Rachel Clapham - KHPeople

What is your role?

I am an anticoagulation pharmacist based in the King’s Thrombosis Centre at King’s College Hospital. I work with Haematology consultants, pharmacists and anticoagulation nurses to initiate and support patients prescribed anticoagulation medication. We use these medications to treat blood clots and prevent strokes in those with an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation. 

I am also actively involved in research. I previously completed a National Health Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Pre-doctoral Fellowship, and I have recently been awarded an NIHR Doctoral Fellowship. My research will focus on preventing blood clots in hospitalised medical patients. 

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

I enjoy having the opportunity to undertake both clinical and academic work as it allows me to identify gaps in our current practice and figure out how we can address them. Our goal is always to improve patient care and I believe this approach is the best way to achieve it. 

I am very fortunate to work within such a friendly and supportive team. We collaborate to solve complex cases and I feel confident asking questions without fear of judgement. They are always encouraging me to progress and take on new opportunities; I wouldn’t have had the courage to apply for the fellowships without their support. 

What inspired you to get into this work? 

Blood clots are the leading cause of preventable deaths in hospitals and there is still so much we don’t understand about them. This means that research in this area has the potential to save many lives. 

I also find it rewarding to support patients who have experienced a blood clot and are taking anticoagulation medication. It can be a scary and confusing time for these patients, and I find it very worthwhile helping them navigate their treatment, ensuring they understand what is happening and what to expect next. 
I am constantly inspired by my fellow pharmacists at the King’s Thrombosis Centre, who are changing practice both within the NHS and internationally with their research. There are still only a minority of pharmacists who undertake research and I want to show more junior pharmacists that we have the skills and expertise to make significant contributions to healthcare. 

What are the benefits of working in partnership? 

Working in partnership is beneficial for both clinical and academic work. In a clinical setting, it means using our different skills and learning from each other to ensure the best outcome for the patient. In research, it allows us to generate new ideas, understand what others are working on, and identify and address barriers. This collaborative approach also increases the likelihood of successful completion of research projects.

What would be your career top tip? 

Don’t be afraid to reach out to others and ask for advice. It can seem daunting to approach those who are more experienced, but I have found that everyone is willing to help you achieve your goals, as long as you’re enthusiastic and eager to learn.

Find out more about the work of KHP Haematology.