Dr. Tabatabai finds the positive impact on her patients to be the most rewarding part of pharmacy.
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others,” Maryam Tabatabai ’00 quotes Jonathan Swift in relation to one of her fondest memories at Shenandoah; hearing about the future of pharmacy from Dean McKay.
Dr. Tabatabai has indeed taken the quote to heart. After graduating in 2000 from the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, she has taken on several positions in the pharmaceutical pharmacy field; a highly respected profession that continues to evolve in a fast-paced healthcare landscape. Upon graduating, Tabatabai first took a position as a pharmacist at an independent and community pharmacy.
Next, she assumed the role of an assistant professor and coordinator of recruitment and community affairs at SU’s Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy. While in this position, Dr. Tabatabai had many responsibilities including working at an anticoagulation clinic at a dynamic cardiology and internal medicine practice. She said, “I really enjoyed educating patients, collaborating with other clinicians and helping patients stay therapeutic on complicated regimens.”
After completing her residency, Dr. Tabatabai joined a diversified specialty healthcare management organization, where she serves as the senior director of drug information. At Magellan Rx Management, she leads clinical initiatives and evidence-based programs with clinical excellence and innovation at the core. She says her position requires her to stay current with the latest advances in complex drugs and disease states.
When I was pursuing my pharmacy residency, I remember I helped a patient understand how to take her anticoagulant medication appropriately. As a result of educating her, I could see the patient’s health improve and that was very gratifying.”
“Pharmacy is a rigorous yet very rewarding profession,” Dr. Tabatabai said when asked about the challenges that come with her profession. “You have to have a strong desire to learn, gather and apply knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest in clinical practice.” She takes pride in her work and is grateful to be able to balance professional and home life.
Dr. Tabatabai believes that when she attended SU’s School of Pharmacy, it developed in her a strong academic foundation, incorporated technology in pharmacy education, emphasized communication as an essential tool and fostered empathy for patients through the example of the faculty. “These cardinal rules continue to apply in all facets of my professional career.”
“Our values define how we choose to spend our time,” Dr. Tabatabai says about the importance of giving back to SU. “I value the role the School of Pharmacy has played to shape my professional and personal growth. The faculty and staff are talented, caring and committed to ensuring the success of the students and graduates. I am proud to be an alumna, privileged to serve on the SU Alumni Board of Directors and to be able to contribute to this culture of caring.” She feels grateful to give back to SU and strongly believes in the talent and leadership at the university. Dr. Tabatabai is very much looking forward to this year’s Christmas holiday concert with her family. She says the experience is “magical!”
In her free time, Dr. Tabatabai loves spending time with family, friends and being outdoors. She enjoys culinary arts and blends locally-sourced sustainable ingredients into her recipes.