Introduction
Dr. Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir earned her PharmD from the University of Saint Joseph and her MPH from Wayne State University. She is a faculty member at UC San Diego's Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her research focuses on infectious diseases, particularly in addressing healthcare disparities and optimizing care for vulnerable communities. Dr. Abdul-Mutakabbir is recognized for her expertise in antimicrobial stewardship and HIV care, contributing to public health with an emphasis on equitable healthcare access. You can learn more about her impactful work here.
Why Pharmacy
I chose pharmacy because I love being able to educate and support other individuals int he healthcare and life journeys. I think that we can all agree the pharmacist are the most accessible healthcare providers, and this was something that really appealed to me. Today, I am more passionate about the profession that I ever thought possible. As a pharmacist, I'm able to make a difference in the lives of the many different individuals that I serve, and I am grateful for that.
Career Journey
When I entered my undergraduate program at Howard University, I wanted to become a pharmacologist. So, I had every intention of working towards entering a PhD program upon finishing undergrad. However, I needed to pay a portion of my tuition for my junior year of school and there was an opening at the pharmacy located next door to Howard. This was within walking distance of my dormitory and thankfully they were willing to accommodate my schooling schedule. I worked there until the start of my senior year and then started pharmacy school at the University of Saint Joseph. Upon finishing school, I completed PGY-1 training at the Howard University Hospital, and then an Infectious Diseases PK/PG Research Fellowship and a Master’s in Public Health at Wayne State University. I began my academic career at Loma Linda University, where I served on the faculty from 2020-2022, until my recruitment to the University of California, San Diego as a clinician-scientist. My translational research program focuses on identifying inequities in antimicrobial resistance and stewardship to inform tailored interventions for vulnerable communities.
Current Role and Responsibilities
The typical workday can vary for me. Some days, it may look like me cleaning up research data, and outlining a manuscript for publication. A day could also be packed with meetings with collaborators or conducting business with the scientific organizations in which I hold leadership roles. My most enjoyable workdays are when I'm meeting with my research mentees, educating students, or working with the community.
Challenges
The most challenging aspect of my career is realizing that it's a marathon not a race. Often, I can get ahead of myself on where I want to focus my attention which can result in some feelings of burnout. This can also wreak havoc on my mental health. So, I've been working with my therapist (of three years) to navigate this.
Rewards
The most rewarding aspects of my career are when I get to watch my students connect the dots on a topic that I'm teaching. I also get so much joy when students tell me that they're considering exploring infectious diseases following their participation in one of my courses. I also love being able to bring education and preventative care right into the communities of those that would best benefit from the services. It has been such a blessing to serve in this way.
Advice for Students and Aspiring Professionals
I would tell the students to remain steadfast in their journey because there are many peaks and valleys that come with being a pharmacist. I would also tell them to dream big and to not allow anyone to dim the light around that dream. There were so many times that I was told that I couldn't do the things that I wanted to, but through my faith and remaining keyed to my goals I've been able to do things beyond my wildest dreams.