Inspired by a new career
Ex-police constable Kevin Oakley wanted to help people. He believed the answer would be a career in the police force, but when he decided he did not enjoy the lifestyle, he embarked upon a new path by accepting a job in a pharmacy in 2009. He progressed through to becoming a dispenser and then accuracy checker. Inspired by his work, he sought to pursue a career as a community pharmacist, for which he would need an undergraduate degree.
He chose to embark upon the MPharm course at the Medway School of Pharmacy, opting to study with a foundation year to help him ease into higher education. It was the location of the Medway School of Pharmacy that drew Kevin to the course, but he also valued the fact the school is a joint school between the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent, which allows him to use facilities at both universities. The Medway Campus itself, where the school is situated, is a campus shared the two universities and Canterbury Christ Church, allowing a unique student space and new opportunities for students to network and make friends.
Kevin’s choice was also informed by the fact he had spoken pharmacists who had studied at the Medway School of Pharmacy, who all talked about positive experiences they had there.
A community on the Medway Campus
Kevin’s studies have allowed him to expand upon his knowledge and challenge himself. For his research project, he will be looking at the teaching of communication and consultation skills for students studying pharmacy, with the hope of improving the training of future pharmacists. His aim is that future pharmacists will be able to deliver the best possible advice and services to patients when they quality, and he hopes his project will go some way towards this.
Meanwhile, Kevin’s worries about being a mature student were put at ease by his new community.
I was worried that being out of education for sixteen years would be a problem, but I found with help from academics and peers that I was able to adapt back into learning easily. I have fit in well and have made a lot of new friends of all ages.
Making people’s lives better
He describes the subject of pharmacy as the link between chemistry and healthcare services. Through his course, he has learnt about the role and responsibilities of a pharmacist, how medicines are discovered and developed, and how health conditions can be managed.
Kevin hopes to work in a community pharmacy and study to become an independent prescriber, specialising in dermatology. He will then be able to look towards a role as a clinical pharmacist in a GP practice, where he can support patients by optimising their medication.
I get the most satisfaction knowing that everything I am learning is helping me towards a career that will help others. No matter what role as a pharmacist I chose after university I will be involved in making people’s lives better.
