My Journey: From Small Town Beginnings to a Thriving Career in Pharmacy Informatics

A Personal Reflection on Growth, Challenges, and Success

By Monalisa Kapinga

It is with deep gratitude that I reflect on my path - from the eldest daughter of immigrant parents in a small town in Ireland to a 30-year-old informatics pharmacist working at the intersection of digital health and pharmacy in London.

This is a story about persistence, curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to learning - and I hope it encourages others to carve their own path, no matter where they begin.

Early Beginnings

I grew up in the late 1990s in a quiet Irish town, where my parents - immigrants seeking better opportunities - worked hard to build a life for our family. Their values of education, resilience, and self-belief were deeply ingrained in me.

Much of my time was spent in the local library reading anything I could get my hands on. I was curious about everything, from how the body works to how the world fits together. At home, my mother taught me maths in the evenings, nurturing a deep respect for learning that has stayed with me. I also developed a love for music, art, and languages - exploring creativity alongside science, and learning how expression and structure can co-exist.

Educational Pursuits

In secondary school, my passion for science truly came alive. It was there that I realised a career in healthcare could offer both impact and sustainability - a path that allowed me to blend service with scientific problem-solving. Though I was deeply drawn to the arts, I ultimately chose healthcare, knowing it would give me the tools and security to support others - and myself.

Despite the financial and social challenges that came with being part of an immigrant family, I remained focused on my studies, driven by a belief that education could be my springboard. That dedication paid off when I secured a place at a prestigious university to study pharmacy - a milestone I’ll never forget.

University Life

Entering university was a pivotal moment for me. It was a chance to immerse myself in the subject I loved and to start shaping my future career. The rigorous coursework, combined with hands-on experience in clinical settings, solidified my passion for pharmacy. This period solidified my foundation as a clinician - but it wasn’t until later in my career that I would discover my passion for technology and digital transformation.

Building a Career

After qualifying, I began practicing as a community pharmacist. I loved the direct patient care, the relationships built over time, and the sense of responsibility that came with the role. But when the pandemic hit, everything shifted.

The healthcare system had to rapidly adapt - and I saw how technology could revolutionise access, safety, and coordination of care. That was my turning point. I realised that I wanted to be part of that transformation - not just as a practitioner, but as someone helping design and implement better systems.

That realisation led me to move to London and pursue a master’s degree in health informatics. I chose the UK because it was - and still is - far ahead of Ireland in digital health infrastructure and innovation. I wanted to immerse myself in that environment and learn from the best.

Challenges and Growth

Being in such a competitive space has been both challenging and exhilarating. In Ireland, I was often the only black pharmacist in the room. In the early days of my informatics career, I was the only pharmacist working in this intersection. Today, I’m no longer the only one - but I still have to work hard to stay ahead, to stand out, and to keep growing.

London gave me more than a degree - it gave me a powerful network. Through university and beyond, I connected with leaders and peers across the digital health ecosystem, from start-ups to public health bodies.

I have seen the evolution of AI, automation, and remote monitoring tools first-hand. Whether it’s improving clinical workflows, enabling preventative care at home, or empowering patients through tech - I now get to see how these innovations drive impact on a daily basis.

Academic Advancements

While working full-time, I pursued a master’s in health informatics at UCL/University of Manchester - a program that stretched me in new directions. I explored the technical, ethical, and regulatory dimensions of digital transformation in health.

My thesis - now on the verge of publication - investigated how digital tools can improve patient safety at scale. That research has shaped my thinking and laid the groundwork for my work in clinical safety and governance today.

Looking Ahead

As I continue my work in digital pharmacy and build my expertise in clinical safety and governance, I’m excited about what’s next.

The healthcare landscape is evolving fast - and I am passionate about helping teams navigate the complexities of regulation, digital prescribing, and technology-enabled care.

Conclusion

To anyone reading this who comes from a small town, an immigrant background, or a non-traditional path: your beginnings do not limit your future.

This journey has taught me that resilience, curiosity, and community are some of the most powerful forces in the world. And if you’re navigating digital health, pharmacy, or clinical safety - I’d love to hear your story, too.

If you want to get in touch with Mona, feel free to comment on her fantastic blog or reach out to her on LinkedIn.