Abdullah Al Maruf, PhD, MPharm, BPharm

Research achievements

Research summary

The overarching aim of Dr. Maruf's research program (Pharmacogenomics Knowledge to Action - PGxK2A Lab) is to facilitate the development, evaluation, and implementation of evidence-informed precision medicine initiatives using quantitative and qualitative methodologies and implementation science techniques. The lab conducts cutting-edge research to bring clinical innovation into practice by reducing the knowledge-to-practice gap.

Dr. Maruf's research program is collaborative and follows a teacher-scholar model that involves scholarly activities with students from various levels, innovative teaching approaches, and service activities to the institution, the profession,and the society.

Current research priorities:

• Pharmacogenomic and pharmacovigilance studies to understand inter-individual variation in medication response.
• Patient-oriented research to optimize precision health/medicine tools for diverse population.
• Knowledge translation, implementation, and educational research to help expand the scope of pharmacy practice to evidence-based precision medicine.

Research groups

• Principal investigator, Maruf Lab

Research affiliations

• Associate member and adjunct assistant professor, The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary 

Keywords

• Clinical pharmacy and pharmacology
• Implementation science
• Innovative pharmacy education
• Knowledge translation
• Pharmacogenomics
• Pharmacovigilance
• Precision medicine
• Precision public health

Teaching philosophy

As a first-generation academic, Dr. Maruf upholds a strong appreciation for supporting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusiveness in his personal and professional life. He strongly emphasizes student mentorship and profoundly cares about their success in and out of academia.

Dr. Maruf has a strong commitment to pharmacy education. His teaching philosophy involves these core elements (C-3PO):

• C = Change agent (transformation through innovation, collaboration, and leadership) 
• P = Personalized teaching (effective feedback and accessibility)
• P = Positive reinforcement (connecting contents with practice)
• P = Passionate about teaching (passion for professional competency)
• O = Organized (organized and interactive lectures)