Exploring the World of Science: Sharmeen Roy Defines Pharmacy as the Ideal Fusion of Her Beloved Subjects

With a foundation in pharmacy and a focus on pediatric care, she expertly integrates bioinformatics with practical tools, enabling clinicians to make tailored dosing choices for patients. Her commitment is toward enhancing patient safety by minimizing medication-related errors and fostering innovations that positively affect healthcare results.

Can you provide an overview of your work?

At DoseMe, we have developed a precision dosing platform that translates personalized dosing from research into clinical practice, employing Bayesian modeling to assist healthcare providers, particularly pharmacists, in making immediate, patient-centric decisions.

I am responsible for guiding the scientific and strategic mission of the company, ensuring our technology is firmly rooted in solid science and meets the evolving demands of the healthcare sector. My aim is to connect our bioinformatics experts with pharmacists, simplifying intricate models into accessible, practical tools.

Our platform caters to various therapeutic requirements, especially in complex areas like pediatric and critical care, where available dosing data is often scarce. I also prioritize facilitating the transition to new technology, supporting pharmacists during onboarding, and training for seamless implementation.

Looking forward, we aspire to be a vital resource for any clinician at the bedside, assisting them in managing complex medications and addressing their expanding responsibilities in patient care.

When did you first realize your interest in science?

From a young age, I was captivated by science and mathematics, knowing that I wanted a career in healthcare. My high school chemistry instructor profoundly influenced my decision to delve into pharmacy. Interestingly, pharmacy and medicine have been prevalent in my family for generations, yet I primarily sought their guidance. In retrospect, this familial heritage subtly steered me toward this profession, and once I embraced it, I realized pharmacy combined all my interests perfectly.

Can you detail your personal journey to your current position?

After college, I attended pharmacy school at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Acknowledging the various paths available in pharmacy, I opted for diverse experiences during my fourth-year rotations, including one in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Neonatal care is intricate and requires meticulous consideration—essentially a “gray area.” It was here that I first applied pharmacokinetic principles to actual patient cases, recognizing both the challenges and rewards of serving vulnerable populations.

Post-pharmacy school, I undertook a specialty residency in pediatrics, further deepening my interest in complex pharmacotherapy. During this period, I participated in implementing a new electronic health record system, marking my first encounter with technology integration in clinical settings. This combination of specialty care and technological advancement laid the groundwork for my current work, linking precision dosing, technological innovation, and patient-centered care.

What challenges did you encounter along the way, and what was the key lesson you learned?

A major challenge arose when I moved into a leadership position. As a clinician, particularly in pharmacy, there’s often a tendency to be pigeonholed—recognized primarily for technical abilities rather than being seen as a leader with a potential for broader contributions. This mirrors the hurdles pharmacists face in establishing their value within multidisciplinary teams. Similar to how pharmacists strive to show their importance beyond just medication dispensing, I needed to advocate for my leadership and strategic capabilities.

The most crucial lesson I’ve absorbed is the significance of consistently affirming the value of clinical expertise within leadership. Clinicians offer a unique, patient-centered viewpoint that is indispensable for sound decision-making, and we must actively assert our right to participate meaningfully in discussions. Willingness to challenge established perceptions and broaden our roles has been pivotal for my personal development and the advancement of clinical leadership within healthcare.

What drives your enthusiasm in your current role?

My daily motivation comes from the knowledge that our efforts significantly enhance patient safety by ensuring safer medication dosing and minimizing adverse reactions. Medication-related complications are a major concern—estimates indicate over 1.3 million preventable medication errors take place each year in the United States, resulting in numerous hospitalizations and complications.

Being part of a mission to reduce these preventable occurrences is what inspires me. Through our precision dosing platform, we actively work to mitigate risks and enhance patient outcomes.

Although I no longer provide direct care at the bedside, the realization that our technology is effecting change on a larger scale—reducing adverse events and boosting the safety of medication practices—brings profound satisfaction. This tangible impact fuels my commitment and drives me to continue striving for improvement.

What is your current work philosophy?

Throughout my journey, mentors have impressed upon me that genuine success arises from a blend of talent and robust interpersonal abilities. I strive to uphold this legacy by fostering personal and professional growth in others while also contributing to their organizational success.

I urge individuals to contemplate two essential questions: Does your career path provide true fulfillment? How does your role advance your company’s growth?

I advocate for the connection between education and practical implementation, maintaining close ties with the end-user—be it a patient, clinician, or customer. This alignment guarantees we remain attuned to the needs of those we serve and that we keep the broader perspective in mind.

It’s vital for my team to understand the significance of the user experience. When users thrive, the entire team benefits. This collective mindset cultivates product excellence and promotes a culture of empathy and impact.

What advice would you share with young women interested in science or pursuing a career like yours?

My foremost suggestion is to establish connections with other women in science—reach out, ask questions, and form relationships. Many women, even in high-ranking positions, are keen to support and uplift others.

The journey to success in science or technology is ever-evolving, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Don’t hesitate to pivot if an unexpected opportunity arises. Avoid letting strict plans hinder your potential for unanticipated development. Trust your instincts—women are remarkably capable of adapting and thriving. Embrace that strength; your journey is uniquely your own.