Faces of PharmSci: Shaleesa Ledlie

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

Prior to joining the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, I completed my BSc in Research Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University and my MPH in Epidemiology at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. After graduation, I spent almost two years working in industry as a Pharmacoepidemiologist on vaccine-related post marketing research.

Following my desire to become an independent researcher and strengthen my methodological skillset, I decided to pursue my PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. My current research focuses on understanding how various pathways of care impact future health outcomes among people experiencing opioid-related harms. As the drug toxicity crisis continues to accelerate across Canada, it is crucial to better understand how the time during which people who use drugs are in hospital can be used as an opportunity for engagement, support and making connections to harm reduction and treatment programs. Through identifying systemic barriers to accessing care, my research will help to inform opportunities for improvement across healthcare settings in Canada.

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

When I first met Dr. Tara Gomes and learned about the amazing work she leads at the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN), I knew that working with her would be a perfect fit for my previous academic training and the fulfillment of my future goals. The ODPRN works with decision makers to generate real-world evidence related to drug utilization, safety, effectiveness, and policy across Ontario. The prospect of being involved in timely research with a high relevance to policy-makers, healthcare workers and people with lived experience was of significant interest to me. While I am passionate about working in drug policy-related research, a focus on addictions medicine has always been especially close to my heart. In the end, things worked out and I was able to begin my PhD under her supervision.

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

As every graduate student can likely relate to, there are always challenges that come with entering a new and largely unfamiliar area of research. Given my background in epidemiology, my challenge was bringing myself up to speed on all things drug-related including the pharmacological properties of opioids, clinician prescribing guidelines, community pharmacy practice and the changing landscape of drug policy in Canada. Another challenge I faced was beginning my PhD during the COVID-19 pandemic, as I entered graduate studies remotely. I am fortunate that it was still possible to conduct my research from home, however participating in courses, labs and tutorials online created several unique challenges for myself. On a positive note, as most can appreciate the COVID-19 pandemic forced students to think of new and creative ways to connect and develop further resiliency.

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

My current work has allowed me to hone research abilities, enabling me to gain a much stronger understanding of complex epidemiologic research methods. I have also had the opportunity to engage with the scientific community at a variety of conferences and have the privilege of working with people with lived and living experience using opioids. Learning through the experiences and expertise of others has taught me many important lessons that I will be able to apply to my work going forward. Finally, and most importantly, I have found a field of research that I am truly passionate about and now aspire to have a future career as an addictions medicine researcher.

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

Being a graduate student can at times feel extremely stressful, and as such I try to prioritize spending time outside and being physically active each day. I usually start my mornings by attending a hot yoga or pilates class and love spending time outside with my French Bulldog, Bindi. I am also passionate about travelling and hope to finish my ‘bucket list’ goal of visiting 30 countries before turning 30 years old. I am also very fortunate of the amazing friendships I have developed during my time at the faculty and always look forward to our time spent together.