Highlight your Career Progression. In addition to your Degree in Pharmacy, are there any certifications you have obtained, or are you currently pursuing any that you would like to mention?
I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Pharmacy, with my research interests being in Psychiatry and mental health. I am also working as a part-time junior lecturer at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University in South Africa.
What are you most passionate about in your Pharmacy practice?
Patient care, Academia and Research. In this season of my professional journey, I am constantly exposed to these three exhilarating areas of the pharmacy profession. As a Clinical Pharmacy trainee, each day brings the opportunity to contribute to individualized patient therapy, tailoring it to meet specific health needs while enhancing overall quality of life. This role has brought me immense joy and fulfilment. Furthermore, my passion for research and teaching seamlessly intertwines with my clinical experiences. Research helps me keep up-to-date with the changes in the profession, whereas lecturing serves as a connection that involves acquiring the information from research, applying it in practice, and then relaying it to the students in a guided manner.
What do you love about being a Pharmacist?
Being a pharmacist grants me accessibility to everyone in need of healthcare. As professionals, we are well-acquainted with the scope of every other profession, enabling us to carry out our roles comprehensively. This realization has led me to understand that as pharmacists, our indispensability lies in our ability to seamlessly fit into the intricate puzzle of health. Our versatility is our greatest asset.
What do you consider the greatest achievement in your career as a pharmacist thus far? How has this achievement impacted your professional journey?
On the morning of my graduation day, I found out that I was graduating Cum Laude. This stands as the most outstanding achievement of my career, particularly as a young pharmacist. However, it’s not merely the accolade itself that makes it significant; it’s the journey it represents. During my undergraduate years, the challenges I faced in pharmacy school taught me an invaluable lesson: always show up, regardless of the obstacles. I wasn’t always the best student, but I consistently gave my best effort in everything I undertook. What initially seemed like small steps along the way ultimately culminated in a remarkable accomplishment.
The profound impact of this achievement extends beyond the present moment. As I navigate my professional journey, I’ve come to understand that every contribution I make to this profession—whether immediately recognized or not—holds immense value. The collective effort of countless small actions will shape the future of pharmacy. As the saying goes, it’s not the grand gestures done in a small way that truly matter; rather, it’s the seemingly insignificant acts performed with dedication and purpose that leave a lasting imprint. I’ve embraced this lesson wholeheartedly, mastering the art of making a big impact through the cumulative effect of countless small endeavours.
What has been your most challenging moment in the profession and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?
The beginning of every journey in our profession is always an arduous undertaking. Whether you are embarking on practical work, an internship, or permanent employment, the weight of expectations, from others and from within, can be quite overwhelming. The pressure that comes with the pursuit of perfection powered by the achievements of the people who have gone ahead of you, makes you feel like you can never get it together.
Starting my internship journey was by far the most challenging phase. I had to grapple with self-doubt daily, questioning whether I “belonged” in the profession. Every mistake I made or question I didn’t have an answer to chipped away at my confidence. The inferiority complex eventually got the best of me. Everyone around me seemed to have it all together, yet I did not. However, I quickly realised that mastery requires enduring the initial struggle. If one wants to be good at anything, one must be prepared to make mistakes or fail at the beginning. Humiliation, though painful, is not the true adversary—it’s merely a stepping stone. The real threat lies in allowing fear to hinder growth and contribution.
What keeps you going?
Knowing that I get better at what I do every day and that I am only as valuable as I view myself and my unique contribution to the profession.
In addition to being a Pharmacist, what else do you enjoy doing?
I am a blogger; I write about lessons from my personal experiences. I love going horse riding and I have recently acquired a love for running.
What can you say to the young Pharmacist?
The vastness of the world of pharmacy sets the stage for an exciting journey of discovery during the early years of your career. As you step into this multifaceted field, you’ll find yourself exploring various sectors, seeking your niche, and potentially making a unique contribution. It is fine if you find yourself moving through all the sectors until you find your space. A career so broad is worth exploring. Finding your calling within your career as a pharmacist sets you up for lifelong fulfilment. Remember, it’s not solely about the paycheck. Your contributions as a pharmacist extend far beyond financial transactions; you impact humanity!
Secondly, mentorship will play a huge role in the initial stages of your career. However, learn to differentiate between a mentor and someone who inspires you within the field. Inspiration fuels us, but mentorship directs us and takes us where we are going. The one mistake we tend to make is wanting people who inspire us to mentor us. We then end up desiring to be the next “them”. However, no matter how much we try, a copy will never be as valuable as an original and we often end up thinking we are just not good enough. The profession thirsts for innovation. Be the next “you.” Bring fresh ideas, challenge norms, and contribute uniquely.
Draw inspiration from pharmacists who have contributed greatly to the profession, but forge your path, that aligns with your vision. As for mentorship get someone who will walk you step by step towards achieving your desired goals.
Is there something else you’d like us to add to your feature?
The link to my blog, Intentional Living.