A highlight has been the pharmacology and the lab experiments

What made you want to work in healthcare, and why did you decide to train as a pharmacist specifically?

“Ever since I was a child I have loved science and had an interest in the human body. My love for pharmacy and medicines developed later in my life when I would speak to my granddad about his work as chairman in NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), leading me to gain an insight into the pharmaceutical world.”

What drew you to the University of Sheffield's Pharmacy programme?

“When applying to university, Sheffield stood out for me. It's emphasis on the person, not the patient, strongly aligned with my own personal values. For example, the heavy patient contact from the outset using the Patients as Educators system allows me and the other students to develop essential skills (clinical and personal) which will further us later on in our careers.”

What have you enjoyed most about studying at Sheffield so far?

“Sheffield as a city is wide, vibrant and there is something to do in every corner. My favourite part so far has to be the "student-life" as a whole. Being put in a new area, with complete strangers is such an amazing and enthralling experience, and nothing like I had ever done ever before. But I have loved every second!”

What parts of the course are you most looking forward to?

“So far, I have really enjoyed the course, however a highlight has been the pharmacology and the lab experiments we did to accompany this learning, so I am looking forward to looking at a range of drugs in the future.

“More specifically, I am looking forward to doing more placements in later years as I really enjoyed my social accountability placement this year."

I was at the Wicker pharmacy where I helped dispense medicines but also took part and oversaw the Needle Exchange Programme. It had a lasting impact on me as it demonstrated the wide range of patients and people we interact with as pharmacists.

Alfie Gibson

MPharm Pharmacy

What advice would you give to someone considering studying Pharmacy at university?

“My first tip for pharmacy is to make sure you don't throw away your A-Level Chemistry notes, as a large chunk of the first semester builds on these concepts which later become essential!

“Also, my advice is to get into a work-life balance as soon as you can, these kinds of skills are non-transferrable and will help you in university and also in your career and future.”