Dr. Njeri E. Mburu: Pioneering Innovation and Championing Patient Advocacy

Highlight your Career Progression. In addition to your Degree in Pharmacy, are there any certifications or are you currently pursuing any that you would like to mention?

In addition to earning my Degree in Pharmacy, I have furthered my knowledge and expertise by obtaining certifications in Vaccinology, Data Analysis, and Leadership Management in Health. These credentials have helped me stay at the forefront of healthcare innovations and expand my role in patient care and healthcare leadership.

What are you most passionate about in your Pharmacy practice?

I am deeply passionate about patient education and advocacy. My focus is empowering patients through knowledge, allowing them to make informed decisions about their health. At the same time, I am committed to leveraging technology, mainly through clinical research and innovative solutions, to improve patient care. The intersection of technology and health is where I see the future of pharmacy practice, especially in enhancing patient outcomes.

What do you love about being a Pharmacist?

Pharmacy is a very diverse field that offers a wide array of opportunities for professional growth and exploration. What I love most about being a pharmacist is the endless potential to discover and rediscover one’s abilities in different areas of the field. Whether it's clinical practice, research, or public health, pharmacy allows you to contribute meaningfully while growing professionally.

What do you consider the most significant achievement in your career as a pharmacist thus far? How has this achievement impacted your professional journey?

My most significant achievement thus far has been my innovation in the digital health space. I have developed a platform that connects non-communicable disease (NCD) patients with their caregivers for continued care. This initiative has greatly expanded my appreciation for technology in healthcare and its ability to improve patient care and streamline health data management. The experience has had a profound impact on my approach to patient care, reinforcing the importance of tech-driven solutions in modern healthcare.

What has been your most challenging moment in the profession and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?

One of the biggest challenges I faced early in my career was navigating the complexities of networking. As a new pharmacist, I often felt inadequate, unsure of what value I could offer to others in the profession. From this experience, I learned that it is okay to feel uncertain at the beginning. With time and self-development, I became a more confident professional, realising that everyone has something unique to contribute.

What keeps you going?

What motivates me every day is the desire to become a better version of myself. I constantly strive to outdo who I was the day before, pushing myself to grow and excel both personally and professionally.

In addition to being a Pharmacist, what else do you enjoy doing?

In addition to my work as a pharmacist, I am passionate about supporting individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges. Mental health advocacy is close to my heart, and I find great fulfilment in offering guidance and support to those in need.

What can you say to the young Pharmacist?

To young pharmacists, it may feel overwhelming or impossible at times, but trust that your hard work and skills will eventually shine through. Keep pushing forward, and one day, the breakthrough will come.

Is there something else you'd like us to add to your feature?

Outside of my professional life, I thoroughly enjoy road trips and appreciate the joy of a good laugh. These moments help me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.