In the realm of career transitions, one individual's journey stands out as a testament to resilience, determination, and the quest for continuous growth. From the bustling streets of North Africa to the academic landscapes of the United Kingdom, a pharmacist's trajectory unfolded in unexpected ways, culminating in one of the highest academic roles - Pro Vice Chancellor. Let's delve into the key milestones, the impact of cultural relocation, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.
A Pharmacist's Beginnings
The story commences in North Africa, in Egypt, where he embarked on a career in pharmacy, armed with passion and a thirst for knowledge. The journey began with long hours of study and the sincere desire to make a difference in people's lives – a foundation that would later shape the future ambitions.
Values and Behaviours
After graduation, he worked in a community pharmacy owned by Zeinab, and she was incredibly inspiring. This was in the late 1990s, and I don’t think it clicked at the time how unusual it was to have a female pharmacy owner in that position. She was just the most enthusiastic, engaging person, brilliant with clients, and I think that was when he started to realise that it was all about the people.
She just had a pharmacy degree, she didn’t have complex diplomas or anything like that, but she had such an amazing rapport with her clients. The way she managed her staff and the way she treated her clients with such great respect and kindness was hugely inspiring to me.
Being a prescribing pharmacist in rural areas taught him to acknowledge own limitations and go and look stuff up, and ask others, when in need of help. “If I didn’t know the answer to something as a pharmacist, I was always honest with my clients and I told them. But they also knew for sure that I was working my absolute hardest on finding out". You build trust that way. if the wind blows stronger and things get tricky, you have got a solid foundation of people who trust you and believe in you.
He saw in Zeinab a mentor who embodied all the qualities he would later seek to demonstrate to his own students. She led by example, and I think that was the first time he really saw that happening up close. I’m sure she didn’t realise this, but she effectively ‘role-modelled’ those values and behaviours. It was very inspiring.
The Power of Education
He then got inspired by the admin part of running a business and realised the need for a formal education to equip him with the skills he needs more effectively, so did a diploma in business management. Here, he realised the firm impact and power of education.
Because he liked people and establish new things, he taught Biochemistry to students and co-established a department of biochemistry in a newly formed college of Pharmacy. He found people interaction very fulfilling, liked academia - thanks to another very inspiring person called Dr Khalifa who stayed hours and hours in his private practice to teach his students. He was a role real model of devotion and public service. People came from all walks of life and nationalities to be treated or taught by Dr Khalifa. This experience opened the eye to the need to change cultures, it brings diversity in thinking and problem solving, so he looked for Health subjects abroad.
A Leap Across Continents
The decision to move to the UK marked a pivotal moment in his professional odyssey. The transition wasn't merely geographic but a leap into a new culture, academic system, and professional landscape. The blend of excitement and trepidation paved the way for a series of transformative experiences that would redefine his pharmacist's trajectory.
Key Milestones and Career Transitions
The pharmacist's evolution was a tapestry woven with key milestones – from navigating postgraduate studies in a foreign land to embracing leadership roles within academia. The transition from dispensing medications to dispensing knowledge and shaping future generations exemplifies the multiplicity of talents and passions that one individual can possess.
His PhD was un-usually successful (I guess he was just lucky in the final year – an accident happened and made a big discovery), which opened many doors including post-doctoral training in the USA. The inspiration instilled in Zeinab never left him and he always wanted to go back to people. In 2013, he was very fortunate to work closely with the Caltech Nobel Laurette Ahmed Zewail and established - from scratch - an Institute of Genomics and Medical research in North Africa, which he directed for 6 years.
Inspired by the joy of establishing new institutes, he worked with colleagues in the UK at the University of Sheffield and co-founded the Healthy Lifespan institute, before moving as Director of the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics at the University of Bradford and then becoming the Pro Vice Chancellor.
The Impact of Cultural Relocation
The shift from one continent to another brought with it a treasure trove of experiences – enriching, challenging, and ultimately transformative. The amalgamation of diverse cultures, viewpoints, and educational systems broadened horizons, fostering adaptability and a global perspective crucial in today's interconnected world. It gave him the thinking agility which is very much needed to address today's national and global challenges.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Through this extraordinary journey, valuable lessons emerged, illuminating the path for aspiring professionals embarking on similar ventures. The importance of resilience in the face of uncertainties, the power of embracing diversity, and the significance of continuous learning were etched in the pharmacist-turned-Pro Vice Chancellor's narrative. I should add by saying: Resilience comes from who you put around you, so choose your circle carefully!
In Conclusion
As the chapter of pharmacist's journey unfolds, I hope it serves as a beacon of inspiration for all individuals navigating the complexities of career transitions, cultural shifts, and personal growth. The evolution from a white coat to an academic gown underscores the limitless potential that lies within each one of us, waiting to be unveiled in unexpected ways.
May this tale resonate with those embarking on their paths of exploration, discovery, and transformation. Remember, the journey from pharmacist to Pro Vice Chancellor is not just a transition of titles but a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and growth.
Embark on your own journey of transformation, believe in yourself to unlock your potential, for the unexpected may hold the key to your future.
Awe-inspiring....