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VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 3
by a physician, a nurse will compound the prescribed treatment,
including cytotoxic agents, on the countertop in the clinic. The role
of the pharmacist is to dispense supportive care medications at
the outpatient pharmacy. Because of workflow issues and limited
personnel, the pharmacist compounds chemotherapy agents in the
laminar flow hood for pediatric patients only. All of the healthcare
staff understands the safety risk of not using the hood, but with
the current workflow, there is a lack of appropriate training and
staffing. It was encouraging to know the lead physician and nurse
recognize the value of pharmacy and want the pharmacist to
have greater involvement. With my review of current workflow
in both the pharmacy and oncology clinic, I made suggestions for
the development of an oncology rotation with the goals of having
pharmacists round on the wards, help develop workflow models to
integrate pharmacy, and improve the education of pharmacists in
oncology. I gave didactic lectures on oncology and led small-group
case discussions for current students. Although one of the major
barriers to implementing this rotation is having the resources to
provide a dedicated oncology pharmacist, I hope the small contri-
bution I made will make a lasting difference for future pharmacists
in Namibia.
Not only has this been a life-changing experience for me per-
sonally and professionally, but it also has confirmed my passion for
providing health care on a global level. I learned that volunteering
in medical missions or donating supplies may help address an im-
mediate problem, but it does not create a stable system that gives
low- and lower-middle-income countries the ability to provide for
themselves. What I love about UNAMSOP is that the institution
hired a group of individuals who understand the importance of
training Namibian pharmacists and is passionate about promoting
and creating a sustainable profession of pharmacy. This should
be the ultimate goal of global health initiatives, and I am glad the
REFERENCES
1. Global Burden of Disease Conrol Collaboration. Fizmaurice C, Dicker D,
et al. The global burden of cancer 2013. JAMA Oncol. 2015;1(4):505-527. 6.
2. International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Global Pharmacy Work-
force Intelligence: Trends Report 2015. The Hague: International Phar-
maceutical Federation; 2015. www.fip.org/files/fip/PharmacyEducation/
Trends/FIPEd_Trends_report_2015_web_v3.pdf
3. UCSF Global Health Clinical Scholars Program. http://meded.ucsf.edu/
gh/residents-grad-students-and-fellows-0
Global Health Scholars Program and my experience in Namibia
have taught me this distinction for impactful global health care.
Global health issues should be a topic covered in the education
of future pharmacists around the world. Through global collabora-
tion, information and ideas can be shared to expand the profession
of pharmacy locally and internationally. We also should be open to
practices we might learn through these collaborations. Pharmacists
Not only has this been a life-changing
experience for me personally and
professionally, but it also has confirmed
my passion for providing health care on a
global level.”
can look for institutions or organizations with global health pro-
grams established like UCSF, join organizations like the Interna-
tional Pharmaceutical Federation, or find nonprofit organizations.
I am hopeful pharmacy involvement on a global level will expand,
especially in the field of oncology, as there is a growing need. I hope
I will be able to continue to be involved in global health, especially
at UNAMSOP, throughout my career, and I am grateful for this
wonderful opportunity.
Special thanks to Timothy Rennie, PhD MPharm; Dan Kibuule,
MSc BPharm; Mwagana Mubita, MSc BPharm; Tina Brock, EdD MS
BSPharm; Mimi Lo, PharmD; and Lauren Jonkman, PharmD MPH.
4. Brock T, Wuliji T, Sagwa E, Mabirizi D. Technical Report: Exploring the
establishment of a pharmacy course at the University of Namibia, March
12–27, 2009. Submitted to the U.S. Agency for International Development
by the Strengthening Pharmaceutical Systems (SPS) Program. Arlington,
VA: Management Sciences for Health. 2009.
5. Census Projected Population. www.gov.na/population. Accessed June 16,
2016.
Namibian Cancer Registry. African Cancer Registry network. http://afcrn.
org/membership/membership-list/125-ncr. Accessed June 16, 2016.
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