Pharmacist Diaries

In this inspiring episode, Harvey John, a fourth-year pharmacy student at Swansea University, shares his remarkable journey from being told he'd never succeed academically due to his dyslexia diagnosis at age 9, to becoming an award-winning student leader. Harvey reveals how he transformed his perceived limitations into superpowers, founded his university's first pharmacy society, and developed a systematic approach to balancing demanding academics with leadership roles, family time, and personal interests.

Through candid storytelling, he demonstrates that success isn't about being the smartest person in the room—it's about being strategic, resilient, and leveraging what makes you unique.

What you'll learn:

1. Transform your unique challenges into superpowers

2. Create opportunities rather than wait for them

3. Master visual time management through colour-coded scheduling

4. Build strategic support networks both inside and outside Pharmacy

5. Discover and leverage your pharmacy passion as daily motivation

💡 Sleep Better, Work Smarter If you're a pharmacy student or pharmacist spending long hours in front of a screen (especially in the evenings like I do when working on the podcast!), I highly recommend checking out the blue light blocking glasses from Ocushield. They've made a huge difference to my sleep quality and reduced my eye fatigue—plus, the frames are super stylish!

🎁 I've found a 20% off family & friends discount that you can access through the link below. Treat yourself—you deserve it!

👉 Grab your discount here

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students. Each week, I share:

• Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice

• Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡

• Systems and strategies that keep it all running smoothly ⚙️

• Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience

• Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH HARVEY:

Linkedin: Harvey John

OTHER LINKS:

The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do: Inplus Music 

Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you’d like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at [email protected].

Hey there pharmacy family! Welcome back to the Untold Stories of Pharmacy Students Series! Today we're tackling something every single one of us can relate to...those moments when pharmacy school gets really tough.

Have you ever looked at your module and thought, "There is absolutely no way I'm going to get through this"? Today's episode is your ultimate survival guide. Meet Martina Aikon, BPSA's Annual Conference Organiser and honestly, just a total boss when it comes to turning academic challenges into opportunities. Born and raised in London, Martina crossed borders to study at Swansea University with a passion for chemistry - but without the traditional A-level Biology background.

This isn't just another study tips episode. She’s giving you practical steps you can implement right away. Whether you're struggling with a tough subject, feeling behind, or if you’ve wondered if you belong in pharmacy at all - get ready for three game-changing strategies that will completely reshape how you approach your pharmacy studies.

Key Takeaways

The conversation with Martina offers valuable insights for pharmacy students: 

1. don't hesitate to seek help from professors and utilise university resources – you're paying for your education, so make the most of it. 

2. Say yes to opportunities, even if they seem outside your comfort zone, as you never know where they might lead. 

3. Consider using journaling as a tool for reflection, personal growth, and practicing gratitude. 

4. Remember that extracurricular activities develop transferable skills like leadership, time management, and communication that are invaluable in pharmacy practice.

5. Finally, consider how your unique perspective can contribute to improving the pharmacy profession as a whole.

   
   

💡 If you're a pharmacy student or pharmacist spending long hours in front of a screen (especially in the evenings like I do when working on the podcast!), I highly recommend checking out the blue light blocking glasses from Ocushield.

🎁 I've found a 20% off family & friends discount that you can access through the link below. Treat yourself—you deserve it!

👉 Grab your discount here

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students.

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH MARTINA:

Linkedin: Martina Aikon

OTHER LINKS:

The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do: Inplus Music 

Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you’d like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at [email protected].

In this final episode of my special three-part series with Leya Luhar, we dive deep into the significant changes coming to pharmacy education in 2026, when all pharmacy students will qualify as prescribers upon graduation.

We explore the monumental change happening in pharmacy education, where all graduates will qualify as prescribers. This represents a fundamental transformation in the profession's scope and responsibilities. Leya and I discuss how this change will better position pharmacists as medication experts within the healthcare system and potentially reduce medication errors.

Key Takeaways

1. Pharmacists are ideally positioned to be prescribers - Their deep medication knowledge positions them to reduce errors and improve patient outcomes
   

2. The curriculum shift aligns with student preferences - Research shows pharmacy students often prefer the clinical aspects over heavy science components
   

3. Students must embrace a proactive approach to learning - Unlike traditional pharmacy placements, students will need to take more ownership of their learning experience
   

4. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential - Learning from doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals will be crucial
   

5. Networking during placements creates future opportunities - Connections made during placements can lead to projects, mentorship, and future employment

   
   

💡 Sleep Better, Work Smarter If you're a pharmacy student or pharmacist spending long hours in front of a screen (especially in the evenings like I do when working on the podcast!), I highly recommend checking out the blue light blocking glasses from Ocushield. They've made a huge difference to my sleep quality and reduced my eye fatigue—plus, the frames are super stylish!

🎁 I've found a 20% off family & friends discount that you can access through the link below. Treat yourself—you deserve it!

👉 Grab your discount here

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students. Each week, I share:

• Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice

• Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡

• Systems and strategies that keep it all running smoothly ⚙️

• Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience

• Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH LEYA:

Linkedin: Leya Luhar

Website: https://www.oscetoolbox.com/ 

Instagram: @OSCEtoolbox

TikTok: @OSCEtoolbox

OTHER LINKS:

The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do: Inplus Music 

Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you’d like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at [email protected].

In the second episode of our special three-part series with Leya Luhar, we tackle one of the most frequently asked questions I receive in my DMs: "Should I choose pharmacy or medicine?"

Instead of just sharing my perspective, I brought on Leya - a medical student and entrepreneur - to offer insights from someone currently experiencing medical school firsthand.

This episode provides an honest, in-depth comparison between these two healthcare pathways, helping A-level students and career changers make informed decisions about their future.

Check out my website for full shownotes as I provide a lot more detail on the differences between medicine and pharmacy.

💡 Sleep Better, Work Smarter If you're a pharmacy student or pharmacist spending long hours in front of a screen (especially in the evenings like I do when working on the podcast!), I highly recommend checking out the blue light blocking glasses from Ocushield. They've made a huge difference to my sleep quality and reduced my eye fatigue—plus, the frames are super stylish!

🎁 I've found a 20% off family & friends discount that you can access through the link below. Treat yourself—you deserve it!

👉 Grab your discount here

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students. Each week, I share:

• Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice

• Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡

• Systems and strategies that keep it all running smoothly ⚙️

• Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience

• Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH LEYA:

Linkedin: Leya Luhar

Website: https://www.oscetoolbox.com/ 

Instagram: @OSCEtoolbox

TikTok: @OSCEtoolbox

OTHER LINKS:

The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do: Inplus Music 

Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you’d like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at [email protected].

In this first episode of our special three-part series, we introduce Leya Luhar, a medical student and the founder of OSCE Toolbox, a platform revolutionising OSCE preparation for pharmacy students across the UK. Leya shares her journey from considering various career paths to ultimately finding her passion in medicine. She discusses the challenges of medical school, including the intense workload and learning to maintain a healthier work-life balance.

As pharmacy education evolves – with significant changes coming in 2026 when all pharmacy students will qualify as prescribers – OSCE exams are becoming more interactive and clinically focused. OSCE Toolbox offers over 200 scenarios with detailed mark schemes, demonstration videos, and educational resources to help students navigate these challenges.

Key Takeaway Messages: 

1. Identifying gaps in education resources can lead to entrepreneurial opportunities, even while still studying.

2. Building the right team is crucial when balancing business development with demanding studies.

3. OSCEs are transformative for pharmacy students, becoming more interactive and including prescribing skills by 2026.

4. Practice is essential for OSCE success – resources that allow repeated practice in realistic scenarios can significantly reduce anxiety.

5. Career flexibility is increasingly valued by the new generation of healthcare professionals who want to pursue multiple passions.

Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 of our conversation, where we'll explore the medicine versus pharmacy debate and examine the significant changes coming to pharmacy education in 2026.

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students.

Each week, I share:

• Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice

• Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡

• Systems and strategies that keep it all running smoothly ⚙️

• Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience

• Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH LEYA:

Linkedin: Leya Luhar

Website: https://www.oscetoolbox.com/ 

Instagram: @OSCEtoolbox

TikTok: @OSCEtoolbox

OTHER LINKS:

The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do: Inplus Music 

Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you’d like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at [email protected].

In this powerful episode of the Untold Stories of Pharmacy Students Series, I enjoy a deep dive conversation with Ewoma Ayetuoma. Ewoma is a British drug-free powerlifting association world record holder and fourth-year pharmacy student at the University of East Anglia. After facing rejection from medical schools, he pivoted to pharmacy, where he overcame first and second-year resits while building an impressive extracurricular profile.

As BPSA's IT Officer, he manages their digital presence and technological infrastructure, developing valuable skills beyond traditional pharmacy education. Despite family relocations between Leeds and Bristol and academic setbacks, Ewoma has transformed challenges into opportunities, combining his passion for powerlifting with his developing identity as a future clinical pharmacist.This conversation explores the emotional and practical realities of navigating unexpected career paths when life doesn't go according to plan.

Ewoma candidly shares his experience of medical school rejection and the subsequent soul-searching that led him to pharmacy—a field he initially knew nothing about. We explore how this "Plan B" transformed into a passionate career path as he discovered his natural affinity for patient interactions and clinical problem-solving, ultimately leading to his decision to pursue hospital pharmacy.

The discussion weaves through Ewoma's parallel journey as a world record powerlifter, revealing the profound connections between athletic discipline and academic success. His story of failing first-year exams and rebuilding his academic approach offers invaluable insights for students struggling with university transitions. Throughout the episode, we uncover the systems, routines, and mindset shifts that enabled Ewoma to excel across multiple demanding domains.

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students. Each week, I share:

• Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice

• Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡

• Systems and strategies that keep it all running smoothly ⚙️

• Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience

• Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH EWOMA:

Linkedin: ⁠Ewoma Ayetuoma

Join the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA)⁠ TODAY⁠. You won’t regret it!

OTHER LINKS:

The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do:⁠ Inplus Music⁠ 

Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you’d like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at [email protected]

From the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany to the halls of British pharmacy education, this week's episode features Craig Ndip. Craig Ndip is the Vice President of the British Pharmaceutical Students' Association (BPSA) and a fourth-year pharmacy student. He grew up in the beautiful hills of Tuscany, Italy, where he developed a love for food and landscapes. After moving to the UK as a teenager without knowing English, Craig overcame significant challenges to pursue his education. Alongside his academic pursuits, he found immense fulfillment in helping others through volunteering as a first aider, which sparked his passion for healthcare. Craig is working hard to learn everything he can about patient care, with the goal of becoming an exceptional healthcare professional who can make a difference in his community.

Craig shares his remarkable journey of moving from Italy to the UK at age 16, overcoming language barriers, depression, and imposter syndrome to become a leader in pharmacy education. This isn't just a story about moving countries—it's about building a new family within pharmacy, turning strangers into lifelong friends, and discovering that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is start over.

In This Episode

• Craig's emotional journey from Italy to the UK at 16 without knowing English

• How the initial isolation and language barrier led to depression and self-doubt

• The breakthrough moment that changed his trajectory

• Finding his path to pharmacy after originally planning to study medicine

• Building resilience through adaptation and stepping outside his comfort zone

• How joining university clubs (especially American football) helped him discover his talent for connecting with people

• His journey from shy international student to BPSA Vice President

• Craig's leadership philosophy of empowering others

• Plans for his foundation year in split community and GP practice

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students. Each week, I share:

• Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice

• Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡

• Systems and strategies that keep it all running smoothly ⚙️

• Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience

• Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH CRAIG:

Linkedin: Craig Ndip

Join the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA) TODAY. You won’t regret it!

OTHER LINKS:

The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do: Inplus Music 

Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you’d like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at [email protected]

In Episode 3 of The Untold Stories of Pharmacy Students, we meet third-year student, Hikmat Kazeem, who's rewriting what success looks like in pharmacy education. Like many pharmacy students, Hikmat's path wasn't straightforward. After COVID-era predicted grades affected her medical school applications, she reluctantly considered pharmacy - despite a less-than-inspiring work experience placement that involved nothing but shelf cleaning. Today, she's BPSA's Western Area Coordinator and proving that sometimes the most challenging beginnings lead to the most inspiring journeys.

This episode dives deep into the realities of pharmacy student life. Hikmat openly shares her experience with first-year exam failure, describing the raw emotions of staying in bed for three days and questioning her place in pharmacy. But it's what she did next that makes her story powerful - transforming that setback into motivation to ace her remaining seven exams.

Beyond academics, Hikmat's story is a masterclass in building a balanced student life. As the only hijabi player on her university netball team, she's breaking barriers and showing how sports can be crucial for mental health during intense study periods. Her adventures extend globally - from a marketing internship in Hong Kong to upcoming medical volunteering in India - proving that pharmacy education can be a launch pad for diverse experiences.

What sets this episode apart is Hikmat's refreshing perspective on the future. While many students feel pressured to have their entire career mapped out, she advocates for living in the present and exploring widely - whether that's earning a British Sign Language qualification or seeking international opportunities. 

Her message is clear: your pharmacy journey doesn't need to fit a traditional mould.

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students. Each week, I share:

• Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice

• Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡

• Systems and strategies that keep it all running smoothly ⚙️

• Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience

• Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH HIKMAT:

Linkedin:@Hikmat Kazeem

Instagram: @HKazeem1x

Join the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA)TODAY. You won’t regret it!

OTHER LINKS:

The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do:Inplus Music 

Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you’d like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at [email protected].

In Episode 2 of The Untold Stories of Pharmacy Students, I sit down with Sanjida Hossain, a fourth-year Kingston pharmacy student who is transforming how pharmacy students connect, support each other, and build lasting communities. As BPSA's Southern Area Coordinator and Kingston Pharmacy Society's Treasurer, she's living proof that you don't need to wait until graduation to make an impact.

In this raw and honest conversation, Sanjida opens up about waiting until third year to get involved ("I thought I wasn't interesting enough"), organising conferences that challenge gender health disparities, and building a pharmacy community that transcends borders. Whether you're feeling too shy to step up or wondering how to balance leadership with studies, this episode is your roadmap to finding your voice in pharmacy.

From practical time management hacks to candid conversations about taking breaks after qualifying, Sanjida shares the kind of advice you won't find in your pharmacy textbooks. Plus, discover why sometimes the best career plans are the ones that leave room for adventure.

Why This Episode Matters to Pharmacy Students:

1. The Journey to Pharmacy 

• Breaking cultural barriers as a Bangladeshi woman in healthcare

• Why giving back drives her passion

• Supporting women in pharmacy leadership

2. Leadership & Community Building 

• BPSA Southern Area Coordinator role breakdown

• Managing the Southern Area Conference

• How to approach speakers and build professional networks

3. Real Student Life Hacks 

• Practical time management strategies that actually work

• Balancing multiple leadership roles with academics

• Tips for staying organised in final year

4. Future Planning Gold

• Why community pharmacy might be your perfect start

• Creative ways to combine travel with pharmacy

• The power of locum work for flexibility

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students. Each week, I share:

• Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice

• Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡

• Systems and strategies that keep it all running smoothly ⚙️

• Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience

• Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH SANJIDA:

Linkedin:Sanjida Hossain

Instagram: @sanjida_h123

Join the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA)TODAY. You won’t regret it!

OTHER LINKS:

The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do:Inplus Music 

Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you’d like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at [email protected].

In this debut episode of The Untold Stories of Pharmacy Students Series, we sit down with Romoluwa ("Rommy") Akinnawonu, a remarkable third-year pharmacy student at Keele University who's making waves as BPSA's Engagement Officer. 

Originally from Dublin and now based in East London, Rommy brings a fresh perspective to pharmacy education through her commitment to addressing health inequalities, particularly those affecting women and ethnic minorities. Her journey from a shy student to a confident leader epitomises the transformation possible when passion meets purpose. Through her role at BPSA, she's revolutionising how pharmacy students connect online, championing her "3Ps" motto - more pictures, more people, and more passion. 

This episode explores her unique path through pharmacy school, from securing innovative internships in women's health and data science to balancing competitive cheerleading with academic excellence. Rommy shares candid insights about the evolving landscape of pharmacy education, the power of digital networking, and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in healthcare.

Key Topics Covered:

• Journey from Dublin to London and finding her voice

• Discovering pharmacy and evolving interests through university years

• Experience with hospital placements and prescribing curriculum

• BPSA leadership role and digital engagement strategies

• Internships in women's health and health data research

• Time management and balancing multiple commitments

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students. Each week, I share:

• Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice

• Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡

• Systems and strategies that keep it all running smoothly ⚙️

• Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience

• Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH ROMMY:

Linkedin: Rommy Akinnawonu 

Instagram: @rxmmy.ix

Tiktok: @rxmmmy

Join the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA) TODAY. You won’t regret it!

OTHER LINKS:

The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do: Inplus Music 

Follow me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you’d like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at [email protected].