Katya Nabil Ailabouni A Model of Academic and Professional Excellence in the Healthcare Sector

As part of Al Ain University’s commitment to highlighting the success stories of its graduates, we spotlight alumna Katya Nabil Ailabouni, a graduate of the Master of Clinical Pharmacy program, Class of 2024, who currently serves as Head of the National Medical Products Vigilance Department at the Emirates Drug Establishment.

An Inspiring Academic Journey

Katya Ailabouni earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacy from Al Ain University after a rich academic journey marked by challenges and valuable experiences. Returning to academia more than 21 years after completing her bachelor’s degree was a significant challenge, which she overcame with determination and perseverance.

She affirms that joining Al Ain University represented a pivotal turning point in her scientific and professional development, thanks to the university’s stimulating learning environment, specialized academic staff, and administrative support that fostered academic and community excellence.

A Professional Career Spanning More Than 26 Years

With a professional career extending over 26 years, Katya began her work in community pharmacies before transitioning to federal government service in the regulatory field of pharmacy practice. Earning a Master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacy played a crucial role in refining her professional skills and enhancing her ability to prepare studies based on scientific analysis, evidence, and proof.

Passion for the Specialty and Ongoing Ambition

Her choice of clinical pharmacy stemmed from a strong passion to develop the pharmacy profession and elevate its practitioners, contributing to the national healthcare system and ensuring patient and community safety. She emphasizes that her professional ambitions continue, and she constantly strives for further excellence and achievement.

The Role of Al Ain University in Supporting Her Career Path

Studying at Al Ain University contributed to strengthening her self-confidence and developing her academic and scientific skills, in addition to nurturing her passion for evidence-based scientific research. The postgraduate degree also played a pivotal role in supporting her career progression and professional advancement.

Active Community and Voluntary Engagement

Katya believes that volunteer work is a fundamental pillar of community building. She is keen to participate in awareness campaigns and community initiatives, particularly those related to the safe and effective use of medical products. She encourages students and graduates to make community service a way of life rather than merely an obligation.

The Graduate as an Ambassador of the University and a Servant of the Community

Katya emphasizes that a graduate’s role toward their university lies in representing it in the best possible way and serving as its ambassador at local and international forums. Toward society, the graduate’s role is to continuously develop themselves and employ their knowledge and expertise in service of the nation.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Drawing from her experience as a mother, wife, employee, and former student, she notes that organization is the cornerstone of achieving balance between professional, personal, and health aspects of life, alongside family support and the understanding of faculty members, which enables students to overcome challenges and pressures.

Local and International Achievements

The alumna has achieved several notable accomplishments, including the development and implementation of pharmacovigilance practice systems at the national level in the UAE, and participation in drafting and launching pharmacovigilance regulations. She has also obtained several specialized certifications in drug safety and pharmacovigilance, and represented the country as a member of the World Health Organization in drug safety.

Advice to Students and Graduates

She stresses that perseverance, determination, organization, and attention to detail—along with commitment to attending lectures and positive engagement with faculty—are the fundamental pillars of success for students and graduates.

A Final Word

Katya concludes by congratulating Al Ain University graduates, urging them to invest in themselves, continue developing their capabilities, and transfer their knowledge to serve