Jacqueline Donovan

Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in Canberra where I studied my Bachelor of Medical Science. I went on a student exchange to Brock University in St Catharines in Ontario, Canada for 6 months. 

After completing my undergraduate degree, I moved to Sydney to study the Master of Pharmacy (International) at UTS and as part of this degree, I had the opportunity to spend 12 months in Toronto, Canada on a clinical placement. Since graduating, I have completed my registration as a pharmacist and am currently working in hospital pharmacy.

Why Pharmacy?
I decided to study Pharmacy while working as a support worker for people with disabilities and witnessing how their pharmacists positively impacted their lives. I realised then that Pharmacy was the profession for me. My feelings were further cemented when I began working in a renal dialysis unit and started learning about the complexity of renal pharmacy.

Why did you choose to study at UTS? 
I chose to study at the UTS because it offered an international placement opportunity through their Master of Pharmacy (International) course. I was also drawn to the amount of practical hours and other professional opportunities UTS provides their students.

What is the most rewarding aspect of the course? 
The most rewarding aspect of the course was definitely the opportunity to partake in a 12-month international placement in Toronto, Canada, which would not have been possible without Dr Cherie Lucas and Prof. Zubin Austin partnership. This placement provided me with first-hand insight into a different health care system and pharmacy practice. 

How has your experience been?
This degree has taken me outside my comfort zone. The normal course structure and extracurricular opportunities has allowed me to grow professionally and personally into a confident early career pharmacist.

The assessments are challenging, with an emphasis on integrating theory and practice. They are designed to develop the skills required to be adaptable in this fast-changing industry. There is also a strong focus on collaboration and communication, as well as on skills that are transferrable to the vast range of roles within the industry. 

All of the lectures were exceptional, but A/Prof Beata Bajorek is particularly memorable in assisting in my development into a clinical pharmacist. Her extensive knowledge in clinical pharmacy and research, as well as her experience within the industry has been invaluable in shaping my knowledge and skill base.

Support is very easy to come by at UTS. The academics are very accessible and always willing to provide you with assistance to help you succeed in your studies. UTS is a supportive community that I’m glad I had the opportunity to be a part of it! I have made lifelong friends and colleagues.

Where has your new degree taken you?
With the unique opportunities, knowledge and experience I gained from the Master of Pharmacy (International), I was able to secure a position in my preferred industry – hospital pharmacy. This degree also opened up doors to international research collaboration from my 12-month international placement in Canada.

Having just completed my registration as a pharmacist, my short-term plan is to hopefully get into a SHPA residency program. Longer term, I hope to specialise in renal pharmacy and complete a PhD.

What advice would you give to future students?
My advice for future students: Take every opportunity that comes your way, as you never know where it will take you.

Find out more about studying Pharmacy at UTS