Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM
Ochuko Orherhe, MSc, RPh, Pharmacist and Lecturer, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Nigeria
What is your favorite part of being a 2026 Presidential Trainee Award Recipient?
My favorite part was the opportunity to attend the Annual Meeting where I met new people in clinical pharmacology. It was also my first time ever making an oral presentation to an international scientific audience.
What is your favorite part of being a member of the LMIC Accelerator Cohort?
The opportunity to be mentored by one of the best modelers in Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling, Dr. Karen Yeo, who is also the Editor-in-Chief of CPT. We have had quite a number of interactions since she was assigned as my LMIC Accelerator mentor, and I really look forward to growing in the field through her mentorship.
How does being a member of ASCPT help you connect with the global clinical pharmacology community?
ASCPT has different means of connecting with the global clinical pharmacology community. The interest groups have been very useful, especially via the ASCPT Central platform. Also, the connection platforms made available during the Annual Meeting (tables named per interest group during the breakfast sessions, the poster sessions, dinners, etc.) were well thought out and gave good room for networking. Moreover, access to the published articles that I normally might not have access to based on my location is also a good way to connect with what is happening in the global clinical pharmacology community.
Who has inspired you in your career?
Professor Catriona Waitt, a professor of Clinical Pharmacology at the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI), Kampala, Uganda, is a major inspiration. Seeing how she keeps furthering the course of clinical trials and pharmacology in Uganda despite the many challenges and constraints in the African region inspires me to keep doing my best despite the challenges.
How do you keep focused and motivated?
I have my tasks pre-planned per week, and I keep a daily schedule in my journal every day, even up to the weekend. I literally plan every hour of my day. Things do not always work according to plan or what I had scheduled for the day, but it keeps me guided and focused. I am also quite self-motivated, particularly because I work with present goals per season. Also, interacting with other researchers and learning about the work they are doing outside my region inspires and motivates me to not give up on my dreams and ideas.
Ochuko has been a member of ASCPT since 2024.
