Faces of PharmSci: Alexa Muir

What is your academic background and why is this area of research important?

I hold a BScH from Queen’s University in Life Sciences, with a specialization in Drug Development and Human Toxicology. I’m currently a second-year MSc student with the deprescribing.org team under the supervision of Dr. Lisa McCarthy. My research focuses on optimizing the use of medications for older adults living in long-term care. This area of research is crucial—older adults living in long-term care are among the most medically complex individuals in Canada. They often live with frailty and multiple chronic conditions and take multiple medications. Supporting medication optimization for LTC residents is key to improving their overall health, well-being, and quality of life.

What led you to your current Supervisor’s lab/research group?

During my bachelor’s degree, I had the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate thesis, which I conducted in an environmental toxicology lab. This experience sparked my interest in the scientific process and pursuing a research career. At the same time, it led me to reflect on my research interests and the type of impact I strive to have. After graduating, I worked as a pharmacy assistant, and this experience solidified my interest in health services and medication appropriateness, particularly for older adults. Dr. McCarthy’s deprescribing.org research group was a perfect fit for my interests. Her work related to reducing medication-related harm and optimizing medication use for older adults initially attracted me to the team. Her extensive experience using qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as implementation science, to address these questions continues to provide me with new learning opportunities.

What are some of the challenges you had to overcome within your research?

Beginning my MSc studies with Dr. McCarthy introduced me to several new research areas and methods. My previous experience with qualitative research and implementation science was limited, so my research has provided me with continuous learning opportunities that both excite and challenge me. Dr. McCarthy’s guidance has been crucial, consistently providing me with new resources, thoughtful feedback, and challenging me to expand my thinking in ways that strengthen my skills as a researcher.

How do you see your current research playing a role in your career?

My current research is laying a strong foundation for my future career endeavours. Working with the deprescribing.org team has exposed me to opportunities to collaborate with different groups and contribute to the development of practical tools, resources, and strategies for optimizing medication use. Since beginning my MSc, I’ve been able to contribute to the development of deprescribing.org’s new statin deprescribing guideline that supports clinicians in making deprescribing decisions for older adults. In addition to strengthening my research skills, these unique opportunities are allowing me to make meaningful contributions to work that has a real impact on clinical practice in Canada and globally, setting me up for success in the future.

What do you like to do when you are not working on research?

When I’m not working on research, you’re most likely to find me playing hockey, soccer, or at the gym. Sports have always been a big part of my life, so making sure I balance physical activity with my research responsibilities is really important to me. Outside of that, I love exploring the city, reading, and spending time with my friends and family.