Gratitude nomination for local clinical pharmacist
PARKTOWN – Mentored by exceptional pharmacists both locally and internationally, a frontline clinical pharmacist is inspired to give back.
A Glenhazel resident whose zeal and delight lie in clinical pharmacy is a nominee in Adcock Ingram’s Sponsors of Brave: The Gratitude Season.
The Sponsors of Brave is a celebration of pharmacy heroes during the global pandemic whereby nominated pharmacists stand a chance to win one of eight R5 000 cash prizes among many other prize opportunities.
Sonya Kolman works as a clinical pharmacist at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) in Parktown and shared that she comes from a long line of pharmacists.
“But in my fourth year at university, I was exposed to the clinical pharmacy at Wits and decided that was where I wanted to be. So I did my master’s in clinical pharmacy and went to work in the private hospital sector. My passion lies in clinical pharmacy, being able to have a direct impact in patient care. This is what motivates me.”
Kolman works in the paediatric and neonatal units at NMCH; she evaluates the medication that the children are taking, checking for appropriateness, correct dosing, monitoring side effects and looking after antibiotic stewardship (which is ensuring that the antibiotics the children are taking are used judiciously and that they are on the correct drug for the correct bug at the correct dose for the correct duration).
She also takes part in multidisciplinary ward rounds where she is available to answer any drug-related queries the doctors and nurses have.
“My afternoons are spent in the pharmacy helping with dispensing, procurement and drug queries from the pharmacists. I am also the national treasurer of the Society of Clinical Pharmacy and work with clinical pharmacists around the country organising conferences, webinars and meetings. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, these are all done virtually.
“I am also a part-time lecturer at the Wits School of Pharmacy and mentor fourth-year pharmacy students by having them come and spend time with me so I can expose them to clinical pharmacy.”
Having left private health care in April 2017, Kolman revealed that she loved her time at Netcare Linksfield and would not be where she is today if it was not for them. Mentoring young pharmacists and interacting with the healthcare staff at NMCH are some of Kolman’s highlights.
She concluded with the message, “As we enter the surge of the third wave, we know what we need to do – wear masks, social distance and hand wash but this time we have the vaccine available. As soon as we are eligible everyone must go and be vaccinated! That is the only way we can be rid of this. The end is in sight – we must just obey the rules until it arrives. Also, check on our neighbours, family and friends and offering help to those sick or isolating. Even if it just a call or message. A little goes a long way.”
Details: Sponsors of Brave https://sponsorsofbrave.com/
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