local coffee shops and trying new recipes. She also enjoys winding down with a good book or a binge-worthy TV show, and there’s nothing better than catching up with friends over a great meal. After a very busy academic journey, lately she’s been trying to be more intentional about slowing down and making space for rest.
Congratulations and welcome to Waterloo Pharmacy Dr. Alkabbani!