A medical student at the University of Leicester has won an award for her startup which helps pharmacy students prepare for their exams.

Leya Luhar created OSCE Toolbox, referring to Objective Structured Clinical Examinations, to assist undergraduate pharmacy students “prepare for their clinical assessment and real-life patient interactions”.

The tool provides “tailored OSCE scenarios, mark schemes, videos and interactive learning tools”, with Luhar also delivering “workshops at UK pharmacy talks and conferences”.

Read more: ‘Ambitious, positive and community-driven’: Pharmacy sponsoring Everest Army Cadet trek

The university announced on July 2, that she had won the Graduate Startup of the Year category in the UK StartUp Awards, for the Midlands.

The awards are designed for businesses that have “launched within the first three years of trading”.

According to the university, the awards “celebrate the most exciting and innovative new businesses across the country”.

Read more: ‘Truly honoured and humbled’: FIP chief receives RPS award

OSCE Toolbox was created two years ago and since then has helped over 5,000 pharmacy students and “won several awards”.

These included Luhar being named, at the UK Small Business Awards, amongst the “top 10 young entrepreneurs of the year”. 

She also won the university’s own business startup competition, and magazine Corporate Vision’s “education and training award for rising stars in health education technology”.

“Prepared, not terrified”

Luhar is currently exploring “AI, gamification and evidence-based learning”, and how these can improve pharmacy education tools.

She said OSCE Toolbox exists “for one reason, to help future healthcare professionals walk into real patient care feeling prepared, not terrified”.

“Seeing all the effort recognised proves the impact it’s having is extending beyond passing an exam, it’s testament to the hard work taking place to support students through some of the most challenging parts of their degree,” she added.

Read more: ‘Brazen’: Pharmacy thief caught after giving details to staff

Drawing from her own experience as a medical student was also integral to building OSCE Toolbox. “I’m passionate about helping students to feel prepared and supported because I know what it’s like to be in their shoes,” she said.

University of Leicester head of careers and employability Tom Ledgard said “Leya’s success is an outstanding achievement and a real testament to her talent, ambition, and drive”.

“I’m excited for what she and OSCE Toolbox will go on to achieve in the future,” he added.

Read more: ‘Chance to lead’: Elections open for PDA women pharmacist network

It comes after De Montfort University (DMU) Leicester’s School of Pharmacy renewed an award given for its efforts in promoting gender equality.

The university achieved the Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2019 and completed a five year action plan which finished at the end of 2024, with the institution renewing it after submitting another five-year action plan until 2029.

It also follows a panel of female entrepreneurs in pharmacy giving advice to help women in the industry, held at The Pharmacy Show in October.

Sehar Shahid, a pharmacy director and superintendent pharmacist, said it is important to “build your support system” and remember it’s “absolutely okay to ask for help”.