DR. ANTONY L. YIAILE

Briefly introduce yourself

I am Dr. Antony Letoyah Yiaile, a Kenyan and I’m proudly 41.

Walk us through your academic journey?

I’m one among the great Maasai Pharmacists of Narok, Consultant Toxicologist. I started my basic education in Narok County specifically Enabelibel and Ole Ntutu Arid Zone Primary Schools.

I’m a privileged alumnus of Kapsabet High School; the high school that prides itself to having produced a president and a deputy president amongst other great leaders in Kenya.

I have a Masters Degree in Pharmacology & Toxicology (UoN), Bachelor of Pharmacy (MKU), Higher Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy (KMTC) and Diploma in Pharmacy (KMTC). Currently I’m a graduate student at the University of Nairobi (UoN) and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), studying PhD- Pharmacology &Toxicology and Postgraduate Diploma in Technical and Vocational Education (PDT&VE) respectively.

As a public Servant working in academia, I have undergone other relevant professional courses which has greatly enhanced my Leadership and Clinical Skills. These includes: Strategic Leadership and Development Program (SLDP), Senior Management Course (SMC) by the Kenya School of Government, and many Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Skills.

You are a seasoned leader. Briefly highlight this journey.

I’m a Consultant (Specialist) Pharmacist and a Lecturer of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, an active full member of Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (MPSK), Toxicology Society of Kenya (MTSOK) and Hospital Pharmacists Association of Kenya (HOPAK). I serve the members as a Chair person of PSK- South Rift Branch having been elected for my second and final four year term. My role involves stewardship of my professional colleagues towards ethical professional practice as part of healthcare teams within the expansive south rift region. This is through coordination of all the relevant activities that promotes good pharmacy practice.

I have also been Head of Health Services directorate of Maasai Mara University for over five years, where lead the Directorate with zeal towards establishing a self sustaining directorate. I also set in the University Management Board of the University; where I was involved in development and implementation of major university health care policies and decisions. I also sit in various boards of public institutions in Kenya.

Currently I am a full time faculty member at the University of Kabianga, School of Health Sciences Kericho County; where I double up as the Departmental Examinations coordinator, the work I do with lots of dedication while serving the healthcare professionals through training and mentorship.

Which places have you worked so far?

The pharmacy profession has one of the broadest aspects of practice. I’m fortunate to have worked in many of these. I started working at Palm land Chemists as a Technical Manager in one of the best community Pharmacies in Mombasa by then, Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa, Gertrude’s Children Hospital Nairobi, Ministry of Health/KMRI/PEPFAR HIV AIDs Programme Kericho, Maasai Mara University and Currently at University of Kabianga.

Do you love being a pharmacist?

Ooh Yes!! I love being a pharmacist. As a healthcare professional, Pharmacy is a vocation that God called me to. It entails service to the community. This, I do by being the Chair of the South Rift Region and a member of PSK, member of HOPAK and Toxicology Society of Kenya (MTSOK).I also serve through mentoring other healthcare professions as lecturer.

What does your day at work as a pharmacist look like?

My work revolves around lecturing at a Public University called the University of Kabianga School of Health Science Kericho County, where I teach and mentor in the areas of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics to medical students namely: Nurses, Clinical Medicine. I also do research and other consultancy services in Pharmacy practice and Medical Education as Adjunct Faculty.

How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals in practice?

Previously I had been involved in healthcare leadership and management at Maasai Mara University where I was the Head of Health Services Directorate. My work involved human resource for health management through various sectional heads, overall leadership of healthcare services in the University. I was also a member of the University Management Board of the Maasai Mara University.

As a pharmacist serving in PSK, please highlight why membership in PSK is important and most importantly is leadership rewarding?

I am the inaugural Chair of PSK- South Rift Branch, currently serving my second and final term. The leadership role has enabled me to interact widely with my esteemed colleagues including other healthcare workers by ensuring ethical professional practice, networking, mentoring of our young pharmacists in the region and enhancing Continuous Professional Development.

If you are to change one thing about the profession, what would it be?

If I were to change, I would ensure that Pharmacists implement Medication Therapy Management services both and communities level and in Hospital Pharmacy practice.

Do you have anything you do apart from pharmacy either for income generation or leisure

I offer consultancy services; the most current one being a key facilitator/trainer/advocate of the Advanced Family Planning services for Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Technologists with community pharmacies in Kenya. This is a collaborated partnership between the Ministry of Health, PSK and Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics(JHPIEGO.)

I am an adjunct faculty member at USIU-A and MKU Schools of Pharmacy. I am also a Board member of the Kenya Red cross Society of Kenya, Narok Branch where am involved in humanitarian community services.

Advice to other pharmacists, especially Young Pharmacists

They should be job creators not job seekers. This can only be through enhancing their entrepreneurial skills, continuing professional education, good networks, resilience through ethical practice.

What is your professional philosophy/mantra as a pharmacist?

“Call me anything, but treat me right as a pharmacist”

Key take outs to your Esteemed Pharmacists?

As a Pharmacist, you’re a Leader. Leadership is service to Mankind. Serve mankind as if you’re serving God. Maintain integrity and be kind to people and all the goodness shall follow you to your generations.