We recently had the honor of interviewing Pharm. Maryam, a dedicated pharmacist whose outstanding contributions to pharmaceutical services have been recognized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Bauchi State Chapter. Awarded for her selfless commitment to patient safety and well-being, Pharm. Maryam has made remarkable strides in transforming the pharmaceutical landscape, particularly in addressing health disparities, improving access to essential medications, and optimizing medication therapy management.
Congratulations, Pharm. Maryam, on being recognized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Bauchi State Chapter, on World Pharmacists Day.
Thank you very much. It’s an incredible honor to receive this recognition from the PSN, Bauchi Chapter. This award is not just a personal achievement; it is a testament to the importance of collaboration and the shared commitment of healthcare professionals to improving patient outcomes. I feel deeply humbled and inspired to continue my efforts in bridging healthcare disparities and advancing patient safety and well-being.
Pharm. Maryam, your commitment to improving pharmaceutical care has earned you significant recognition. Could you share with us some of the key moments in your career that shaped your path?
My journey has been driven by a deep sense of responsibility to make healthcare accessible and safe for all, particularly in underserved communities. A pivotal moment for me was during my time at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where I collaborated closely with clinicians to design disease management programs. This experience brought to light the importance of integrated pharmaceutical care in managing patient health. Ensuring patients receive the right medications and that those medications are used effectively has always been my priority.
You’ve done an incredible amount of volunteer work to improve healthcare in underserved communities. What motivated you to take such a proactive role in addressing health disparities?
Growing up, I saw firsthand the challenges people faced in accessing essential medicines. These barriers were often the result of poor supply chain management, stock-outs, and unaffordable medications. I decided to dedicate my career to ensuring that no one should face those obstacles. I’ve been fortunate to work with various stakeholders, from healthcare providers to community leaders, to address these issues directly. By volunteering my time and expertise, we’ve been able to bridge gaps in access, and create more equitable healthcare, and improve health outcomes.
Your efforts in Medication Therapy Management (MTM) have also been significant in preventing adverse drug reactions. How has MTM shaped your approach to patient care?
Medication Therapy Management is an essential aspect of patient care. It’s not just about dispensing medications but about ensuring the patient’s therapy is optimal. I’ve worked closely with both patients and healthcare teams to ensure that drug interactions are avoided, adverse reactions are minimized, and the patient receives the most effective treatment. In ATBUTH, my work in MTM has directly contributed to preventing potential harm to patients by tailoring drug therapies to their specific needs.
How has your research contributed to addressing disparities in pharmaceutical access and healthcare delivery?
My research focuses on using real-world evidence to understand and address gaps in pharmaceutical access. Through analyzing patient data, we’ve identified systemic barriers, such as supply chain inefficiencies and affordability challenges, that hinder access to essential pharmaceuticals. This research has informed strategies to optimize procurement processes, reduce stock-outs, and streamline prescription practices. I’ve also worked on initiatives to educate patients and healthcare providers about safe medication use, further bridging the gap between access and effective healthcare delivery.
Your achievements have led to an impressive career. Can you tell us a bit about your academic journey and how it has influenced your work in pharmaceutical services?
I’ve always believed that continuous learning is key to improving healthcare services. After earning my bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Ahmadu Bello University, I pursued a master’s degree in health economics at Bayero University Kano. This academic journey deepened my understanding of how healthcare systems operate and how I could use that knowledge to influence pharmaceutical practices. My PhD journey in Public Health at the Medical College of Wisconsin continues to refine my skills and knowledge to address the most pressing health issues, particularly those related to access and equity in improving patient outcomes.
What advice would you give to young pharmacists or healthcare professionals who aspire to make a difference in their communities?
My advice is simple: prioritize the needs of the community, remain innovative, and never stop learning. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and staying informed allows us to address emerging challenges effectively. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and explore innovative solutions to address the issues you care most about. Above all, always put the patient first – their safety, well-being, and access to care should be your guiding principles.
Thank you, for your time and for the incredible work you’re doing to transform healthcare delivery. Congratulations once again.
Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.