Adil Arshad

Why university and why Teesside?

I wanted to be part of Teesside’s first cohort of pharmacy students and get the opportunity to help shape the future of pharmacy education. I came to meet the pharmacy staff and was very impressed by the facilities, particularly the new Bios building with dedicated OSCE suites and medical equipment for clinical skills. The number of placement days is also triple that of other pharmacy schools, so I’ll graduate prepared for hands-on employment. Teesside is a rising university and recently won awards, so I was eager to put it as my first choice for pharmacy.

Being local to Middlesbrough I’ve been able to stay at home, allowing me a better study-life balance and giving me more time to spend with family.

Why did you choose pharmacy?

After researching careers in healthcare, I was impressed by the increasing responsibility of pharmacists. It’s a continuously changing field and pharmacists are no longer restricted to jobs in community – they can work in GP surgeries, hospitals, prisons, and even industry.

I spoke to academics at Teesside and discovered that pharmacy students now qualify as independent prescribers after their GPhC training year. This means pharmacists can work more clinically and with greater autonomy.

It’s an exciting field with a great work-life balance – careers in pharmacy are whatever you want to make it and I’m looking forward to seeing where mine will take me.

Favourite part about your course?

The OSCE sessions – they’re a chance to develop clinical skills before going out on placement and I get to work with my peers. It’s been really encouraging to hear feedback from placement supervisors on how confident we are in our consultation skills.

Over-the-counter appointments have been one of my favourite stations. After learning the theory, we transferred this into an OSCE station where we decided whether to recommend a product or refer after discussing with the patient. Soon we’re learning to take manual blood pressures using a stethoscope with trainee pharmacists from South Tees NHS Trust.

Tell us about your placements

I’ve completed two five-week placements so far, each one day a week.

The first was at Pharmacy Express where I was part of the multidisciplinary team of pharmacists, technicians and dispensers. I dispensed medication, counselled patients on their use, measured blood pressure, observed over-the-counter interactions, shadowed the pharmacist and created medipacks. I’d never worked in a pharmacy before, so this helped me gain confidence and I’m grateful to the team for being so welcoming and answering my questions.

I’m now on my second placement at James Cook University Hospital. Me and my peers rotate between wards every week. So far, I’ve worked in the cardiovascular, women’s and children’s wards, and in the GCCU – a 24-bed ward for the most critically ill patients. I’ve shadowed trainee pharmacists, undertaken medicines reconciliations and used the hospital software.

What skills have you gained that will help in your career?

I’ve gained understanding of the six body systems through the spiral curriculum and learned key transferable skills. I’ve developed data analysis skills in public health, teamwork, the ability to work under pressure during placement, and learned to see the person behind the patient. There’s still plenty to learn – but that’s all part of the journey.

I’m still exploring which path would be best for me – I’m open to the diverse sectors in the field including industry, prison and GP. I’m keen to try everything before making a decision, but I’m leaning towards a patient-focused role.

Tell us about university life beyond your studies

I’m a school representative for the School of Health & Life Sciences and am the youngest Trustee of Teesside University Students’ Union. As part of a team, I act as a voice for students, look at improvements and initiatives across campus, and even had the privilege of interviewing the incoming vice-chancellor.

I’m the university representative for the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association where I meet with representatives from other universities to organise events and initiatives for students. Our latest project has been organising a conference on antibiotic resistance at Sunderland University.

I also volunteer for opportunities which the pharmacy lecturers advertise, such as speaking at the stakeholders’ event for the pharmacy course. It was great to meet the professionals who helped develop the course and learn about the different careers available after graduation. I’m currently involved in a focus group helping to shape interprofessional learning activities for future pharmacy cohorts.

Thoughts on Middlesbrough and the area?

Being local, I’m very familiar with Middlesbrough – it’s a busy, close-knit community with many opportunities for work experience (James Cook University Hospital is only a five-minute drive from where I live).

There are also many places for students to relax and get involved in activities. I’m a member of my local gym and close to the uni there’s a cinema, shopping centres, restaurants, parks and a new arcade with go-karting. Whatever your interests, there’s something for you. My favourite is the food – look no further than Linthorpe Road if you’re hungry.

Would you recommend Teesside University?

I would definitely! It offers a very supportive community, and I really enjoy being part of the pharmacy cohort. The lecturers are keen to get to know their students and there’s lots of extra-curricular activities beyond your studies.

Any advice for students thinking of coming here?

Make the most of every opportunity, especially placements as they build your confidence and give you real insight into different sectors. Stay organised and keep on top of the spiral curriculum – revisiting topics helps deepen your understanding over time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek support from staff and peers. And most importantly, keep an open mind – there’s so much variety in pharmacy, you might be surprised where you end up.