Meet Dr. Onye Ononogbu | Assistant Professor & Health Disparities Researcher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Onye Ononogbu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Onye, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Being a pharmacist is a multifaceted career path that demands a diverse range of specialized skills. It’s not just about dispensing medications; it requires sharp critical thinking abilities. Pharmacists can be found in various sectors beyond traditional retail settings, including roles on Wall Street, with Artificial Intelligence companies, in academia, as entrepreneurs, and within pharmaceutical companies, among others. The breadth of opportunities might surprise many, because of the versatility of pharmacists in today’s workforce. My nonprofit, Pharmacy Initiative Leaders, Inc, showcases pharmacists in different roles every Friday on Instagram, and it often sparks a surprise at the diversity of positions filled by pharmacists

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career journey has been a fascinating one. It all began during my senior year in high school when I attended a pre-pharmacy orientation with my Mom and brother. I was immediately captivated by the myriad of opportunities available to pharmacists. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and diagnostic sciences, I delved into a curriculum that blended public health courses with pre-pharmacy science coursework, providing me with a holistic understanding of patient care.

Despite my initial aspirations, I faced a setback when I didn’t gain admission to pharmacy school straight after completing my undergraduate studies. However, during my gap year, I seized an opportunity to work in an HIV clinic, drawing from my previous experience in HIV independent study research class at my university. Although I cherished my time there, I felt the absence of a pharmacist in the clinic and recognized my calling to fill that void. Upon reapplying to pharmacy school, I was granted admission.

Entering pharmacy school filled me with enthusiasm, particularly for becoming an HIV Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. I dedicated myself to excelling academically while actively participating in school activities with an HIV focus. Graduating cum laude was a proud moment for me, marking the culmination of years of hard work and determination.

Embarking on a post-doctoral residency in Washington DC, I eagerly anticipated immersing myself in HIV medicine. However, circumstances led me to pivot towards hematology and oncology, a field I unexpectedly fell in love with during my residency. Despite initial confusion, I embraced this new direction wholeheartedly.

In the years that followed, I forged a successful career in oncology medicine, eventually ascending to the role of Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. After a decade of clinical practice, I transitioned to academia as research faculty, where I could pursue my passion for addressing health disparities and mentoring the next generation of pharmacists. Additionally, my enrollment in an MPH program has bridged the gap between public health and pharmacy, aligning perfectly with my research interests.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned the importance of staying open-minded and being adaptable in one’s career path. While our passions may guide us initially, it’s essential to embrace new opportunities and skillsets, as they may lead to unforeseen and rewarding avenues. Ultimately, the willingness to pivot can unveil opportunities that may shape the trajectory of our lives in unimaginable ways.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This journey has been challenging, yet I firmly believe that without prayer and staying true to what I perceive as God’s plan for me, it could have been significantly more difficult. My family, particularly my husband Emeka and my Mom, has been instrumental in my achievements. Their unwavering belief in me has provided invaluable support along the way. Additionally, I owe a great deal of credit to the Students National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), a pharmacy organization that warmly welcomed me as a pre-pharmacy student. Through SNPhA, I found mentors and friends who guided me in maintaining focus on my goal of entering pharmacy school and understanding the importance of professionalism. Attending their conferences exposed me to a community of successful minorities unlike any I had encountered before, inspiring me to strive for excellence.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/DrOnoni7

Image Credits
Jay Jackson University of Houston College of Pharmacy Don Hopkins