Senior Clinical Pharmacist

What are your main responsibilities in this role? 

I lead our practice based pharmacy team to provide and support the delivery of pharmacy services to our patients and care homes in our local area. 

My role is varies from day to day.  I conduct dementia reviews, support patients with long term chronic conditions, support palliative and end of life care planning as well as dealing with medication queries and appliance requests.  

How did you start out in your role? 

I've spent many years working in Community Pharmacy, latterly working to supply medicines to care homes, carrying out visits and training to care homes. 

I spent several years working at our Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as a Care Home Pharmacist before joining the practice in Addlestone.  

What entry-level jobs should someone pursue if they are looking to follow a similar career path? 

Pharmacist. 

What skills are most important in your job? 

Having good clinical understanding and professionalism is vital to be an empathetic pharmacist who can meet the needs of our patients within the expected clinical guidelines. 

We also need to be flexible and able to adapt to the changing needs of our patients and the health care system. 

What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? 

Time and work management. 

What are the biggest rewards in your role?  

Being able to follow the patient through the whole of their medicine query from the beginning to the end with everything in-between gives job satisfaction. 

I also enjoy working with our great multi-disciplinary team.  No day is the same and I can learn something new every day. 

Top tips for others thinking about working as a pharmacist? 

Accept and embrace every learning opportunity.  

I would never have thought I would work with older people, but I went on a course to deliver training and from that, the first course I delivered was for care home staff. Everything has blossomed from there. 

Your next step on your career pathway? 

Consultant Pharmacist.