The Faculty & Trainee Spotlight Series shines a light on the incredible people who make up the heart of UBC Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Amidst the remarkable achievements and developments within the department, it is a pleasure to share the stories of the dynamic trainees and faculty who bring passion, curiosity, and insight that drive the areas of anesthesiology, pharmacology, and therapeutics forward.
Meet Dr. Wesam Farag!
Location: UBC Vancouver
Wesam is a pharmacist by training. He earned his BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences and MSc in Pharmacology from Alexandria University in Egypt, followed by a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Alberta, Canada. After completing his doctoral studies, Wesam joined the University of British Columbia as a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Khaled Abdelrahman’s lab, where he explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.
During his PhD, Wesam investigated molecular biology and the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to disease development, focusing on targeting specific cellular molecules to modulate cardiac disorders. Although his current research centers on neuropharmacology and Alzheimer’s pathophysiology, the expertise he developed during his PhD has equipped him with the knowledge and skills needed for his current work, supported by the advanced resources of the Abdelrahman Lab and the training opportunities available at UBC.
“The opportunity to conduct research in neuropharmacology at one of the leading institutes in Canada, alongside some of the most brilliant and accomplished scientists in the field, has been a major milestone in my scientific career.”
— Wesam Farag, Postdoctoral Fellow, UBC
Responses have been edited for flow, clarity, and style.
What inspired you to pursue anesthesiology, pharmacology, or therapeutics?
Growing up in a family of scientists, I have always aspired to pursue an academic career as an independent investigator, conducting my own research and inspiring the next generation of scientists. My studies in pharmacology as an undergraduate sparked a passion for understanding how drugs work at the molecular level and how targeting specific cellular pathways can advance therapeutic discovery—a path I have been eager to follow since pharmacy school. Witnessing close relatives and friends suffer from Alzheimer’s disease deepened my commitment to neuroscience research. I hope to contribute meaningfully to uncovering the mechanisms underlying these devastating diseases and advancing our understanding toward potential treatments.
What areas of research or practice are you most passionate about?
I have always been interested in the field of neuropharmacology and in contributing to this scientific community by playing a key role in unraveling the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders and developing better therapeutic options for their management. The opportunity to conduct research in neuropharmacology at one of the leading institutes in Canada, alongside some of the most brilliant and accomplished scientists in the field, has been a major milestone in my scientific career. It has further strengthened my skills and advanced my goal of becoming an independent researcher. With the support, resources, and excellent training environment provided by the Abdelrahman Lab, this interest has begun to define my career path.
It has also been a great honor to receive two distinguished fellowships to support my postdoctoral training—the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Michael Smith Health Research BC/Alzheimer Society of BC Research Trainee Award—which are helping me pursue my research and take meaningful steps toward achieving my career goals.
What has surprised you most about your training?
When I came to Vancouver, I was captivated by the city’s beauty, its rich cultural diversity, and the highly competitive spirit of scientists and students at UBC, all striving to provide and acquire the highest level of knowledge. Since beginning my fellowship, I have received extensive training in many advanced techniques used in the field, including astrocyte isolation from mice, behavioral animal assessment, and laser speckle imaging. The training environment in the Abdelrahman Lab has offered comprehensive support and infrastructure, enabling the successful development and execution of my research goals.
As part of the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and leading neuroscientists and vascular biologists within the Faculty of Medicine. This experience has strengthened my research skills and connected me to the broader scientific community.
What do you enjoy doing outside of the hospital or lab?
Outside the lab, I enjoy exploring the beauty of British Columbia, spending time with my family and enriching my knowledge as a pharmacist and pharmacologist by keeping up with the latest news and the newly published articles in the field.