Pharmacy as My Future Career

My desire to study Pharmacy has stemmed from my love of Science and my eagerness to help others. Encountering pharma development in AS Biology sparked my interest in the research that goes into developing a drug. For example, research into combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To further support my interest in Pharmacy, I began to read articles in medical journals such as ‘The Pharmaceutical Journal’ and ‘Pharm Daily’. This enabled me to keep up to date with the breakthroughs that occur in the world of Pharmacy. After further research, I came across an article which discussed the challenges faced in oral anticancer drug therapy. I discovered how people are currently working on ways in which they can enhance oral bioavailability for cancer patients. I found this article of interest as I am eager to see how professionals are seeking to produce effective and safe oral chemotherapy at home without introducing further cost for healthcare systems. It showed me that the pharmaceutical industry is always working on new ways to improve the quality of life and health of their patients; something I would love to be a part of.

After proactively seeking work experience, I undertook a week of experience at the University of Birmingham. My week began at the Medical School where I carried out research into the use of unexpected stimuli to evoke patterns of defence response. I found this of interest as I learnt that process such as tachycardia and renal circulations can be evoked with the use of sound. I spent the following days in the Pharmacy School, where I created a range of pharmaceutical products, such as Ibuprofen and sulphur and salicylic acid cream. I undertook another week of experience at my local pharmacy where I spent the week handling prescriptions, interacting with patients and shadowing the pharmacist. This allowed me to gain an insight into the interactions between a pharmacist and a patient. My weeks of experience enabled me to develop my lab skills through the practical work I carried out. My communication skills were also improved through the interactions I had with a variety of people on a day to day basis.

I believe the subjects I have chosen give me the skills required to succeed in a career in Pharmacy. A-Level Chemistry has allowed me to expand my knowledge of chemical concepts. By conducting experiments such as titrations, which require great accuracy, I have been able to develop my lab skills. A-Level Biology has given me an in-depth understanding of the body and all the various processes that occur. I have also been able to deepen my analytical skills through analysing data from experiments and carrying out statistical tests such as Spearman’s Rank and T-test. In A-Level Psychology I have developed my empathy skills as I’ve learnt to understand things from the point of view of others. I believe this is an important skill for a pharmacist to have as it allows them to understand their patients and build a better connection with them.

I am currently a Head Prefect at Lawrence Sheriff School. I work with a team of six Prefects to supervise the lower school on a weekly basis. This opportunity has improved my leadership skills and how I convey my ideas to others, which I believe is an essential skill to have in the field of Pharmacy. I have also taken part in mentoring schemes where I have tutored Year 11 and Year 6 students in the field of Science. Both of these experiences have been very rewarding as I have been able to have a positive impact on these students.

Completing NCS has enabled me to work in various environments such as timed conditions, which I feel will be relevant for a career in Pharmacy.

To conclude, I am a passionate student, who is looking forward to undertaking a career in Pharmacy. I feel I am a well-rounded academic with a wide range of skills and experiences and I believe I would be well suited to higher education study.

My desire to study Pharmacy has stemmed from my love of Science and my eagerness to help others. Encountering pharma development in AS Biology sparked my interest in the research that goes into developing a drug. For example, research into combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To further support my interest in Pharmacy, I began to read articles in medical journals such as ‘The Pharmaceutical Journal’ and ‘Pharm Daily’. This enabled me to keep up to date with the breakthroughs that occur in the world of Pharmacy. After further research, I came across an article that discussed the challenges faced in oral anticancer drug therapy. I discovered how people are working on ways in which they can enhance oral bioavailability for cancer patients. I found this article of interest as I am eager to see how professionals are seeking to produce effective and safe oral chemotherapy at home without introducing further cost for healthcare systems. It showed me that the pharmaceutical industry is always working on new ways to improve the quality of life and health of their patients; something I would love to be a part of.

After proactively seeking work experience, I undertook a week of experience at the University of Birmingham. My week began at the Medical School where I researched into the use of unexpected stimuli to evoke patterns of defence response. I found this of interest as I learnt that process such as tachycardia and renal circulations can be evoked with the use of sound. I spent the following days in the Pharmacy School, where I created a range of pharmaceutical products, such as Ibuprofen and sulphur and salicylic acid cream. I undertook another week of experience at my local pharmacy where I spent the week handling prescriptions, interacting with patients and shadowing the pharmacist. This allowed me to gain an insight into the interactions between a pharmacist and a patient. My weeks of experience enabled me to develop my lab skills through the practical work I carried out. My communication skills were also improved through the interactions I had with a variety of people on a day-to-day basis.

I believe the subjects I have chosen give me the skills required to succeed in a career in Pharmacy. A-Level Chemistry has allowed me to expand my knowledge of chemical concepts. By carrying out experiments such as titrations, which need great accuracy, I have been able to develop my lab skills. A-Level Biology has given me an in-depth understanding of the body and all the various processes that occur. I have also been able to deepen my analytical skills through analysing data from experiments and carrying out statistical tests such as Spearman’s Rank and T-test. In A-Level Psychology I have developed my empathy skills as I’ve learnt to understand things from the point of view of others; I believe this is an important skill for a pharmacist to have as it allows them to understand their patients and build a better connection with them.

I am currently a Head Prefect at Lawrence Sheriff School. I work with a team of six Prefects to supervise the lower school on a weekly basis. This opportunity has improved my leadership skills and how I convey my ideas to others, which I believe is an essential skill to have in the field of Pharmacy. I have also taken part in mentoring schemes where I have tutored Year 11 and Year 6 students in the field of Science. Both of these experiences have been very rewarding as I have been able to have a positive impact on these students.

Completing NCS has enabled me to work in various environments such as timed conditions, which I feel will be relevant for a career in Pharmacy.

To close, I am a passionate student, who is looking forward to undertaking a career in Pharmacy. I feel I am a well-rounded academic with a range of skills and experiences and I believe I would be well suited to higher education study.