Highlight your Career Progression. In addition to your degree in pharmacy, have you obtained any certifications, or are you currently pursuing any that you would like to mention?
After obtaining my Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree, I joined KAM Pharmacy Wholesale Ltd, where I started working during my fifth year of pharmacy school. Following graduation, I pursued an internship and chose Kilifi County Referral Hospital for my hospital rotation, a decision I consider one of the best for my career. During my internship, I joined the hospital’s antimicrobial stewardship committee. Upon completion of my internship, I continued serving the hospital as a volunteer pharmacist, eventually being offered a full-time position. This transition was facilitated by the hospital’s pharmacist in charge, her deputy, and a physician who also acted as my mentor. Their guidance and support were instrumental in my professional growth and transition to a full-time pharmacist role at the hospital.
I am undergoing a one-year Africa Leadership Fellowship-Antimicrobial Stewardship (ALF-A) Programme. Funded by the UK Department for Health and Social Care’s Fleming Fund, this fellowship aims to enhance pharmacists’ antimicrobial stewardship capabilities and strategies within the African context. Through focused learning modules, including leadership development, project management, quality improvement, and behaviour change, participants like myself are equipped to lead impactful initiatives in their workplaces. Additionally, the fellowship offers networking opportunities and access to mentoring, further enriching the experience. This comprehensive program empowers pharmacists to become leaders in antimicrobial stewardship, addressing critical health system challenges in their respective countries.
In addition, I have undertaken various courses through the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association website as part of continuous professional development. These courses cover different topics essential to antimicrobial stewardship, including antimicrobial overview, Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) in practice, and principles of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Furthermore, I have completed an Introduction to Behaviour Change course, enhancing my skills and knowledge in this critical area.
I am certified in conducting outpatient global point prevalence surveys of antimicrobial consumption and resistance. Additionally, I have completed courses related to clinical research, including Introduction to Clinical Research, ICH Good Clinical Practice E6(R2), the study protocol, and Introduction to Data Management for Clinical Research studies, provided by The Global Health Network.
What are you most passionate about in your Pharmacy practice?
I am deeply passionate about two key areas: medication therapy management and antimicrobial stewardship. These aspects of pharmacy resonate with me on a profound level, as they allow me to make a tangible impact on patient outcomes and public health.
Medication therapy management holds a special place in my heart because it allows me to work closely with patients to optimise their medication regimens. I am dedicated to ensuring patients understand their medications, including their purpose, proper administration, and potential side effects. By providing personalised medication counselling and therapy adjustments when necessary, I strive to empower patients to take control of their health and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Similarly, antimicrobial stewardship is an area of pharmacy practice that I am deeply passionate about. With the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, the responsible use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents is more important than ever. Through antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, I am committed to promoting appropriate antimicrobial prescribing practices, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, and combating the spread of resistant pathogens. By working collaboratively with healthcare teams, I aim to safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents for future generations and protect public health on a global scale.
What do you love about being a Pharmacist?
There are several aspects of my profession that I genuinely love and find fulfilling.
First and foremost, I deeply value the opportunity to directly impact patients’ lives by providing healthcare services. Whether it’s dispensing medications, conducting medication therapy management sessions, or offering health education, being able to help patients improve their health and well-being is incredibly rewarding.
Furthermore, I appreciate the diversity and breadth of roles available within the pharmacy field. From community pharmacies to hospitals, research institutions to regulatory agencies, pharmacists have the opportunity to work in various settings and pursue diverse career paths. This versatility allows me to explore different areas of interest and continually grow personally and professionally.
Another aspect of being a pharmacist I love is the constant learning and innovation inherent in the profession. With pharmaceutical advancements, healthcare technology, and treatment guidelines, there is always something new to learn and adapt to. This ongoing learning process keeps me engaged and motivated, allowing me to stay at the forefront of patient care.
Additionally, I cherish the collaborative nature of pharmacy practice. Pharmacists work closely with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, to provide comprehensive care to patients. This collaboration fosters a sense of teamwork and mutual respect, creating a supportive environment in which to work and learn.
What do you consider the most outstanding achievement in your career as a pharmacist thus far? How has this achievement impacted your professional journey?
One of the greatest achievements in my career as a pharmacist thus far has been my involvement in spearheading an antimicrobial stewardship initiative at the hospital where I work. This initiative aimed to improve the appropriate use of antibiotics, reduce antimicrobial resistance and enhance patient outcomes.
Being part of the antimicrobial stewardship committee and leading various interventions, such as implementing antibiotic guidelines, conducting educational sessions for healthcare providers, and monitoring antibiotic use patterns, has been immensely fulfilling. Seeing the positive impact of these efforts on patient care and antimicrobial prescribing practices has been truly rewarding.
This achievement has significantly impacted my professional journey in several ways. Firstly, it has deepened my expertise in antimicrobial stewardship and enhanced my understanding of the complexities surrounding antibiotic use and resistance. Through this experience, I have developed strong leadership, project management, and teamwork skills, which are invaluable in my role as a pharmacist.
Furthermore, this achievement has reinforced my commitment to advocating for evidence-based practices and patient-centred care. It has motivated me to continue pursuing professional development opportunities and actively contribute to initiatives aimed at improving healthcare quality and patient safety.
What has been your most challenging moment in the profession, and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?
Navigating the decision between continuing with a job at a wholesale pharmacy, readily available and familiar, versus pursuing my passion for working in a hospital setting as a volunteer presented me with a challenging dilemma. While the wholesale pharmacy offered a straightforward path, the allure of the hospital environment, with its potential for professional growth and fulfilment of my passion, weighed heavily on my mind.
On one hand, the job at the pharmacy seemed like a practical choice since I was unemployed, offering stability and a salary. However, deep within me, I felt a calling to contribute to patient care in the hospital setting, where I could engage in more specialised clinical roles and make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.
After careful consideration, I chose to follow my passion and pursue the opportunity to volunteer at the hospital. Despite the uncertainty and potential challenges, I knew this decision aligned with my long-term career goals and aspirations. By immersing myself in the hospital environment, I hoped to gain valuable experience, expand my skill set, and make a difference in patients’ lives.
While the decision was not easy, it reinforced the importance of following one’s passion and pursuing opportunities that align with one’s professional interests and values. By taking a leap of faith, I embarked on a journey of personal and professional growth that continues to shape my career in pharmacy.
What keeps you going?
A combination of passion, purpose, and the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. The opportunity to impact patient care and contribute to improving health outcomes drives me to strive for excellence in my practice continually. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the pharmacy profession, with its constant learning and opportunities for growth, keeps me engaged and motivated. I am inspired by the challenges and rewards of pharmacy practice, and the knowledge that my work can have a meaningful impact on individuals and communities fuels my determination to keep moving forward. Ultimately, the sense of fulfilment that comes from knowing that I am making a difference keeps me going daily.
In addition to being a Pharmacist, what else do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy a variety of interests and activities that enrich my life and bring me joy.
- Travelling ranks high on my list of passions, as exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures broaden my perspective and provide me with unforgettable memories.
- Reading is another pastime I cherish, as it allows me to expand my knowledge, stimulate my imagination, and gain insights into different subjects and perspectives.
- Regarding staying active and social, I enjoy playing table tennis and swimming.
- Lastly, I am an Airbnb host, which allows me to share my love for hospitality and create memorable experiences for guests worldwide. From providing comfortable accommodations to offering local recommendations and insights, hosting guests enriches my life and allows me to forge connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
What can you say to the young Pharmacist?
I want to reassure you that the future is bright and your journey in pharmacy holds boundless potential. It’s natural to encounter challenges and setbacks along the way, but I urge you to keep sight of your goals and aspirations. Persevere with determination and patience, knowing your efforts will ultimately lead you to where you want to be.
Focus on building your experience and expertise as you navigate your early career. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, whether it’s through hands-on practice, continuing education, or professional development opportunities. Remember that true success is not measured solely by monetary gain but also by the impact you make in the lives of others and the contributions you bring to your field.
Seek a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and wisdom as you navigate the complexities of your career. A mentor can offer invaluable insights, share their experiences, and help you navigate challenges more confidently and clearly. Their mentorship can be instrumental in opening doors to new opportunities and accelerating your professional growth.
I speak from personal experience when I say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and support of my mentor. Their wisdom and encouragement have been invaluable in shaping my career trajectory and helping me overcome obstacles.
So, as you embark on your journey as a pharmacist, remember to stay focused, resilient, and open to the opportunities that come your way. With time, dedication, and the support of mentors and peers, you will undoubtedly reach the heights of success you aspire to achieve. Keep moving forward, and never underestimate the power of your passion and determination.