These two areas in manufacturing are closely related, but they have important differences. Where QA is about ensuring that development and maintenance processes are adequate in order for a system to meet its objectives, QC is a set of activities designed to evaluate the developed products.
QA is a systems-based career, often focused on designing, implementing and managing new systems for the manufacturing process to ensure their quality. A QC chemist is responsible for testing the products themselves. They prepare and test samples from all phases of a manufacturing or other handling process, with the goal of determining if the substance meets particular standards or requirements.
Rosanda Buljubasic works in quality assurance for pharmacovigilance, ensuring that drug safety activities for vaccines and medicines are performed in line with regulatory expectations and contractual obligations, with patient safety and public health at the forefront. It is a complex and challenging role, but she enjoys working with like-minded people that share the same vision and dedication to providing safe and effective medicines to meet public health needs.
Rosanda Buljubasic
Rosanda did both her Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Honours) and Doctor of Philosophy at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science. During her time at Monash, she gained the ability to learn on her feet, critically appraise evidence, work in collaborative teams, and challenge ideas and established processes. Rosanda says Monash was supportive in providing unique opportunities for her to differentiate herself from others in the workforce.
Rosanda says that the path to a rewarding career where you are part of something bigger than yourself is often not a straight line. She encourages students to think outside the square about the career opportunities offered by a degree in the pharmaceutical sciences. Her advice is to look for people and organisations who will consistently support your efforts to translate your potential into reality.