Giang Nguyen
MPharm Pharmacy, 2018
- Clinical Pharmacist at the Somerset Foundation Trust
Journey to Bradford
"I have enjoyed my time studying at the University of Bradford. Thanks to the sandwich course structure and its placements, I had the opportunity to gain experience in different settings and build up relationships with potential employers.
"Bradford University stands out among pharmacy schools with its impressive and exceptional pharmacy course offering."
My favourite memory was going hiking every month and camping at the end of the year. I attended the Friday Night Disco at the University bar and was privileged to be part of the year-end games between departments. I was also a member of the Pharmacy Society. My greatest personal growth during University was in developing ambition. I made an effort to say yes to all the opportunities and parties.
Career journey
"As a Clinical Pharmacist, I am responsible for conducting comprehensive reviews of patient medications to ensure their safe and effective use. This involves identifying potential drug interactions and optimising therapy outcomes through monitoring drug levels and blood results. Additionally, I provide medication counselling to patients, explaining proper medication usage, potential side effects, and addressing any concerns or questions they may have.
"Collaboration is a key aspect of my role, as I work closely with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other pharmacists, to develop and implement patient care plans. This collaborative approach ensures that we provide the best possible care for our patients.
"One of the significant advantages of being a Clinical Pharmacist is the opportunity to have a direct impact on patient care and contribute to improved therapeutic outcomes. The role also offers considerable professional development opportunities, allowing me to enhance my clinical skills and knowledge through continuous learning. Moreover, the demand for clinical pharmacists is steadily growing, which ensures job stability and potential career advancement.
"However, the role also comes with its challenges. It can involve dealing with stressful situations, such as complex patient cases, medication-related issues, and time-sensitive tasks. Additionally, the need for shift work, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and being on-call, can be demanding. Furthermore, the salary for clinical pharmacists is often lower compared to that of community pharmacists."
Career advice
"My career advice would be to seek out job opportunities that can guarantee a working visa. I reached out to my placement tutor, who kindly introduced me to potential employers, which made finding a job relatively straightforward. However, I found it challenging to balance revision for registration exams with interviews and placement responsibilities. I encourage current students to be proactive in building relationships with potential employers. Attending career fairs and actively seeking out networking opportunities can be incredibly beneficial in securing future employment."