Tackling the Quad-demic
Touro College of Pharmacy ’26 Azhar Hussan on His Varied Research Interests and Its Impact on Patient Care
As a student at Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP), Azhar Hussan, DHA, MBA, has had the opportunity to explore different aspects of pharmacy through his research projects in infectious disease, telepharmacy and more. He looks forward to becoming an industry leader who drives the development of innovative medicine that addresses unmet needs and transforms patients’ lives.
What topic are you investigating at TCOP?
I’m currently focused on respiratory-related infections like RSV, driven by concerns around the quad-demic of influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and norovirus. My interests include infectious diseases, neurology, chronic diseases and telepharmacy. Through each project, I am able to explore different dimensions of pharmacy, which keeps me engaged and fuels my passion for making meaningful contributions.
How did you get involved in research at TCOP?
I had some research experience, but TCOP opened the door to a world of opportunities. The supportive environment provided an incredible platform to explore different topics, and I had amazing professors and mentors who encouraged me to push boundaries. I took on research aligned with my interests in clinical pharmacology and patient safety.
How do you find your topics?
My topics often stem from clinical discussions, particularly about complex adverse drug reactions. This drives me to dig deeper and uncover insights that could make a difference in patient care. I’ve been fortunate to work with Drs. Sidhartha D. Ray, Tyler Maxwell, Michael Liu and Tamara Hernandez. They’ve shared their expertise and challenged me to think critically, evaluate evidence meticulously and approach investigations with a structured mindset.
Can you describe your studies? What did you discover, and who will it impact?
My recent research, Pharmacists on the Digital Frontline: Improving Telepharmacy for Chronic Disease Management, which I presented at the 2024 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, highlights the potential of telepharmacy to enhance patient care. It explores how we can better utilize telepharmacy to improve communication, medication adherence and outcomes, especially for patients managing chronic conditions. Telepharmacy’s ability to address health disparities by incorporating social determinants of health is a game-changer, particularly for underserved communities.
Have you presented at conferences or been published?
Yes, at conferences and clinical meetings. These opportunities have been invaluable for highlighting my research, engaging with peers and receiving feedback from experts. I’ve also published research with faculty. My recent work on RSV was published in the CUREUS Journal of Medical Science. I collaborated with Drs. Sidhartha D. Ray and Tamara Hernandez, and our study was cited by leading pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Sanofi.
What are some of the most valuable research skills you are learning?
I’ve gained a wealth of research skills that have shaped me academically and professionally. I’ve learned to critically evaluate literature and conduct detailed data analyses and convey complex ideas clearly and meaningfully to diverse audiences.
Why is it important for pharmacy students to do research?
Research is a cornerstone of innovation in pharmacy and healthcare, and for students, it’s a transformative experience. It sharpens critical thinking skills, fosters curiosity and enhances the ability to evaluate evidence-based practices. You become immersed in real-world challenges and contribute to advancements that can improve patient care and outcomes. Research offers a hands-on opportunity to explore innovative solutions, tackle unmet medical needs, and understand the interplay of science, technology and patient care. Students can grow professionally and have a meaningful impact on the future of medicine.
What is your ultimate career goal, and how has TCOP helped prepare you?
My ultimate goal is to become a leader in industry and help drive the development of innovative medicines that address unmet needs and transform patient care. I’d like to bridge gaps in healthcare and make a lasting impact on global health. TCOP has been a pivotal part of this journey. Through exceptional mentorship, hands-on research projects and meaningful engagement with the scientific community, I’ve gained the skills, confidence and vision to pursue this path.
