My Journey in Pharmacy and Infectious Disease Research
My career in pharmacy began with a desire to make a tangible difference in patient care, particularly in areas where medical complexities require innovative approaches. After completing my Bachelor of Pharmacy at The University of Queensland in 2006, I embarked on a varied and fulfilling journey, working across clinical settings, gaining global experience, and eventually specializing in antimicrobial stewardship and infectious diseases. Over the years, I have seen how critical the role of pharmacists is, not just in drug dispensation but in optimising patient outcomes through evidence-based approaches, which became a central focus of my career.
One of the turning points for me was serving as an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD) in Vanuatu from 2008 to 2009. This experience broadened my understanding of healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings and solidified my commitment to pursuing work that could address disparities in health outcomes. Following my time there, I continued to develop my clinical expertise, serving as a senior clinical pharmacist at the Canberra Hospital and Health Service and later focusing on antimicrobial stewardship at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Currently, I hold the role of a Consultant Pharmacist in the ICU and Infectious Diseases team at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Additionally, I am nearing the completion of my PhD at Charles Darwin University, where my research investigates the nephrotoxicity of antibiotics in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB). This work is driven by a deep interest in understanding how antibiotic treatment can lead to kidney injury, and how to mitigate these risks to improve patient outcomes. At UQCCR I have been able to contribute to research using dosing software, aimed to use cutting edge technology to predict the optimal dose for a patient to maximise effectiveness and minimise toxicity. This facilitates precision medicine and individualised dosing - the holy grail of clinical pharmacy!
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside exceptional mentors and peers who have shaped my approach to research and patient care. Ultimately, my career has been about continuously evolving to meet the needs of patients while pushing the boundaries of what we understand about drug therapy in infectious diseases. I am excited for what the future holds, particularly as we uncover more about optimizing antimicrobial therapies in critically ill patients. Outside of work I enjoy sports, reading and coffee.
