IPU Secretary General Clare Fitzell spoke to MPharm students in University College Cork (UCC) at their 2026 Orientation and Business Seminar on 7 September. The Seminar provided students with the opportunity to hear from pharmacy colleagues working across community practice, business, industry, professional leadership and healthcare innovation.

In addition to Ms Fitzell, speakers included Martin Hynes of McCabes Pharmacy; Laura Romero and Stephen Duggan of Pharmaconex; Tom McDonald of JPA Brenson Lawlor; Shane O’Neill and Danielle Gillen (CIPD) of Uniphar; Louisa Power of APPEL; Patrick Grace of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; and Laura Dillon of the HSE Spark Innovation Programme, who all shared their experience and perspectives with the assembled students. Dr Aoife Fleming, MPharm Year Coordinator, said: “The MPharm Business Seminar is a highlight of the academic year, with inspiring presentations from pharmacy colleagues across diverse sectors sharing their experience and advice with our MPharm students. The presentations highlighted the value of mentorship, forming connections and excellence in patient-centred care at the core of a pharmacist career. Our MPharm students are looking ahead to their futures and benefit greatly from the seminar. In this exciting time for the profession of pharmacy, our speakers presented on their innovative and impactful careers and the opportunities that await our University College Cork, School of Pharmacy graduates.”

Ms Fitzell said: “It is great to see the enthusiasm of the future members of our profession, and I wish all the students well in their final year. It is an exciting time to qualify, and I look forward to watching them become future leaders in our profession.”