In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audrie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, interviews Anisha Patel, a Clinical Pharmacist and Senior Clinical Lecturer at King's College (London). Anisha is also the Founder of the Pharmacist Diaries Podcast. This episode delves into Anisha's passion for Clinical Pharmacy, their training experiences in the UK, and the evolving landscape of the Pharmacy sector. Listen in as Anisha shares the hurdles faced while seeking international opportunities, including a fascinating role managing emergency services during the Formula One event in Abu Dhabi.

Raised in a family that owned Pharmacies, Anisha spent their teenage years immersed in healthcare environments. Moving from the UK to the US for college presented challenges, and despite excelling academically, they struggled with the pressure to pursue a traditional high-achieving career. After exploring medical school options, Anisha chose Pharmacy, driven by a desire to align their career with their creative side. Returning to the UK in 2005, they immersed themselves in Pharmacy studies, embracing both community and hospital settings.

Detailing their training year and experience in the UK, Anisha explains the evolving options in Pharmacy sectors, such as split placements. They express a passion for Clinical Pharmacy, particularly in a hospital setting, where they enjoyed engaging with patients and optimizing medication plans. Anisha opens up about the challenges faced while seeking opportunities abroad, specifically in the UAE, shedding light on the unique dynamics of Pharmacy practices, cultural considerations, and the hurdles in securing a job.

Anisha then recounts their unique experience working for the government agency National Ambulance during the Formula One event in Abu Dhabi. In this role, they managed emergency services, overseeing the medical center and ambulances for the event. Anisha highlights the challenges and responsibilities, including preparing ambulances, licensing international consultants, and providing crucial education on legal aspects of prescribing medications, especially concerning controlled drugs. Their passion for education and training emerges as they share the intricacies of ensuring a seamless healthcare support system during the high-profile Formula One weekend.

Anisha chronicles their diverse career journey from leading emergency services at National Ambulance to building a Pharmacy for Formula One events and immersing themselves in pediatric and educational roles. As a leader, communicator, and educator, Anisha discusses their passion for training paramedics, creating e-learning packages, and advocating for paramedics to administer drugs. Their transition back to the NHS involves a blend of pediatrics and education, eventually leading to the creation of the "Pharmacist Diaries Podcast" aimed at inspiring Pharmacy students to explore the vast career opportunities within the field.

Note: Stay tuned for Part 2 as we continue to explore Anisha's impactful journey in Pharmacy.