Rhea Lambert

I was born in India in 1994 and moved with my family to Australia in 1998. Because my parents are both doctors, they had to travel rurally around Australia for their respective training, of course with me in tow. I have experienced living and studying in Wagga Wagga, Alice Springs, Canberra and finally – Sydney. I can confirm that Sydney has been my favourite so far!

I am an avid manga reader; I love dogs, dancing, fashion and spending time with my amazing family and friends.

Why Pharmacy?

I have always been interested in health and chemistry. After gaining some knowledge about the pharmacy profession, I thought this would be the perfect amalgamation of the two.

Why did you choose to study at UTS?

I actually found out about it online! When I was doing my research on which universities offer pharmacy courses, I came across an ad for UTS and looked further into it. I learnt that this course offers so many clinical placements – which the university actually provides for you, and you don’t have the hassle of finding one for yourself! It also streamlined its units in such a balanced way and I thought the study load seemed very approachable.

I’ve never looked back since seeing that ad!

What has your experience been like?

The most rewarding aspect has been gaining so much experience during clinical placements. This put me in real community pharmacies, hospitals and even a pharmaceutical company. It taught me valuable skills that I have been able to translate in my work ethic as a registered pharmacist.

I think as my degree moved forward, I gained better time management skills and learnt how to scientifically research in an efficient way. I also gained an increased sense of empathy towards people/patients.

Some of my assessments were tough. But they are designed in a way that will push your skills, so upon completing them, you have gained a lot of valuable knowledge. They are also very practical. They all count towards you becoming a knowledgeable and up-to-date pharmacist!

The tutors from each class I had were very accessible and were more than happy to answer any questions I had with the content.  My favourite lecturer and tutor was Professor Beata Bajorek. She never would just read off the slides, and she is very interactive with the class. She would make sure that she answered any questions that we had during her lectures to the best of her ability. I know many students would never want to miss her lecture, as it always provided valuable knowledge!

Where has your degree taken you?

I became a registered pharmacist! I enjoyed working in community pharmacies as a clinical pharmacist, and now have ended up at a well-known pharmaceutical company as a Medical Affairs Associate. I’m also back at UTS completing a PhD part-time.

What are your plans and hopes for the future?

I hope to end up as a Medical Science Liaison in the pharmaceutical industrial sector. I also hope to have completed my PhD and be clinically helpful in the world of medicine and pharmaceuticals.

What advice would you give to future students?

My advice to future students: gain as much experience as you can in your clinical placements, as this will help you immensely when you are out in the workforce. Do your best, take your time and enjoy the process!

UTS have been instrumental in providing me with a successful and clear career pathway. I definitely recommend this university to future students who want to progress in a career in health!

Find out more about studying Pharmacy at UTS