QP alumni testimonials

 

As a production manager, I regularly worked with QPs which gave me a unique insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of the role – and alongside the high profile and pressure, it was the job satisfaction and sense of achievement that most appealed to me. So when the opportunity came up within my organisation to move into the quality department, I immediately asked to be sponsored through the QP training programme. Fortunately, I was given the go-ahead.

 

The flexibility of the RSSL course was hugely important to me – not only in terms of the six-month module schedule, but also that fact that students are able to start at any point during the cycle rather than having to wait for an official course start date.

The relatively short 2-3 days devoted to completing each module was also a motivating factor; it meant less time away from the office and home, as well as fewer expenses and accommodation costs.

 

I found the RSSL team friendly and relaxed; they managed to balance detailed and challenging knowledge sharing, with thoughtful details such as making sure my favourite cake was available for lunch. The sessions themselves were interactive and informal which made for a positive learning environment. And I also met an interesting mix of people in diverse roles from companies of all different sizes, not just the big pharmaceutical giants, which was a welcome benefit.

 

I completed all 12 modules within 2 years (2011-13) and passed my VIVA the following July 2014.

 

Having to say “no” to people. When you are unable to release a batch, this decision will naturally have implications for the overall business, but my primary concern is product and patient safety – this has to come before everything.  So you do need a thick skin and it’s vital that you stand firmly behind decisions and remain consistent.

 

Knowing that I am responsible for releasing products that will prevent or cure diseases. In my previous role I was releasing seasonal flu vaccine which can literally save lives, and my current work with large animal vaccines is just as rewarding because I know healthy livestock have such a huge positive economic impact.

 

My VIVA – but don’t be put off! I found RSSL’s support invaluable in helping my preparation; I was able to attend full day 1 to 1 viva preparation sessions  where I could focus on my individual concerns and  I was able address those areas where I felt I was struggling.    

 

First of all, don’t listen to those around you telling you there is only one provider; choose the QP programme that is right for you.  I qualified successfully first time and a lot quicker than some of my colleagues who went elsewhere.

Secondly, choose your timing to join the course wisely. I found it advantageous to go into the QP programme with significant experience already behind me, which enabled me to put what I learnt into context and get more out of it.

And on a practical note, write everything down in your working day that is relevant to a QP role.  This will prove incredibly valuable when you come to complete your VIVA application form as you will have a record of your achievements.

 

Having worked often worked alongside QPs in technical/lab-based roles, I wanted to better understand their decision-making process; particularly as I didn’t always agree. So I saw it as an opportunity to deepen my knowledge and give me this broader perspective, but also to influence those outside the quality arena.

 

In a nutshell – costs. As one of three employees starting QP training at around the same time, there simply wasn’t enough in the budget to send me on the course the other two trainee QPs had already signed up for.

On reflection, however, the fact that RSSL covers each module in just two or three days worked much better for me; not only in terms of a less intensive training style, but also justifying and managing my time away from the office. Interestingly, two trainees have since gone on to join the RSSL QP training course.

 

My mock VIVA is currently scheduled for July, so since completing the modules last year I have taken advantage of RSSL’s webtorials, which are offered to students as a way of to reinforce understanding and further develop skills. I have found the different scenarios covered in these online programmes extremely useful.

The support offered by the RSSL training team is also reassuring. They get in-touch every so often to make sure everything is going well, and I know I can always contact them if I’m struggling or have questions as they are very approachable.

 

On the whole, I would say it has been really good. In fact, I was quite sad to finish the last module as I’ve enjoyed the learning process. RSSL creates a structured learning environment which is highly informative, without being too heavy going. And I’m already seeing the benefits of the course in my day-to-day work.

Getting out of the office and meeting people from different organisations has also been fantastic; I’m in-touch with many of them on a regular basis and they are now an important part of my network.

On a more practical note, when I needed to reschedule some of the modules - often at the last minute, due to work commitments - RSSL was very flexible and there was never any question of a financial penalty; I was simply allowed to re-book at a later date.

 

For me, it’s the fact that RSSL tutors provide a solid foundation but don’t give you everything you need; there is an expectation of a certain level of independent learning. It’s a teaching style that may not suit everyone but I found it an extremely effective way of consolidating what I had learnt on the course. It means students are pointed in the right direction, but then it’s up to the individual to seek out the relevant information.

 

Time. Achieving the balance between work, study and everything in between has proved a challenge. The nature of this qualification means that you can’t afford not to study and need to be highly disciplined.

 

Thoroughly research QP training before you commit to a course. You will also be working full time, so being able to manage the pressures of your job responsibilities at the same time is essential.

Once you start the course, don’t forget to spend time going through your notes at the end of every module. Make sure they make sense and edit the content while the information is still fresh in your mind – you’ll be very glad you did when it comes to revision.

Plan ahead for your VIVA application form. It’s difficult and time consuming, but you can ease the process by completing the relevant sections as you go along, rather than leaving it to the end of the course.

Build a network for support. I set up two study groups - one made up of external contacts I met at RSSL, the other internal QP and QA professionals – and found that people are generally happy to help and be involved.

Be organised, don’t panic and don’t be pressurised into putting in for your VIVA too soon – especially if you’re not ready.

 

Coming from a family with a medical background, I have always been involved in discussions about medicines, diseases, cures and formulations. This has given me a strong belief in the quality and safety of medicines, which has been a guiding principle throughout my long career in human and veterinary health pharmaceuticals.

So as soon as I realised the scope of the QP role, I saw it as an interesting way to broaden my knowledge and fulfil my childhood dream of exploring every available opportunity for a chemist in the pharmaceutical sector.

 

RSSL was recommended to me by industry professionals, but I also had the chance to take part in a preliminary training session run by the organisation several years ago when I was impressed by the presentation of the training package, the tutors at that time and the cost to benefit ratio.  

In addition, I believe that the QP modules offered by RSSL are better tailored to working individuals.  They may be more concise on content than similar modules offered elsewhere, but they are more suited to a busy and experienced QP candidate such as myself.

 

It took me little more than a year to complete all 12 modules and I am planning to take my VIVA later this year.

The main issue for me is finding the time to prepare while also being extremely busy at work. As a result, I’ve had to put back my VIVA but certainly want to take it before Brexit which could potentially complicate the situation for me.

 

Absolutely enjoyable! I miss it and if I could justify the expense, would happily do the course again just for fun of – and possibly to fill in any gaps I’m not aware of.

The level of tutors was extremely high; their knowledge, experience, delivery of the subjects, innovative approach and general approach made it a joy to attend.

 

The confidence that an experienced and knowledgeable tutor can pass on to the trainee - and the ability to apply it. 

When I got back to my day job, I realised that I was using what I had learned from the training course automatically; almost subconsciously. Of course, it doesn’t happen magically. You do have to work hard, engage with what’s on offer and expand on it in your own personal time.

 

Time to ensure my knowledge and training is sufficient to take the QP VIVA.

 

Do it!  Be involved. Take it all in. Pay attention to detail. Ask questions and challenge!

 

In my previous position as quality manager at Medreich, I regularly interacted with QPs so had first-hand experience of what the role entailed. It made me want to take on the additional responsibilities so that I could have more of a direct impact on safeguarding safety and quality standards for patients.

 

I’ve found I’m less busy with all the day-to-day activities and able to dedicate much more of my time to higher level, quality issues, such as dealing with critical quality failure in different activities, rather than focusing on routine maintenance of systems. And it also gives me more time to work on continuous improvements.

 

Working with RSSL to prepare for my VIVA examination was particularly useful. My trainer tailored the content for me and made it an extremely time-efficient process; we focused closely on what I needed to do to meet the expectations of the assessment board on the day.

Having said that, the small group sizes meant that it was very easy to ask questions during the module sessions, which helped build a strong understanding and made revision much easier.

 

Juggling work life, training demands and “having a life” - because at some points, one of those things had to give so that I could fully focus my energies on passing the QP qualification. I was lucky enough to have the support of my family and colleagues, which made all the difference.

 

It’s important to have the right motivation because going through the qualification process and juggling your other responsibilities is a challenge. So make sure you have a strong support network around you and strong time management skills.

 

Absolutely! I love the interaction with other departments within our organisation, as well as building good relationships with wider stakeholders, such as inspectors and the DMRC. I think the fact that I have stayed in a familiar environment at Medreich, who partly sponsored me through the process, has helped make it a particularly smooth transition.