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?
I am very active, always wanting to achieve as much as possible. Throughout my pharmacy degree, I was deeply involved in numerous activities with the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF). This included drafting concept notes, policy papers, and participating in pharmaceutical symposia, among other things. This experience sparked my interest in a field that, in my view, is often overlooked by pharmacists: Environmental Health. I am pursuing this interest through a Master’s in Public Health (MPH).Additionally, I am keen on professional development and jump at every opportunity to update my knowledge base. This has enabled me to undergo various trainings, such as vaccination and first aid.
What are you most passionate about in your Pharmacy practice?
The ability to help people, especially at the community level, drives me the most. I love being available to help people, and I am glad I get to do that in the community pharmacy and sometimes during outreaches.
What do you love about being a Pharmacist?
As a pharmacist, I am versatile and can play any role in the hospital, community, industry, and business. I love that I can explore the many sectors of pharmacy. Also, as mentioned above, I am excited that I get to play a crucial role in the lives of community members, answering their questions and helping them get better.
What do you consider the greatest achievement in your career as a pharmacist thus far? How has this achievement impacted your professional journey?
As a pharmacist, my most outstanding achievement is my ability to represent pharmacy students and recent graduates in high-level discussions at various sessions, such as the World Health Assembly and the United Nations Environment Program stakeholder meetings. I am additionally grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation’s work as the professional development chairperson. These experiences have enabled me to aim higher and meet new people and friends worldwide. I am excited that I get to learn from their experiences to enrich my scope better. Additionally, it has opened my eyes to more amazing sectors and innovations that pharmacists can take on. This is a great blessing and achievement.
What has been your most challenging moment in the profession, and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?
My most challenging moment is when I find myself confronted by angry patients when certain medications are not available at the pharmacy, and we have to see them go elsewhere to search for the medicines themselves. Therefore, we need to do more as a profession to ensure equitable access to essential drugs. As pharmacists, we must be at the forefront of advocating for better access and treatment options for our patients at all times.
What keeps you going?
My passion for doing good keeps me going. I have always wanted to be there for people, which drives me daily.
In addition to being a Pharmacist, what else do you enjoy doing?
In addition to being a pharmacist, I enjoy research, hiking, spending time with family, and having fun. I also love to be in church and to help in any way I can
What can you say to the young Pharmacist?
Do not allow your current limitations or challenges to blur your future. Take every circumstance as a good lesson and always find ways to improve it. Additionally, Pharmacy is a great profession. Always work with passion and love for others, not just money.
Is there something else you’d like us to add to your feature?
Pharmacy is so much more!