Rho Chi Talks: Interview with Dr. Sulaiman Alam, PharmD, BCPS

By: Aymon Choudhury, PharmD Candidate c/o 2027

Name: Sulaiman Alam

Title: Clinical Pharmacist

Question: Tell us about your current role at NYU Langone Health. What does a typical day-to-day look like for you?

Answer: In my current role as a clinical pharmacist at NYU Langone Health, I primarily staff the Emergency Department (ED) and various Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In the ED, I triage new medication orders, provide clinical support to providers and nursing staff, attend medical codes, and facilitate timely medication delivery and discharge reviews. In the ICUs, I perform similar functions but with a greater focus on complex patient cases, ensuring the appropriateness of pharmacotherapy. I am also actively involved in antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, including culture follow-up, therapy de-escalation, IV-to-PO conversions, and optimizing antimicrobial use.

Question: How is your work-life balance, and how has this career path influenced your life?

Answer: My current schedule aligns well with my family life and personal priorities. As a father of two, working evening shifts allows me to stay engaged in my children’s daily routines while maintaining professional fulfillment. This career path has deepened my passion for pharmacy and lifelong learning. I take pride in staying current with evolving clinical guidelines and applying evidence-based practices, while also setting aside time to recharge and enjoy my personal interests outside of work.

Question: How was the personal and professional journey to get to where you are now?

Answer: My career began as a floater pharmacist in community pharmacy, where I worked for three years before moving into a managerial role. Although I valued the direct patient interactions in community practice, I sought a more clinically focused environment, which led me to NYU Langone Health. Over the past four years—three as a staff pharmacist and one as a clinical pharmacist—I’ve continued to grow professionally. I also earned my Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy (BCPS) through a nontraditional pathway, demonstrating my commitment to advancing my clinical expertise despite not completing a residency.

Question: What inspired you to pursue a clinical role within hospital pharmacy, particularly in emergency medicine?

Answer: My desire to continually challenge myself and expand my clinical impact inspired me to pursue a hospital-based role. Although clinical positions are often reserved for residency-trained pharmacists, I was fortunate to earn this opportunity through consistent dedication, initiative, and by cultivating trust among my colleagues and leadership. I’m passionate about emergency medicine because it demands quick thinking, adaptability, and teamwork—qualities I strive to strengthen with every shift.

Question: What aspects of your PharmD education have proven most valuable in your current practice?

Answer: Strong communication and professionalism have been invaluable in my current role. As pharmacists, we interact daily with patients, providers, nurses, insurers, and colleagues. My PharmD education emphasized effective communication, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration—all essential skills that enhance patient care and professional relationships.

Question: What is one challenge you faced in your professional development, and how would you advise others to navigate similar obstacles?

Answer: One major challenge has been managing time effectively across professional, academic, and personal commitments. My advice is to establish clear goals—both short- and long-term—stay organized, and leverage available resources. Whether it’s institutional libraries, clinical databases, or mentorship networks, using your tools strategically can make a significant difference in achieving growth while maintaining balance.

Question: What skills do you think are most essential for success in a hospital or clinical pharmacy setting?

Answer: Adaptability and initiative are key. Each day presents new clinical challenges, and success depends on the ability to think critically and respond confidently. Continuous learning is equally important—when I encounter unfamiliar situations, I take proactive steps to master them so I can handle similar cases more effectively in the future. This mindset fosters professional growth, strengthens problem-solving skills, and positions you as a dependable team member and mentor.