MedTeacher - Dr. J Anisha Ebens
Name: Dr. J. Anisha Ebens
Educational Qualifications: Pharm D, VELS University, Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (Graduation Year: 2019)
PG Certificate in Quality Management & Accreditation of Health Care Organization [QM&AHO]
Where are you working currently and what is your current position?
Assistant Professor, Sathyabama University, Chennai
How would you sum up your professional life?
My interest in research and knowledge in clinical pharmacy have together made me a good teacher. Over the past five years, my clinical experience as a clinical pharmacist in some of the most renowned hospitals in Chennai has helped me grow in various aspects, including clinical expertise, management, and leadership skills. My experience includes framing new treatment protocols, interacting with doctors and other healthcare professionals, resolving patient and healthcare professional queries, patient counseling, antimicrobial stewardship, clinical pharmacy policymaking and implementation, and promoting safe medication practices.
With the guidance of great mentors, I have also undertaken several clinical projects, which further fueled my interest in research. I realized that sharing this knowledge with students would help them shape their career paths as PharmD graduates, which inspired me to pursue teaching.
What are your areas of interest within your profession?
Therapeutics, Pharmacology, and Clinical Research.
Things that you are passionate about concerning the clinical/research/current aspects of your profession:
I am passionate about ensuring safe and effective drug therapy for patients, as well as clinical research, particularly in drug discovery.
What made you choose teaching or mentoring as a profession?
My passion for sharing knowledge and making complex concepts understandable led me to choose this profession. Since PharmD is a relatively new course in India, many people are still unaware of the role of clinical pharmacy. During my college days, I struggled to grasp the practical aspects of clinical pharmacy, as they were not taught in detail. To bridge this gap, I decided to first pursue a career as a clinical pharmacist and gain practical knowledge. Now, as a mentor and teacher, I can effectively explain the components of PharmD to students.
What would the students be surprised to find about you?
Students might be surprised to learn that I am an athlete and have competed in various track and field events, winning the individual championship in sports during college. I am also a district-level football player. Additionally, I enjoy drawing, painting, and crocheting.
Any 3 topics/subjects that you like the most:
Therapeutics
Pharmacology
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Any 3 topics/subjects that you dislike/detest the most:
Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics
Mathematics
Medicinal Chemistry
What are your fields of interest in Research/clinical practice?
Drug development, Genetics.
What are your career goals or expectations
To discover something new in the field of research.
What would you be doing if not for the current profession?
I would be a clinical pharmacist or a medical writer.
What do you like to do in your leisure time?
I would engage myself in Sports or making some crochet projects.
What is one of your hidden talent(s) that you would like us to know?
Even my hidden talents are hidden from me! I love trying new things to discover my interests.
What change would you like to bring about in the Education sector?
Teaching should go beyond just delivering lectures. A professor or teacher must empathize with students and help them understand the concepts behind each topic. I believe in making students visualize lessons like a movie and simplifying complex concepts to clear doubts effectively.
What makes a 'good day' at work?
A good day is when a student comes up to me and says, "Ma'am, we were able to understand even a complex topic when you taught it. You explain things so well." That’s when I feel my purpose is fulfilled.
What current trends/practices are baffling to you?
The over-reliance on ChatGPT for even simple tasks like drafting a leave letter. Students have become so dependent on AI tools that they are not developing essential skills like note-taking, note-making, content writing, or even applying common sense.
Who do you idolize and why?
I idolize God and my parents. God teaches us how to be good, help others, and lead a meaningful life. My parents inspire me to take on challenges positively and strive for perfection in whatever I do. Their philosophy—try, try, and try until you achieve—has always guided me.
Kindly mention your Publication(s), if any:
I have about 5 to 7 publications in Scopus-indexed journals.
Kindly mention your achievements or awards
Best Poster Presentation Award at various conferences
Sports Individual Championship (2013)
First place in the Women's Day Painting Competition by Aval Vikatan
