January 11, 2025
Alumni
Maheen Chaudhry

Degree(s): 
Dual Bachelor degrees in Biology and Psychology
PharmD
Completed Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) residency

Current Position Title and Affiliation: Clinical Pharmacist and Preceptor at Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Summary of Position:
I work as a de-centralized pharmacist along with the healthcare team on the medical/surgical and cardiac telemetry units. My primary responsibility is to ensure safe and effective medication use for all patients on my floors (total 65 patient beds, 58 beds on average occupied). I also provide services that include therapeutic drug monitoring of high-risk medications, antimicrobial and anticoagulation stewardship, drug information including new emerging treatments and drug interactions, evaluation and verification of medication orders, as well as educating patients and allied health professionals. I also precept pharmacy students and PGY1 residents.

Future Goals:
Teaching has always been my passion. Since high school, I have been teaching, precepting, or serving as an advisor to students. I enjoy my current clinical position very much and get to make a difference in the lives of so many people. I work with a wonderful team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, social workers, dietitians, physical therapists, and case management workers. I get to precept and teach as well. I love my job, and I hope to eventually find a hybrid position where I get to be in academia and continue my clinical practice.

What do you love most about this career path?
I get to make a difference! I get to help people heal. I don't think I can find a career more rewarding. As a medication expert, I bring valuable input to the team. My goal is always to maximize the efficacy and safety of medications. I have always loved the clinical side of this profession but there is so much more you can do. You can work in the community or an institution. You can be a consulting pharmacist or work in the pharmaceutical industry. You can be a compounding/specialty pharmacist. You can also specialize.

How did UMass and/or PBS help prepare you?
UMass offered me so many experiences that helped shape my professional career. I worked as a teaching assistant and tutor further realizing my love of education and teaching. I worked in the CNS Dean's office and as a peer mentor. I was also fortunate to work as a research assistant and developed many research and interpersonal skills that I continue to use. I was able to publish papers that made me stand out in my profession. Being a part of the Commonwealth Honors College, I got to be in smaller classes that challenged me and strengthened my skills. All of these opportunities helped strengthen my communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

What lab did you work in?
I worked in Dr. Rebecca Ready’s clinical lab as a research assistant. I worked on her studies on Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. I received a grant from Commonwealth Honors College which helped me conduct and publish a study on differential effects of stress on performance on WAIS-IV, an adult intelligence scale. Everything I learned from Dr. Ready and this whole experience has helped build my foundation as a life long researcher. Research in an integral part of my career as well. 

Tips for Current Undergrads:
Explore, explore, and explore! UMass has so many opportunities. I honestly think there is something for everyone! Try new things. Join clubs, find internships, work opportunities, join a mentorship program. Take classes outside of your comfort zone. The more you expose yourself to new and different things, the more likely you will be able to find something that you will fall in love with. Your career is something you should be proud of. Find something you enjoy, like Mark Twain said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Maheen Chaudhry's LinkedIn Profile