Erin Gilmour – MPharm Pharmacy
An award-winning ambitious learner, dedicated to improving patient care, has explored many interprofessional educational opportunities from Robert Gordon University (RGU) to graduate with distinction and continue her journey towards becoming a clinical leader in pharmacy.
Erin Gilmour from Cumbernauld graduated on Friday 7 August, after earning her master’s degree in pharmacy from RGU with distinction.
“I never could have imagined that I’d finish my degree in the middle of a pandemic,” said Erin. “The last few months have been stressful but also rewarding as I’ve finally come to the end of my degree and the hard work has paid off.
“I’ve loved my time at RGU. We’re so fortunate to have so many opportunities, and there’s a culture throughout the university that encourages you to get involved and find something you’re passionate about.”
One of Erin’s passions at RGU was her involvement in the Interprofessional Education (IPE) society. The IPE society promotes interprofessional learning by providing opportunities for health care students to collaborate in team-based practical settings.
Her work with the society would ultimately earn her a Full Scarlet student achievement award and the Scottish Pharmacy Student Leadership Award for her work as president.
Erin said: "I joined in first year. It sounded like an opportunity to learn about the patient journey and other health care professions. After first year, I became part of the committee and, for the past two years, I have been president.
“The society gave me a greater understanding of multidisciplinary teams and pharmacy’s role within them. It’s been a privilege to learn from other healthcare students and my future colleagues. Having empathy for each other’s roles is essential to providing the best patient care.”
During Erin’s studies, the Scottish Government released new funding – the Additional Cost of Teaching for Pharmacists (ACTp) fund – to support undergraduates with access to more experiential learning and placement opportunities.
“I was fortunate to be sent to NHS24 on an ACTp pilot placement,” said Erin. “It was fantastic and gave me the opportunity to learn a different aspect of patient care, as well as the communication and diagnostic barriers that occur when you’re unable to see the patient. I learned so much during this placement and would love to work for NHS24.
“I’m excited to see what RGU continues to do with this new funding and how the pharmacy degree evolves.”
RGU also offered Erin career support to help with her National Assessment Centre application and interview process, which is part of a pharmacist’s pre-registration career journey.
"The RGU Careers Department was a huge support during this process,” said Erin, “It kept me up-to-date with what I had to do and gave me lots of advice about creating my CV and personal statements.”
Hospital pre-registration is an important step towards becoming a pharmacist. Erin will be starting her pre-registration with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Erin adds: “I look forward to building a strong clinical foundation. Throughout my undergraduate, I have benefitted from a number of inspirational pharmacists who have shared their knowledge and expertise. I aspire to follow in their footsteps and become a clinical leader with influence to shape our profession.”