Pharmacy Check-in: Maya Abdul Majed
Maya Abdul Majed, PharmD (she/her)
University of Waterloo, Rx2026
Waterloo, ON
Maya Abdul Majed is a new PharmD graduate (Rx2026) at the University of Waterloo. With deep roots in pharmacy—her mother owns a pharmacy in Marmora, Ontario—Maya’s journey began early, perched on a stool to reach the till and surrounded by a culture of care and community. That early exposure inspired not only her commitment to patient-centered care but also her desire to one day take over the family business.
During her co-op placement at a primary care clinic in a Shoppers Drug Mart in Calgary in summer 2025, Maya saw first-hand the potential of pharmacist-led care in Alberta’s expanded scope environment. Empowered to practice clinically in this role, Maya gained confidence through hands-on experience in a highly collaborative setting.
Maya is also a student leader and pharmacy innovator, serving as the first female president of HackRx, Canada’s only pharmacy-focused hackathon. Under her leadership, the event expanded nationally, drew interdisciplinary teams from across Canada and championed technology-driven solutions to real-world access challenges. She describes it as a transformative experience that strengthened her leadership, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills—tools she hopes to bring to her future pharmacy practice.
Maya was invited to attend the Pharmacy Disruptors 2030 Summit as the student winner of CPhA’s 2025 Win a Trip to the Summit contest, where she joined a room full of innovators leaders and change-makers. The experience challenged her to see disruption not as a threat, but as an invitation—an opportunity for pharmacists to reimagine their roles as tech collaborators, policy influencers and system architects. For Maya, the summit was a powerful reminder that the future of pharmacy isn’t just about clinical excellence—it’s about bold thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration and having the courage to lead meaningful change.
Q&A with Maya
We caught up with Maya as she prepares to begin her career as a pharmacist to discuss growing up in a family pharmacy, the lessons she gained through clinical placements and student leadership, and how innovation, technology and entrepreneurship are shaping her vision for the future of the profession.
What was it like growing up in your mom’s pharmacy and how has that experience shaped your perspective on what pharmacy can be?
Growing up in Marmora, where I moved at the age of two, the pharmacy became my second home, and the community around me truly felt like family. It was such a unique experience to be surrounded by people who cared so deeply for one another, and my mom’s pharmacy was at the heart of it. I spent much of my childhood there, doing little tasks like cleaning shelves, putting away stock or helping with orders, and even though those jobs were small, I loved being part of the team.
What made it so special was seeing the way patients trusted and valued my mom. People often came in during some of their most vulnerable moments, and she had this ability to ease their worries and leave them feeling supported. Witnessing that taught me early on what pharmacy could be: not just a place to dispense medications, but a space of care, comfort and connection.
Some of my proudest moments were celebrated within those walls, including when I was accepted into pharmacy school. The pharmacy wasn’t just my mom’s workplace; it was a place where my community encouraged me and where my perspective on the profession was shaped. What anchored all of that was my mom herself. Her dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to her patients continue to inspire me, and they guide the kind of pharmacist I strive to become.
Reflecting on your co-op placement at a primary care clinic in Alberta—what has that experience taught you about clinical pharmacy and interprofessional care?
During my co-op in Alberta, I experienced firsthand what it means for pharmacists to be at the forefront of clinical care. My responsibilities allowed me to practice proactive patient care by not only responding to issues as they arose, but also actively identifying ways to support patients’ overall health and well-being. I conducted comprehensive assessments, performed heart health screenings, administered medications such as testosterone, carried out strep throat testing and prescribed for a range of minor ailments. This hands-on involvement gave me a tangible sense of the pharmacist’s front-line impact on patients’ lives.
This placement also strengthened my confidence in my knowledge and skills. I learned to trust what I know, apply what I have learned in school and use professional resources effectively to fill any gaps. Each day challenged me to think critically and act independently, while still collaborating closely with the health-care team.
What stood out most was how clearly pharmacists’ roles were defined and respected. Being part of a team where my contributions were valued made collaboration feel natural and reinforced for me how essential pharmacists can be in providing patient-centered care. Experiencing this level of responsibility and integration gave me a clearer vision of the kind of pharmacist I want to become: proactive, knowledgeable and deeply connected to the patients and teams I work with.
You’ve led HackRx and helped grow it nationally—how has being involved in pharmacy innovation changed your view of what’s possible in the profession?
Leading HackRx on a national scale has shown me how limitless pharmacy can be when innovation, creativity and collaboration come together. The participants bring an extraordinary combination of passion, vision and expertise, driven by a commitment to making meaningful contributions to the future of pharmacy. HackRx is about more than just ideas; it is about harnessing each person’s unique skill set and uniting individuals from pharmacy, computer science, engineering and other fields to combine their knowledge and create something truly powerful.
Pharmacy is rapidly evolving and events like HackRx provide a space where participants can apply their knowledge, think critically and use the problem-solving skills they have developed in school. It is inspiring to see how innovation flourishes when diverse expertise comes together, from designing tools to improve patient care to rethinking systems that make health care more accessible. Being involved in HackRx has reinforced my belief that the profession has limitless possibilities and that fostering environments where creativity and expertise intersect is key to shaping the future of pharmacy.
As the first female president of HackRx, what did that milestone mean to you and what advice would you give to other pharmacy students who want to lead?
Being the first female president of HackRx was incredibly meaningful to me. More than just a title, it was a moment that made me reflect on the journey that brought me here. It was humbling to see how my experiences, efforts and perspective could create opportunities for others and help shape the growth and success of the event. What made it truly special was knowing that my leadership could encourage other women in pharmacy to pursue their ambitions and take on leadership roles with confidence. It is an experience I will always carry with me, not only as a milestone but also as a reminder of the responsibility and privilege of leading in a way that empowers, inspires and supports those around me.
My advice for other pharmacy students who aspire to lead is to take risks and embrace opportunities, even when they feel challenging. Surround yourself with people who both support and challenge you and seek mentorship from leaders who inspire you, especially women who have navigated paths similar to the one you hope to take. Leadership is as much about collaboration, encouragement and lifting others up as it is about vision and decision-making. By trusting your skills, sharing your ideas and fostering an environment where everyone can contribute, you can make a meaningful impact while growing into the leader you aspire to be.
What do you think today’s pharmacy students need to thrive—not just in the classroom, but as future innovators and practice leaders?
I think today’s pharmacy students will benefit most from curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning. Approaching every experience as an opportunity to grow, being open to new ideas and embracing challenges are essential as the profession evolves. Beyond classroom knowledge, developing strong collaboration and communication skills is key, since working effectively with other health-care professionals is central to patient care.
It is also important for students to cultivate creativity and an innovative mindset, exploring new technologies and approaches to improve care. Mentorship, supportive networks and experiential opportunities can help students gain confidence, apply their knowledge and build the skills needed to contribute meaningfully. Ultimately, thriving in pharmacy comes from balancing curiosity, teamwork and a willingness to grow alongside peers while keeping patient-centered care at the heart of every decision.
You’ve talked about wanting to do pharmacy differently—what does that look like to you and how do you see technology and entrepreneurship playing a role?
I have many ideas about what the future of pharmacy could look like, but part of the excitement for me is constantly evolving those ideas and exploring how to bring something truly big to life. What I can say is that technology will be at the core, streamlining systems, enhancing patient care and creating new ways for pharmacists to connect with and support their communities as health care continues to evolve.
To me, entrepreneurship is about turning vision into action. It is about taking initiative, experimenting with new approaches and building solutions that are practical, sustainable and meaningful. By combining innovation with a focus on patient-centered care, I hope to help reimagine pharmacy in a way that is dynamic, accessible and equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow, all while empowering others to contribute their ideas and skills along the way.
What excites you most about the future of pharmacy, and what kind of impact do you hope to have as you continue your journey?
What excites me most about the future of pharmacy is the chance to create meaningful connections with patients while also contributing to broader change in the profession. I want to be a pharmacist who makes a difference not only at a national level through innovation and advancing care, but also locally, where my patients feel seen, heard, and supported in a way that fosters a true sense of community.
As I continue my journey, I hope to combine my clinical knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills to build experiences and systems that make care more accessible, personal and impactful. For me, the most meaningful impact comes from helping people feel understood and cared for while also exploring ways to improve the way pharmacy operates on a larger scale. Ultimately, I hope to leave a mark that balances innovation with human connection so that every patient interaction feels intentional, supportive and empowering.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
As I begin my career as a pharmacist, I am passionate about creating experiences where patients feel fully supported, informed and empowered to manage their own health. What drives me most is proactive care, working with patients to prevent issues before they arise rather than only responding when problems occur. I am inspired by how innovation, collaboration and thoughtful solutions can make this possible, helping patients feel like true partners in their care. Ultimately, my goal is to help shape a pharmacy experience where every interaction leaves patients feeling confident, understood and genuinely cared for.