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 hold certifications in Data Analysis and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud. I am actively pursuing further expertise in Machine Learning and generative AI. My educational journey and ongoing professional development in these fields reflect my dedication to keeping up with the latest technological advancements.
What are you most passionate about in your Pharmacy practice?
I am deeply passionate about research, focusing not only on the development of novel drugs but also on implementation science. I am further interested in exploring how close we are to achieving optimal treatment and patient care and what steps can be taken to bridge any gaps. Leveraging digital tools to assess current practices and innovate new solutions to enhance the efficacy and quality of healthcare delivery is one of my core missions.
What do you love about being a Pharmacist?
One thing I love about pharmacy is its multidisciplinary nature. As a pharmacist, you can land anywhere from regulatory, quality assurance, and clinical practice, to mention a few. This diversity allows you to widen your scope of practice if you are multitalented. Being in such a versatile profession enables continuous learning and growth, ensuring one can adapt to and thrive in different facets of healthcare.
What do you consider the greatest achievement in your career as a pharmacist thus far? How has this achievement impacted your professional journey?
That would be viewing the profession outside the traditional boundaries of practice. Venturing into digital health has revealed the unrealised potential gains for pharmacists in this field and their crucial role in improving patient access to quality care. This journey has allowed me to meet professionals from various disciplines and collaborate with many of them, all with a shared goal: improving health outcomes.
What has been your most challenging moment in the profession and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?
My most challenging moment in the profession has been navigating mentorship. Delving into a relatively new field without mentors meant that I had to figure out everything independently. This experience taught me the immense value of having a supportive community with shared interests and pursuits. It highlighted the importance of mentorship in professional growth and the benefits of learning from others’ experiences.
What keeps you going?
What keeps me going is the dream of seeing our community reach unprecedented levels of growth. I am driven by a desire to better myself every day and to be an inspiration to others on the same path, especially those unsure of where to start. This vision fuels my dedication and perseverance, pushing me to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact.
In addition to being a Pharmacist, what else do you enjoy doing?
Not a long list for sure. I love reading, which allows me to continuously learn and expand my knowledge, driving and working out.
What can you say to the young Pharmacist?
By all means, read and learn. May your sacrifices be on the altar of your dreams, not anyone else’s. Persevere, nothing worthwhile comes easy. Finally, do not be afraid to put yourself out there.
Is there something else you’d like us to add to your feature?
Certainly! We’ve established a community for healthcare professionals and students interested in upskilling and entering the digital health field. Our focus spans health data, from research to technical skills such as understanding and coding. Connect with us on LinkedIn @Afiadata Kenya and X @afiadata_ke to learn more.