When I became a pharmacist eleven years ago, I could not have imagined that my journey would one day lead me toward research aimed at understanding and improving the experiences of patients from diverse backgrounds. Today, I am building my skills at the intersection of pharmacy and research, preparing to explore how healthcare systems can better serve the communities they reach.
From clinical practice to research with purpose
My career began in hospital oncology, a field that constantly evolves as new treatments extend and improve patients’ lives. This environment inspired me to ask questions and seek improvements. While studying for my Clinical Pharmacy Diploma, I led audits and quality improvement projects. These experiences strengthened my skills in data collection, analysis, and reflection. This foundation sparked my interest in research and helped me begin to shape my professional identity and purpose. I realised that pharmacists could apply their clinical knowledge and transferable skills in many ways, contributing to research, education, policy, and service development, to improve patient care and influence how healthcare is delivered.
Carving a research path
In 2021, I was awarded a Health Education England Clinical Academic Research Internship. I developed my research skills and learned the value of collaboration. A year later, I became the first pharmacist in my Trust to secure a Pre-Doctoral Fellowship funded by the Royal Marsden Hospital Charity. This strengthened my leadership and shaped a new line of inquiry into optimising the experiences of ethnic minority patients receiving systemic anticancer therapy. Findings were published in BMJ Quality & Safety and presented at the Oncology Professional Care Conference, highlighting overlooked patient experiences and the importance of responsive cancer care. This work showed me that pharmacy careers can extend into innovation, service design, and leadership.
Why equity in cancer care matters
Breast cancer outcomes for Black women in the UK remain disproportionately poor, with mortality rates nearly double those of White women. These persistent disparities highlight gaps in understanding patients’ experiences and needs. Through my work, I have seen how trust, communication, and understanding influence treatment adherence and outcomes. When patients feel unseen or unheard, care is less effective. My research focuses on understanding what matters most to Black women during treatment. I work alongside patients and professionals to design care that meets their needs and reflects their experiences.
Putting patients at the centre
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is central to my work. I collaborate closely with a group of Black women affected by breast cancer. Their experiences guide every stage of the research. They have highlighted gaps in emotional and practical support, the need for diverse healthcare teams, and the importance of responsive care. These partnerships have shown me that research is not just about evidence. It is about sharing ownership and creating knowledge that serves the community. Working with patients in this way has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Leading change through equity and inclusion
I serve as Co-Chair of the British Oncology Pharmacy Association’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Subcommittee. In 2023, we published a national survey exploring pharmacy professionals’ experiences of EDI. It has drawn international interest. Through this work, I have seen how pharmacists can drive cultural change. Equity and inclusion shape how we communicate, counsel, and care for every patient.
Empowering others through mentorship
I am committed to developing others. I run a multidisciplinary research forum, supervise pharmacy students on inclusive counselling frameworks, and support early career researchers. Through my blog, Musings of a Pharmacy Researcher, I share reflections on successes and challenges. My goal is to demystify research and inspire colleagues to engage with it as a tool for learning and growth.
Looking ahead
Pharmacy research can close gaps in knowledge and trust. My goal is to champion equitable care that reflects diverse patient realities. Equity is not a side project. It is a standard every healthcare system should uphold. As pharmacists, we are uniquely placed to lead this transformation. Through research, advocacy, and daily practice, we can ensure every patient receives care that is evidence-based and compassionate. There are many ways to make an impact. Pharmacists can innovate, educate, and lead change, and every career path contributes to improving patient experiences and outcomes.
By Jurga McLean, clinical pharmacist and Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow
Learn more
- Scoping review identifying interventions that have been tested to optimise the experience of people from ethnic minority groups receiving systemic anticancer therapy (SACT)
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion in oncology pharmacy practice: Everyone’s business
- Does my ethnicity affect my breast cancer risk?
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists, and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.