ASU biochemistry alum’s journey to safeguarding public health
Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist Joe Cusimano reflects on his roots, evolving career path
Joe Cusimano, an ASU School of Molecular Sciences biochemistry alum. Courtesy photo
Note: In celebration of Pharmacy Appreciation Week, the School of Molecular Sciences is highlighting members of our community who are making an impact in the field of pharmacy, from laboratory research to public health to patient care.
Joe Cusimano, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist, first discovered his passion for pharmacy while working in a research laboratory in Texas. There, a pharmacist-scientist introduced him to the possibilities of combining chemistry, patient care and public health.
“Pharmacy sounded like a natural extension of the medicinal chemistry I enjoyed learning about,” recalls Cusimano who graduated from Arizona State University's School of Molecular Sciences with a degree in biochemistry (medicinal chemistry) in 2014. “At the time, my career goal was to become a clinical professor of pharmacy practice in oncology. This changed once I learned about psychopharmacology.”
Today, Cusimano applies his scientific background in a completely different way: safeguarding public health.
“As a safety evaluator, I’m like a public health detective,” he said. “I search for undiscovered adverse reactions to FDA-approved drugs in my area of expertise. I review adverse event reports and medical literature to identify new safety signals, build case series with affected patients, and recommend regulatory action when needed.”
As a School of Molecular Sciences and Barrett, The Honors College student, Cusimano’s fondest memories on campus included watching "Breaking Bad" with friends in the dorms, crossing the street to grab Dutch Bros and enjoying the greasy burgers and pistachio gelato in the Barrett dining hall.
We spoke with Cusimano to learn more about his current career and the path that led him there.
Question: What is your favorite part about being a pharmacist?
Answer: I enjoy being a member of an interdisciplinary team. While I approach problems from my lens as a pharmacist, I learn so much from talking with colleagues in other disciplines and specialties. I work with epidemiologists, other pharmacists, and physicians with expertise in a variety of medical specialties. There’s always something new to learn!
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for ASU students?
A: Keep an open mind about what you’re interested in and about what your career might look like. Additionally, choose your career based on what most graduates are doing in that field — there are only so many unicorns to chase.
Q: Anything else you want to say about how the School of Molecular Sciences and ASU helped prepare you for your current career?
A: My undergraduate degree at ASU helped me excel in my biochemistry and medicinal chemistry courses in pharmacy school. However, most importantly, I gained a strong foundation in how to think and behave like a scientist.
Interested in a pharmacy career?
Through a partnership between ASU’s School of Molecular Sciences and Creighton University, students can earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in just seven years, saving a full year of study. The program combines ASU’s strong foundation in biochemistry with Creighton’s nationally recognized pharmacy education. Students interested in the program can learn more and fill out an interest form here.