World Pharmacist Day Through the Lenses of a Freshman
World Pharmacist Day is an annual celebration observed each year on 25th September. It serves as a dedicated day to acknowledge and honor the invaluable contributions made by pharmacists in advancing global health.
This day underscores the crucial role that pharmacists perform in improving human well-being. The primary objective of World Pharmacist Day is to endorse and provide support for initiatives aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the pivotal roles played by pharmacists worldwide.
The theme for this year’s World Pharmacist Day is ‘Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems’
To mark the World Pharmacist Day important day, we interact with Ms. Mbogo Veronica a freshman pursuing Pharmacy to share her insights.
10 Questions with Ms. Mbogo Veronica
Tell Us About Yourself
My name is Veronica Mbogo. I am a vibrant 19-year-old first year student at Mount Kenya University studying for an undergraduate pharmacy degree. My hobbies include modelling, poet composer, creative directing and I’m a jeweler
What motivated you to pursue a career in pharmacy, and can you tell us a bit about your journey leading up to pharmacy school?
Since I was 8 I have wanted a career in the medical field. I enjoyed sciences both in primary and high school and the dream came to life after my auntie fought through and survived cancer.
I finished my KCSE 2021 among the very first cohort affected by COVID and was able to pass well. However, my dream of pursuing medicine came to a halt after I lost my brother to mental illness, hence proceeded to studying psychology at Kenyatta university for two years. However, last year December I decided to drop the course and chase my dream career as I was on a path of seeking what fully satisfies me.
Pharmacy was the greatest choice for me as I really enjoyed chemistry in high school and I’m passionate about drug synthesis and formulation hence Mount Kenya University provided the best environment to making my dream career a reality.
As a freshman in pharmacy school, what aspects of the field are you most excited to learn about and explore?
I am mostly interested in laboratory based activities, syrup formulations, dosage and its levels of accurate conceiving, pills and drugs chemical formation
Could you share some insights into the duration of the pharmacy program you’re enrolled in, and any prerequisites or requirements for joining this program?
It’s a 5 year intensive programme comprising 2 years preclinical and 3 years of clinical training, only offered in Mount Kenya University Thika Main Campus.
An academic year is divided into 3 terms with a minimum of 39 weeks, each term being 13 weeks exclusive of any examination.
The prerequisites for Kenyan Citizens include KSCE qualifications and Diploma in Pharmaceutical technology for upgrading group.
Besides your academic studies, what co-curricular activities or organizations are you planning to participate in year?
I would like to join the psychology club, the badminton club and the Help 2 Help clubs in school
As a student pursuing pharmacy, how do you envision making a positive impact on society both now and in the future?
Pharmacy is such a noble career that involves talking to and assisting those in need. Currently I give service by visiting children’s homes and any service based in reference to the needy, to cultivate that culture to reinforce humility and hope in me. In the future, I envision working with the United Nations WHO department to revolutionize the medical field owing to the wide reach of the organization using my acquired skills to teach and enlighten those in disaster stricken areas.
What unique perspectives or ideas do you think you can bring to the field of pharmacy that could benefit patients and healthcare as a whole?
I’m very forward on interacting with the patient on a much more personal terms. Notably, many patients succumb to multiple illnesses as a result of ignorance and improper diagnosis. My goal is getting back to the roots, be the doctor of the people. Teach people how to maintain hygiene in their homes by organizing forums and workshops in “mashinani” the villages, the street slums; those who don’t easily get information. This will curb many issues arising in the future due to lack of proper information.
In the context of World Pharmacist’s Day, can you share your thoughts on the significance of pharmacists in healthcare and your aspirations for your future role in the profession?
Pharmacists play a huge role in patient care. They foresee the formulation of the drug, to its prescription and the final dispensation to the patient. They are able to fully understand the clients needs and assist them in getting the best available treatment for them. I aspire to have a franchise of pharmaceutical chemists, work with a service based organization to enlighten masses on basics of healthcare and retire as a lecturer in the field.
What advice would you give to fellow students who are considering a career in pharmacy or are just starting their education in this field, especially on a day like today that celebrates pharmacists worldwide?
Pharmacy is a beautiful career owing to it’s basis on science, drug formulation processes and impact on patient care. I certainly would encourage them to enroll and achieve their dreams cognizant of how rigorous the programme is. It’s also important that they attend lectures, be active in class, not settling for less but doing prior and post research, forward on teamwork and be keen during practicals since all these will come in handy in making one a good Doctor. For those who are yet to join, best believe you’ve made the best decision yet choosing a career in this field.
Which are you reading currently?
I’m reading The secret lives of Baba Segi’s Wives
It is a novel by Lola Shoneyin set in modern Nigeria that tells a story of polygamous marriage.
Written by Heri Manyara