Online Pharmacy Tutor

Here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk we offer an online Pharmacy tutor service.

As such, we can support university students with our bespoke platform when pursuing degrees in Pharmacy, Medicine or Healthcare for example.

Our PersonaliSed Learning Experience

Our online tutor model offers the client with a personalised learning experience that is tailored exactly to their individual needs.  This is certainly beneficial in complex fields like Pharmacy, Medicine and Healthcare (e.g. non-medical prescribing), where students often encounter challenging concepts and require a deeper understanding of the material. With our experience in mind, we can adapt our approach to suit the student's learning style, ensuring that they grasp difficult topics effectively.

Flexible Scheduling

One of the significant advantages of online tutoring is the flexibility it offers (i.e. travel to the tutor is not required saving time and money). Students can schedule sessions at times that are convenient for them, which is especially important for those who are busy or balancing coursework with clinical placements or part-time jobs. This flexibility allows students to receive help when they need it most, without the constraints of traditional tutoring hours.

Expertise in Specific Subjects

We specialise in specific subjects within the fields of Pharmacy, Medicine and Healthcare. For instance, our online Pharmacology tutor can provide in-depth knowledge and assistance with pharmacological principles, drug interactions and drug use. Similarly, our online Medical sciences tutor can help students understand complex biological systems and medical conditions. This specialised expertise ensures that students receive high-quality, focused instruction.

Exam Preparation

Preparing for exams can be a daunting task, but our Lead Tutor Dr Davies can help students develop effective exam preparation strategies. We are able to support students with understanding practice exams from university, reviewing key concepts and teaching techniques that can improve exam performance. For example, our Pharmacy test prep tutor can guide students through the types of questions they might encounter on their exams and help them build confidence in their knowledge and skills.

Homework and Assignment Help

Online tutor can assist students with their homework and assignments, providing guidance and feedback to ensure they understand the material and complete their work accurately. This support can be crucial for students who may struggle with certain topics or who need additional help to meet academic standards.  Top marks can be achieved with our academic/real-world approach to healthcare matters.

Building Confidence

Working with our online tutor Dr Davies helps to build confidence in student ability.  Here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk we offer a safe and supportive environment where students can ask questions, make mistakes and learn at their own pace. This encouragement can boost students' self-esteem and motivate them to achieve their academic goals.

Resource utilisation

Our Lead Tutor can help explain a number of educational resources (e.g. textbooks, research articles and practice materials).  The student can share these resources with the tutor to provide open up the study materials that can enhance their understanding of the subject matter.

Support for Diverse Learning Needs

Our online tutor can support students with diverse learning needs, including those with learning disabilities or those who require additional help with language skills. Dr Davies can easily adapt his teaching style to accommodate these needs, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Continuous Feedback

Regular feedback from our online tutor can help students track their progress and identify areas for improvement. We can provide constructive criticism and positive reinforcement to help students stay on track and achieve their academic objectives.

Examples of our Tutoring Service

There are numerous ways in which we can cater for students in the Pharmacy, Medicine and Healthcare disciplines.  For example, we can tutor in specialised subjects like Pharmacology, general Chemistry and Medical Sciences.  Dr Davies is an experienced tutor in Drug Pharmacology, Pharmacy and the Medical Sciences for example and can draw on his experience as a Senior Lecturer to help support success.

Summary

In summary, our online tutor is able to play a crucial role in supporting university students studying for degrees in Pharmacy, Medicine and Healthcare. Dr Davies can offer personalised instruction, flexible scheduling, specialized expertise and explain a range of resources that can enhance the learning experience and help students succeed in their academic pursuits. Whether it's through exam preparation, homework help, or building confidence, our online tutor can be an essential part of a student's educational journey going foward.

For further information or to book your appointment with Dr Davies, please click here.

Online Pharmacy Tutor Supporting Student Success

The Impact of President Trump's Tariffs on the UK Community Pharmacy Sector

The recent tariffs announced by President Trump are set to have significant implications for various sectors in the United Kingdom (UK), including Community Pharmacy. As such, we thought it would be a good idea to explore the potential impacts that these tariffs may have on on community pharmacies and discuss the advantages for pharmacy staff in seeking alternative avenues of pharmacy-based work. The question is…. ‘Will tariffs affect medical supplies’?

The Potential Impacts of United States (US) Tariffs

1. Economic Consequences:

President Trump's new tariffs on imports are expected to lead to increased costs for goods entering the US from the UK. This will likely affect the pharmaceutical industry, which relies heavily on international trade. In a similar fashion, the tariffs could result in higher prices for medications and medical supplies imported from the US, thereby increasing operational costs for community pharmacies in the UK.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions:

The tariffs may also cause disruptions in the supply chain. Community pharmacies often depend on a steady flow of imported medications and medical supplies. With the imposition of tariffs, there could be delays and shortages, affecting the availability of essential drugs. Naturally, this could lead to challenges in meeting patient needs and maintaining the quality of care throughout the National Health Service (NHS).

3. Competitive Disadvantage:

UK pharmaceutical products entering the US market will face higher tariffs, making them more expensive compared to US produced counterparts. This could of course reduce the competitiveness of UK pharmaceutical companies, potentially leading to a decrease in exports and revenue. Community pharmacies might struggle to offer competitive pricing, impacting their profitability and sustainability.

4. Regulatory and Compliance Challenges

The new tariffs could also introduce additional regulatory and compliance challenges for community pharmacies. Navigating the complexities of international trade regulations and ensuring compliance with new tariff policies may require additional resources and expertise. This could strain the operational capacity of smaller community pharmacies.

Advantages of Seeking Alternative Pharmacy-Based Work

In relation to the potential challenges posed by the new tariffs, pharmacy staff may find it advantageous to begin to explore other avenues within the pharmacy sector. Here, we suggest some benefits of considering alternative pharmacy-based work:

1. Increased Job Flexibility:

Exploring different roles within the pharmacy sector can offer greater job flexibility (e.g. telepharmacy and remote work opportunities have become increasingly popular). These roles allow Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians to work from home, providing a better work-life balance and reducing the stress associated with traditional pharmacy settings.

2. Diverse Career Opportunities:

The pharmacy sector offers a wide range of career opportunities.  Staff can consider roles in hospital pharmacies, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies (e.g. the MHRA). These positions often come with competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth.

3. Enhanced Job Satisfaction:

Alternative pharmacy roles can lead to higher job satisfaction. For instance, working in a specialty pharmacy or a clinical setting can provide more direct patient interaction and involvement in complex medical cases. This can be rewarding for those who seek a more dynamic and impactful work environment.

4. Professional Development:

Exploring different pharmacy-based work avenues can also enhance professional development. Staff can gain new skills and knowledge by working in diverse settings (e.g. clinical trials, pharmaceutical research or regulatory affairs). This can open up new career paths and increase employability in the longer term.

5. Contribution to Public Health:

Pharmacy staff can contribute to public health in various ways beyond traditional community pharmacy roles. For instance, working in public health organisations or participating in health policy development can have a broader impact on healthcare systems and patient outcomes. This can be fulfilling for those who are passionate about making a difference in public health.

Conclusion

The new tariffs announced by President Trump are likely to pose significant challenges for the community pharmacy sector in the UK. Increased costs, supply chain disruptions, competitive disadvantages and regulatory hurdles are some of the potential impacts we are likely to see.

However, pharmacy staff can mitigate against these challenges by exploring alternative pharmacy-based work avenues.  By adapting to the changing landscape and leveraging new opportunities, pharmacy staff can continue to thrive and make meaningful contributions to healthcare. 

If you have any questions or need further details on any aspect of the above then feel free to contact our Lead Tutor, Dr Davies, via mike@pharmascholar.co.uk.  We can support with new job applications alongside supporting with interview preparation.  Examples of our reviews may be located here.

Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States of America.

BPS Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Prescribing Question Example & Our Support

We are able to support progression through the British Pharmacological Society (BPS; #ASPET2025) Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) for Medical School undergraduates within the United Kingdom via our PharmaPSA service offering.  More details may be located here.

Here is one example of a potential ‘Prescribing’ question worth 10 marks in the assessment. We are able to discuss Prescribing Safety Assessment practice questions with you to help with your preparations.

Would you be able to answer this one?

Scenario 1:

A 60-year-old male patient presents with a blood pressure reading of 160/100 mmHg. He has a history of Type II Diabetes and is currently taking Metformin 500mg tablets twice each. The patient is overweight and has been advised to make lifestyle changes, but his blood pressure remains high.

Prescribe a drug for this patient to lower his blood pressure. Include the name of the drug, the strength and the frequency to attain your 10 marks…….

Answer 1:

Rx: Ramipril 1.25mg Capsules, One to be taken Each Day. Send: 28.

Reasoning 1:

Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor and is often recommended as a first-line treatment for hypertension in patients with diabetes due to its renal protective effects. Your alternatives may be Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide but these should be considered after ACE inhibitors. Atenolol another option but is not now typically recommended as a first-line treatment for hypertension.

What counselling advice would you provide the patient with further to Ramipril initiation….?

What monitoring would you perform as a primary care doctor?

Support from our Lead Tutor:

Dr Mike Davies is able to fully support your understanding with drug mode of action, drug use and drug counselling points. Book your appointment today to find out more….

More scenarios will follow on our Blog page; we will flag examples of all 8 topics within the PSA to highlight how we can support you.

Pharmacy Forecast 2025 & Career Opportunities

The Pharmacy Forecast 2025 provides insightful reflection as to the current state of the Pharmacy sector within the United Kingdom. As anticipated, there are positive and negative factors within the forecast that will inevitably shape the future of the profession and with that the job roles / responsibilities of those Pharmacists currently employed within the community setting.  

As such, we thought it would be interesting to provide our critical slant on matters and suggest alternative pathways for Pharmacists should they wish to move away from working within the community sector.

Positive Points within the Pharmacy Forecast 2025:

1. Market Stability and Growth: Following the liquidation of Lloyds Pharmacy in early 2023, the market regained stability by the end of 2024. This has created opportunities for new buyers and existing businesses to expand by acquiring former Lloyds Pharmacy outlets.

2. Funding Uplifts: In Scotland, the Government secured a 6% funding uplift for the sector in the 2024-25 funding package. This includes a guaranteed minimum for Drug Tariff reimbursement set at £110 million, which is £10 million higher than the previous year.

3. Technological Advancements: The sector is seeing increased adoption of digital solutions and technological advancements, such as robotics and online pharmacies, which are improving efficiency and accessibility.

4. Government Support: The UK Government has shown a more positive stance towards the pharmacy sector, with plans to strengthen government guarantee schemes to help improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sector.

Negative Points within the Pharmacy Forecast 2025:

1. Economic Pressures: The sector continues to face economic pressures, including increasing overheads and fluctuating drug prices, which impact profit margins.

2. Operational Costs: The average pharmacy now dispenses significantly more items each month, adding to the workload and operational costs.

3. Staffing Challenges: Staffing issues and low team morale remain significant challenges. The liquidation of Lloyds Pharmacy and the divestment of the Boots estate have worsened these issues, leading to a decline in available pharmacies and increased workload for remaining staff.

4. Regulatory Changes: The Labour Government's autumn Budget introduced tax rises, including an increase in employer National Insurance contributions. While the NHS is exempt, it is unclear if this exemption will extend to community pharmacies, GP practices, and care homes.

Influence on Pharmacists

Naturally, the recent shift in the profile of community pharmacy will have a significant impact on Pharmacists and make many think about alternative career pathways. In brief, the negative attributes highlighted in the Pharmacy Forecast 2025 can impact Pharmacists in the following ways:

• Job Security: The closure of pharmacies and economic pressures may lead to job losses and reduced job security for Pharmacists.

• Workload: With fewer pharmacies, the workload for remaining Pharmacists increases, potentially leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction.

• Financial Strain: Economic pressures can affect salaries and benefits, making it challenging for Pharmacists to maintain their financial stability.

Career Change Opportunities

Given these challenges, Pharmacists might consider career changes to improve their professional and personal lives; and we can help with this here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk

We can support Pharmacists with the following, for example:

1. Healthcare Technology: Transitioning to roles in healthcare technology (e.g. digital health or telemedicine) can offer new opportunities and leverage expertise in a growing field.

2. The Pharmaceutical Industry: Pharmacists can explore roles in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. regulatory affairs, and medical sales), which often offer better job security and financial rewards.

3. Education and Training: Pursuing careers in education and training can allow Pharmacists to share their knowledge and experience while enjoying a more stable and rewarding work environment.

4. Consultancy: Becoming a healthcare consultant can provide flexibility and the chance to work on diverse projects, helping organisations navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.

By considering these career changes, Pharmacists can find new pathways that offer stability, growth and satisfaction in the face of the challenges highlighted in the Pharmacy Forecast 2025.

Please get in touch with our Lead Tutor, Dr Mike Davies, today to book your bespoke career development appointment(s).

The ASHP Pharmacy Forecast 2025

Clinical Bite: Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory condition affecting the large and medium-sized arteries, that reside in the head and neck.  It typically presents in patients that are over 50 years old with a higher incidence in women and those individuals of Northern European descent.  This disease state presents with a range of symptoms that include severe headaches, scalp tenderness, pain while chewing and visual disturbances (e.g. double vision or sudden vision loss).  The patient will often report systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weight loss and muscle pain, particularly in the shoulders and hips. These symptoms can be abrupt or develop gradually over time. 

The primary concern with GCA is the risk of vision loss due to inflammation of the arteries supplying the eye.  Importantly, if left untreated GCA can lead to permanent blindness. Other serious complications include aortic aneurysms and strokes.  As such, early diagnosis is key!

The mainstay of drug treatment for GCA is high-dose corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisolone), which are started immediately upon suspicion of the diagnosis to prevent vision loss.  Due to the long-term nature of steroid use, cessation involves the gradual tapering of the dose over time.  Chronic steroid use is often requiring long-term therapy to prevent relapse.  To guard against corticosteroid side effects, drugs such as bisphosphonates and proton pump inhibitors are used to protect against bone loss and gastrointestinal side effects, respectively. 

Here, at www.pharmascholar.co.uk we believe it is important to release this blog entry because an awareness of GCA is vital for developing university student understanding around the elements of diagnostics and clinical management skills.  A clear understanding of the presentation and complications of GCA helps students recognise the urgency of early intervention. Indeed, case-based scenarios may be discussed with our Lead Tutor, Dr Davies, whereby students analyse patient scenarios involving GCA to enhance their clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Further, discussion around the interpretation of diagnostic tests like ESR and CRP levels can provide improvement of student comprehension of this field.  The e-BNF can subsequently be applied to guide prescribing decisions and also prepare individuals for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA), for example.

It is important for Pharmacy and Medical Students, for instance, to develop a good understanding of GCA so that the condition can be managed effectively during future clinical practice. Appropriate care of the patient (i.e. drug use and related tapering) will ultimately improve clinical outcomes related to this condition.  Please book your appointment today with Dr Davies to find out more….

A female patient with GCA.

MHRA Advice on Weight Loss Medicine without Prescription - 2025

The United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has just issued a strong warning to the public about the dangers of purchasing weight loss medication without a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.

This timely advisory comes when many people are looking to shed extra pounds gained over the holiday season.

Here, we provide a summary of the key elements of the advice.

Key Points of the Warning

1. Health Risks: The MHRA underscores that buying weight loss drugs from unauthorised vendors (e.g. beauty salons, social media platforms and unverified websites) poses significant health risks to the public. These drugs are often marketed as quick fixes but can contain harmful substances that may lead to serious health issues, including hospitalisation.

2. Legal Implications: It is illegal to sell or purchase prescription only medicines (POMs) without a valid prescription. The MHRA is actively working to identify and terminate illegal sales posts, suspend accounts plus remove rogue websites that sell such unapproved products.

3. Importance of Professional Guidance: The MHRA has stressed the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals before starting any weight loss treatment. Decisions about using weight loss drugs should be based on a full risk-benefit assessment, conducted by a prescriber.

4. Common Weight Loss Medicines: The recent warning specifically includes GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g. semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)). These potent drugs are designed to help with weight loss but should only be used under close medical supervision.

Why the Warning?

The current warning is driven by the increasing trend of people seeking quick weight loss solutions, particularly after the Christmas break. The agency's Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement, Andy Morling, has suggested that criminals make their websites look authentic and convincing, which can easily deceive consumers into buying unsafe products.

How to Stay Safe

To ensure safety, the MHRA advises the public to:

• Only purchase medicines from legitimate pharmacies: This includes both physical and online pharmacies that are properly registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

• Avoid unregulated sources: Do not buy weight-loss medicines from beauty salons, social media, or unverified websites.

• Consult healthcare professionals: Always seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication, especially for weight loss.

ONGOING EFFORTS

As ever, the MHRA will continue to monitor the safety of all licensed weight loss medicines.  People are encouraged to report any suspected side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme.  This approach will help the MHRA track and manage the safety of these drugs effectively.

In summary, the MHRA's warning serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers associated with buying weight loss medicines without a prescription. By following the relevant advice plus engaging with healthcare professionals, individuals can make safer choices and avoid the serious health risks posed by unregulated products.

For further information please get in touch via mike@pharmascholar.co.uk

#MHRA #Weightloss #semaglutide #Wegovy #tirzepatide #Mounjaro

Interim Guidelines for Physician Associates (PAs) – A Critical Reflection

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has just released interim guidelines for Physician Associates (PAs).  The aim of the guidelines is to guarantee patient safety whilst supporting the healthcare team as effectively as possible.  A full review of this topic is due in spring 2025.

To summarise, the key points of guidance are:

1. The PA must work within their own scope of practice. This group of healthcare professionals must have a clear role within the MDT.

2. The PA must be supervised by consultants and/or specialist doctors. Importantly, resident doctors should not be responsible for clinical supervision.

3. With regard to decision making, PAs should not work as senior decision makers and not decide on admissions or discharges in the secondary care setting.

4. PAs cannot prescribe drugs irrespective of their background and experience.

5. During consultations, PAs must explain their role to patients, families / carers and colleagues.  Details of their educational and clinical supervision should be divulged as required.

As anticipated, the new guidelines released today have seen mixed reactions from the medical community as a whole. Clearly, the guidelines provide clarity as to the role of the PA in the modern-day healthcare workforce which reinforces standards of care for the community.  By offering a detailed scope of practice, the interim guidelines hope to avoid overlap or confusion regarding healthcare responsibilities. 

Conversely, the interim guidelines may be seen by some as too restrictive and possibly limit the efficacy in practice of PAs when trying to reduce the current workload on doctors.  The inability to prescribe drugs could be viewed as a massive limitation on service provision, especially when some PAs originate from a prescribing background.  As PAs would need to rely on doctors for prescriptions then inefficiencies and delays in patient care may arise.

The focus on supervision is another controversial element within the interim guidelines.  A new strain on NHS senior medical staff may present and this in turn could negatively impact on the time doctors can spend on their own clinical responsibilities.  Moreover, the fact that PAs should not operate as senior decision makers or decide on patient admissions for example could indeed limit their ability to contribute fully to the MDT.  In situations where rapid decision-making is pivotal then this could possibly slow down the process down and impinge upon patient outcomes.

Concentration on clear and effective communication will be appreciated by all.  This is so because ensuring that PAs give explanation about their role and supervision details to patients and colleagues can help build trust and understanding. 

To conclude, the new interim guidelines for PAs that have been released on 17th December 2024 represent a step change in incorporating PAs into the NHS.  As detailed above, patient safety has been prioritised and the healthcare team will continue to be supported.  To end on a positive note, the recently released guidelines do offer a framework that can be built upon following release of the hotly anticipated Leng review in spring 2025.

New interim PA guidance released on 17th Dec 2024

The MHRA Approves Delgocitinib, Leo Pharma's New Agent for Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE)

The UK-based Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recently approved Leo Pharma’s delgocitinib (Anzupgo) for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) in adults. This approval represents a significant milestone in the field of dermatology because it offers a new therapeutic model for patients who have not responded adequately to existing treatments such as topical steroids and emollients.

Mode of Action: Delgocitinib is a topical pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor and works by targeting and inhibiting the activity of four specific JAK enzymes (i.e. JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2). These enzymes are integral to signalling pathways that lead to both inflammatory and immune responses. By blocking these pathways, delgocitinib reduces inflammation, itching and pain associated with eczema.  As a result, the quality of life for patients is improved.

Efficacy: Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of delgocitinib in managing CHE. Patients treated with delgocitinib demonstrated significant improvements in their skin condition (e.g. reductions in redness, scaling and fissuring).  Interestingly, this drug helped to restore the skin barrier function that is often weakened in eczema patients. Improvements were noted in only a few weeks of drug exposure and this clearly highlights the rapidity of action for this medicine.

Patient Safety: Common side effects of delgocitinib include application site reactions such as burning or stinging sensations, which are generally mild and transient; this class of adverse reaction would indeed be anticipated.  Serious adverse effects appear to be rare, but as per the norm ongoing monitoring is required. Here, the MHRA will continue to oversee the safety and efficacy of delgocitinib through post-marketing surveillance and the Yellow Card scheme, where healthcare professionals and patients can report any adverse effects.

Regulatory Approval: The approval process for delgocitinib was fast tracked under the International Recognition Procedure (IRP) Route B, with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) acting as the Reference Regulator. The marketing authorisation was granted in only fifty nine days!  This rapid approval clearly highlights the pressing need for new treatments for moderate to severe CHE. The area of medical practice as a whole is noted to have significant unmet need.

Healthcare Practice: For pharmacy and medical students, plus qualified healthcare professionals, an awareness and understanding of the approval and mechanism of delgocitinib is very important.  This agent represents a new class of treatment for CHE, offering an alternative for patients with limited options. It also highlights the growing importance of JAK inhibitors in the management of inflammation. Naturally, healthcare professionals should be aware of the drug's indication, mode of action and safety profile to effectively counsel patients and monitor treatment outcomes.

The Future: The approval of delgocitinib will undoubtedly stimulate additional research into JAK inhibitors for other medical complaints caused by inflammation. Ongoing studies may consider autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis for example. This could lead to broader applications and improved patient outcomes for this class of drug.

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) can have a significant impact on patient quality of life.

More Feedback from our pharmaOSPAP Service

It’s fantastic to keep on receiving excellent feedback from my clients here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk!

Here is yet another piece of amazing feedback after a FREE 15 minute consultation with me:

“Thank you so much for your support and guidance related to my query and quick replies. It will help me in achieving my upcoming goal.” - Ms IM, Newcastle, United Kingdom, October 2024.

Book now via our ‘Contact Us’ page and take the stress out of the OSPAP application process.

Feedback for our pharmaOSPAP Service

Once again, I have received some fantastic feedback from my pharmaOSPAP serivce!

It was great to meet my new client this week who needed help and advice with communicating with two United Kingdom universities about her OSPAP application. It was a delight to provide guidance by drawing on my extensive experience of working in the university sector.

Here is what my client had to say after the online session:

“I highly recommend to get advice from Michael , he is a good advisor , professional academic person , good attitude, solve problems.” Ms AN, Brighton.

Why not book your confidential appointment with me today?

Please ‘Contact Us’ or email direct via mike@pharmascholar.co.uk

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Mike.