I chose pharmacy because it allows me to guide, counsel, and educate – Satyanand Kabool

The perception of the pharmacist among some is still that of a person who stands behind a counter, looking grim, performing unseen and quite mysterious tasks that result in the delivery of a labelled box of medicines.

Pharmacist Satyanand Kabool

In reality, the practice of pharmacy today is one of the most important in the delivery of health services, and pharmacists are the health professionals who have the most detailed knowledge of drugs and how they work.

A pharmacist’s duty is not simply to prepare the drugs prescribed by a general practitioner or other health professional. It is to deliver optimal pharmaceutical care by assessing the suitability of the medication for a particular patient, taking into account their medical history, as well as possible side effects and interactions with other drugs that are being used. 

Importantly, pharmaceutical care also includes engagement and communication with patients, so they are given a clear understanding of the medication, its purposes, effects, and the dosage regime.

Local pharmacists also undertake health promotions within the community, such as providing educational sessions on health and disease prevention areas. These community pharmacists are our most accessible health professionals who have us at heart. 

However, it is the very need to give back and serve the community at heart that led Satyanand Kabool into the pharmacology field. He noted that the profession gives him the privilege to educate the populace on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Looking back at his early days, Satyanand was born on Tuesday 03rd December 1996, at the Fort Wellington Community Hospital to Nealmattie Swhenand and Raymond Kabool. He is the eldest out of four other siblings and grew up in Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica – Berbice). 

His academic journey began at the Bush Lot Nursery School before jumping over to Latchman Singh Primary School. After completing his National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), he was awarded a spot at the Mahaicony Secondary School. 

But on the 9th April 2006, Satyanand’s life was turned upside down following his dad’s passing when he was just 9-year-old. The young man shared that despite the loss of his father, his mother never deprived him or his other siblings of anything. In fact, she went above and beyond to ensure that they were all taken care of.  

Growing up being the eldest sibling, I had to be a role model for my siblings. I also had to shoulder the responsibility of assisting not only one but four siblings with their homework and assignments and not forgetting the chores we each had to complete daily. As a child, I haven’t had much playtime, but that never held me back. In fact, I wouldn’t want to change anything about my childhood because that taught me to be a responsible adult with great management skills.

In 2013, the young man graduated from the Mahaicony Secondary School with passes in (9) nine Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects. He then ventured off to the University of Guyana, where he completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. 

At that set time, I would have been awarded a scholarship from the American University of Peace studies where I would have completed a Diploma in Domestic Violence training and counselling. I’m currently enrolled as a student at Georgian College, Barrie, Ontario, Canada, where I’ll soon be pursuing my second Degree in Biotechnology.

The 23-year-old pharmacist relayed that he always had a vast interest in the medical field because of his passion for helping people. However, he noted that pharmacy was never his first option, but after he started working in the field, his passion developed. 

As a pharmacist, I’m usually the first and last point of contact between the patient and doctor, being the last point of contact for the patient allows me to educate each person I see on not only why it’s important to adhere to their medication prescribed, but it also allows me to educate people about the misuse of medications especially antibiotics, it also gives me the privilege to encourage persons, especially those suffering from conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol on why it is to make lifestyle modifications.

Presently,  Satyanand is employed with the Shoppers Pharmacy, which is located in the Giftland Mall, and on his days off, he would voluntarily assist a neighbouring pharmacy in his community. 

Given the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Apothecary has been engaged in educating the public about a healthy lifestyle. 

As a community pharmacist, I’ve been working through the entire pandemic, taking all necessary precautions. This pandemic has kept me busy because it is at this time that most people tend to turn from the hospital and run to the pharmacy. Throughout the pandemic, I’ve been focusing entirely on educating the population on the importance of taking all precautions as well as the importance of ensuring they maintain optimal health and wellness.

The young man’s advice to aspiring pharmacists is not to run with the conception that pharmacy is about counting pills, but noted that it is much more than that. 

To all aspiring pharmacists, pharmacy is not an easy road. It requires a lot of reading, understanding, dedication, and commitment, but with love for what you do, you’ll excel without difficulties.

Satyanand aspires to use his upcoming Degree in Biotechnology to explore the biotechnological methods in pharmaceutical drug research and development to improve our healthcare system and produce much safer and effective drugs that are patient-specific.