Convocation spotlight: Danielle Nagy
9 June 2025
Danielle Nagy
Growing up and working in rural ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and studying in Edmonton, Danielle Nagy saw a distinct difference in the care provided to patients with diabetes. This experience influenced her doctoral thesis and the way she approaches health care.
Nagy spoke about differences in managing care for rural and urban people with Type 2 diabetes, the pride she takes in watching her students succeed, and how she intends to continue working toward improving the health of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ns.
What drew you to this area of study?
When choosing a thesis topic, I drew on my experience growing up and practising pharmacy in rural ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥. I observed different approaches to patient care and the management of Type 2 diabetes compared to when I practised in Edmonton.
This observation was also evident in the data when looking at drug therapy management, laboratory monitoring and complications of Type 2 diabetes. I also realized that while there is a lot of research being done in Type 2 diabetes, few studies consider a rural perspective.
My thesis, titled “It matters where you live: An examination of Type 2 diabetes management across ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s rural-urban continuum,” took shape based on my personal anecdotes, review of the data and gaps in the literature.
What are you most proud of from your time in the program?
Throughout this degree, I had several opportunities to teach pharmacy students and mentor them in conducting research. It was incredibly rewarding and validating when their research was accepted at national conferences. Listening to their presentations and ability to confidently answer audience questions were some very proud moments for me.
How did you stay motivated when things got tough?
Research is a roller-coaster and it can be easy to become discouraged. Re-running data analysis or updating statistical coding, not receiving an award or scholarship or being rejected from a journal for publication are just a few examples of challenges I encountered throughout the degree. My supervisor, Dr. Scot Simpson, was always very encouraging and helped to remind me of the importance and impact of my research.
What advice would you give to a student thinking of entering this program?
The biggest piece of advice for any prospective graduate student is to find a supervisor who is supportive, encouraging, patient and willing to take the time to explain challenging concepts to you. You will be working closely with your supervisor for over four years and they can really make or break your graduate school experience. I knew my supervisor demonstrated these qualities from listening to his lectures throughout pharmacy school and I owe a lot of my successes throughout this degree to his mentorship.
What comes next for you?
Upon passing my final defence, I accepted a position with the Government of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ as a pharmaceutical policy consultant. In this position, I draft policy for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥'s low-income health benefit programs and also advise on exceptional requests for drug coverage. It’s a position in which I have to consider many different perspectives, problem solve and manage conflicting priorities — all of which my PhD prepared me for. I also feel a deep sense of responsibility for the health and well-being of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ns which, in some ways, feels like an extension of my PhD research.