College of Pharmacy professor receives Woman Pharmacist of the Year Award
Receiving the Woman Pharmacist of the Year award in 2024 from the Pharmacist Moms Group is a remarkable achievement. For one dedicated leader in the field, it represents years of passion for academia, advocacy for advancing women in pharmacy and a drive to make a meaningful impact on the profession.
Dr. Adenike Atanda’s focus on chronic disease management in underserved communities has enabled her to build strong patient-provider relationships while working tirelessly to address gaps in care. In this conversation, she reflects on the experiences that have shaped her career, the importance of mentorship and networking and her advice for aspiring women pharmacists navigating the evolving landscape of pharmacy practice.
What does receiving the “Woman Pharmacist of the Year” award mean to you personally and professionally, and how has it impacted your approach to pharmacy practice or education?
“I am deeply honored to receive this award, which reflects my passion for academia and my commitment to advancing women in our field. I am grateful to be recognized alongside the other nominees and awardees, whose impactful work is driving essential change within the profession.
Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving on the mentorship committee of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Women in Academia Specialty Interest Group, initially as a member and mentor and more recently as chair for the 2024-2025 leadership cycle. This experience has provided me with valuable insights into the significant contributions women pharmacists have made both nationally and internationally across diverse settings. It is encouraging to see that the profession is in capable hands, and I look forward to witnessing its continued evolution over the next decade.”
Could you share some of the key moments or experiences that have shaped your career and led you to make such a significant impact on the pharmacy community?
“My passion for pharmacy practice, specifically ambulatory care, stems from my desire to make a difference in chronic disease management. Unfortunately, diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and sickle cell anemia are quite common in underserved and minority communities, and I have seen too many people affected by a lack of access to timely, quality care.
I am fortunate to be in a field that allows me to address this gap, and over the last 10 years of practice, I have been able to serve as a strong patient advocate and build meaningful relationships with patients based on trust.”
What advice do you have for aspiring women pharmacists who are just starting out in their careers, and how can they navigate the evolving landscape of pharmacy education and practice?
“Mentorship and intentional networking go a long way in sustaining a career in pharmacy. I would encourage any woman pharmacist starting her career to prioritize visibility and meaningful work that aligns with her goals and impacts the profession.
Getting involved with pharmacy organizations is also a great way to make an impact in pharmacy while developing key leadership skills and partnerships.”
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