Key Highlights from the webinar: "My PhD Journey as a Paediatric Oncology Pharmacist"

This webinar delved deep into the diverse and wide ???????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? (POP) field. The session highlighted the multifaceted nature of POP, with experts: Dr. Susan Mageto and Dr. Ebenezer Wiafe providing valuable insights into the various roles, opportunities, and challenges associated with this specialisation area of pharmacy.?

???????????? ?????? ???????????????????????????????? ???? ???????

Paediatric Oncology Pharmacists play a crucial role in patient care, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Their duties include:

• Reviewing patients and their medications.
• Providing medication counselling to patients and families.
• Conducting medication reviews to ensure optimal therapy.
• Participating in clinical trials.
• Developing treatment guidelines tailored to the African population, with a focus on pharmacogenomics.
• Educating and training other healthcare providers and students.
• Engaging in regulatory affairs, policy-making, and advocacy.

???????????????? ?????? ???????????? ???????????????????????

The training path in POP is highly influenced by individual interests, with a variety of opportunities available:

• On-the-job training at robust paediatric oncology centres.
• Certificates and short courses, such as those offered by the International Cancer Institute.
• Residency programmes are primarily available outside Kenya (e.g., in the UK and the US).
• Master's programmes, although not widely available.
• PhD programmes for advanced specialisation. (Not currently available in Kenya although plans to develop a curriculum are currently ongoing)

?????????????? ?????? ???????????????????????????? ???? ???????????????????? ?????????????????

Specialising in POP offers numerous rewards such as career promotions. However, the field also presents challenges, such as limited recognition, remuneration issues, scarce opportunities, and funding difficulties.

???????????????? ????. ???????????????? ????????????????????????????:

The webinar also compared the clinical and academic pathways in POP. The basic requirements for entering the field include an undergraduate degree in pharmacy and registration to practice.

???????????????? ???????????????????????????? ??????????????:

Typically requires 5 years, starting with hospital pharmacy practice.

Involves clinical residency and research, culminating in a dissertation.

Career opportunities include roles as a cleanroom pharmacist, clinical trials pharmacist, and healthcare financing specialist.

???????????????? ???????????? ??????????????:

Opportunities include becoming a faculty member, providing consulting services, and working in regulatory pharmacy or pharmaco-legal roles.

Policy-making and advocacy are also key areas for academic professionals.

?????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????? ?????? ??????????????????:

Key organisations supporting oncology pharmacy advancements include:

• International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP)
• International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP)
• European Society of Oncology Pharmacy (ESOP)
• Oncology Pharmacy Society of Kenya (OPSOK)

?????????????? ??????????????:?

Dr. Irene W. emphasised the importance of Oncology Pharmacists Society of Kenya-OPSoK and International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) . She highlighted the need for greater representation of Africa in ISOPP and encouraged countries without representation to join the global conversation. Dr Weru also noted that ISOPP currently offers free membership for African members, making it more accessible for pharmacists across the continent to participate and benefit from this international network.

This webinar provided an extensive overview of the Paediatric Oncology Pharmacy field, offering valuable guidance for professionals aspiring to specialise in this critical area of healthcare.

Check out the webinar video below: