Pharmacology and bacteriology are foundational yet challenging subjects for healthcare students, often requiring mastery of complex theoretical knowledge and clinical application skills. To address these challenges, Vevox, a real-time digital polling and engagement tool, was integrated into pharmacology and bacteriology teaching for medical and nursing students at the University of Galway. Through interactive quizzes, live polls and immediate feedback, traditional lectures were transformed into dynamic, student-centered learning experiences that promoted active learning, retrieval practice, critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Students reported greater engagement, enhanced understanding of complex concepts and increased confidence in applying knowledge to patient care. Peer evaluations confirmed that Vevox activities aligned strongly with module learning outcomes and fostered an inclusive, participative classroom environment. Challenges, including variable digital literacy and technical barriers, were mitigated through introductory sessions, clear guidance and backup plans. Evaluation of student performance, participation rates and feedback surveys demonstrated clear improvements in knowledge retention and student satisfaction. This practitioner paper provides practical strategies for integrating accessible digital tools to enhance engagement and learning outcomes in pharmacology and bacteriology education, with insights applicable across healthcare professional programmes in both hybrid and in-person settings.