Baljodh Singh

What was your journey to getting a job after graduation?

After completing my four-year MPharm at the University of Birmingham, I undertook my 1-year pre-registration training in community pharmacy and general practice. Following the completion of the GPhC registration exam, I became a registered pharmacist, ready to start my hospital career.

I began my NHS career at Good Hope Hospital as a Clinical Rotational Pharmacist (Band 6), rotating across specialities such as cardiology, surgery, stroke and acute medicine and expanding my clinical knowledge. Over the year, I progressed through key competencies, contributing to patient care and pharmacy services, which prepared me for my current role as a Senior Support Pharmacist. My role focuses on delivering safe, effective, and patient-centred medical care while working closely with the multidisciplinary team. 

What does a typical day in your current role look like?

A typical day starts on the wards, reviewing surgical patients, taking medication histories, and optimising treatment plans alongside doctors, nurses, and the wider MDT. I support the team by answering clinical queries, advising on high-risk medicines, and ensuring prescribing is safe and evidence-based.

I am also closely involved in supporting safe and timely discharges, clinically screening prescriptions and working with the dispensary to ensure patients go home with the right medicines. Alongside this, I help train and support junior pharmacists and pharmacy students, which is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

How do you feel your course helped to prepare you for your career?

The course prepared me very well for my career by giving me a strong balance of knowledge and practical skills. Lectures laid the foundation for clinical understanding, which I now use daily in practice. SGTs and OSCEs were particularly valuable, as they encouraged discussion and helped me apply theory to realistic patient scenarios, building confidence in clinical reasoning and communication.

Placements were where everything came together. They provided exposure to different healthcare settings, helped develop patient-facing confidence, and gave a real insight into the wide range of pharmacy careers available. This experience was key in helping me decide which career path suited me best and prepared me for the transition into professional practice.

What was the best thing about studying Pharmacy?

One of the best things about the course was the people. The friends and networks I built at university are still important to me today. I still remember our long revision sessions practising OSCEs together and supporting each other through deadlines and exams. That shared experience created strong bonds and a real sense of community.

The staff were another highlight. They were approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in our development, always willing to offer guidance and encouragement. Getting involved in Pharmacy Society and attending pharmacy conferences provided us with opportunities to meet professionals, gain insight into the wider profession, and feel part of the pharmacy community beyond the lecture theatre.