RPS Pharma Scene podcast

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Our regular podcast takes a fresh, informed - and sometimes irreverent! - look at the Pharma Scene. 

Reflecting the diversity of pharmacy, we speak to new guests every fortnight: from industry experts to government leaders to stand-up comics - and everyone in-between!

Want to get involved? Or just let us know what you think?

Email [email protected] or use the hashtag #RPSPharmaScene on social media.

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RPS Pharma Scene #27 - Christmas in the Pharmacy

With Professor Parastou Donyai

In this festive 27th episode of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Pharma Scene podcast, we welcome back RPS Chief Scientist, Professor Parastou Donyai.

She talks to our Museum Officer, Catherine Walker, for a look at how sweets have traditionally been a part of community pharmacy. Join them as they take a mostly light-hearted look back at Christmas confectionery in Victorian times!

You'll meet Alfred Bird: pharmacist and egg-free custard inventor, as well as his allergic wife, Elizabeth. And you'll tremble (maybe) at the terrible tale of the Bradford Sweet Poisonings! Plus, for afters, we have a couple of historical festive recipes that have now - inexplicably! - gone out of fashion.

Download a transcript of this podcast


Parastou Donyai

About Parastou

Professor Parastou Donyai, BPharm (Hons), BSc (Hons) Psych (Open), PhD, PGCertEBM, PGCertPsychTher, PGCertTLHE, PGDPRM (Open), MRPharmS, FHEA, MBPsS, is Chief Scientist for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS).

As well as being a pharmacist, Parastou has formally trained in psychological theory and research methods. Parastou divides her time between the RPS and King’s College London as Head of Pharmacy and Professor of Behavioural Pharmacy, having previously worked at Reading School of Pharmacy as Professor of Social and Cognitive Pharmacy for 14 years.

Parastou has published extensively on behavioural pharmacy, including medication beliefs, medicines prescribing and use, and public opinion and willingness to engage in medicines reuse. Her work also examines how language plays a key role in communicating with patients as well as teaching students. Her research has been funded by the Wellcome Trust, Alzheimer’s Society, Pharmacy Research UK, Health Education England, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

Parastou obtained her pharmacy degree from King’s College London in 1993 and, after qualifying as a pharmacist, returned to King’s to obtain her PhD in pharmaceutical science. She spent time exploring careers outside of academia including in the pharmaceutical industry, publishing, quality assurance and pharmacy practice before being drawn back to academia.

Passionate about Continuing Professional Development, Parastou has undertaken additional education & training including leadership courses run by Henley Business School, postgraduate qualifications in teaching, therapeutics and methods, and even a further science degree in psychology.

She has held various administrative responsibilities in academia, including leading teams of people in addition to managing a multitude of research projects.

RPS Pharma Scene #26 - Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs

With Rebecca Stanbrook

In this 26th episode of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Pharma Scene podcast, we're joined by Rebecca Stanbrook, Executive Director, Development and Regulatory Policy at Novartis. 

She talks to our regular host, Ciara Duffy, about clinical trials and regulatory affairs, and they discuss some of the entry roads into the industry.

Rebecca sits on the RPS' Industrial Pharmacy Advisory Group, and has had a fascinating career in pharmacy; so, if you're thinking about a career in clinical trials and regulation then you'll find this discussion very interesting!

Download a transcript of this podcast


About Rebecca

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS, FFRPS, DipRQA, MRQA

Photo of Rebecca StanbrookRebecca Stanbrook has worked in the pharmaceutical industry, as a regulator at MHRA and at various pharmaceutical companies for over 30 years. Her main areas of interest are clinical trials and pharmacovigilance. She is a pharmacist by profession and holds a Diploma in Research Quality Assurance.

Rebecca is thrilled to be a member of the ICH E6 (R3) Expert Working Group as the EFPIA Topic Lead.

Currently Rebecca works as Executive Director, Regulatory and Development Policy in the Regulatory Affairs Group of Novartis Pharma AG. She is based in Basel - find out more at LinkedIn

RPS Pharma Scene #25 - Putting Pharmacy First in Scotland

With Laura Wilson, Nicola Middleton, and Matt Barclay

In this 25th episode of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Pharma Scene podcast, we're joined by Laura Wilson, RPS Director for Scotland, to talk about Pharmacy First with Nicola Middleton and Matt Barclay.

Nicola is a community pharmacist and prescriber from Bishopton, in Renfrewshire, Scotland, and Matt is Director of Operations at Community Pharmacy Scotland.

The Pharmacy First service lets patients use a community pharmacy as the first port of call for treatment. It's available from all pharmacies in Scotland that dispense NHS prescriptions, and doesn’t usually require an appointment.

Laura talks to Nicola and Matt about their experiences with Pharmacy First: how it works, how it started, and the future of the service.

Download a transcript of this podcast


About Laura

Photo of Laura Wilson

Laura Wilson went to Strathclyde University and did her pre-reg in community pharmacy.

Starting work at Crosshouse Hospital in Ayrshire, she then spent 14 years as a pharmacy manager for Morrisons in Kilmarnock. 

Laura was one of the first pharmacists to qualify as a prescriber, within her clinical area of psychiatry. After setting up prescribing clinics in mental health within an addiction service, she ran a clinic from the pharmacy consultation room.

She also became an RPS spokesperson, promoting the role of pharmacy in the media and at political conferences.

After moving to Addiction services within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, she led a project to change how pharmacies are paid for treating patients receiving opiate substitution therapy, leading to a more person-centred model. She was also seconded to Strathclyde University as a teacher practitioner for two years.

Laura is interested in drug misuse and addiction, mental health and education, and training. After taking the role of Policy and Practice Lead at RPS, one of the first policies she wrote was Improving care, reducing harm and preventing death in People Who Use Drugs: Pharmacy’s role

About Nicola

Photo of Nicola Middleton

Nicola graduated from Strathclyde University in 1998 and worked as a community pharmacist within a large multiple for over 20 years. She is a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, and gained her independent prescribing qualification from Robert Gordon University in 2021.

Nicola now works in an independent pharmacy in her local community, and the Pharmacy First Plus service is just one of many offered to patients.

She passionately loves community pharmacy and takes much satisfaction at being able to provide advice and treatment promptly for her patients through National PGD’s, local health board initiatives and her independent prescribing.

About Matt

Photo of Matt BarclayMatt graduated in 1999 from Strathclyde University. After his pre-registration year, he worked as a community pharmacist for over ten years, gaining considerable experience in various localities. He also qualified as an independent prescriber in 2008 delivering hypertension services from his community pharmacy practice for patients.

His journey so far with CPS has taken him to the role of Director of Operations and deputy CEO. This is a great challenge and privilege to lead the dedicated team internally as they aim to deliver a robust, professional and sustainable community pharmacy support service for the pharmacy network. He also provides a policy and advocacy function on behalf of members and is a member of the CPS negotiating team.

Matt also still practices as a community pharmacist locum and is a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

RPS Pharma Scene #24 - a pharmacist in the House of Commons

With Taiwo Owatemi

In episode 24 of our Pharma Scene podcast, Ciara Duffy, English Pharmacy Board member and Amandeep Doll, RPS Head of Engagement and Professional Belonging, talk to Taiwo Owatemi, an oncology pharmacist and Member of Parliament for Coventry North West.

The podcast covers Taiwo's journey from a love of chemistry and maths to becoming an MP, transferable skills from the pharmacy profession, and the role of mentors. It discusses the importance of inclusion and diversity, including Taiwo's experience as a Black politician, the role of allies, and valuing everyone's voices.

Workforce challenges in pharmacy, the impact of past contractual framework difficulties, and the need for collaboration are discussed. Taiwo offers advice for those interested in politics and emphasizes the need to embed health policy in pharmacy education for pharmacists entering the policy space.

Download a transcript of this podcast


About Taiwo

Photo of Taiwo Owatemi

Taiwo Owatemi is a dedicated and accomplished individual in the field of politics and healthcare. After graduating from the University of Kent with a degree in pharmacy, Taiwo went on to make a significant impact in the pharmacy community as a senior oncology pharmacist at Dartford Valley Hospital.

In 2019, Taiwo made history as one of the youngest members of parliament, representing Coventry Northwest as a Labour MP. Her commitment to public service and healthcare led her to become a member of the cross-party Health and Social Care Committee. Additionally, Taiwo actively contributes to the petitions committee, advocating for important causes.

Recognised for her expertise, Taiwo was elected Chair of the parliamentary all-party pharmacy group, demonstrating her dedication to advancing the pharmacy profession. She recently hosted the RPS reception at the House of Commons, an event celebrating the achievements of women in pharmacy.

Taiwo Owatemi's passion for improving healthcare and positively impacting society continues to inspire others. 

RPS Pharma Scene #23 - A career in industry and research

With Professor Miraz Rahman

In episode 23 of our Pharma Scene podcast, RPS Chief Scientist Parastou Donyai talks to Miraz Rahman, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at King’s College London.

They discuss his pharmacy studies, which began in Bangladesh, and his experiences working in the pharmaceutical industry there. Since then, he has made a name for himself in the UK, and is a well-known figure in industry, with several patents and start-ups to his name, as well as a highly respected name in pharmaceutical research.

Miraz recalls how moving to the UK with a young family wasn't always easy, but he made it work.

Download a transcript of this podcast


About Miraz

Photo of Professor Miraz RahmanMiraz Rahman is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in the School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences at King’s College, London.

He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka in 1997 and 1999, respectively, after which he gained valuable experience by working in the pharmaceutical industry for three years.

Seeking to expand his expertise, he returned to academia and pursued his Ph.D. in synthetic medicinal chemistry in 2008 at the School of Pharmacy, which is now known as UCL School of Pharmacy. His research activities focus on the application of advanced computational chemistry, synthetic medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology techniques to the design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel drug-like chemical scaffolds as anticancer and antimicrobial agents.

He joined King’s College London in 2012 and currently holds the position of Chair in Medicinal Chemistry and Antimicrobial Research Theme Lead at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science. He also serves as the Director of the MRC DTP iCASE Programme, which is one of the largest UKRI-funded industrial PhD programmes in the UK.

His research group has invented new classes of efflux-resistant antibiotics and antifungal agents that are currently being commercialized. Professor Rahman has experience in both early and late-stage drug discovery and translational research.

He has co-founded oncology biotech Transcriptogen Ltd, antibody drug conjugate (ADC) biotech Pheon Therapeutics, and the antibiotic company Necobiotix Ltd.

Listen again

Did you miss an episode? Don't worry, every RPS Pharma Scene is available to listen again below.

  • Episode 22 - Becoming a final signatory
    + EXPAND

    In episode 22 of our Pharma Scene podcast, Ciara is lucky enough to be joined by Moriam Ajala, a pharmacist and final signatory. If you're interested in becoming a final signatory, then Moriam has some excellent advice for you.

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  • Episode 21 - Breaking down language barriers in Pharmacy
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    In episode 21 of our RPS Pharma Scene podcast, Pharmacist Ghalib Khan tells us about his innovative pharmacy software, Written Medicine, which helps to break down language barriers between pharmacists and patients.

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  • Episode 20 - Christmas Past, with the Aural Apothecary
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    In episode 20 of our RPS Pharma Scene podcast, it's Christmas, so, we've invited our friends from the Aural Apothecary podcast to join us - hurrah!

    Together with host Catherine Walker from the RPS Pharmacy Museum, and RPS Chief Scientist Professor Parastou Donyai, they take a fun and festive look at some questionable pharmacy ads for products that probably wouldn't make it past advertising standards today.

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  • Episode 19 - The future of pharmacy?
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    In episode 19 of our RPS Pharma Scene podcast, Stephen Goundrey-Smith of the RPS Digital Pharmacy Expert Advisory Committee talks to Santosh Sahu, CEO of Charac, about the role of digital pharmacies in UK healthcare, both today and in the future.

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  • Episode 18 - A career with a difference!
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    In episode 18 of our RPS Pharma Scene podcast, Ciara speaks to pharmacist Jamie Wilkinson about having a career with a difference!

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  • Episode 17 - Pharmacy and Psychology
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    In episode 17 of our RPS Pharma Scene podcast, Professor Parastou Donyai discusses how her twin disciplines of psychology and pharmacy make an excellent team, and why she thinks there should be more use made of both.

    Parastou talks to host Ciara Duffy about how and why she became the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's new Chief Scientist, and her plans to work more closely with both academia and industry in future.

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  • Episode 16 - Opportunities in Academia and Research
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    In this episode, Ciara talks to academics Adam Todd and Anna Robinson about opportunities in Academia and Research.

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  • Episode 15 - Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs)
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    In this episode, RPS English Pharmacy Board member Ciara Duffy talks to Anne Black, of NHS England’s Specialist Pharmacy Service, and David Caulfield, Assistant Director of Pharmacy – Quality Assurance at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust.

    They look at the remarkable promise of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). In future, these new therapies will be used to treat genetic disorders, cancer or long-term diseases; to treat, diagnose or prevent diseases, and to repair, regenerate or replace human tissue.

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  • Episode 14 - The promise of pharmacogenomics
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    This episode, Ciara speaks to RPS Pharmacogenomics Lead Sophie Harding about the huge effect PGx is going to have on healthcare - and how pharmacists will be at the heart of that change!

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  • Episode 13 - "Say My Name"
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    This episode, RPS Head of Professional Belonging Aman Doll is joined by two guests to speak about the origins of their names, and what they mean to them. 

    Helen Chang, RPS Head of Professional Development, speaks about having to change her name after arriving in the UK at a young age, and Gautam Paul, a pharmacist at Nottingham School of Pharmacy and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, tells us about his experiences in the workplace and his social life.

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  • Episode 12 - Working as a pharmacist abroad
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    This episode, RPS English Pharmacy Board member Ciara Duffy is joined by Tania Thomas, VP of Global Regulatory & Medical Affairs at Opiant Pharmaceuticals.

    Having worked in industry in Europe, Middle East and the US, Tania gives Pharma Scene listeners advice on moving to work abroad - from what to take with you and prepare, to what to expect.

    From voluntary work at the Olympics in Doping Control, to a Creative Writing course at Oxford University, Tania has a varied career in industry and beyond.

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  • Episode 11 - Working in industrial pharmacy
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    In this episode, RPS English Pharmacy Board member Ciara Duffy is joined by Gillian Renouf, Head of Quality UK and Ireland at Novartis and Chair of the RPS Qualified Person Assessment Panel.

    Gillian talks about working as a pharmacist in industry, who and what has inspired her over the years, and why now is an extremely exciting time to work in pharmacy.

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  • Episode 10 - Being a leader in Pharmacy
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    This episode, RPS English Pharmacy Board member Ciara Duffy is joined by Ben Hannan, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Fife in Scotland.

    Ben talks about the experience of leading at a young age, how important it is to be authentic in the workplace, and how inclusion and diversity has played an important part in his pharmacy career.

    Along with career highlights and book recommendations, Ben offers advice for early-career pharmacists and speaks about how exciting the profession is to be in at the moment.


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  • Episode 9 - Kindeva and drug delivery systems
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    This episode, Professor Gino Martini is joined by representatives from Kindeva Drug Delivery.

    Kindeva develops and manufactures complex drug device combination products, with a focus on transdermal and inhalation drug delivery products.

    Gino welcomes Laura Walsh from Global Buisness Development, Dr. John Vasilakos, Global Head of MTS at Kindeva, and Lisa Dick, the leading platform scientist for microneedles.

    Kindeva originated as Riker Labatories, who invented the first metered-dose inhaler in 1956, before becoming part of 3M.

    Now, Laura, John and Lisa talk about Kindeva's microneedle technology, the impact of COVID-19, and other technologies.


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  • Episode 8 - Christmas 2021 - a long-lost pharmacy recording?
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    In this episode, we have a rare and remarkable Christmas treat, courtesy of our RPS Museum archives: a long-lost gramophone recording from 1888, made by the RPS' first female member, Fanny Elizabeth Potter.

    Using the latest available gramophone technology, Fanny seems to have accidentally recorded herself serving a gentleman customer in her Fleckney shop on Christmas Eve 1888. The pair discuss the role of women in pharmacy, indigestion remedies, and natural versus scientific medicines.

    How could such a remarkable document have survived all this time?

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  • Episode 7 - My multiple careers - pharmacy and comedy
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    This episode, RPS Inclusion and Diversity Co-ordinator Amandeep Doll chats to Lubna Kerr - a pharmacist, comedian, actor and playwright.

    Join them as they take a fun look at Lubna's experiences juggling her pharmacy role alongside a successful career on stage and screen.

    Can a pharmacist be funny and professional? Yes, they can!

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  • Episode 6 - Sir Richard Sykes
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    This episode, former RPS Chief Scientist Professor Gino Martini gets insight into the UK COVID-19 vaccine programme through discussion with a very special guest.

    Gino is joined by Sir Richard Sykes, who was appointed Chair of the UK Government's Vaccine Taskforce in June 2021, and also chairs the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the UK Stem Cell Foundation.

    Sir Richard, who has extensive experience in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, imparts his knowledge about the role of the Vaccine Taskforce, the booster vaccine campaign, and coping with COVID-19 variants - as well as the 'very important' role pharmacies and pharmacists have played during the pandemic.

    This episode was recorded on September 9 2021.

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  • Episode 5 - Black History Month Special
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    This episode, RPS President Claire Anderson and RPS Head of Professional Belonging Aman Doll celebrate Black History Month by chatting with Tase Oputu and Adanna Anthony-Okeke, pharmacists at different stages in their careers, about what it means to be black in pharmacy - and what still needs to change.

    Tase is the Lead Pharmacist for Medicines Commissioning and Pathways at Barts Health NHS Trust and is a member of the English Pharmacy Board.

    And Adanna is a fifth year Pharmacy student at the University of Nottingham.

    Both have been championing black pharmacists in the workplace and in education in Great Britain and beyond. Find out what they have been doing in this week's instalment of the RPS Pharma Scene podcast.

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  • Episode 4 - Allyship in pharmacy
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    This episode, RPS Head of Professional Belonging Aman Doll chats with Mike Maguire and Farzana Haq. The pair formed an allyship following an RPS Allyship Webinar as part of the society's Inclusion and Diversity work.

    An allyship is where individuals come together to build a relationship of trust to gain a better understanding of a marginalised individual or group and their experiences.

    Mike and Farzana tell us about their experiences during their journey as allies, sharing shocking stories and experiences, as well as educational insight and explain why you should start an allyship.

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  • Episode 3 - The role of industrial pharmacy
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    This episode, former RPS Chief Scientist Gino Martini chats with Nathalie Moll and Sunayana Shah about the role of industrial pharmacy, and their experiences as pharmacists during the pandemic.

    Nathalie has been Director General of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) since 2017.

    And Sunayana is an expert in regulatory, medical, and pharmacovigilance policy development.

    Join them to discover how industrial pharmacy is changing and contributing to healthcare around the world.

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  • Episode 2 - Blockchain technology and the future of pharmacy
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    In this episode of our RPS Pharma Scene podcast, former RPS Chief Scientist Gino Martini talks to Dr Hirkirit Virdee from PharmaLedger.

    They discuss how introducing blockchain technology to pharmacy could change the way medicines are tracked, as well as how patients will benefit from tighter management of their prescriptions.

    Discover how blockchain technology could make a major difference to healthcare in the future!

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  • Episode 1 - with Professor Dame Sally Davies
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    In this first episode of our new RPS Pharma Scene podcast, former RPS Chief Scientist Gino Martini talks to Professor Dame Sally Davies about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and what pharmacy can do to counter this growing threat.

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