Kellann Kemp

Pursuing a Master of Pharmacy Practice wasn’t part of Kellann Kemp’s (Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Te Whānau-a-Kai) plan.

“I’d always felt drawn to a career where I could care for the wellbeing of others, I just wasn’t sure what that would look like,” she says.

In need of work, she secured a position at her local pharmacy, drawing on her Bachelor of Science from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington to land the role. Her employers supported her professional growth, eventually encouraging her to pursue a Master of Pharmacy Practice at Waikato.

“It was a door opening for me,” she reflects. “This was an opportunity for me to pursue my passion for science.”

The two-year programme is open to anyone with a major in a molecular science, attracting students from varying backgrounds.

She’s enjoying the opportunity to dive deeper into health science. One of her favourite classes is Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, despite having no background in the subject.

“So far, I have really enjoyed all my classes, and they have added to my kete mātauranga (basket of knowledge),” she says.

I often stay after class to ask questions – my lecturers are incredibly approachable and supportive.

Kellann’s long-term goal is to use her clinical knowledge alongside te ao Māori values to support health outcomes and equity for tangata whenua.

“Some people struggle to understand the instructions on the box and can be scared to take their medication because of it,” she explains. “I want to create more options to help people to look after themselves.”

She hopes more people who are passionate about science and patient-centred care will consider enrolling in the master’s programme.

“If you love helping people, go for it!”