Margaret Allan, Pharmacy Dean at Health Education and Improvement Wales, has been awarded the title of Honorary Professor from Cardiff University.
Margaret received the title from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for her passion and leadership throughout a successful career in pharmacy.
On receiving the award, she said, “I am exceptionally honoured and humbled to have been made an Honorary Professor of Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science. It is particularly special as the Head of School, Professor Mark Gumbleton, and my fellow professional colleagues were instrumental in supporting this honour, which means a so much to me.
“I feel very lucky that the profession of pharmacy has provided me with a diverse range of opportunities to bring me to this high point in my career. I am passionate about pharmacy and believe it has a key role to play alongside our health and social care colleagues in supporting the health and wellbeing of our populations.”
A pharmacy graduate from the university, Margaret developed a broad range of skills in direct patient care from pre-registration in University Hospital of Wales, community pharmacy, prescribing advisor, leadership roles in community pharmacy and a career in education and training.
Margaret spent 15 years in Wales Centre for Professional Pharmacy Education (WCPPE) in a number of roles - first as a tutor and finally as Director. In 2014, she became a fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
This year, Margaret had the privilege of becoming the first Pharmacy Dean in Wales, leading a new chapter for pharmacy and health education as part of the newly formed Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW).
Professor Gumbleton, said: “The School is proud to recognise Margaret and acknowledge her leadership as the former Director of WPPE in developing the pharmacy workforce in Wales.
“Her new role as Pharmacy Dean within HEIW comes at a time when pharmacy practice is experiencing a significant transformation. These changes will require excellence and innovation in the education and training of pharmacy professionals. It is here that Margaret’s expertise will be critical in developing strategy and consolidating working relationships between HEIW, NHS Wales and the Welsh university sector ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes."
Margaret now hopes her success will inspire others pursuing careers in pharmacy
She said: “I would never have thought as a young newly registered pharmacist that I would be where I am today. I hope that my journey inspires the current undergraduates, registrants and pharmacy teams to realise that anything is possible if you grasp the opportunities presented to you, take chances and learn from mistakes.
“The opportunities for pharmacy have never been better and I hope that I can continue to provide leadership and inspiration for the workforce.”
ENDS
Notes to editor:
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) was established on 1st October 2018. It is a special health authority within NHS Wales created by bringing together three key organisations for health - the Wales Deanery, NHS Wales’ Workforce Education and Development Services (WEDS), and the Wales Centre for Pharmacy Professional Education (WCPPE).
Sitting alongside health boards and trusts, HEIW has a leading role in the education, training, development and shaping of the healthcare workforce in Wales. Its key functions include education and training, workforce development and modernisation, leadership development, strategic workforce planning, workforce intelligence, careers, and widening access.
Further information can be found at https://heiw.nhs.wales/