Mrs. Mariya Ivanova at Medical University of Varna,Bulgaria
PROFILEĀ Ā
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Early Academic Pursuits š
Mariya Mitkova Ivanova, born on July 17, 1976, laid the foundation for her distinguished career with an education grounded in healthcare and pharmaceutical sciences. She began her journey at Medical College, earning a degree in āAssistant Pharmacist,ā a role that sparked her interest in the broader field of pharmacy. Her academic ambitions led her to pursue a Masterās degree in Applied Psychology at Varna Free University (VFU) “Chernorizets Hrabar.” This unique combination of pharmaceutical knowledge and psychological insight set the stage for her future research focus on professional burnout.
To further solidify her credentials in the healthcare domain, Mariya pursued a second Master’s degree in Pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna. She later specialized in the āOrganization and Economics of the Distributor and Pharmacy Practice,ā which offered her deep insights into the operational side of the pharmaceutical profession. These experiences, both theoretical and practical, culminated in her PhD in “Social Medicine and Organization of Health and Pharmacy,” with her doctoral thesis focusing on professional burnout within the pharmaceutical field.
Professional Endeavors š¼
Mariya Ivanovaās career spans over two decades of dedicated service in the pharmaceutical profession. From 1999 to 2022, she worked as a pharmacist in a community pharmacy setting, offering essential healthcare services to the public. This experience was instrumental in her understanding of the practical challenges faced by pharmacists, which later informed her academic research on burnout and professional stress in the healthcare sector.
In 2019, she transitioned into academia as an assistant professor at the Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy at the Medical University of Varna. Her expertise and dedication earned her a promotion to chief assistant professor in 2023. Her academic role focuses on improving pharmacy care and policy, with a particular emphasis on preventing professional burnout. She continues to blend her practical experience with her academic knowledge to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Contributions and Research Focus š¬
Mariya Ivanovaās research primarily revolves around the well-being of healthcare professionals, specifically pharmacists, who often face immense pressure in their day-to-day responsibilities. Her PhD dissertation, “Professional Burnout and Development of the Pharmaceutical Profession,” delved into the occupational challenges and mental health risks associated with the profession.
One of her significant completed research projects is ā 20018 titled “Current Trends and Professional Stress in Pharmaceutical Services,” funded by the Medical University of Varnaās “Nauka” Fund. This project examined the stressors faced by pharmacists and proposed methods to alleviate these pressures. She is currently working on another project funded by “Nauka” titled āIntegrated Strategies and Models for Preventing Professional Burnout and Coping with Stress Among Healthcare Professionals.ā
Her contributions to pharmaceutical care extend beyond theoretical research. She has identified key burnout factors, including those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and developed practical tools like an informational booklet on the causes of burnout and strategies to prevent it. This work aims to assist practicing pharmacists in managing their mental health and improving their professional environment.
Accolades and Recognition š
Throughout her career, Mariya Ivanova has garnered recognition for her work both within academia and the healthcare community. Her research on burnout prevention has earned her a growing citation index, with an h-index of 2 on Google Scholar and 1 on ResearchGate. Her scholarly contributions are frequently cited in discussions about pharmacy policy and healthcare worker well-being.
As a member of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union, Mariya actively contributes to the professional development of pharmacists in Bulgaria. She also serves as a reviewer for Dove Press, showcasing her expertise and influence in the scientific community.
Impact and Influence š
Mariya Ivanova’s work has had a profound impact on the understanding of professional burnout among pharmacists, particularly during the stressful period of the COVID-19 pandemic. By identifying the key factors that contribute to burnout, she has provided valuable insights that can help improve the working conditions for pharmacists. Her research is already being used to streamline administrative processes in pharmacies, freeing up time and resources for pharmacists to focus on patient care.
Moreover, her research has broader implications for the entire healthcare sector, as burnout is a widespread issue affecting various professionals. The strategies she has developed for pharmacists could easily be adapted for other healthcare workers, contributing to the overall well-being of medical staff.
Legacy and Future Contributions āØ
As she continues to build on her academic and professional accomplishments, Mariya Mitkova Ivanova is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of pharmaceutical care and healthcare worker well-being. Her ongoing project on integrated strategies for preventing burnout among healthcare professionals promises to offer valuable solutions to one of the most pressing issues in modern healthcare.
Looking ahead, Mariya aims to expand her research into global contexts, applying her findings to healthcare systems outside Bulgaria. Her work could influence international pharmacy policies and contribute to global efforts to improve the mental health and job satisfaction of healthcare professionals.
With her commitment to improving pharmacy care and her contributions to the understanding of professional burnout, Mariya Ivanovaās work will continue to resonate in both academic and practical spheres, impacting the healthcare profession for years to come.