Rtn. Dr. Kelvin Odongo is the Head of Operations at Cliniva Healthcare. A primary Healthcare chain of clinics in Kenya that specialises in women and family healthcare.
Additionally, he is the Honorary Treasurer at the African Pharmaceutical Network (APN) where he delivers Regulatory Affairs training modules and is also actively involved in policy shaping through stakeholder engagements.
a. What has been your most outstanding achievement as a pharmacist?
Being able to create a space where pharmacists could show their value. When I got an opportunity to create a space where the pharmacist’s voice could be heard through patient care, I was so proud that I exemplified it by leading by example but also giving other pharmacists a chance to show their worth.
b. Highlight/happiest moment in the profession?
The first PSK – Young Pharmacists Group formal meeting saw the end of many divided factions/splinter groups. In 2021, I, alongside about six other brave young pharmacists, decided to take on the scary, voluntary role of leading the young pharmacists’ group and giving the PSK – Young Pharmacists Group credibility and a sense of identity. Young pharmacists had made many uncoordinated efforts to get their voices heard. The steps were barely fruitful because even the stakeholders the young pharmacists sought to engage needed clarification on the many splinter groups.
Upon taking the mantle, we sought to forge a path that began by defining terms of reference, the frequency and modalities of meetings. The happiest day of my life was also the scariest in my fight for my profession. After serving for nearly 8 months, we had to come before young pharmacists and present our call to action, our call for a unified body that spoke with one voice and accord. I still remember my speech on that day like it was yesterday.
When I see today’s PSK – Young Pharmacists Group, I am glad we took the bold step. Indeed, PSK – Young Pharmacists Group is going to outlive me, and it’s going to outlive all of us… And that’s true happiness for me.
c. What can you say to someone who’s just begun the pharmacy course at the university?
Pharmacy is a beautiful profession. It is as versatile as it is empowering. Take your time and go through your schoolwork. Remember the principles of reaping:
- You only reap what you sow.
- You only reap where you sow.
- You only reap after you sow.
- You always reap more than you sow.
So, now that you are a student, be a darn good one. And when you graduate and become a pharmacist, BE A DARN GOOD PHARMACIST AND DONT BE SHY TO SHOW IT TO THE WORLD.
d. Any joke that’s pharmacy-related?
I heard this joke about the workforce in Canada and the dire need for medical professionals. In Canada, it’s said that if you have a medical emergency and have to choose between calling a doctor and calling a taxi, you are better off calling the taxi because chances are very high your cab driver is an immigrant-educated medical professional whose only barrier to the active practice of medicine is how long it takes to accredit foreigners in Canada.
I am a Pharmacist and a proud one!