Staff Profile

Natalie Medlicott

After years in research to improve the effectiveness of drugs, Natalie Medlicott realised how important it was to pass on to pharmacy students some of what she was learning.

“I came back to teaching because I saw there were many ways to improve how we administer drugs, and we need to get this across to undergraduates. And I can continue researching at the same time. We’re always finding out new things, which we can pass on to students,” says Natalie.

After graduating at Otago, Natalie worked at Dunedin Public Hospital as an intern and then a staff pharmacist before becoming a clinical tutor at the Pharmacy School.

She began a masters part-time, but upgraded to complete a full-time PhD investigating drug delivery. She did post-doctoral research at the University of Kansas’ Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and then returned to Otago as a research fellow before starting teaching again.

“It’s important to teach drug delivery to undergraduates. When drugs are given to patients there are a number of issues that a pharmacist can advise on to make the drugs more effective. There are a host of different ways and interesting and clever devices to administer drugs, and the one you choose can make a big difference to the patient.

“Students need to understand how the systems work. Unless you understand them you are just giving someone a tablet.”

Apart from teaching in lectures, laboratories, and workshops, Natalie is involved with developing web-based materials for undergraduates and working pharmacists studying at a distance.

“Otago has good access to excellent research equipment and libraries, and supports local, national, and international research collaborations, all of which back up your teaching. I really enjoy teaching the students - they’ve got a high level of motivation and they are so responsive to the information I give them. Some undergraduates interested in research careers work in my laboratory during their summer holidays, which hopefully broadens their opportunities after graduation.

“I came back here because I really like this University - there’s a host of opportunities open to you. I enjoyed the unique campus life here as a student, and now I’m here with my own family, because Dunedin is a great place to live.”