Studying Pharmacy in Sierra Leone
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Career Profile - Pharmacy


Name: Julia J. Grey-Coker

Course: B.Pharm. (Hons.)

A levels : n/a


Journey in 3 words: demanding, exciting, eyeopening

 

Briefly describe your role or course


Pharmacists are responsible for drug dispensing and regulations. A key role in the healthcare delivery system as drug misuse and abuse are leading causes of illness and mortality. Every drug has side effects and adverse reactions that could lead to more harm than good when not administered appropriately.


What motivated you to pursue a career in science


I have always had a curiosity for how healing worked. That curiosity developed into a passion to make people heal and that passion has kept motivated through time.


Work- Life Balance


Studying pharmacy has been the most demanding decision I’ve had to make. Maintaining a life meant having to work extra time to clear off deadlines before due dates so I could be there for friends and family. I experienced difficulties keeping up social relationships in my pre-pharmacy years but as I got through I found a working mechanism to balance both out on the best days at least.


What advice would you give someone wanting to study the same degree?


The most candid advice I would give anyone wanting to study the same degree is to be prepared to be devoted and committed to studies before anything else as that is the only way you would be able to stay in stride and moving forward. The slightest of distractions will make you lose focus and that is all it takes to fall below average.


Did you always want to do your course?


No, when I initially thought about med school I wanted to do Medicine( MBCHB) but looking closer, I came to realise that Sierra Leone’s health care system lacked other key members of the chain, pharmacy being one. And drug abuse was becoming a social and health concern especially among youths. Upon research, I came to familiarise with the roles of a pharmacist and have loved every moment up to today.


Where do you see yourself in 5 years?


In five years, professionally I see myself as a registered pharmacist investing in providing quality pharmaceutical service in my community and to the health system of Sierra Leone as a whole.


What is your biggest pet peeve about how the world perceives science.


My biggest pet peeve might be that science is too complicated and scientists are people without a life.


Do you feel like scientist salaries reflect the amount of effort put in ?


In Sierra Leone, not really no… but we can't put a price on life, I doubt we would ever agree on a salary grand enough for someone saving it on a daily. The passion would always have to suffice and surpass the monetary expectations



 

I hope this post inspires you to follow your passions and acknowledge that at every stage of your career will involve perseverance, consistency and discipline to help you achieve your desired goal. Never forget that “ no accomplishment is too small and no goal is too high”

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