UCI PhD Student and Fulbright Scholar Hopes to Improve Care with Pediatric Cancer Patients in Pakistan

UC Irvine PhD in pharmacological sciences student, Rukhsana Yusuf, is a Fulbright Scholar. Yusuf is a clinical pharmacist who has worked closely with pediatric cancer patients in Pakistan. With her interest in advancing research related to pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant, Yusuf decided to advance her career by pursuing her PhD at UCI to help pediatric patients. Her goal is to bring knowledge and skills back to Pakistan that can help in early diagnosis and improve medical treatment for children with cancer.

The UCI PhD in pharmacological sciences program provides a unique opportunity for those interested in any scientific discipline represented by the pharmaceutical sciences faculty to have a year of broad, interdisciplinary training and self-selected lab rotations followed by focused doctoral research in the pharmaceutical sciences research group of their choice.

Students can choose from one of three tracks within the program: pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, or medicinal chemistry.

“Being a clinical pharmacist, I always wanted to go for research in clinical pharmacy,” says Yusuf. “When I saw the opportunity to join clinical pharmacist, Alexandre Chan, and the robust research his lab produces, I jumped at the unique opportunity.”

As part of the Alexandre Chan Research Group, Yusuf is currently working on a few projects related to clinical research in cancer patients, with the aim to improve supportive care and survivorship in cancer patients. Although she is in her first year at UCI, Yusuf says she is excited to be involved in research that explores ways to decrease treatment side effects and complications, in addition to improving overall treatment success in cancer patients. 

There are very few studies about the incidence and prevalence of cancer in Pakistan. In 2020, a study published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health, found there are 150,000 new cancer cases in Pakistan and 60%–80% of these patients die. About 7,000 to 7,500 children get cancer every year in Pakistan.

In addition to her passion for research, Yusuf is passionate about helping her patients.

She writes and maintains a blog titled Warrior and Survivors where she collects stories and personal anecdotes from pediatric patients. She hopes her time spent at UCI will allow her to bring new practices to improve care in hospitals in Pakistan.

“I am familiar with the complications associated with cancer treatment, the financial constraints, and side effects management,” says Yusuf. “With my Fulbright scholarship, I will be able to participate in advanced clinical research; it’s my life mission to provide better treatment management and improve outcomes in cancer patients.”