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Meet alumni from our programme and find out more about the benefits of studying the MSc Clinical Pharmacy, International Practice and Policy (CPIPP) at UCL School of Pharmacy.
Tijana Kovacevic (MSc Clinical Pharmacy, International Practice and Policy – 2008/09)
What was your career history before starting the MSc?
I had worked briefly in public pharmacy after which I started working in hospital – the largest university hospital in the Republic of Srpska, part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Why did you enrol on the MSc Clinical Pharmacy International Practice and Policy?
I wanted to expand my knowledge in the field of clinical pharmacy but there were no relevant postgraduate courses in my country and neighbour countries. One of my undergraduate professors from the Belgrade University recommended the MSc CPIPP programme.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
I returned to the university hospital where I had been working and began a series of projects to transform clinical pharmacy and thereby started a transition process of our healthcare system. I was appointed a clinical mentor by the Faculty of Pharmacy in Belgrade (Serbia) for pharmacists who want to practice clinical pharmacy. I began postgraduate clinical training of the first three clinical pharmacy residents in the Republic of Srpska (B&H). I adapted educational models that I experienced during my study to my setting. In this way, I implemented a similar model of training to the one I went through during the MSc CPIPP year of study.
In addition to the clinical training of the first clinical pharmacists in our country, the implementation of the clinical pharmacy at the bedside has been another major step forward. Currently my main area of work is within the Medical Intensive Care Unit and Pulmonology ward. I have also completed my PhD (my thesis was in the field of critical care pharmacy) and now involved in education of undergraduate students as a part time lecturer.
My contribution to the development of clinical pharmacy in my country is ongoing and I am proud to have the foundation of the MSc CPIPP.
Stella Nanyongo (MSc Clinical Pharmacy, International Practice and Policy – 2011/12)
What was your career history before starting the MSc?
I completed a bachelor of pharmacy degree from Makerere University in Uganda in 2009. I worked as a pharmacist in community pharmacy practice and during this time, I realised that I had a passion for patient care.
Why did you enrol on the MSc Clinical Pharmacy International Practice and Policy?
I loved working closely with patients during my work in the community pharmacy. I found it rewarding helping them to maximize the benefits from using medicines to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome. This motivated me to pursue a career in clinical pharmacy.
How did you find the MSc CPIPP programme?
The programme is very rich. The mixed teaching methods, which include tutorials and workshops, are very interactive and the lecturers are practical and very experienced. I especially loved the clinical placement at Barts and The London NHS Trust and working on my International Perspectives on Health project where I looked into ‘task shifting’ to address the shortage of pharmacists in Uganda.
I initially found the weekly reflections difficult but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I use the concept of weekly reflections not only in my professional work but also in my personal life. I benefitted a lot from the speed-reading sessions and critical appraisal training. I also improved my writing and presentation skills immensely from all the training I had during the MSc.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
I initially worked as a pharmacy resource person for the Regional Performance Monitoring Team, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Global fund. I went on to work in a government hospital, Naguru Regional Referral Hospital, as the head of the pharmacy department for 3 years where I had the opportunity to practice clinical pharmacy. I later joined the National Drug Authority as regulatory officer where I worked mainly on pharmacovigilance for one year. I have had the opportunity to serve at the national level e.g. as a member of:
- Task force for the Private Sector Co-payment Mechanism for ACTs in Global Fund Grant (2018/2020)
- Ministry of Health National Anti-microbial Consumption and use Steering Group
- Ministry of Health Appropriate Medicine Use Coordination Group
- Secretariat for the review of the Uganda Clinical Guidelines / Essential Medicines and Health Supplies List Uganda (2016).
I am currently in my final year of study at Makerere University for another Master’s degree in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics. My goal is to continue to contribute to improving hospital-based research in Uganda.
Yovita Titiesari (MSc Clinical Pharmacy, International Practice and Policy – 2014/15)
What was your career history before starting the MSc?
I graduated as a pharmacist in Indonesia and following my graduation, I worked for 2 years in a pharmaceutical company as a medical scientific liaison.
Why did you enrol on the MSc Clinical Pharmacy International Practice and Policy?
As time went by, I realised that I had passion for clinical pharmacy practice. I was searching for a Master’s programme that could offer me a better understanding of the field of clinical pharmacy and decided on the UCL MSc CPIPP. From the moment I read the programme description, I knew it was the programme for me: an advanced level programme for overseas pharmacists like me who wish to develop clinical pharmacy and leadership skills relevant to the needs of their home countries. The clinical placement at a hospital site was a precious experience affording great insight into pharmaceutical care issues for the patient, with learning support from well-experienced pharmacists.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
I am working as a clinical pharmacist in an oncology hospital in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. I am responsible for the clinical pharmacy work in the Critical Care Unit. The MSc CPIPP programme shaped my critical thinking skills and gave me the opportunity to experience how clinical pharmacists work in UK hospitals. These have really helped me with my current work in clinical pharmacy practice. I strongly recommend the programme for all pharmacists wanting a career in clinical pharmacy.