Get to know: Nivein Yenis
#WeAreNorthern
Meet Nivein Yenis, Clinical Trials Pharmacist Lead, Northern Hospital Epping.
Q: What is your coffee order?
A: Skinny Latte, extra hot 😊
Q: You are known as ‘Mother of Pharmacy” amongst your colleagues. Tell us why?
A: Firstly, I would like to thank my colleagues for giving me the title of the “Mother of Pharmacy”. This title is not just a recognition of my role, but a reflection of the bond we have built as a team in the Pharmacy Department.
In my role, I’ve strived to cultivate an environment where each member is supported and empowered. My goal has always been to care for and assist everyone in the department. Just as a mother looks after her family, I’ve aimed to create a sense of unity, understanding and cooperation among us all.
Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories and grown as individuals, and as a collective force. The pharmacy department is not just a workplace, it’s a family, and I am proud to be a part of it!
Q: You have been with Northern Health for 25 years now. Tell us what major changes have you seen since you first started working ?
A: I started working at Northern Health in 1999 as a pharmacist intern. I was so lucky and blessed to have been given that opportunity. After successfully completing my internship, I was offered a full-time position as a clinical pharmacist, and I have been working here ever since. During my career, I was fortunate enough to cover multiple areas in pharmacy including medical, surgical, emergency, inpatient and outpatient dispensary, manufacturing, clinical trials, HARP outreach. Since 2017, I have held the position of a Clinical Trials Pharmacist Lead, one I truly enjoy!
When I reflect on the 25 years of being a part of this incredible healthcare institution, I feel like it hasn’t been just a job; it’s been a journey of growth, dedication and commitment to the wellbeing of our community.
Over this time, I have witnessed the evolution of our hospital, and it fills me with joy to see how much we have grown, not just in size, but in the difference we’ve made in the lives of our patients. When I first walked through these doors, Northern Health was just a fraction of what it is today. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacy played a key role in stock management, COVID vaccines and anti-viral medications. We also had to adapt to the government and local policies fast, by implementing a safe work environment, including team segregation – something we had never done before!
Furthermore, there has been a significant expansion of home services over the years, something I hadn’t encountered early on in my career. The ability to bring hospital-level care to patients’ homes is remarkable and showcases the excellent work we do as clinicians, of which I’m immensely proud of!
Q: What is your favourite place to travel to?
A: I particularly love travelling with my family and visiting different parts of the world. I have been fortunate to visit multiple continents, including Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe. That being said, Egypt holds a special place in my heart as my favourite country and the place of my birth. It is filled with all my childhood memories, making it a destination I am eager to visit again very soon!
Q: What is on your bucket list for 2025?
A: As a hospital pharmacist and a dedicated volunteer at my local church, the following are on my bucket list for 2025 (I have a long list!):
- Professional Development: Attend a wide range of pharmacy-related conferences to keep me updated on the latest advancements in pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
- Networking: Build strong connections within hospital clinical trials pharmacies.
- Mentoring: Offer my knowledge and experience to mentor young and aspiring pharmacists.
- Personal: Combine my passion for volunteering with my faith and explore opportunities for missionary work.
- Wellbeing: Travel more!