Highlight your Career Progression. In addition to your Degree in Pharmacy, are there any certifications you have obtained, or are you currently pursuing any that you would like to mention?
I have had a rewarding career journey marked by continuous growth and dedication to advancing Clinical Research. I have been actively engaged in the field, specializing in clinical trials at the Kenya Medical Research Institute Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research (KEMRI-CRDR), Siaya County.
Certifications Obtained:
Bayer Safe Use Ambassador (2022): I was honored to be recognized as Bayer’s Safe Use Ambassador in 2021.
In 2023, I expanded my expertise by completing a program on “The Essentials of Clinical Trials” from the Medical Research Council (MRC) The Gambia, by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, providing me with a solid foundation in the intricacies of clinical research.
In 2023, I also attended the International Summer School in Global Health, hosted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), and this focused on physical activity in clinical research and epidemic and pandemic infectious diseases.
Good Clinical Practice Certificates (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative- CITI Program and The Global Health Network): I have acquired Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certificates from the CITI program and The Global Health Network, underscoring my adherence to international ethical and scientific quality standards in clinical trials.
Current Enrollment:
I am enrolled in the course “IHCoR-Africa: Introduction to Hypertension Research” offered by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in collaboration with KEMRI Wellcome Trust. This course is aimed at equipping me with valuable insights into hypertension research, contributing to my ongoing professional development.
Additional Role:
In addition to my clinical trial responsibilities, I proudly serve as the Secretariat of the Hospital Pharmacist Association(HOPAK), contributing to coordinating and enhancing the association’s objectives.
What are you most passionate about in your Pharmacy practice?
I am enthusiastic about being at the forefront of groundbreaking research, collaborating with global multidisciplinary teams to design and implement clinical trial studies that address diseases like sickle cell disease, COVID-19, Marburg, COPD and Ebola.
The dynamic nature of clinical research requires continuous learning and adaptation. I am passionate about staying abreast of the latest pharmaceutical developments, regulatory guidelines, and research methodologies. This commitment to ongoing education enables me to bring the most current and effective practices to my role.
Upholding the highest ethical standards in clinical trials is my practice’s cornerstone. I am passionate about ensuring that all research activities adhere to rigorous ethical guidelines, protecting the rights and welfare of participants.
What do you love about being a Pharmacist?
In the realm of clinical trials, pharmacists are highly recognized and valued. They play a crucial role in regulatory submissions of the study documents, investigational product management, and management of all participants (we do not refer to them as patients). They are considered “the heart” of the study.
What do you consider the most outstanding achievement in your career as a pharmacist thus far? How has this achievement impacted your professional journey?
I am aligned with my dream and passion; this is where I’ve wanted to be and where I see myself grow.
What has been your most challenging moment in the profession, and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?
One of the most challenging moments in my profession was navigating a complex clinical trial with unexpected setbacks and tight deadlines. The sheer intensity of the situation demanded rapid problem-solving and resilience.
This experience taught me the invaluable lesson of embracing adaptability, finding strength in adversity, and fostering effective teamwork.
It underscored the importance of anticipating challenges, maintaining composure under pressure, and, ultimately, the transformative power of perseverance in pursuing medical advancement.
What keeps you going?
I have a profound sense of purpose and a potential positive impact on individual lives and the broader healthcare field, but my scientific curiosity keeps me going. An innate curiosity and passion for drug discovery fuels me. Each trial presents a unique puzzle to solve, and the opportunity to contribute to expanding our understanding of diseases and potential therapies is a constant source of inspiration.
In addition to being a Pharmacist, what else do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy working out, so I dedicate two hours to the gym at the start of each day. I also enjoy reading books.
What can you say to the young Pharmacist?
Identify the field in which you would love to see yourself grow. Look for mentors in that field through attending conferences or reaching out to them. Look for training opportunities in that field and believe in yourself.
Is there something else you’d like us to add to your feature?
In the realm of clinical trials, I am not merely a pharmacist but a catalyst for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in medicine.
With every trial, I am at the forefront of reshaping the healthcare landscape, driven by a commitment to precision, ethics, and the pursuit of transformative healing.”