A Moray woman who pursued her dream of working in pharmacy to follow in her mother’s footsteps graduated with distinction yesterday.
Claire Murphy, from Elgin, graduated with a masters of pharmacy degree from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
The 21-year-old chose the field of pharmacy and science because of her passion for community care and helping those in need.
She said: “My mum works in a pharmacy in Elgin, so she initially gave me the idea of studying the subject, and I always loved science at school so it was a perfect fit.
“For two years of my studies I lived at home in Elgin which meant a two-hour journey to university and back each day.
“I am very pleased to be graduating with distinction and I feel that the last four years of hard work have finally paid off.
“When I received my results I was delighted that my determination and my commitment had allowed me to achieve my goal.”
Miss Murphy was awarded her distinction due in part to her dissertation, which explored an antibiotic combination therapy as a strategy to overcome bacterial resistance.
During her course, she attended the university’s professional experiences week, run by the institution’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, which Miss Murphy said provided her with practical, real world experience of the pharmacy profession.
“Professional experience week helped me improve my knowledge and understanding of what a positive impact pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can have,” she said.
“Also, I visited a family with a young woman who suffered from multiple learning disabilities and it allowed me to see the difference we can make to a patient’s quality of life.”
In August Miss Murphy will start her pre-registration year at Parkhead Pharmacy in Hopeman, and hopes to become a fully qualified pharmacist.
