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?
My career progression reflects a continuous pursuit of professional growth and learning. After earning a Diploma in Pharmacy from Kenya Medical Training College in 2014, I completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in 2021. I am now pursuing a Master’s in Industrial Nanobiotechnology for Pharmaceuticals at the University of Pavia in Italy.
In addition to my pharmacy degree, I have also taken short courses in Pharmacovigilance. These qualifications, combined with my diverse experiences in hospital and pharmaceutical settings, underscore my commitment to advancing my career and positively impacting healthcare.
What does nanobiotechnology for pharmaceuticals involve, and what are the primary responsibilities of a nanotechnology pharmacist?
Pharmaceutical nanobiotechnology entails the combination of biological systems with nano-scale technologies for the development of better drug delivery systems, diagnostic tools and therapeutic solutions. This area involves using nanoparticles, nano-carriers and other nanoscale materials to enhance drug delivery in the body thereby making the treatments more focused on certain sites, efficient and with less adverse effects.
The main duties of a pharmacist in nanotechnology include researching and developing new drug delivery systems that are safe and effective for patients’ use. It also includes working with multidisciplinary teams to translate these technologies from the research phase to clinical studies, thus improving patient care by providing more precise and effective medications.
A prominent example of nanobiotechnology’s impact is the development of COVID-19 vaccines, where lipid nanoparticles were crucial in delivering mRNA into cells, thus improving vaccine stability and efficacy. In cancer therapy, nanoparticle-based drug delivery has allowed for more targeted treatment, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes. Nanoparticles are also being used in treating infectious diseases and neurological disorders, addressing challenges such as drug resistance and crossing the blood-brain barrier.
What are you most passionate about in your Pharmacy practice?
I am passionate about continuously learning and perfecting my skills as a pharmacist while positively impacting my community and the world. My dedication to advancing my career through education and professional experiences drives my commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services. I am particularly interested in research in nanotechnology and biotechnology for pharmaceutical manufacturing, focusing on improving traditional medicines like tablets and capsules to enhance outcomes, reduce side effects, and improve dosage and patient compliance.
What do you love about being a Pharmacist?
What I love about being a Pharmacist is the wide range of opportunities to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives and the broader community. Whether it entails working in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, industrial pharmacy, academia, regulatory affairs, or even specialised fields like nuclear pharmacy, each area offers unique ways to contribute to healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
What do you consider the greatest achievement in your career as a pharmacist thus far? How has this achievement impacted your professional journey?
My greatest achievement as a pharmacist has been the profound impact I have had on patients through counselling and care during my time in the hospital. Hearing patients return to express their gratitude, saying, “Thank you, doctor, the medicine you gave me helped me feel better,” has been incredibly rewarding. Witnessing their recovery has fueled my commitment to continually enhance my knowledge and skills to make a broader impact on healthcare.
This achievement has been a key motivator in my decision to pursue advanced studies in Nanotechnology in Europe, where I am particularly passionate about contributing to the fight against cancer.
What has been your most challenging moment in the profession and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?
The most challenging moment in my career was securing a suitable placement after having graduated with my degree in Pharmacy. I often faced underpaying and overworking conditions, and navigating the diverse field of pharmacy to find my true career path was daunting. However, these challenges taught me invaluable lessons.
Working part-time in various community pharmacies and hospitals during my college years helped me gain experience and ultimately identify my passion. Persistence and determination were key in overcoming these obstacles. Once I discovered my interest in Nanotechnology and pharmaceutical research, I actively pursued opportunities and networked extensively. This led me to Italy, where I am now pursuing a Master’s in Nanobiotechnology, working alongside esteemed professors in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology.
What keeps you going?
Honestly, God, my Heavenly Father. As a Christian, I have learnt to trust Him completely even when times get overwhelming.
My family, especially my mother, has also been a tremendous source of strength. Her unwavering support and encouragement have always recharged my spirit and reminded me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
In addition to being a Pharmacist, what else do you enjoy doing?
I am an outgoing and social person, something my colleagues often mention. I am also very passionate about music and singing. I am deeply honoured to have shared the stage with a renowned accordionist, Claudio Piscina on the 6th of July, at a concert organised by Associazione Filippo Astori ODV, supporting over 100 orphaned children in Tanzania. Giving back to my community is important to me, so I dedicate my free time to volunteering. I also enjoy staying active through workouts, yoga, and running.
What can you say to the young Pharmacist?
To all young pharmacists, the path ahead may feel unclear and uncertain, but from my experience, trust your instincts and keep pursuing your ambitions. You may face rejections from your dream companies or desired positions, but don’t let that deter you. Persist, keep trying, and maintain your belief in yourself. No matter the opportunities you receive, whether big or small, always give your best effort.
Remember, when you feel like you’ve hit a dead end and are ready to give up, success is often just around the corner. As my elder sister always reminds me, “Hard work, works.”