Andrew

Community pharmacist, Wattle Care Pharmacy
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) 2008

"There's a great sense of satisfaction in providing primary health care and building rapport with the people in the community where I was brought up.

At the moment I'm working full time as pharmacist in charge, and part time at another suburban pharmacy. I oversee daily pharmacy operations such as checking and counselling prescriptions and over the counter medications, stock control in the dispensary and shop front, and daily cash handling/banking. We also provide pharmacy services to aged-care facilities.

For me, the best part of the job is the opportunity to refine my managerial skills through the successes and failures of everyday decisions. I'm also gaining insight into what's involved in owning a pharmacy from the proprietors.

After graduating, I didn't have a specific career direction in mind. I worked in hospital pharmacy at first and the change to community pharmacy has been challenging and rewarding. In the future, I'd like to learn more about the various business models of community pharmacy and the strategies for growth and sustainability in this competitive market. Owning a pharmacy could be something I'd pursue further down the track."