Featured PILs Ambassador:
Idris Yakubu, PharmD, RPh
Solid Organ Transplant/Academia Pharmacy Specialist
Who/what inspired you to pursue pharmacy?
My first exposure to pharmacy as a child was through my great uncle, who owned the only chemist store in my hometown. Due to his extensive knowledge and concern for the well-being of his patients, he was highly trusted and respected within the community. I chose to become a pharmacist, to learn more about the use of medications and contribute to the welfare of others, like my great uncle.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your area of pharmacy practice?
As a solid organ transplant pharmacist, I value the responsibility of providing life saving options for patients with end-organ failure and helping them understand their complex medication regimen to ensure optimal outcomes. I also find upholding the responsibility to society by ensuring adequate utiliztion of scarce organs very rewarding.
At what moment did you realize you were a real pharmacist?
During my PGY1 residency experience, I participated in a 24-hour inhouse on-call program that allowed residents to respond to different medication related questions, code and rapid response calls etc., under minimal supervision. My first on-call experience was very challenging but reinforced the change in responsibilities and expectations as I transitioned from being a student to a pharmacist.
Which prominent figure, past or present, leadership style do you admire and why?
Nelson Mandela for his servant leadership and sacrifices, despite threats to his life and the lives of his family members.
What particular aspect of your field/specialization do you foresee drastically changing in the next 5 years?
Utilization of organs that previously would be considered non-suitable for transplantation in select populations will become part of standard of care, such as, utilization of hepatitis C viremic donor organs into hepatitis C negative patients. Futhermore, I also foresee more succdessful attempts at immune tolerance with simultaneous bone marrow and solic organ transplantation that may allow for successful immunosuppression withdrawal in solid organ transplant recipients.
Interview by: Onye Ononogbu, PharmD and Chandler Schexnayder, PharmD, BCPS, CDE. Dr. Ononogbu and Dr. Schexnayder are staff writers for The Package Insert.
