Helen Root began her pharmacy career as a dispensing technician, before going on to study pharmacy at the University of Bradford and registering as a pharmacist in 2005, bringing over 25 years’ experience in community pharmacy to the department. She has worked as a community pharmacist, specialising in services such as anticoagulation testing and substance misuse before taking up the role of teacher practitioner for Boots Pharmacy at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ. She joined the Leicester School of Pharmacy full time in 2013 where she teaches Pharmacy Practice and with a special interest in Pharmacy law and ethics.
Helen is currently lead tutor for MPharm undergraduate placements and has held various roles of responsibility within the school, including Programme Leader for MPharm, MPharm Student Voice Chair, MPharm Employability Champion and MPharm Admissions Tutor. In February 2023 she successfully led the MPharm programme through its reaccreditation with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and was lead for the revalidation of same course in line with the university’s Education 2030 vision. She also acts as a Fitness to Practise Investigator for Health and Life Sciences, is the School of Pharmacy Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee member, and is an active member of the School of Pharmacy Athena Swan team. She is also a member of the School Teaching and Learning Group (SLTG) where she has an interest in active learning teaching methods.
Having a keen interest in pharmacy careers and post-graduate education, Helen has led on a variety of projects linked to employability, including pre-registration training support the development of an annual pharmacy careers event, which continues to attracts major pharmacy employers and key leaders in the profession. She also worked as a local events tutor for the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) who provide continuing professional development for pharmacy teams. She was also the chair for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Local Pharmacy Forum for the Leicestershire area.
Helen is a contributing author to Dale and Appelbe’s Pharmacy and Medicines Law.