RPS Pharma Scene podcast

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.

RPS Pharma Scene #26 - Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs

With Rebecca Stanbrook

In this 26^th 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

Rebecca 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 25^th 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

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

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

Matt 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

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

Miraz 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.

RPS Pharma Scene #22 - Becoming a final signatory

With pharmacist and final signatory Moriam Ajala

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.

Final signatories check the medical accuracy of scientific content, and compliance with Code of Practice and ABPI. It's their job to ensure that all the medical information included with a drug or treatment is accurate, balanced, and does not compromise patient safety. 

Moriam speaks to Ciara about the various roles she's held in different companies, and how she eventually moved on to become a final signatory.

Is it a role for you? Listen and find out!

Download a transcript of this podcast

About Moriam

Moriam obtained her MPharm from the University of Manchester and is now a GPhC registered pharmacist who has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for the past seven years. She has held roles across various therapy areas including respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetes and oncology. She also has a Postgraduate Certificate in Oncology for the Pharmaceutical Industry, from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

She has been a final signatory for the past five years, working with multiple pharmaceutical companies to ensure that UK law and the ABPI Code of Practice are adhered to. She recently launched a company that helps pharmacists who want to transition into pharmaceutical industry. 

She is passionate about helping companies remain compliant while exploring new ways of working with technology and social media. Balancing quality time with family and friends alongside a career is a priority to Moriam, and she hopes she can help other pharmacists do the same.