Rubina Shaikh

Rubina Shaikh is a Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy at the School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand. She is an academic pharmacist dedicated to advancing pharmacy education, professional practice, and digital health innovation across Africa.

Her research focuses on digitalizing healthcare through initiatives like DOSe (Digital Operating Systems for eHealth), aiming to improve pharmaceutical services, patient compliance, and cost-effective healthcare delivery. She has led projects addressing the codeine pandemic and developed tools to enhance prescription clarity and reduce dispensing errors. Her educational innovations include integrating Minecraft Education into the curriculum to bridge theory and practice.

Her recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus on pharmaceutical sciences, drug delivery technologies, digital health, and educational equity. Themes across her work include improving healthcare access, leveraging technology for professional development, and strengthening quality assurance in pharmacy training.

• Nominated for VC Citizenship Award (2018)
• Nominated for VC Citizenship Award (2020)
• Nominated for School of Therapeutic Sciences Outstanding Mentor Award (2018)
• Nominated for School of Therapeutic Sciences Outstanding Mentor Award (2020)

Rubina Shaikh is actively involved in national pharmacy education governance, serving as a Subject Matter Expert for the South African Pharmacy Council, a CPD Assessor, and an Examiner for the Intern Pre-Reg Exam. She co-founded the INVEST Mentorship and Career Guidance Program, demonstrating her commitment to student development and professional growth. Her research is supported by the National Research Foundation of South Africa.

She contributes to advancing pharmacy practice through research, mentorship, and policy engagement, with a vision to transform healthcare systems in Africa through innovation and equity.