Medical

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From a young age I appreciated the power of pharmaceuticals: Allowing people to survive and live despite suffering from fatal chronic health conditions or traumas; enhancing life quality and expectancy. I was mesmerised by the knowledge and expertise of a pharmacist and knew that I wanted to be as skilled and valuable in my future carrier. I want to contribute first hand to the development on medicine and make an actual difference in a people’s lives.

I’ve always had a deep interest in how various organic molecules work. In my spare time I would research the use of carboxylic acids in skincare and the mechanisms behind how various drugs work and affect our bodies.

My studies of chemistry and biology have prepared me for the practical part of pharmacy: Preparation/ synthesis of various organic molecules, analytical techniques such as NMR have enhanced my accuracy skills and attention to detail. I have gained insight into the complex preparation of medicines and how various synthesised drugs replicate the action of hormones and execute an action in our bodies.

Though my study of biology I learned in great detail about the working of many metabolic pathways essential for homeostasis such as for controlling blood sugar. Learning about the detailed structure of organs allows for me to understand various biological mechanisms of drugs. Learning about the way the neurones work in carrying action potential in order to send messages allowed me to explore where something can go wrong and how diseases such as Multiple sclerosis or amnesia occur. Learning about dopamine receptors gave me an insight in home anti-depressants and ADHD drugs work.

During my two week work placement in a local pharmacy have learnt how to order and dispense medicines and prepare dosettes for patients. This increased my accuracy skills as I learnt the difference between gastro-resistant and dispersive tablets making sure the right medicine was prescribed. I’ve also had to work in a team to ensure that the right medicines were prescribed and ordered.

I’ve had a chance to explain to patients how to take the medication and advice patients on over the counter medicines that they could try for common conditions such as the cold or allergies under the supervision of a pharmacist. This allowed me to apply and develop my knowledge of common medicines to help patients and taught me how to communicate more effectively and coherently about the uses, dosage and side effects of different medicines.

I also observed the quit smoking programme during which I’ve learnt the importance of tailoring the solutions for quitting smoking to suit the needs and cravings of the patients. For example psychological smokers were less likely to smoke if provided with nicotine inhalers and chewing gums compared to nicotine patches alone.

I’ve completed online courses called ‘science of medicines’ which tough me the pharmacology behind common medicines and treatments for the most common diseases. I’ve learnt about the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics tolerance of drugs and how this affects the EC50, the dosage and hence the increasing safety of the drug as increased dosage may have greater toxicity.

The most inspiring lecture that I had attended was on the development of cancer treatments .In this lecture I had learnt that the use of drugs in immunotherapy can programme T-cells to destroy tumour cells and in this way shrink tumours. This has shed light on pharmacy as something that is constantly developing and a powerful tool. One that could replace chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer in the future, due to having fewer adverse side effects.

From my job in retail as a key holder I have to undertake a number of responsibilities: Carrying out banking increased my analytical and numerical skills outside of school environment as, as a team we have to figure out why there had been discrepancies in the amount of money present. Working as a team, dealing with difficult patients in a calm, patient manner and helping diverse range of customers and personalities has developed my communication skills and creative problem solving which is a vital part of working behind the pharmacy counter

I have also volunteered at a local homework club helping primary school kids with their studies and rekindling their interest in their subjects. This has help build my communication and teamwork skills and helped mould me into a better role model and mentor for younger children. Which also links to pharmacy and heath as the most effective antidote for occurrence of a disease is its prevention and education and guidance of children at a young age.

I’m currently completing Silver Duke of Edenborough award which helped develop my skills as in tennis and playing piano which are my passions outside of school.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. This statement by Mahatma Gandhi has inspired me all my life. I believe Pharmacy is that discipline of science which enables one to use scientific knowledge concerning working of chemicals which has the potential to influence body components ensuring well being of individuals. Since my childhood I have been intrigued by the power of pharmaceuticals which gives people suffering from fatal and chronic health conditions the boon of life.