Doha, Qatar: Dr. Shahd Elamin, from Qatar University (QU) completed her journey within the PharmD programme at the College of Pharmacy (CPH), part of QU Health, in which she transitioned from a BSc in Pharmacy in 2021 to a PharmD graduate.
Motivated by a desire for continuous growth nurtured during her undergraduate years, Dr. Shahd’s decision to pursue the PharmD programme was a natural progression aligning with her ambition to contribute meaningfully to health care through patient care and advanced research. Unlike traditional graduate programmes, PharmD is a professional doctorate emphasising hands-on clinical work, during which pharmacists receive intensive training.
Candidates of this programme emerge as clinical pharmacists, providing evidence-based clinical care through clinical placements over the academic year.
Actively involved in wellness and wellbeing advocacy, Dr. Shahd contributed greatly to mental health awareness and wellbeing educational events. This includes leading the self-care and compassion team in the wellbeing space, as part of the All Together Better Health (ATBH) conference, which took place in Doha for the first time in history in November 2023. Her commitment extends to joining the CPH alumni chapter as an executive member, reflecting her belief in continual growth and making meaningful contributions to health promotion and education.
Dr. Shahd noted that a pivotal decision to engage in a research project with her mentor and PharmD faculty advisor was very impactful for her career, as it expanded her research involvement and opened new prospects. Joining this community provided diverse platforms for her to make meaningful contributions to mental health research and advocacy events, her longstanding passions.
As the current PharmD ambassador, Dr. Shahd proudly recounts her journey of growth and positive contributions to health care and the community. Acknowledgments during her time as a PharmD student include receiving an oral presentation award at the 11th Annual CPH research forum and a writing award from the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office.
In addition, she is an active participant in conferences and symposiums such as QIPC-6, QMH RS, and ATBH through poster/oral presentations and wellbeing events. She significantly contributed to multiple research projects, including two recent publications, and advocates for stigma-free health care and the well-being of Qatari communities through various events and initiatives. Dr. Shahd commented saying: “Expressing gratitude for every embraced opportunity along my journey, I emphasise that each ‘yes’ has played a crucial role in shaping my present standing.”
