Nicole is so awesome! It's not surprising, given her outgoing personality, she's been so successful in so many areas.
This Q&A originally appeared on UCSF's Global Health Sciences website but I wanted to share it here since so many of you (prospective students) ask about global health opportunities.
Five questions for: Nicole Nguyen, PharmD, Clinical Scholar 2012
Before training as a pharmacist at UCSF,
Nicole Nguyen developed an interest in global health as a health
educator for HIV prevention, malaria, and sanitation workshops in
Kiamuri, Kenya. Nicole furthered her career interests in global health,
research, and teaching upon entering the Health Services & Policy
Research pathway within UCSF's School of Pharmacy. During her training
at UCSF, Nicole continued her exploration of global health while
interning at the World Health Organization on projects relating to
pharmaceutical policy research and access to essential medicines. In
2012, Nicole received her PharmD from UCSF and entered a yearlong
training as a Pharmacy Practice Resident with UCSF. During that year,
Nicole participated in the Global Health Clinical Scholars Program.
Nguyen is now a Clinical Pharmacist at the UCSF Medical Center.
What was your research focus while you were a Clinical Scholar?
I developed an interest in the health disparities that stem from
decreased access to medicine and became particularly concerned with
Nigeria, due to its history of failed vaccination campaigns for polio.
In collaboration with my mentor, Tina Brock, I worked on identifying the
perceived barriers to vaccination for women's cancer prevention in
Nigeria. I worked with the RISE Clinic in Nigeria and targeted health
professionals in Anambra State to examine their perceptions of the
barriers to HPV vaccination.
What were some of the challenges you encountered in your fieldwork?
Preparing for and implementing the study in-country was logistically
challenging to coordinate in a short time frame (around four months for
preparation and three weeks in-country), but having a motivated team at
the RISE Clinic made it possible. Developing and nurturing the
relationship with my in-country colleagues was key. During data
collection I administered my survey to local health professionals and
was well received by most, but there were a few encounters with
individuals that challenged our intentions. The lesson I learned was to
just try your best, be transparent, and be okay with rejection.
What have you been up to since you finished the Clinical Scholars program in June 2013?
In addition to working as a pharmacist at UCSF, I have continued to
work on and disseminate my findings from the study I began as a Clinical
Scholar. In the fall of 2013, I presented my work at the International
Pharmaceutical Federation World Congress in Dublin, and I continue to
work on the publication of the data. I continue to work with RISE Clinic
on an educational campaign as the next phase of the project.
How do you envision the future integration of global health with your career as a pharmacist?
My goal is to pursue an academic career, one in which I can continue
global health research, teaching and clinical practice. It is rare to
see pharmacists successfully integrate global work within their clinical
practice, but the Clinical Scholars program has made me better prepared
and motivated to do it all.
What advice would you give other pharmacists who are considering a career in global health?
Seek out opportunities for training and collaboration that will provide
field experience and contextualize some of the global health issues in
low-resource settings. Make connections outside of pharmacy. Be flexible
and creative in seeking opportunities. Before jumping into a global
project, consider what unique skills you can contribute but prioritize
the needs of the community. If done with thoughtful preparation, it can
be incredibly fulfilling.
Photo credit: Maeakafa Ryan McOmber
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