PDA student members were invited to attend the free event and heard from four experienced pharmacists from a range of settings.
The speakers were PDA Reps and included:
- Noel Kizere – PDA Rep, Hospital Pharmacist & healthcare higher education Advocate
- Neera Goel – GP Practice and Community Pharmacist
- Holli Brown – A pre-registration pharmacist working at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham
- Jasraj Matharu – Provisionally Registered Community Pharmacist.
Nottingham University 4th year student Saz Tariq said: “The event was a great way for me to see real-life examples of what working in different career paths is like and what to expect. I got to learn how the working environment has changed during the pandemic too. Important information for me to know since I will be graduating in a few months. It was also enlightening for students in the lower years who had most of their placements cancelled or delayed due to Covid-19. Moreover, the speakers were very passionate about their work which filled me with motivation and enthusiasm.”
University of Bath 1st year student Beth Burnett said: “We heard about the experiences of four pharmacists who have worked in a variety of roles such as hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy, GP surgeries, and industry! The event was helpful as it showed the wide array of careers we could have when we qualify as a pharmacist. The speakers gave us great advice on how to get through both the MPharm and the pre-registration year, as well as many tips on how to get the job we want when we qualify.”
Guest speaker and PDA Rep Noel Kizere, shared: “Events such as this give students a direction. Directions are key to a destination. Students need to be exposed to the many destinations pharmacy has to offer. If we are to inspire the next generation of pharmacists that will continue to propel our profession to new heights, we need to dispel the inaccurate picture of yesterday’s pharmacy, increase the diversity of leadership and give our future pharmacists a destination to dream of. We can support them through mentorship and make access to opportunities fair and equally accessible to all.”
Provisionally Registered Pharmacist and PDA Executive Member, Jasraj Matharu, added: “Student, pre-reg and prov-reg members should rest assured that I listen to your concerns, successes and represent your views at the highest level within the PDA as your Executive Member. As a member of the PDA you get a voice directly with key stakeholders such as the GPhC. We hope to hold more events like this in the future and I would encourage students and those beginning their careers in pharmacy to join the PDA.”
PDA membership is FREE to all students and pre-regs. Join here.