Dr. Leticia Shea’s journey into the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry began during her undergraduate studies when she discovered a deep passion for chemistry. This fascination gradually evolved into an interest in pharmacology, where she realized the profound impact that medications have on human health. Her scientific curiosity and desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives ultimately led her to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Leticia Shea | Professor of Pharmacy | Regis University
Over the years, her dedication to this field has only grown stronger as she continues to explore the complexities of drug development and medical advancements. At EliteX, we are proud to have Dr. Leticia Shea as part of the edition: Unstoppable Women in Healthcare & Pharma, 2025.
Throughout her career as a clinical pharmacist and professor, she has faced various challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was integrating pharmacists more effectively into the broader healthcare system. Additionally, balancing the demands of academic responsibilities with clinical practice required careful planning and collaboration. She overcame these challenges by working closely with diverse healthcare professionals, aligning research initiatives with clinical needs, and incorporating practical experiences into the educational curriculum. By leveraging these strategies, she has successfully contributed to patient care, education, and research while fostering meaningful connections between academia and clinical practice.
“She envisions a future where patients receive treatments tailored to their genetic profiles.”
Maintaining motivation in such a demanding industry requires a deep passion for learning and discovery. The ever-evolving nature of medicine keeps her engaged and excited about new possibilities. She finds fulfillment in the creative aspects of her work and employs an integrative approach to achieving work-life balance. By maintaining a growth mindset, prioritizing continuous education, and setting clear boundaries for self-care, she ensures that she remains both effective in her profession and personally fulfilled. These strategies have been essential in helping her navigate the challenges of the healthcare industry while maintaining her enthusiasm for her work.
Advancements in biologic and gene therapies are among the innovations that excite her most in the pharmaceutical industry today. These breakthroughs represent a significant shift in medicine, moving beyond traditional symptom management to treatments that address the underlying mechanisms of diseases. The integration of pharmacogenomics into clinical practice is another area of great promise, as it enhances drug efficacy, minimizes adverse reactions, and optimizes dosing strategies. Furthermore, she is enthusiastic about the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating drug discovery and development. The combination of these advancements, along with innovations in nanoparticle delivery systems, has the potential to revolutionize patient care, leading to more personalized and effective treatments.
Setbacks and failures are inevitable in any field, but she views them as valuable learning opportunities. When facing challenges, she carefully analyzes the process that led to the issue, identifies areas for improvement, and minimizes emotional responses. By transforming obstacles into growth experiences, she has developed resilience and gained insights that help her navigate future difficulties more effectively. She believes that setbacks are essential to professional and personal development, serving as steppingstones toward greater success.
“By transforming obstacles into growth experiences, she has developed resilience and gained insights.”
Success in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries requires a diverse skill set. Analytical and problem-solving abilities are crucial, but qualities such as dependability, flexibility, and collaboration are equally important. Given the industry’s focus on improving human health, a commitment to continuous learning is essential. Staying updated on regulatory changes, ethical considerations, and advancements in medical research is necessary for success. Additionally, cultural competence plays a vital role in patient care and professional collaboration. Creating an environment that promotes cultural awareness and sensitivity ensures better healthcare outcomes and fosters inclusive professional interactions. She believes that emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a dedication to improving patient well-being are key attributes for any professional in this field.
Staying informed about the latest developments in the pharmaceutical industry requires a strategic approach. She carefully curates her information sources, subscribing to specialized medical newsletters and research-focused publications to stay updated without becoming overwhelmed. Actively participating in research projects allows her to remain at the forefront of emerging discoveries, while authoring peer-reviewed papers enhances her understanding of new trends. Additionally, she commits to regularly updating her educational programming to ensure that both her colleagues and students receive the most current information available. These strategies help her stay engaged with the ever-changing landscape of healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Her ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact on the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, particularly in the field of precision medicine and pharmacogenomics. She aspires to play a significant role in integrating pharmacogenomic testing as a standard practice in healthcare. By doing so, she hopes to improve medication safety, enhance treatment efficacy, and reduce adverse drug reactions. Through her research, education, and clinical contributions, she aims to bridge the gap between emerging scientific discoveries and real-world medical applications. By transforming pharmacogenomics into a cornerstone of modern healthcare, she envisions a future where patients receive treatments tailored to their genetic profiles, leading to better health outcomes and more personalized care.
Her dedication to improving patient care, advancing pharmaceutical research, and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals underscores her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the industry. With an unwavering passion for discovery and innovation, she continues to push the boundaries of medicine, striving for a future where healthcare is more effective, personalized, and accessible to all.
“The ever-evolving nature of medicine keeps her engaged and excited about new possibilities.”
Research Contributions:
Shea LA, Ahmed JS. Highly effective treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis afforded by the availability of biosimilars. Explor Musculoskeletal Dis. 2025;3:100787. https://doi.org/10.37349/emd.2025.100787
Shea LA. What might melatonin supplementation provide for humans beyond improved onset to sleep? Explor Neurosci. 2024;3:551–8. https://doi.org/10.37349/en.2024.00066
Shea LA, Goldwire MA. Empowering patients through diabetes education, 2-hour CE. PowerPak Continuing Education for Pharmacists.US Pharm 2023:48-57. https://journalce.powerpak.com/ce/empowering-patients-through-diabetes-edu
Shea LA. Goldwire MA. Navigating upper respiratory tract conditions, 2-hour CE. PowerPak Continuing Education for Pharmacists. US Pharm. 2023:48(7):46-57. https://journalce.powerpak.com/ce/navigating-common-upper-respiratory-tract
Spence AL, Shea LA, Kuhlenburg M, Stroup C, James S, Braun L. (2023) Basic pharmacology of nonopioid substances. In: Kaye AD, Urmann RD, Cornett EM, Edinoff AN (eds) Substance Use and Addiction Research. Elsevier, Academic Press. ISBN: 978-0-323-98814-8
Shea LA. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cardiovascular Risk Considerations. Achieve CE Continuing Education. (2022) Available at: https://achievece.com/course/pharm-rheumatoid-arthritis-and-cardiovascular-risk-considerations/
Shea LA, Ghushchyan V, Kuhlenberg M Drug-Induced Xerostomia: The Physical, Mental, and Economic Impact. J Pharmacovigil. 2022;10:384. DOI: 10.35248/2329-6887.22.10.384.
Shea LA, Lourenco deFreitas E, Nguyen T, Salawu DW, Soquinase N. Over-the-counter pediculosis humanus capitis treatment: the nit comb is not appropriate for all hair types! Journal of the American Pharmacists Association (2022), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2022.09.005.
Shea LA, Calderon B, Stratton J, Duggan C, et al. Interprofessional osteoarthritis care: a pilot for interprofessional care and education. Medical Research Archives. 10(9). https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/2894
Shea LA, Sorauof KJ, Polson KS, Calderon B, Poupard M, Zolnir-Groshong A. One-dollar medications: evaluating the true cost. Advances in Translational Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Apr. 6;1(1):18-33. Available from: https://ojs.luminescience.cn/ATM/article/view/51