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 will describe myself as a multitasker. I have participated in several voluntary activities, particularly with the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK). For the past three years, I have been a member of the PSK Public Relations Committee, actively organising social events for PSK members and activities geared towards celebrating Pharmacists during World Pharmacists Day on 25 September annually. I am currently the project coordinator for this year’s PSK Conference Organizing Committee. Additionally, I serve as a Project Lead in the Young Pharmacists Group 2024 leadership.
During my internship at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital, I was fortunate to explore my interests. Additionally, I served as the Team Lead for pharmacy interns during my rotation. I received valuable guidance from mentors such as Dr Elizabeth Itotia, Dr Jackline Wawira, and Dr Wanjiru Mburu. This experience had a significant impact on shaping my career aspirations.
After my internship, I joined KAM Pharmacy Wholesale Ltd and worked under the guidance of Dr. Aneez Rahemtulla. There, I learned about the crucial role of Pharmacists in Infection Prevention Control and Medical device distribution services.
I am currently an intern at inSupply Health, working in the Market Development and Partnerships Domain and supporting projects that strengthen family planning access for women and girls through the pharmacy channel.
I have completed a few certification courses to equip myself with soft skills outside my Pharmacy background. One of my certificates is in Mental Health Recovery and Community Inclusion, which the WHO issued. It has given me a lot of insight into mental health as a whole, and it is a topic I am very passionate about.
I also have a Centonomy certification in Personal Finance and Wealth Creation, as there is always more to learn about managing money. Additionally, I am ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certified by Medswipe Africa, a certification I recommend to anyone working in a hospital environment, especially in an ICU setting.
Lastly, I have a certification from the McKinsey Forward Program, an insightful course that teaches leadership, problem-solving, and communication. It is a good course for anyone who wants to understand how the corporate world operates, and the skills gained are transferable to day-to-day life.
What are you most passionate about in your Pharmacy practice?
I am passionate about Mental Health, Oncology, and Supply Chain. Mental health is a topic that is often surrounded by stigma, myths, and misinformation. As a pharmacist, I do my part by sharing insights into the topic on my LinkedIn page.
My interest in oncology grew from my rotation at KUTRRH, where I witnessed the teamwork needed from MOs, Nurses, and Pharmacists to provide treatment and care to cancer patients. I appreciated the pharmacist’s role in oncology beyond dispensing chemotherapy. It involves getting to know patients, collaborating with the healthcare team, and ensuring they receive the proper treatment. We also play a significant role in diagnosis through Radiopharmaceuticals used for PET-CT scans.
I have always been fascinated by supply chain systems and how they work within the healthcare space. Working at inSupply has helped me appreciate the role pharmacists can play in strengthening health systems. By doing so, we can ensure that the patient, the final recipient of the service, benefits from and receives the quality of service they deserve.
What do you love about being a Pharmacist?
I enjoy the diversity that comes with being a pharmacist. It’s great that we have the flexibility to practice beyond the mandated areas of our profession. Regardless of the field, mastering your craft is crucial.
What do you consider the greatest achievement in your career as a pharmacist thus far? How has this achievement impacted your professional journey?
One of my most outstanding achievements has been embracing networking opportunities. Building a solid network is critical to success; it ultimately becomes your net worth. Additionally, organising PSK activities and upcoming conferences has allowed me to develop vital soft skills such as public speaking, people skills, planning and organisational skills, and leadership. I have transferred many of these skills to other work areas, which has been incredibly valuable.
What has been your most challenging moment in the profession, and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?
The most challenging moment for me was completing my Pharmacy degree. My final year was a real struggle as I had to balance being a new mom while pursuing my degree. It was a challenging year, but it taught me the value of persistence and determination, which has influenced how I approach work and the level of commitment I put into any task. You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option.
What keeps you going?
I have a quote that resonates with me and serves as my life mantra: ‘There is no greater journey than the one you must take to discover all the mysteries that lie within you.’ We were born for greatness, and despite hard days, I am an optimist who sees challenges as opportunities to learn.
In addition to being a Pharmacist, what else do you enjoy doing?
I love writing articles and publishing them on my LinkedIn page. My articles usually revolve around mental health and general health topics, which are my favourite subjects to write about. Apart from writing, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and love to read books and listen to podcasts. When it comes to sports, I am a pretty good swimmer.
What can you say to the young Pharmacist?
Stay curious and open-minded to opportunities, no matter how insignificant they appear. If you come across an area of interest in our line of work, pursue it with determination, let it consume you, and make it your driving force. One of my colleagues in the pharmacy profession once advised me to question everything. Therefore, always stay inquisitive and, most importantly, network with other professionals. Get to know the areas of practice that experienced pharmacists have delved into before you.