Please briefly describe your clinical/medical experience to date?
I graduated from the University of Brighton in 2016 and subsequently completed my pre-registration year training with Kamsons Pharmacy. Following this, I sat for the GPhC pre-registration exam and qualified as a pharmacist in 2017. I began my career as a qualified pharmacist at Brighton and Sussex University Hospital as a Band 6 rotational pharmacist, where I undertook various rotations and actively contributed to the team. I then progressed to a Band 7 pharmacist in Cancer Services, where I became part of the multidisciplinary team caring for oncology and hematology patients, including both adults and paediatric patients. This role provided me with the opportunity to work with paediatric patients and establish strong working relationships with staff members and families, which nurtured my interest in paediatrics. In 2020, I joined the Princess Royal University Hospital (part of King’s College Hospital) as a Band 7 rotational pharmacist. During my time here, I completed a rotation in Paediatrics, where I cultivated my skills and knowledge to become a specialist Paediatric pharmacist. I subsequently advanced to the role of Women and Children’s Pharmacist, where I oversee pharmaceutical management across Women’s Health and Child Health, including paediatrics and neonates. In this role, I work closely with prescribers, clinical nurse specialists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to maintain patient safety and improve patient outcomes.
What motivated you to enter paediatric care in the first place?
My motivation toward paediatrics blossomed from a young age. During my teenage years, I was happy to do voluntary babysitting for close friends and families. I was committed to this role because I always had an interest in children, and parents were pleased to see how well their children got along with me. This feedback was both pleasing and satisfying. Later, during sixth form, I had a part-time job at Kumon as a Classroom Assistant, where I supported children of all ages with their numeracy and literacy skills. I ensured that every student worked towards building their independent learning skills and confidence in their own abilities. My assistance allowed them to practice self-directed learning through individualised instructions and carefully developed worksheets. I felt like I was being a role model and was able to influence family friends in the community, some of whom joined Kumon in a similar role after I left. I knew I had an interest in working with children alongside my interest in a career in medicine and pharmacy. I truly believed that I can give something back to the community through this passion. As a pharmacist, I know I have a pivotal role in addressing medication challenges and providing advice to healthcare professionals, even when evidence is limited. I am willing to go the extra mile to make significant contributions to the well-being and care of paediatric patients, ensuring that parents feel reassured by the support system available.
How will the funding from The Evie Dove Foundation help you to advance your career and your impact/services to children?
The funding from the Evie Dove Foundation will support my Clinically Enhanced Pharmacist Independent Prescribing Course at UCL. This course will enhance my ability to prescribe within my role in paediatrics and assist prescribers with inpatient, outpatient, and discharge prescription orders, thereby reducing delays in medication administration and ordering, as well as minimising patient waiting times. In the future, I can use this skill set to facilitate clinic reviews and issue repeat prescriptions, reducing the workload for clinicians and freeing up time to spend more time with urgent and complex patient cases. This will provide me with the autonomy to develop as a healthcare professional, expand my networking skills, and advocate for patient and parent education. Additionally, I will be able to serve as an active supervisor for pharmacy trainees. In summary, my aim is to make a difference to the community by ensuring that patients receive the best care and support during their admission and beyond.
How did you find out about The Evie Dove Foundation?
I learned about the Evie Dove Foundation through colleagues on my paediatric ward at Princess Royal University Hospital, as well as from colleagues at King’s College Hospital. I have heard incredible success stories about how the foundation helped them achieve their goals and aspirations. Some colleagues even mentioned that they would consider approaching the foundation for further career development. The Evie Dove Foundation has had a positive impact on their career development, subsequently making a significant difference in their everyday roles and in patients’ lives. Hearing these experiences and the positive impact they have made has encouraged me to seek support from the Evie Dove Foundation for my training which could benefit my service users.
Tell us about yourself!
I live with my husband and our two-year-old son in Redhill. I moved to the UK in 2005 with my parents from the beautiful state of Kerala in India. My mother relocated to the UK due to her new job, as a Staff Nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care in an NHS hospital. We often visit Kerala, as we have grandparents and close relatives settled there. Despite the strong heat, humidity, and tiny reptiles and insects, I enjoy visiting family, friends, and exploring the delicious food. In my spare time, I love taking my son out for walks, to the park, and involving him in various activities. I enjoy listening to music and regularly attend our community church choir, which is held in our native language, Malayalam. I try to stay active by playing badminton at our local leisure centre with a few other working mums, which helps me relieve work stress and feel more relaxed. As a full-time working mum, it is challenging to make changes or have the flexibility to try new things. We recently moved into a new home, and I am currently occupied with decorating the house and garden. Additionally, I love baking cakes whenever I get the opportunity and am always keen to enhance my skills by signing up for baking courses.
Anything else you would like to tell us about your experience, future aspirations and motivations?
From an early age, I aspired to become a doctor to make a difference in the lives of the sick and poor. However, through the experience I have acquired since qualifying as a pharmacist, I have learned there are various roles within healthcare that allow me to contribute meaningfully. I am eager to expand my knowledge and skills by pursuing further qualifications to build my portfolio and provide comprehensive care and support to patients and their families. I am also interested in joining the research team to stay up-to-date with new technologies and the latest published information. I aspire to contribute to journal publications and serve as a role model for upcoming pharmacists through education and development. My colleagues, particularly those in roles such as Consultant Pharmacists, Primary Care Pharmacists, and Advanced Clinical Practitioners, inspire my future aspirations and motivations. These roles excite and motivate me to seek more opportunities and continuously contribute to patient care.
