Since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak in
This Thursday (
Dr
Matthew, who graduated from the
'Pharmacists along with other frontline healthcare workers globally have provided excellent patient care during the pandemic, with many risking their own health and safety doing so,' he said.
'I've huge admiration to my fellow colleagues working in the different patient-facing sectors of pharmacy including community, hospital and other healthcare settings.'
After graduating, Matthew began a placement between
Matthew, from Herefordshire, relocated to
Mena and his wife Nardin, also a Sunderland graduate, are co-owners of three community pharmacies in
In 2018, just two years after he graduated, Mena decided to set up their pharmacies on the island of Manitoulin, an area that was underserved and where the need for pharmacists is great.
Mena said: 'This pandemic has really allowed pharmacists to shine.
'Once the pandemic hit, we were definitely overwhelmed and taking on more than we would have liked, but I think all round, it has given us as pharmacists the opportunity to show how qualified we are to practice well outside of our currently defined scope of practice.
'I've taken on much more responsibility, my costs as a business owner have gone up with increased delivery, providing more than a 1,000 per cent increase in PPE to my staff, and staff having to say home to quarantine or self-isolate.
'On the other hand, the support from the communities I serve, the volunteers that have stepped forward and my staff that have stepped up to the plate have made it easy to continue to provide quality healthcare to my patients.'
Kam graduated from
He moved into hospital clinical pharmacy firstly at
In 2011, missing his family, Kam returned to
Kam said the pandemic has proved challenging for pharmacists in his homeland.
'In Hong Kong, pharmacists are working hard and hopefully can continue to make more contributions to citizens,' he said.
'Resources for the healthcare system are limited here and it means pharmacists have to work more.'
'The workplace has changed'
So, what advice do the former
'The workplace has changed over the last 18 months and will continue to evolve during your career,' Matthew said.
'Stay positive and focused, and the opportunities will come.'
Mena said: 'It's not what it used to be, so having an understanding of what you'd like to do is important.
'At the same time, pharmacy is one of the best degrees you can take on because graduates from this course end up very well rounded and with many opportunities in different practice areas.'
Kam added: 'Pharmacy students should think why they want to be a pharmacist and what they can do for the profession.
'They need the passion to do something memorable in their lives.'
The free online talk is one of many events taking place throughout the year to celebrate 100 years of pharmacy education at the
Dr
'The career pathways of Kam, Matthew and Mena show the diversity of opportunity available on a truly global stage to positively impact the care of patients through an innovative and ever evolving professional workforce.'
To register for the Sunderland Global Pharmacists Network, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sunderland-global-pharmacists-network-tickets-154249702011
Centenary events still to come:
An Evening with
Pharmacy Exhibition at Beamish live tour -
Pharmacy Centenary Celebrations Weekend -
An Evening with
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