Your Official Name and Title (e.g., Dr. or Pharm)
Gladys Kingori, Dr. (Only recognised in Kenya)
Highlight your Career Progression. In addition to your Degree in Pharmacy, are there any certifications you have obtained or are currently pursuing that you would like to mention?
I began my education at the University of Nairobi and later transferred to Kenyatta University, where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in 2021. During the transfer, I had the wonderful opportunity to work as an administrative assistant in the diagnostics department at Clinical Precision. This role helped me understand the healthcare industry and to develop strong customer service skills.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I volunteered at Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital. This experience shaped me into the pharmacist I am today. Neema Hospital also played a key role in my journey, thanks to Dr.Emmah Mburu and Dr. Esther. This is where my love for supply chain efficiency was born.
The Ministry of Health internship in Kenya gave me practical experience in the pharmaceutical sector. Special thanks to Dr. Dr. Nahil Dave (Axita Pharmacy), the Bio-Pharma industry team, Dr. Makumba, and the Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital team. My clinical pharmacy journey began at a Primary Health Care lecture where Botswana was praised for effectively managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
I also briefly transitioned into Pharmaceutical sales, specifically Business Development as a Sales Manager at the Pharma Division, Laboratory & Allied Ltd and led my first cross-functional team. Special mention goes to Dr. Prasant Kumar Biswal .I am now in the clinical Pharmacy space, working at the Family and Friends Pharmacy (FNF) in Gaborone, Botswana.
Certifications In addition to my degree, I have pursued several certifications to enhance my skills, including:
- Certificate in Leadership Development and Mentorship (Distinction) from Kenyatta University
- Certificate in Project Management in Global Health from the University of Washington
- Pharmaceutical Systems Strengthening 101 from the Global Health eLearning Center USAID
- I am currently pursuing a CIPS certification from Gaborone University College.
What are you most passionate about in your pharmacy practice?
- Leadership and Strategic Management: I am passionate about guiding teams, driving business growth, and ensuring operational excellence.
- Pharmaceutical Sales and Business Development: I am deeply interested in the commercial side of healthcare, focusing on expanding market opportunities, fostering key relationships, and leading marketing initiatives. My certification from Just Do It University fosters this interest. My primary school motto was, “We do things, we don’t try!”
- Global Health and Project Management: I am committed to improving healthcare systems on a broader scale, particularly, global health solutions.
- Community Engagement and Healthcare Access: Through my involvement in medical outreach programs, rural healthcare initiatives, and educational workshops, I demonstrate my dedication to improving healthcare access and patient education in underserved communities.
- Continuous Learning and Development: My certifications and conference participation reflect my passion for staying updated in the pharmaceutical field and my commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. My life motto is, “Learning, unlearning, and relearning.”
All these passions are geared toward patient care, positive therapeutic outcomes, and improving the pharma-patient feedback loop.
What do you love about being a pharmacist?
Pharmacists, worldwide, are approachable, resourceful, and often quite fun! I love my job. As a community pharmacist, my responsibilities include ensuring patients receive the right medications, counselling on treatment plans, and promoting cost-effective therapies. I find immense joy in contributing to improved health outcomes. My duty of care revolves around one principle: “No avoidable errors whatsoever,” as Dr. Nahil Dave would say.
Additionally, I find great satisfaction in leadership, especially mentoring teams and driving strategic initiatives in pharmaceutical sales and operations. Ultimately, what I love most is the diversity of the profession. Whether in clinical settings, business development, or community outreach, I can impact patients, healthcare systems, and communities. It’s all about taking initiative and doing the actual work.
What do you consider the greatest achievement in your career as a pharmacist? How has this achievement impacted your professional journey?
Dual registration within one year. This has allowed me to observe the similarities and differences between Kenya and Botswana. It has truly tested my adaptability and patience.
What has been your most challenging moment in the profession and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?
The COVID-19 pandemic taught me to be a risk-taker. Relocation has also been a challenge. I prefer Kenya, but my current assignment requires me to serve in Botswana, and I will do so diligently.
During my undergraduate years, I faced personal loss. I lost a dear friend and a great pharmacist to suicide. Many shy away from discussing this, but it’s crucial to remember: take failures as lessons, not as a death sentence.
What keeps you going?
My niece, Eve, wants to be a doctor, which motivates me to be the best pharmacist I can be.
I also give training and virtual talks to pharmacy students and their leaders (I’m a certified IPSF trainer). The fire and optimism in their eyes inspire me to create an easier path for them.
In addition to being a pharmacist, what else do you enjoy doing?
I love singing (moderately well) and my dance moves are exceptional! This is how I de-stress. My Christian faith also contributes to my overall well-being as a pharmacist. I also love the beach, especially Diani, where many of my life changing decisions have been made.
What can you say to young pharmacists?
Pharmacy offers endless opportunities for growth, learning, and impact. As you begin your journey, remember that your knowledge and skills can change lives, and your role in healthcare is invaluable. Start where you are—your big break will find you there. After internships, the rates may be discouraging, but to whom much is given, much will be added. Never despise humble beginnings, and strive to manage resources well—time, money, etc. What you mismanage, you will lose.
Embrace opportunities to enhance your skills, through certifications, mentorship, or attending conferences. Being proactive in your professional development will set you apart.
Don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles early in your career. Whether you’re leading a team, managing projects, or engaging with healthcare providers, your ability to communicate, collaborate, and strategise will be critical to your success.
Resilience and adaptability are key. Pharmacy can be demanding, but you grow stronger and more capable with every challenge. When you master this, the process can trust you. Believe in yourself and embrace every opportunity to grow. You are not just a pharmacist, you are a vital part of the healthcare ecosystem. Your work will have a lasting impact. Stay humble, stay hungry for knowledge, and never lose sight of why you started this journey: to help others.
Remember my first paragraph?
During my journey, I have discovered that rejection and failure are not the end—they’re often the beginning of a better path. These moments, while difficult, are powerful teachers.
Failure can be a gift. Beautiful things often arise from difficult situations. Rejection redirects you. Disappointments in my career led to roles and projects more aligned with my passions.
Success is sometimes found in the detours. This is where we discover our true capabilities. Embrace every setback, learn from it, and keep moving forward. The paths you never anticipated often lead to the most fulfilling destinations.
Is there something else you’d like to add to your feature?
Everything works out in the end. The process will trust you when you become a good resource manager.