Clinical pharmacist — Gabriele Karpaviciute
After completing an MPharm degree at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and a foundation training year, Gabriele is applying her skills and knowledge within a mental health trust
How did you secure your role as a clinical pharmacist?
I discovered a job posting for a clinical pharmacist at a mental health trust through NHS Jobs and I applied.
This opportunity allowed me to transition into a new and challenging sector, aligning with my career goals and aspirations.
How does your degree help you in the role?
My pharmacy degree provided me with a fundamental understanding of drug action. By offering comprehensive insights into pharmacology, it helped me grasp the mechanisms of various medications used in mental health treatment.
It also equipped me with valuable research skills and knowledge of methodologies and techniques with which to conduct thorough research.
What are your main work activities as a hospital pharmacist?
A typical working day begins with attending the ward's multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, a crucial component of collaborative care in the inpatient setting. MDT involves close collaboration with psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and pharmacists who all contribute to the comprehensive treatment plans for the patients on the ward.
Following the MDT meeting, I stay on the ward to provide counselling sessions. This one-on-one interaction with patients is a meaningful aspect of my role. It allows me to address any concerns the patient may have and provide education on prescribed medications.
Participating in ward rounds is another essential component of my morning. In these, I work closely with the medical team, discussing individual cases and contributing my expertise on medication adjustments and potential interactions. This collaborative effort ensures that treatment plans remain tailored to the unique needs of each patient. This is often another opportunity for the patient to express any concerns about medication and for the pharmacist to listen.
In the afternoon, I transition back to the pharmacy base where I focus on administrative tasks that support the overall function of the pharmacy services. These include screening patient drug charts to ensure medication is safe and appropriate. By closely reviewing these charts and inpatient records, I can proactively identify any discrepancies, potential drug interactions or changes in a patient's condition that may require adjustment to their medication plan.
This process keeps me informed about the ongoing effectiveness and tolerability of prescribed medications, ensuring patients receive the most suitable treatments for their mental health conditions. Afternoons are also spent conducting research and answering medication queries from clinicians. Queries can range from guidance needed for antipsychotic switches to advice on side effect profiles.
What are your career ambitions?
I want to complete my clinical diploma and my prescribing qualification. Continuously improving my knowledge of mental health therapeutics is a priority, to ensure that I stay at the forefront of advancements in psychiatric pharmacotherapy.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The profound sense of purpose that comes from positively impacting the lives of patients facing mental health challenges. I enjoy engaging in meaningful interactions with patients, empowering them with knowledge about their medications and fostering a better understanding of their treatment plans.
Additionally, being an integral part of a collaborative healthcare team provides a sense of shared responsibility and accomplishment. Working alongside these professionals not only enhances the quality of care but also offers valuable opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. The joy of seeing a patient get better, both physically and mentally, is the ultimate reward for me.
What are the challenges?
Handling complex cases that require in-depth research and attention to detail. These cases are always individual and often come with co-morbidities and many other factors to be taken into consideration. I am fortunate to have a pharmacy team around me who offer valuable support as we collaboratively work through complex cases, offering guidance and insight.
Working with unwell patients is another challenge given its emotional demands. However, this experience proves rewarding in the long run. Balancing empathy and professionalism while providing pharmacy support to those facing mental health challenges requires a delicate touch. Despite these difficulties, fulfilment comes from witnessing positive outcomes and contributing to a patient’s wellbeing.
What advice can you give to other aspiring pharmacists?
Consider undertaking a placement in a hospital or community pharmacy to gain experience and demonstrate your commitment and willingness to learn. Practical experience is highly valued by employers and provides a solid foundation for entering the field.
Before applying to a mental health hospital pharmacy position, thoroughly research the hospital's values and mission to ensure these align with your personal values and professional aspirations. Demonstrating an understanding of this in your application can set you apart as a candidate.
Assess your motivations and passion for patient care. The role involves direct interactions with patients facing mental health challenges so genuine care for their wellbeing is crucial.
Find out more
- Read all about being a hospital pharmacist.
- Discover what you can do with a pharmacy degree.
- Take a look at the healthcare sector.