My name is Faraz Sarmeili, and I am currently in the final stages of completing my PharmD at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), the top-ranked medical school in Iran, where I was admitted in 2018. My academic journey has been both diverse and enriching, offering me a comprehensive view of the pharmaceutical sciences. As one of my professors aptly described, “Pharmacy is an integration of multiple sciences.” This multidisciplinary nature has allowed me to explore various intriguing subjects, ultimately shaping my career aspirations.

Academic and Research Interests

From the outset of my PharmD program, I found myself captivated by several core subjects, including Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, and Pharmacoeconomics. This broad range of interests initially left me questioning which path to pursue. However, this curiosity became a driving force, propelling me to delve deeper into each field. My exploration led me to engage with experts, seek guidance, and gain hands-on experience, all of which have significantly influenced my professional trajectory.

One of the pivotal moments in my academic journey was my interaction with Professor Abdollahi Asl from the Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Administration. During our detailed discussions, he emphasized the importance of experiential learning. He advised me to embrace various experiences to truly understand my interests and capabilities. Following his guidance, I embarked on an internship at Tachra Daru Corporation, an experience that proved to be both joyful and educational.

Professional Experience and Skills Development

At Tachra Daru Corporation, I initially familiarized myself with the roles of different team members within the company. Given my interest in data analysis and mathematics, I expressed a desire to work as a data analyst. Professor Abdollahi Asl supported my ambition and provided me with a roadmap to develop my skills in data analysis. Under his mentorship, I learned about relational databases, SQL, MS Access, Excel, VBA, and Python. These skills equipped me to undertake a critical project for the company, analyzing data to propose a product basket for a new factory. My efforts culminated in the creation of an invaluable, updatable database and dashboard, which offered insights into market trends and product usage.

Early Influences and Passion for Mathematics

My passion for mathematics and statistics dates back to high school, where I was inspired by Dr. Mohammad Reza Meybodi, a renowned mathematician and educator. His engaging teaching style and profound understanding of mathematical concepts, including regression and machine learning, left a lasting impression on me. Dr. Meybodi’s influence solidified my desire to integrate mathematical and computational approaches into my future career.

Advancing in Data Science and AI

Encouraged by Professor Abdollahi Asl, I pursued advanced courses in data science, machine learning, and deep learning. This knowledge became instrumental during my internship at AIMedic, a start-up studio. Despite initially being overlooked due to my pharmacy background, I was given an opportunity by the CEO, Mr. Iman Karimi, to prove my capabilities. The internship was structured as a competitive program, where participants were evaluated based on their model development performance.

During the three-month internship, I worked diligently to develop high-performance AI models, ultimately securing a position as a junior AI developer. My role involved working on an echocardiography segmentation project, which provided me with invaluable experience in AI development and professional software engineering. The nine months I spent at AIMedic were transformative, enhancing my technical skills and exposing me to a collaborative, interdisciplinary work environment.

Integrating AI with Pharmaceutical Sciences

Recognizing the potential of AI in pharmaceutical sciences, I sought to merge my expertise in both fields. I connected with Professor Dr. Rasoul Dinarvand at TUMS and Professor Dr. Hamidreza Rabiee at Sharif University of Technology. With their support, I joined the Data Science & Machine Learning Laboratory (DML) at Sharif University to conduct my PharmD thesis. My research focuses on drug response prediction using deep learning models, leveraging Omics data, protein-protein interactions, graph neural networks, and chemoinformatics. This work aims to enhance drug development and discovery processes through AI-driven insights.

In my role at the DML, I have collaborated with master’s students in bioinformatics, computer engineering, and computer science. Together, we have investigated various aspects of drug discovery, including drug combination prediction, drug repurposing, and more. This collaborative environment has not only broadened my knowledge but also honed my ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams.

Clinical and Pharmaceutical Practice

In addition to my academic and research pursuits, I gained practical experience as a community pharmacist at 13 Aban Pharmacy Complex, one of the most significant pharmacies in Iran. There, I managed the dispensing of critical drugs, including chemotherapy and high-tech biotechnology products. This role honed my skills in drug indication, dosing, adverse drug reactions (ADR), and drug-drug interactions. My responsibilities also included patient education, ensuring they understood how to properly use their medications.

Following this, I worked as a drug information specialist at the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC). In this role, I provided evidence-based responses to clinical inquiries from healthcare professionals, enhancing my ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of medical specialists. This experience further refined my skills in using clinical databases and conducting comprehensive literature searches.

Current Role and Future Aspirations

Currently, I am employed as a data science intern at Orchid Pharmed, part of Cinnagen Holding. My role involves conducting time-series analyses to forecast the demand for biotechnology products, integrating multiple factors such as disease characteristics, pharmacoepidemiology, and product sales. This position allows me to apply my data science expertise to real-world challenges in the pharmaceutical industry.

At Orchid Pharmed, I have undertaken several key projects aimed at enhancing data-driven decision-making within the organization. One of my significant contributions has been in the area of pharmacoepidemiology, where I have analyzed large datasets to identify trends and patterns in drug usage. This analysis has been instrumental in optimizing inventory management and ensuring that critical drugs are available to patients in need.

Academic and Professional Collaborations

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have actively sought opportunities to collaborate with experts in various fields. One of the highlights of my career has been my work with Professor Dr. Rasoul Dinarvand and Professor Dr. Hamidreza Rabiee. Their mentorship has been invaluable in guiding my research and providing me with the resources and support needed to excel.

In addition to my work at TUMS and Sharif University, I have also collaborated with international researchers on projects related to AI and pharmaceutical sciences. These collaborations have broadened my perspective and allowed me to contribute to cutting-edge research that has the potential to make a significant impact on global health.

Future Goals and Vision

My ultimate goal is to become a leading expert in the application of AI in drug discovery, development, and design. I am passionate about advancing the field through innovative, data-driven solutions that address complex problems in pharmaceutical sciences. As I prepare to graduate in the summer of 2024, I am eager to pursue a PhD starting in 2025 or sooner. My mission is to contribute to global health by making life easier for people worldwide through the integration of AI and pharmaceutical sciences.

In my future research, I plan to explore the use of AI in personalized medicine, particularly in tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their unique genetic profiles. I believe that this approach has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing more effective and targeted therapies.

Furthermore, I am interested in developing AI-driven platforms that can streamline the drug discovery process, reducing the time and cost associated with bringing new drugs to market. By leveraging AI to analyze vast amounts of biomedical data, I aim to identify novel drug candidates and optimize their development.

Commitment to Lifelong Learning

My journey thus far has been marked by a continuous commitment to learning and personal growth. I am dedicated to staying abreast of the latest advancements in AI and pharmaceutical sciences and am constantly seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. Whether through formal education, professional development, or collaborative research, I am committed to lifelong learning and excellence in my field.

Conclusion

My diverse experiences in academia, research, and professional practice have equipped me with a unique skill set and a deep understanding of both pharmaceutical sciences and data science. I am excited about the future and the potential to contribute to meaningful advancements in healthcare through the integration of AI and pharmaceutical sciences. As I look ahead to pursuing a PhD, I am driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to improving global health outcomes.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and to collaborate with leading experts in the field. Together, I believe we can make a significant impact on the future of healthcare.