The intersection of pharmacy and public health is a growing and vital field, yet it remains an emerging specialty. In a recent episode of my podcast, Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders, I had the pleasure of speaking with Professor Diane Ashiru-Oredope, a leading voice in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and pharmaceutical public health.
Diane’s journey from clinical pharmacist to national public health leader is both inspiring and insightful. With over 15 years in public health leadership roles—including at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), and the University of Nottingham—she has been at the forefront of shaping national and international policies in tackling AMR. In this blog, I’ll share key insights from our conversation, including her vision for pharmaceutical public health, the importance of lifelong learning, and how leadership opportunities often arise when we least expect them.
From Clinical Pharmacy to Public Health Leadership
Diane’s career began in clinical pharmacy, but her love of research quickly set her on a path that combined science with policy impact. After earning a PhD in pharmaceutics, she returned to clinical practice, only to find herself drawn towards a bigger-picture approach—shaping policies that affect populations rather than treating individual patients.
Her transition into public health came in 2010 when she took on a part-time role at the Health Protection Agency (now UKHSA), supporting the government’s advisory committee on AMR. This role soon expanded, and by 2015, she was working full-time in public health leadership, helping to develop national stewardship interventions to combat AMR.
One of the most striking parts of Diane’s journey was her recognition that public health pharmacy was a legitimate and essential field—even when others questioned whether she was still a “real pharmacist.” She now proudly embraces her role as a pharmacist with a population health focus, using her expertise to influence policy and improve health outcomes at scale.
The Vision for Pharmaceutical Public Health
Diane has been a driving force in establishing pharmaceutical public health as a recognized specialty. While we already have dental public health and ophthalmic public health, the integration of pharmacy expertise into public health is still in development.
Through a commissioned evidence review for the UK’s Chief Pharmaceutical Officers, Diane explored the barriers and opportunities for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to gain public health skills. The findings were clear: 86% of public health specialists saw value in pharmacists acquiring additional public health expertise.
Her current work focuses on:
- Developing structured pathways for pharmacists to gain advanced public health skills.
- Strengthening policy influence by embedding pharmacists within public health teams.
- Expanding research capacity in pharmaceutical public health to support evidence-based policy.
Her goal is to see more pharmacists trained in public health without needing to become generalist public health consultants—ensuring they remain rooted in pharmacy while enhancing their impact at a population level.
Lifelong Learning and the Power of Mentorship
Diane’s passion for learning is evident throughout her career. Despite her extensive experience, she continues to seek out new opportunities for development, including completing a Master’s in Public Health and engaging in leadership coaching.
She now plays a pivotal role in learning and development at UKHSA, chairing a directorate-level learning group and championing professional growth. However, she almost didn’t apply for this role—believing she wasn’t the right fit. It was only through encouragement from colleagues that she stepped forward and discovered a new leadership avenue.
This theme of self-doubt and stepping up recurred throughout our conversation. Diane noted that many professionals (especially women) hold themselves back from applying for leadership roles, assuming they aren’t “ready.” Her advice? If an opportunity excites you, apply—others often see your potential before you do.
She also highlighted the power of mentorship and coaching, not only for career progression but for better supporting those we lead. After completing my coaching course, Diane shifted her mentoring approach—using coaching questions to help mentees uncover what they really needed, rather than jumping straight into giving advice.
Broadening Impact: The Role of Deputy Chief Scientist at RPS
Diane’s work at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has further expanded her leadership skills, taking her beyond AMR into a broader pharmaceutical science and research role.
Initially, she doubted whether she should apply for the Deputy Chief Scientist position—until coaching helped her realize she already had the skills. Now, she’s influencing national strategy on research capacity-building and workforce development, stretching her expertise in new directions.
Her key lessons from this role?
- The power of strategic influence—impact isn’t always about direct action; sometimes, the most valuable work comes from shaping conversations.
- Scaling up impact—transitioning from individual mentoring to designing system-wide training programs for the pharmacy workforce.
This ability to continually grow, adapt, and step into new spaces is what makes Diane such an influential leader.
Pharmaceutical Public Health on a Global Scale
Diane’s impact extends far beyond the UK. She is actively involved in global health initiatives, including:
- Co-chairing the Africa Special Interest Group at the Faculty of Public Health, working with experts across Africa to develop sustainable health solutions.
- Leading antimicrobial resistance collaborations with WHO, ECDC, and the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association.
- Chairing a European Society of Microbiology subgroup focused on antimicrobial stewardship.
Despite her extensive experience in international health, Diane admitted that she only recently started identifying herself as a global health professional. This shift in mindset reflects an important lesson: we often underestimate the significance of our own contributions.
What’s Next? Looking Ahead 10 Years
Unlike many leaders who map out long-term career plans, Diane takes a flexible, opportunity-driven approach. She knows what she doesn’t want, but remains open to where her career might take her.
One thing is certain: her mission to establish pharmaceutical public health as a recognized specialty will remain at the heart of her work. Whether through policy, research, or leadership, she is committed to ensuring pharmacists play a central role in tackling public health challenges.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t always about having a set destination—it’s about being open to opportunities, embracing continuous learning, and stepping into roles that challenge and inspire you.
Key Takeaways for Health Leaders
- Pharmacists have a vital role to play in public health.
- Integrating pharmacy expertise into population health strategies can improve medicine-related outcomes at scale.
- Never assume you’re not “qualified” for a leadership role.
- If an opportunity aligns with your skills and passions, step forward—you may be more ready than you think.
- Learning and mentorship are essential for leadership growth.
- Investing in both structured education and informal coaching can accelerate career progression.
- Global health isn’t just about working abroad.
- If your work has an international impact—even indirectly—you’re already contributing to global health.
- Leadership isn’t about having a rigid 10-year plan.
- Be open to evolving opportunities, and trust that each experience will shape your path.
Reflective Questions for Health Leaders
As you reflect on the insights from Diane’s career journey, consider these questions to help guide your own leadership growth:
- How can you expand your current role to have a greater population health impact?
- Have you ever hesitated to apply for a leadership opportunity? What held you back?
- How do you actively seek out mentorship or coaching, and how could you support others in return?
- Are you fully recognizing the impact of your work, both nationally and globally?
- What learning opportunities—formal or informal—could help you develop new leadership skills?
To hear more from Diane, listen to the full podcast episode. And if you’re looking to advance your leadership journey, visit www.fionadayconsulting.co.uk for free CPD resources designed for medical and public health leaders.
Here’s to shaping the future of health leadership—one opportunity at a time!
Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Get 3 hours of FREE CPD with Fiona’s Health Career Success Programme here. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here. Subscribe and listen to her Podcast ‘Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders’ here.
