Often, we come across tales of individuals with clear aspirations from the start. However, 27-year-old Revin Chandrabose has forged his path, shifting from computer science to embracing the role of a pharmacist.
Revin Chandrabose (Photo credits: N.Shivnauth
His new role as a pharmacist is driven by a profound commitment to the health and welfare of his community. But to better understand his journey, we will take you back to his childhood.
EARLY YEARS AND EDUCATION
Hailing from Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), Revin recalled that his childhood was filled with a harmonious blend of family, education, and extracurricular activities.
I’m from a nuclear family, and I have two older brothers. I’m fortunate to have a blessed childhood, as I spent most of it as a balance of fun, school, and family time, even participating in church activities. Albeit with a slight disposition for fun, as I engaged in a lot of extracurricular activities.
His educational journey took him through the Leonora Primary School, where he wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). He secured a spot at Saint Stanislaus College.
He, however, wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination at Zeeburg Secondary School.
NAVIGATING CAREER CHOICES
After completing his secondary education, Revin embarked on a journey into the field of computer science at the University of Guyana (UG).
However, the twists and turns of adolescence led him to pause his pursuit at the Diploma level.
He took a hiatus, explored various jobs, and eventually found his way back to academia.
In 2022, he proudly graduated with a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy, presenting a literature review on “Herbal Medicine as an Effective Alternative for Treatment and Management of Diabetes Mellitus.”
Initially, I had no interest in the profession. However, I always had this curiosity to understand why people do things and why they are the way they are. This curious nature to the field of pharmacy and to better understand the science of drugs and the effects it has on the body and overall outcome as it relates to affecting health allowed me to complete my studies and develop a profound desire to learn more.
Now, as a graduate pharmacist, I seek to help people understand their medication, treatment, alternatives, and global trends. So, ultimately, what led me to become a pharmacist is a subconscious desire to help people.
As a pharmacist completing his internship at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), Revin is driven by a profound desire to educate and empower individuals about their medication, treatment alternatives, and global health trends.
One of the roles of a pharmacist is to educate people, as the time taken to spend time and educate a few will have a hopefully positive cascading effecting in having health benefits for multiple people. I believe the more people are knowledgeable about their medication (understanding side effects, adverse reactions, and interactions), even herbal medication will have them to make more informed decisions and even when interfacing with other health professionals. So, it boils down to me imparting the knowledge I’ve acquired in my field of studies on to people to make their lives much easier and them more knowledgeable.
BALANCING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
This 27-year-old’s journey extends beyond hospital walls as he actively engages in community outreaches.
Revin during a recent outreach
His experience, from a tentative first outreach to over 15 subsequent endeavours, has allowed him to develop his craft, interface with diverse communities, and positively impact those in need.
This also allowed me to have a bit more discussion time with people, and this has had a positive impact on folks, and they responded with their gratitude for having gained a bit of knowledge. So, here I am, with 15 plus outreaches, loving what I do, and being happy to help people, even those who aren’t fortunate enough to receive medical services.
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ASPIRING PHARMACISTS
For those aspiring to become pharmacists, Revin offers valuable advice:
Don’t focus too much on what you can’t do, but what you can do. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday and not who someone is today. In this career, especially in health, you have a duty not only to yourself but to others to help and educate. Knowledge is meant to share and educate the masses. Take pride in your work, have a positive attitude as much as possible, and be patient. Also, use your time at university to interface and network with as many folks as you can (not just in your discipline but in other disciplines). This makes it easier in the future in the world of work.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
Currently working towards obtaining his license, this 27-year-old envisions pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and venturing into research and pharmacovigilance.
Pharmacovigilance is a pharmaceutical science relating to collecting, detecting, assessing, monitoring, and preventing adverse effects with pharmaceutical products.
Recognising the significance of work-life balance, Revin encourages fellow pharmacists to prioritise mental and physical health. He advocates for spending time with loved ones, building relationships, and finding joy outside the professional realm.
