Reflections on my fellowship year: A journey of personal and professional growth

By Ashifa Trivedi, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow 2023/2024

As I reach the end of my fellowship year, I find myself reflecting on an incredible journey filled with professional growth, challenges, and invaluable experiences that have shaped me as a clinical pharmacist and a leader. This year has offered me the opportunity to work at the heart of strategic initiatives that are crucial to the future of NHS pharmacy services. From leading complex projects to presenting at board level, every step of this journey has been a learning experience, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and expanding my horizons.

Leadership development
This year has been transformative in building my leadership skills. I have had the chance to step out of my comfort zone, take on new responsibilities, and contribute to strategic decisions at a senior level. These experiences have taught me the importance of clear communication, effective decision-making, and the value of leading with both confidence and humility.

Building confidence
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of my fellowship has been the growth in my confidence. Presenting at board meetings, speaking at conferences, and leading team meetings were all new experiences for me at the start of the year. Each of these activities initially filled me with anxiety, but as I gained more experience, I found myself growing more comfortable and confident in these roles. The fellowship has shown me that with preparation, practice, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone, I can effectively lead and communicate at the highest levels. This newfound confidence has empowered me to engage more actively and assertively in my professional roles.

Resilience and adaptability
The fellowship challenged me to adapt quickly and remain resilient in the face of uncertainty. Navigating complex issues, managing multiple stakeholders, and maintaining a focus on long-term goals required a level of perseverance and adaptability that I have developed and will carry forward in my career.

The power of mentorship and relationships
An essential part of my journey has been the mentorship and relationships that have guided me through the fellowship. The wisdom and support I received from Jas Khambh, Denise Rosembert and the entire MOPP team were instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of this role. These relationships have not only provided me with guidance but also with the encouragement and confidence to pursue my aspirations. The connections I have made and the lessons I have learned from these mentors will undoubtedly continue to influence my career long after the fellowship has ended.

Looking forward
As I conclude this fellowship, I carry forward not only the skills and knowledge I have gained but also a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges I faced and the successes I achieved have deepened my commitment to improving patient care through strategic leadership and innovative thinking. I am excited to apply these lessons in the next stage of my career, confident that I am well-equipped to take on new challenges and drive positive change in the healthcare system.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jas Khambh, Denise Rosembert and the entire MOPP team for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this transformative year. Their mentorship has been invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of this role and grow into the leader I aspire to be.