Howard University College of Pharmacy Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sha-Phawn Williams

Beyond the Classroom: Dr. Sha-Phawn Williams’ Impact

Meet Dr. Sha-Phawn Williams, one of the many bright and welcoming faculty members at Howard University College of Pharmacy. Known for her warm smile and commitment to student success, Dr. Williams brings both clinical expertise and a deep passion for service to every classroom, patient interaction, and mentoring opportunity. 

Dr. Williams’ interest in medicine began with a fascination for how medications work to treat disease and improve patients' quality of life. During her undergraduate years, conversations with peers encouraged her to explore pharmacy more closely. As she learned more about the field, she became fascinated by how medications affect the body, how they are processed after administration, and most importantly how pharmacists help patients achieve better health outcomes.  

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania before pursuing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Duquesne University School of Pharmacy. After graduation, Dr. Williams completed a postgraduate year one (PGY1) community-based pharmacy residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by a postgraduate year two (PGY2) ambulatory care pharmacy residency at The Ohio State University, an experiences that would shape both her career and the advice she now shares with Howard pharmacy students. 

During her first year of residency, Dr. Williams gained experience in traditional dispensing, glucose testing, health fairs, and patient education. As her responsibilities grew, she supported patients transitioning from hospital to outpatient care, precepted students, and helped manage chronic conditions. 

In her second residency year, Dr. Williams performed spirometry test, began managing patients with diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other chronic conditions. She also began prescribing medications and ordering labs under collaborative practice agreements. Those experiences prepared her for a career as an ambulatory care pharmacist and assistant professor. Before joining Howard, she worked at other universities, where she deepened her passion for academia. 

For Dr. Williams, teaching is an extension of patient care. She recognized that by preparing future pharmacists to serve vulnerable communities, she could expand her impact beyond one patient at a time. “If I can teach students how to care for patients,” she explained, “they can go on to care for countless patients a day like I do.” 

At Howard University College of Pharmacy, Dr. Williams teaches Foundations of Pharmacy I and several topics in the Integrated Therapeutics course series. She finds fulfillment in watching students grow throughout the semester and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Her teaching emphasizes preparation, communication, patient-centered care, and the importance of serving the community. 

She also encourages students to understand the role of communication in healthcare. Language barriers can prevent patients from feeling heard and understood, which may discourage them from returning for care. Dr. Williams reminds students that translation services are an important resource for helping patients receive clear, equitable, and compassionate care. 

Outside of teaching and clinical practice, Dr. Williams dedicates time to conduct research that advances patient-centered care. Her publications and presentations explore topics such as interpreter services, reducing technological barriers, and other strategies that empower patients to take an active role in their health care journeys. 

Most recently, Dr. Williams presented at the 2026 American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, where she shared her work, Speak Now: Empowering Patients Through Health Literacy and Technology. This session was built upon a presentation she delivered at the same conference in 2025. Through her research, teaching, and advocacy, she continues to identify meaningful ways to improve patient care and extend her impact wherever her voice can reach. 

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A visit to Dr. Williams’ office offers another look at the experiences that have shaped her journey. Among the awards, photographs, and meaningful memorabilia is a volcanic rock she collected during her first medical mission trip to Mexico. During the five-day trip, she and her team set up a pharmacy in one day to serve the community, an experience she continues to hold deep in her heart. 

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Balancing teaching, research, and rotations requires intention. Dr. Williams’ advice is simple, “Preparation is key.” By planning ahead and setting yourself up for success, she believes students and professionals can stay focused, prepared, and ready to make an impact. 

Through her teaching, clinical experience, and dedication to service, Dr. Williams continues to inspire the next generation of pharmacists at Howard University College of Pharmacy.