Why I Chose to Be a Community Pharmacist

Sara Shirali, a recently qualified community pharmacist, shares her frustration with the misunderstandings surrounding careers in community pharmacy. She raises concerns about perceptions within the pharmacy profession itself and aims to highlight the often overlooked rewards of this sector.

Career Opportunities in Community Pharmacy

Upon completing my pharmacist qualification this year, I deliberately chose to continue working in community pharmacy, where I undertook my pre-registration training. However, I've encountered a prevailing attitude among peers that community pharmacy is a default career choice—an assumption that it lacks the challenges or rewards of other pharmacy sectors.

Reasons for Choosing Community Pharmacy:

• Personal Connection: Building relationships with a diverse range of patients.
• Holistic Approach: Opportunity to provide comprehensive healthcare advice beyond medications.
• Professional Growth: Learning the complexities of pharmacy management firsthand.

During my MPharm studies, there was a constant emphasis on the prestige of hospital pharmacy, influencing my initial career aspirations. However, my pre-registration experience in a community pharmacy opened my eyes to its complexities and the breadth of knowledge required to excel in this field.

For more insights into career opportunities in community pharmacy, visit Quad Recruitment's Community Pharmacy Page.

Community Pharmacist Salary and Benefits

Contrary to the assumption that community pharmacists settle for less, I find immense satisfaction in the meaningful interactions I have daily. While others suggest higher earnings elsewhere, I believe the impact I make here is invaluable. It's about more than clinical scenarios; it's about human connection and patient care.

Benefits of Being a Community Pharmacist:

• Patient Interaction: Direct involvement in patient care and health education.
• Community Integration: Serving as a trusted healthcare advisor within the local community.
• Flexibility: Varied roles from medication management to public health initiatives.

To explore the salary and benefits of community pharmacists, visit Quad Recruitment's Pharmacy Industries Page.

Defining the Community Pharmacist's Impact

Community pharmacists like myself play a crucial role in healthcare, often underappreciated. We deserve recognition for the skills and dedication we bring to improving patients' health outcomes. Whether in a hospital, community, or any other pharmacy setting, we are all integral parts of the same healthcare team.

Impact of Community Pharmacists:

• Patient Advocacy: Ensuring medication adherence and safety.
• Public Health: Promoting wellness through vaccinations and health screenings.
• Emergency Support: Providing timely healthcare advice during crises.

This blog post by Sara Shirali, originally published in 'The Pharmacist' on 16th April 2022, challenges stereotypes and emphasizes the profound impact of community pharmacy careers. As Sara continues her journey, she advocates for greater appreciation and understanding across all sectors of pharmacy.