"Working as a pharmacist in mental health is extremely rewarding" | Camilia
I've been working as a Senior Clinical Pharmacist at an NHS Mental Health Trust for two years, working with community mental health teams across a large inner London borough. To further enhance my skills, I chose to pursue a Specialist Mental Health Pharmacy Training Pathway CPD.
Choosing pharmacy as a career
I was an all-rounder at school, enjoying most subjects. I achieved good grades in science and studied biology, chemistry and maths at A level, along with English literature. However, traditional routes like medicine didn’t appeal to me.
Eventually, I discovered pharmacy, which really aligned with my interests and offered strong career prospects.
Becoming a pharmacist is a lengthy process. I completed a four-year MPharm degree at the University of Kent.
Graduating from the course was a significant achievement, but I had to take further steps to qualify as a pharmacist.
Becoming a pharmacist
After graduation, I completed my training year (formerly known as pre-registration) in the workplace with further study. I did this to gain the necessary experience to become a pharmacist.
It’s been a long journey, but I’ve truly enjoyed it and am incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.
Why I chose my course
The course’s focus on mental health within community mental health teams aligned perfectly with my role.
It also promised to enhance my existing knowledge and skills, especially in optimising psychotropic medicines in patients with physical health co-morbidities. I haven’t found any other course that is so specifically tailored.
Studying at a university outside of London was a challenge, given that I live and work in London. However, the course’s remote format allowed me to continue my education without having to relocate or take a break from my job.
Despite being entirely online, the course team has been incredibly supportive and always available to help. It's been invaluable.
Finding balance
Balancing a full-time job with higher education has been challenging, but I thrive on pushing myself.
While remote learning has been convenient, it does come with its own set of challenges. In my past experiences with remote learning, engagement was often lacking compared to in-person courses.
However, this hasn't been the case for me now. Although there is some independent learning and assessment, the majority of the course involves team-based workshops.
These sessions include discussions around case studies and real-world applications in breakout rooms, followed by group assessments.
Collaborating with my course-mates has been highly beneficial, and I’ve learned much more than I would have through independent study alone.
Gaining confidence
Given that the course is primarily aimed at working pharmacists, it was made clear from the start that some of the content would be familiar due to our real-world experience.
However, even when we covered well-known topics, the discussions of different scenarios significantly boosted my ability to navigate my job successfully.
I encountered new modules on a range of topics including chronic pain and complex multiple disorders. These conditions are typically managed by specialists and aren't something I deal with regularly at work. Another highlight was the focus on service improvement, research and auditing, which is unique compared to other courses.
A holistic approach
We also heard from real patients who shared their lived experience.
This was incredibly valuable in helping me approach my current and future patients holistically, considering the complex relationship between physical and mental health.
The course has given me the confidence to collaborate more with specialist teams and better understand patient perspectives when making decisions about their psychotropic treatment.
A rewarding career
Working as a pharmacist in mental health is extremely rewarding as I help so many people on a daily basis.
I highly encourage other pharmacists to consider this pathway, as it’s a crucial step towards advancing mental health services in the community.
With the NHS shifting towards a more community-based care model, delivering as much care as possible to patients in their own communities is increasingly important.
This course encouraged me to think about how to use this approach.
Some of my course-mates were relatively new to community healthcare, and the course gave them a better understanding. For others, including myself, it helped consolidate our existing knowledge.
As the course continues to evolve, I believe it will become even more effective at educating pharmacists about their role in community mental health teams, improving patient care and interprofessional communication.
My advice to others
I encourage anyone who enjoys interacting with people to consider a career in pharmacy and/or mental health.
Mental health impacts everyone in some way and can have a huge knock-on effect on families, friends and communities.
The work is diverse and engaging – no two days are the same because every patient is unique.
Choosing pharmacy as a career
I was an all-rounder at school, enjoying most subjects. I achieved good grades in science and studied biology, chemistry and maths at A level, along with English literature. However, traditional routes like medicine didn’t appeal to me.
Eventually, I discovered pharmacy, which really aligned with my interests and offered strong career prospects.
Becoming a pharmacist is a lengthy process. I completed a four-year MPharm degree at the University of Kent.
Graduating from the course was a significant achievement, but I had to take further steps to qualify as a pharmacist.
Becoming a pharmacist
After graduation, I completed my training year (formerly known as pre-registration) in the workplace with further study. I did this to gain the necessary experience to become a pharmacist.
It’s been a long journey, but I’ve truly enjoyed it and am incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.
Why I chose my course
The course’s focus on mental health within community mental health teams aligned perfectly with my role.
It also promised to enhance my existing knowledge and skills, especially in optimising psychotropic medicines in patients with physical health co-morbidities. I haven’t found any other course that is so specifically tailored.
Studying at a university outside of London was a challenge, given that I live and work in London. However, the course’s remote format allowed me to continue my education without having to relocate or take a break from my job.
Despite being entirely online, the course team has been incredibly supportive and always available to help. It's been invaluable.
Finding balance
Balancing a full-time job with higher education has been challenging, but I thrive on pushing myself.
While remote learning has been convenient, it does come with its own set of challenges. In my past experiences with remote learning, engagement was often lacking compared to in-person courses.
However, this hasn't been the case for me now. Although there is some independent learning and assessment, the majority of the course involves team-based workshops.
These sessions include discussions around case studies and real-world applications in breakout rooms, followed by group assessments.
Collaborating with my course-mates has been highly beneficial, and I’ve learned much more than I would have through independent study alone.
Gaining confidence
Given that the course is primarily aimed at working pharmacists, it was made clear from the start that some of the content would be familiar due to our real-world experience.
However, even when we covered well-known topics, the discussions of different scenarios significantly boosted my ability to navigate my job successfully.
I encountered new modules on a range of topics including chronic pain and complex multiple disorders. These conditions are typically managed by specialists and aren't something I deal with regularly at work. Another highlight was the focus on service improvement, research and auditing, which is unique compared to other courses.
A holistic approach
We also heard from real patients who shared their lived experience.
This was incredibly valuable in helping me approach my current and future patients holistically, considering the complex relationship between physical and mental health.
The course has given me the confidence to collaborate more with specialist teams and better understand patient perspectives when making decisions about their psychotropic treatment.
A rewarding career
Working as a pharmacist in mental health is extremely rewarding as I help so many people on a daily basis.
I highly encourage other pharmacists to consider this pathway, as it’s a crucial step towards advancing mental health services in the community.
With the NHS shifting towards a more community-based care model, delivering as much care as possible to patients in their own communities is increasingly important.
This course encouraged me to think about how to use this approach.
Some of my course-mates were relatively new to community healthcare, and the course gave them a better understanding. For others, including myself, it helped consolidate our existing knowledge.
As the course continues to evolve, I believe it will become even more effective at educating pharmacists about their role in community mental health teams, improving patient care and interprofessional communication.
My advice to others
I encourage anyone who enjoys interacting with people to consider a career in pharmacy and/or mental health.
Mental health impacts everyone in some way and can have a huge knock-on effect on families, friends and communities.
The work is diverse and engaging – no two days are the same because every patient is unique.
(edited 2 weeks ago)
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