094 Steve Tomlin
Today I launch the first of several podcast episodes from the Pharmacist Diaries Roadshow with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Some interesting facts about the hospital:
In 1852, GOSH opened its doors to patients and was the first hospital in the UK to offer dedicated inpatient care to children
In 1962, the hospital pioneered the first lung and heart bypass machine for children which revolutionised heart surgery for children. Today it is known as the largest centre for child heart surgery in the UK and one of the largest centres for heart transplantation in the world. Since then, the team have conducted over 500 heart and/or lung transplants.
In 1967, the hospital led the first UK clinical trial for the rubella vaccine. Within one year, 110 children had been vaccinated. After three years, UK-wide immunisation of girls and childbearing adult females was rolled out for rubella
In 2000, the hospital launched the world’s first gene therapy trial for children born without functioning immune systems.
To kickstart this podcast series, I am honoured and excited to introduce Stephen Tomlin to the podcast. Steve is an extremely passionate paediatric pharmacist who has spent over 30 years in this field. He is currently the Director of the Children’s Medicines Centre at GOSH following 3 years as their Chief Pharmacist. Prior to this, he was the lead pharmacist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, where he also became the first Paediatric Consultant Pharmacist in 2007. His main fields of expertise are paediatric medicines safety, medicines compliance and competence of the paediatric pharmacy workforce.
For many years he has worked part time as the Professional Lead of the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacy Group (NPPG), allowing him to represent paediatric pharmacy on many national forums, at government level and within the Royal Colleges and within the media. He is also vice chair of the Joint Medicines Committee for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and medicine expert on the NHSE Paediatric Medicines Clinical Reference Group.
On this episode Steve shares with us why pediatrics is such an exciting field to work in, including the challenges, the opportunities, and the sheer joy of working with pediatric patients. We also discuss the importance of understanding the unique needs of paediatric patients and the need for pharmacists to be comfortable with the uncomfortable as we don’t always have a clear answer. Steve's passion for his work is infectious, and he provides a wealth of knowledge and insights into what it takes to be a successful paediatric pharmacist. If you're considering a career in paediatrics, you genuinely will not want to miss this episode! However, if you’re not interested in paediatrics but you want to hear a story filled with passion and purpose, you’ve come to the right place friend!
If you have a passion for working with children and a desire to make a difference in their lives, this might just be the perfect career path for you! Below are 10 reasons that Steve highlights why working in paediatrics is so exciting:
The joy of working with children: Working with children can be incredibly rewarding, and you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in their lives.
A supportive community: Paediatric pharmacists tend to work closely together, and there's a real sense of community and support within the field.
The opportunity to collaborate with a variety of healthcare professionals: Working in paediatrics means collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers, which can be a great way to learn and grow.
The chance to work in a friendly and welcoming environment: The atmosphere in paediatric hospitals and clinics tends to be more relaxed and friendly than in adult medicine.
The opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and research: Paediatrics is a rapidly changing field, and there are always new technologies and research being developed.
The chance to specialise in a particular area of paediatrics: Whether you're interested in cardiology, oncology, or another area of paediatrics, there are plenty of opportunities to specialise.
The satisfaction of helping children and families: Paediatric pharmacists have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
The opportunity to develop your leadership skills: Working in paediatrics can provide opportunities for leadership roles and the chance to develop your skills in this area.
The satisfaction of working in a field that is always evolving: Paediatrics is a dynamic and ever-changing field, which can be exciting and challenging.
The opportunity to educate others: Paediatric pharmacists often have the chance to educate others, including parents, children, and other healthcare professionals, which can be incredibly rewarding.
Social media:
LinkedIn: Steve Tomlin
Twitter: @SteveTomlin67
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