Setareh ZakikhaniSetareh Zakikhani, originally from Tehran, Iran, began her journey in the United States as a National Science Foundation intern at Phoenix College. She pursued two associate degrees before transferring to the University of Arizona for a biomedical engineering degree. Her work in a biomedical laboratory sparked an interest in medical science. She then ventured into clinical research, coordinating over 50 clinical trials in various therapeutic areas. She was a lead coordinator in the Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trials. These experiences solidified her interest in pursuing a career in the health care field.
In 2021, she enrolled in a 3-year accelerated Pharm.D. program at Midwestern University-Glendale Campus. As a student, she served as president of the ACCP student chapter and mentor for the Group on Women in Medicine and Science program and completed the College of Pharmacy Leadership Program. Being a member of ACCP has provided Zakikhani many networking opportunities and much educational programming to hone her clinical knowledge and professional skills. As president of the student chapter, she coordinated professional development events and health fairs that not only promoted ACCP’s mission, but also broadened its reach. By arranging guest panel speakers, she created a forum for discussion about current pharmaceutical trends and challenges, establishing a culture of continuous learning. Her dedication to recruiting new members and advocating for the profession has boosted the chapter’s vitality and growth, strengthening the organization’s collaborative power and collective expertise. Through these activities, Zakikhani has contributed to ACCP’s tradition of promoting health care and pharmacy practice, ensuring the organization continues to thrive as a crucial force in the evolution of clinical pharmacy.
Her leadership approach is based on open communication and psychological safety, where team members are encouraged to express their views without fear of retribution. To foster such an atmosphere, in her various leadership roles, she has implemented regular team meetings to provide a platform for all voices to be heard and for collective brainstorming to thrive. Zakikhani has facilitated team-building activities that emphasize trust, collaboration, and understanding, allowing members to develop a shared sense of purpose and respect for the diverse strengths within her team. Ultimately, her leadership style is focused on celebrating diversity, ensuring equity, and fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to contribute their best. As a result, her team is not just a collection of individuals, but a united entity that thrives on the rich, collective contributions of its members.
Outside pharmacy school, she has been involved in community service through participation in local health fairs. During these events, she offers basic health screenings, such as blood pressure and blood glucose checks, and provides education on medication adherence and lifestyle modifications for chronic disease management. She also devotes time to volunteering at a local community pharmacy, where she provides consultations and helps manage medication therapy for older adult patients. A unique service opportunity involved the development and delivery of a presentation on medication safety and management to American Indian foster parents.
Zakikhani is an advocate for both patients and pharmacy. She is committed to patient empowerment, ensuring they are informed, heard, and respected. As an APPE student, she helps patients navigate their health care journey by offering clear communication and education on health literacy and medication management. She also advocates for the pharmacy profession through professional involvement. She remains informed about legislative developments affecting pharmacy practice and patient care, participating in advocacy efforts to shape health policy. She believes that active participation in professional organizations provides a platform to voice concerns and support initiatives that promote the pharmacy profession and patient welfare. Finally, Zakikhani plans to continue advocacy efforts at the community level. She has been involved with providing education and counseling on medication safety, diabetes, and overdose prevention during her ambulatory care rotation, and she plans to continue her involvement in health education and preventive care initiatives, like vaccination campaigns, health assessments, and wellness workshops, as opportunities to advocate for populations that are medically underserved.
In conclusion, Zakikhani’s journey from a biomedical engineering student to a final-year pharmacy student highlights her dedication to health care excellence, strong foundation in research, and commitment to patient care. As she nears the completion of her pharmacy degree, she looks forward to contributing to the health care field as a clinical pharmacist, continuing to learn, adapt, and advocate for her patients and the profession. Her story serves as an inspiration for future health care leaders, demonstrating the power of perseverance, dedication, and passion for improving patient outcomes.