Naushin Hooda: Rising to the occasion to find healthcare solutions earns her the Rising Star Award

Why she wonNaushin Hooda may have started her pharmacy career as the world shut down in a global pandemic, but that hasn’t prevented her from making an indelible mark in the profession already. She started in community pharmacy working with underprivileged and underserved populations in Manitoulin Island. Noticing gaps in health care right off the bat, she initiated community events to educate the public on safe medication storage and disposal and worked with Ontario Cancer Care and her interprofessional team to develop a colorectal cancer screening education program for healthcare professionals and the public. Among her many accomplishments since graduating with her Pharm. D. from the University of Waterloo in 2019, Naushin was appointed the lead critical care pharmacist at Ontario’s first designated COVID-19 hospital, Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, with only a few months of community pharmacy experience under her belt. In seeing how overtaxed the healthcare system was, she was also inspired to develop a research program investigating pharmacists’ roles in cancer screening, with a goal to influence policy that would expand practice scope as it relates to preventative care and screening. Beyond critical care, Hooda has gleaned valuable experience as a pharmacist specialist in supply chain, managing the more than 300 active medication backorders affecting acute care hospitals in B.C. Today she continues to be an advisor on drug shortage issues in BC and recently took on the role of Provincial Pharmacy Education and Residency Coordinator at BC Cancer. Hooda is also a Clinical Instructor at the University of British Columbia and earned her Master’s in Public Health from John Hopkins University in 2023. She hopes her career trajectory so far inspires other new practitioners to challenge the status quo and expand their roles to affect positive change in healthcare.You can read about all the 2023 winners here.If reading these stories makes you think of someone you know who’s deserving of an award (including perhaps, yourself?), you can sign up to be notified when the entry process opens for 2024 by filling out this form. Q&A: What's your favourite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is undoubtedly the incredible people I work with. I am surrounded by a team of passionate, smart and driven individuals who consistently inspire and motivate me.What advice would you give a young pharmacist? Embrace the uniqueness of your strengths, skills, interests and values—and consider how these factors align with the various niches within pharmacy. Take the time to explore different facets of the profession through internships, rotations and networking opportunities Engage with mentors who can share their experiences and insights, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the diverse career paths available. Don’t be afraid to be curious and walk a different path.What's your most effective way to combat stress? Cultivating a positive mindset and incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine. Focusing only on what I can control and practising gratitude contribute to a more resilient attitude toward stress. Is there a mentor or role model who has inspired you in your career? While it’s challenging to pinpoint one single mentor, I am grateful for the collective impact of all those who have generously shared their knowledge and wisdom, contributing to my growth and success in the profession. Is there something you’d like to try next in your career? I am excited about the prospect of transitioning into the role of a pharmacist-scientist in my next career phase. I have a keen interest in bridging the gap between pharmacy practice and scientific research, particularly epidemiology and real-world evidence. By combining my clinical expertise with a more extensive involvement in research, I hope to contribute to advancements in pharmaceutical knowledge and patient care. Outside of pharmacy, I hope to open my own coffee shop someday—a green oasis with plants, natural light and inspiring artwork from local artists that could serve as a community hub to bring people together. Describe your perfect day off. It would kick off with a cup of coffee in hand, enjoying the morning air while planning a hike in the beautiful landscapes of B.C. with my partner and our dog, Comet. We’d hit the trails, exploring the scenic outdoors and soaking in the natural beauty. In the evening, I would wind down by the fireplace with a good book.

Naushin Hooda: Rising to the occasion to find healthcare solutions earns her the Rising Star Award

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