My Pharmacy journey so far at RGU

Pharmacy student Eva shares why she decided to study at RGU, the highlights of the course so far, including a volunteer placement in Spain, and advice for prospective students.

Why I chose Pharmacy

Choosing a career is never easy, but when I learned about pharmacy, it was a natural fit. I’ve always been intrigued by the creation of medication, the biology and chemistry behind it and how it works to improve lives. What made pharmacy even more appealing was the variety of career paths it offers such as community, hospital, primary care and my favourite, industry and more!

As someone who loves to learn and upskill, the idea of being able to work in different sectors of pharmacy throughout my career was exciting and refreshing to know.

Why I chose RGU to study

When it came to choosing a university, I wanted a place to fuel my curiosity and prepare me for the real world which is exactly what I found at RGU. It had everything I was looking for in a university and more. The facilities caught my attention, not just for academic life, but for overall student life. The free gym and swimming pool, combined with the fun activities organised by the student union, made me excited about life at RGU and in Aberdeen. I also loved the academic resources for pharmacy.

One of the highlights of the pharmacy programme is the simulation room. When I first learned about it, I loved the idea of getting hands-on-experience at the University. The idea of practicing in a simulated pharmacy environment – dispensing medications, counselling patients, and applying what we’d learned in class – made RGU stand out.

Another thing that got me excited about RGU was the emphasis on placements. The course dedicates significant time to hands-on learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. And then there was a possibility of studying abroad which was a dream of mine that RGU helped make a reality.

My favourite moments on the course

Looking back on my pharmacy journey so far, one of my favourite experiences was being able to create a medication in the lab. As part of a second year-module, I worked with some students to create indomethacin tablets. It was such a rewarding experience as someone who wants to go into industrial pharmacy.

Beyond the academic moments, another joy of studying pharmacy is attending the pharmacy ball with your friends every year. It’s a fun experience and a wonderful way of celebrating the hard work we’ve put into our studies. It brings everyone from each year together to create wholesome memories.

Volunteering abroad: my summer placement in Spain

Another rewarding part of my journey has been my summer volunteer placement in Spain. I reached out to RGU’s study office with the hope of being able to study in Spain, and they helped me arrange an incredible opportunity at the University of Granada. For two months, I volunteered in a hospital, working across multiple sectors and assisting PhD students with their research.

The experience was eye-opening. Pharmacy in Spain is very different from the UK system, and adapting to the new environment was challenging and rewarding. Although, I’m not fluent in Spanish, we managed to communicate using a mix of Spanish and English – “Spanglish”, as we called it! This language barrier pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me the importance of adaptability and cultural competence in healthcare.

During my placement, I worked in areas like clinical trials, pharmacogenetics etc, gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse roles pharmacists play in healthcare. My favourite sector was pharmacogenetics, where we extracted DNA from patients’ saliva and analysed it for mutations that could impact their chemotherapy treatments. And as someone interested in oncology, this was something I enjoyed a lot.

How RGU has prepared me for the future

Studying at RGU has been an incredible experience. From the engaging lectures to the supportive teaching staff, I’ve felt constantly encouraged to grow and achieve my best. The staff at RGU go above and beyond to help students, whether it’s through academic support, career advice, or simply being there to answer questions. They’ve helped me navigate the many career paths in pharmacy, and through placements, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of the areas I’d like to explore further.

I’m particularly proud of my placement in Spain, not just because of the professional experience but also because it was a personal milestone. Moving to a new country where I didn’t know anyone – and where English wasn’t widely spoken – was intimidating at first. But it taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone.

My advice to future pharmacy students

If you’re considering pharmacy or thinking about studying at RGU, my advice is simple: go for it. The course at RGU is designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed in the field. Whether you’re interested in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, research, or something entirely different, RGU will equip you with the tools to succeed.

Looking ahead

As I reflect on my pharmacy journey so far, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. RGU has not only prepared me academically but has also given me the confidence to take on challenges and grow as a person. My experience in Spain enhanced my passion for the field.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring different sectors of pharmacy. With the foundation I’ve built at RGU, I feel ready to make a positive impact in the field and to keep learning every step of the way.

Eva Ojediran

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