Renadin Siagat, PharmD ‘19 – Leading CAMPhA-USA and Fostering Global Pharmacy Collaboration

Renadin Siagat, PharmD ’19, shares how stepping into his new role as CAMPhA-USA president builds on years of involvement and a passion for strengthening global pharmacy connections. 

You were recently named president of the Cameroonian Pharmacists Association (CAMPhA-USA) – congratulations! How does it feel to take on this role?

It feels both heavy and exciting. We have about 300 pharmacist members, and leading such a diverse group of professionals is a big responsibility. It can be scary at times, but I’m honored to represent and guide the organization. I have been involved for a few years as chair of the compliance committee, so I’m familiar with the organization’s structure and goals. CAMPhA-USA is relatively young, founded in 2017, and I joined in 2018.

What motivated you to get involved with CAMPhA-USA initially?

I was invited by one of the members, Dr. Hubert Sindjui, to help build an aspect of the organization. CAMPhA-USA brings together U.S.-based pharmacists of Cameroonian origin, and over time we have also welcomed affiliate members from other countries. I have watched the organization grow steadily, and eventually, I was asked to take on a leadership role.

Can you tell us more about CAMPhA-USA’s mission and your vision as president?

Our mission is to serve as a forum through which its members enrich their professional potential to promote optimal medication use for all Cameroonians and affiliated groups or parties. We bring pharmacists together to promote medication safety and improve health care, not just within our community but globally. Recently, we partnered with the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy to engage students and share knowledge about the pharmaceutical industry.

My vision for the organization is to elevate it to the next level by creating partnerships with other pharmacy organizations, schools, and student groups. These collaborations allow us to showcase the full potential of pharmacists beyond traditional roles and expand our impact on communities in need.

We also prioritize international collaboration. Pharmacists from different countries share practices and experiences, creating a mutual learning experience. While we can offer guidance and training to pharmacists in Cameroon, we also gain valuable insights from their unique perspectives. This global exchange strengthens the profession and helps bridge gaps in pharmacy knowledge and practice worldwide.

You earned your PharmD from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP). How did your career path lead to your current role as a senior medical science liaison?

My background is diverse. I began as a research scientist in medicinal chemistry but shifted to clinical care after a personal tragedy – the loss of my first daughter from a respiratory distress event. I studied respiratory care at Salisbury University and practiced in the Baltimore area as a respiratory care practitioner before returning to school for my PharmD, graduating from UMSOP in 2019 and completing a PGY1 residency training at the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center.

I transitioned to a clinical pharmacist role and then into medical affairs. My work as a senior medical science liaison combines my research, clinical, and pharmacy experience, allowing me to connect with providers, support clinical trials, and communicate complex medical information effectively.

Were there mentors or experiences at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy that stand out for you?

Absolutely. Dr. Amy Ives guided me through my transition to residency, and I also valued mentorship from Dr. Robert Beardsley, Dr. Mona Tsoukleris, Dr. Cherokee Layson-Wolf and Dr. Jill Morgan, among others. I have fond memories of their support, which helped me navigate challenges and grow as a professional. I continue to stay connected with faculty like Dr. Daniel Mullins, who has fostered ongoing collaborations between the School and my work.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to make a difference in the pharmacy profession or in their community?

Find your passion and pursue it. For me, that’s serving communities in need. I also started a nonprofit, Global Community Health Thriving, where we provide free medical services and health education. Seek guidance from mentors and those with experience and use your skills to make a meaningful impact.