We talk to Pharmacy graduate Jacqueline Donovan about how she went from Canberra to Canada to clinics.
Jacqueline Donovan (right) with her pharmacy colleagues.
I was born and bred in Canberra where I studied my Bachelor of Medical Science. As part of that I went on a student exchange to a university in Ontario, Canada for six months.
I decided to study Pharmacy while working as a support worker for people with disabilities. I saw how their pharmacists positively affected their lives. That was when I realised that pharmacy was for me and I really knew I’d made the right decision when I began working in a renal dialysis unit and started learning about the complexity of renal pharmacy.
I studied at the UTS Graduate School of Health because it offered an international placement opportunity. I was also drawn to the emphasis on practical placements and other professional opportunities.
The highlight of the course was going to Canada again. I did a 12-month international placement in Toronto, where I got first-hand insight into a different health care system and pharmacy practice.
This degree definitely took me outside my comfort zone, through the normal course structure as well as the extra curricula opportunities. Because of that, I’ve grown into a confident early career pharmacist both personally and professionally.
The assessments were challenging with an emphasis on integrating theory and practice. They’re clearly designed to develop the skills needed to be adaptable in this fast-changing industry. There is also a strong focus on collaboration and communication. These skills are transferrable to the vast range of roles in the industry.
All of the lecturers were exceptional but Associate Professor Beata Bajorek is particularly memorable. Her extensive knowledge in clinical pharmacy and research, as well as her experience within the industry has been invaluable in shaping my own knowledge and skill base. She’s definitely assisted in my development as a clinical pharmacist.
Support was always easy to get at the Graduate School of Health. The academics were accessible and always willing to provide assistance to help you succeed in your studies. It’s a very supportive community. I’m glad I had the opportunity to be a part of it and I made lifelong friends and colleagues there.
My advice for future students is to take every opportunity that comes their way. You never know where it will take you.
After graduation, I got a position in my preferred industry, hospital pharmacy. I put this down to the unique opportunities, knowledge and experience I gained from the Master of Pharmacy (International). This degree also opened up doors to international research collaboration through my 12-month international placement in Canada.
I’ve just completed my registration as a pharmacist and my short-term plan is to hopefully get into a Society of Hospital Pharmacists residency program. Longer term, I hope to specialise in renal pharmacy and complete a PhD.
My advice for future students is to take every opportunity that comes their way. You never know where it will take you.
Find out more about studying Pharmacy at UTS