Pacific graduate discovers exciting world of pharmacy

The call to increase the number of Pacific pharmacists in Aotearoa, New Zealand has been helped along by Bachelor of Pharmacy graduate Sionekau Katoa Lokeni. 

The Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland graduate crossed the stage on 10 December, joining some 40 pharmacists with a Pacific background, helping to meet the needs of the country’s 300,000 Pacific peoples. 

Medical literacy and jargon has long been a barrier for the Pacific community. Already equipped with an innate understanding to communicate effectively with that community, Lokeni is set to make a difference. 

Born in Aotearoa, growing up in Glen Innes in east Auckland, Lokeni (Mutalau, Avatele/ Niue and Hoi, Tatakamotonga, 'O 'Ua/Tonga) attended Sacred Heart College. A tertiary education was inevitable with his father holding a degree in design, an older brother a university graduate and his younger sibling about to embark on university life. 

He recalls the tough transition from high school to university; taking first-year health sciences was a major step up with the extra study workload, all the while trying to figure out how to balance work and playing sport. 

By far one of the biggest challenges was ‘coming out of his shell’  the normally reticent graduate says. Pursuing a healthcare career meant he had little choice but to step out of his comfort zone. 

“I'm a shy and quiet person in general, but had to talk with patients and health professionals. Working in a team was a challenge, and I was forced to overcome if, but that, in turn, helped me to grow as a person. 

“Through pharmacy school, I was able to meet new people, make new friends, and experience unforgettable memories inside and outside the classroom, for which I am grateful. 

“My journey also forced me to grow, step outside of my comfort zone countless times, and think outside of the box, whether that be counselling a patient on medication or answering a medication-related question from a doctor.” 

As his studies progressed he soon discovered the field of pharmacy played a crucial role in healthcare. 

“A definite highlight for me was discovering the exciting world of pharmacy and the significant yet highly underrated role of pharmacists.” 

He says faith, family, academics, and sports have been the four significant pillars of his life, shaping the person he is today and helping with his accomplishments. Growing up in a Christian household and attending a Catholic high school, faith has always been an integral part of his family, shaping his values and morals. 

“My family has been beside me throughout my journey from day one. This was dropping me off at the bus stop and picking me up, making me lunch, doing my chores when I was too busy studying, checking in to see if I’m alright and keeping me on track with my academic goals. 

“My parents, in particular, have sacrificed a lot for me, for which I am incredibly grateful. I use their sacrifices to motivate me to reach my goals. My brothers have also been there for me in other ways, such as helping out at home when I’m too busy. They also motivate me to serve as a role model and be someone they can be proud of.” 

Next year he will undertake a pharmacy internship, working full-time in a community pharmacy.  The internship year includes completing assignments, tests and a final Pharmacy Council Assessment Centre OSCE examination. Lokeni is hopeful he can successfully complete the year ahead and already has aspirations for where his clinical and academic career might take him. 

“At the end of the year I hope to pass and become a fully registered and qualified pharmacist. From there, I hope to try hospital pharmacy and am considering postgraduate study in clinical pharmacy.”