Q&As and interviews with experts in pharmacy, from The Salvadore- salvadore.info

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Career Q&A

Alison Hemsworth: supervision, mentoring and flu vaccines
A minute in the company of one of the most senior pharmacy technicians at NHS England.
Claire Anderson: snorkelling, multitasking and FIPSubscription
A minute in the company of the academic, pharmacy education advocate and chair of the 2018 FIP World Congress host committee.
Graham Stretch: biking, climbing and power toolsSubscription
A minute in the company of the multi-award winning primary care pharmacist.
Leyla Hannbeck: driving fast, fresh croissants and changing her mind on GDPRSubscription
A minute in the company of the National Pharmacy Association’s director of pharmacy.
Christine Heading: career breaks, freelancing and following your gutSubscription
A minute in the company of the pharmacist and academic.
Abraham Khodadi: YouTube, BBQs and not playing it safe
A minute in the company of the social media educational video creator.
Reena Barai: comfy shoes, having no regrets and living la dolce vitaSubscription
A minute in the company of the pharmacy owner and National Pharmacy Association board member.
Training pharmacists in travel healthSubscription
Pharmacist and pharmacy services manager at Hibernian Healthcare, Nadira Callachand, has developed an e-learning travel health vaccination programme for pharmacists, soon to be launched in the UK.
Mixing medicines and MasterChefSubscription
Pharmacist Moonira Hinglotwala talks about her passion for pharmacy, and her experience on the BBC television show, MasterChef.
How Kayt Blythin established a pharmacist-led medicines optimisation service in East Sussex care homes Subscription
Kayt Blythin is a principal clinical pharmacist for medicines optimisation for care homes at Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.
Improving clinical outcomes and the patient experience with the Greater Manchester Cancer VanguardSubscription
Pharmacists possess the analytical and organisational skills required for project and programme management, says James Clark.
Mastering the business of healthcareSubscription
The MBA qualification is suitable for individuals with at least three years’ professional work experience and equips them with the skills and knowledge to become successful leaders and senior managers
Marketing pharmacy as a brand and designing its futureSubscription
Pharmacy has meaning but we struggle to distil and communicate it, says Gavin Birchall
Helping respiratory patients breathe easySubscription
Sometimes as pharmacists we undervalue what impact we can have and how much patients appreciate our skills, says Lucy Lelliott.
How Nuala Hampson promotes the role of pharmacists working in general practiceSubscription
Working in general practice has allowed me to develop my clinical knowledge and medicines management skills, says Nuala Hampson.
Achieving my career potential through the FIP Young Pharmacists Group Mentorship ProgramSubscription
Oscar Ekpenyong participated in the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s Young Pharmacists Group Mentorship Program in 2016 and describes the benefits of being mentored as “tremendous” and “unquantifiable”. Here he explains how participation has shaped his career potential and why others should consider enrolling for the newly relaunched programme.
Making a difference to patient care as an acute hospital inspector for the Care Quality Commission Subscription
It is our duty to ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect at all times, says Priya Patel, Care Quality Commission inspector for acute hospitals in South London
Providing medicines information to the massesSubscription
Sarah Cavanagh, acting director of East Anglia Regional Medicines Information Service for Ipswich Hospital, looks back on her career and her work with a Tropical Health and Education Trust programme supporting training of health workers and capacity building in Mozambique
Managing risk and protecting patient safety as an internal audit manager for GSK GlobalSubscription
The career opportunities for pharmacists in industry are extensive says Hannah Le. Keep an open mind and don’t limit yourself — you might discover the career you always wanted, but never knew existed.
How I balance clinical and managerial support as pharmacy manager for an NHS Treatment CentreSubscription
We pharmacists need to make ourselves indispensable. Although medicines are everyone’s business, we are the experts, says Cathy Cooke.
How I work to improve patient health outcomes at a national level at NHS RightCareSubscription
Working on areas of healthcare where there is true innovation and value can be challenging but is also rewarding, says Jas Khambh.
From Brighton to Oman: my journey to establish pharmacy globallySubscription
The pharmacy workforce is an investment not a cost, says Sarah Marshall.
Fact or fiction? My career as a pharmacist and best-selling authorSubscription
The world of pharmacy has changed so much in recent years, but is still misunderstood by the media, says Amit Dhand.
My journey from analytical chemist to heart failure specialist pharmacist
Helping patients to make sense of a serious and complex long-term condition is the most interesting part of my role, says Rocco Hadland.
How I support pharmacists and community pharmacy teams in my role as regional development managerSubscription
Collaborative working and sharing best practice ideas with other healthcare professionals are vital to achieving excellence in customer care, says Adedayo Titiloye
My life as superintendent pharmacist of a healthy living pharmacy and multi-award winner
Individual success hinges on the collective professionalism and competence of a team, says Ade Williams
How to get your foot in the door with foot careSubscription
In this Q&A — as part of a campaign by The Salvadore and RB — Peter Bettles explains how his pharmacy-based foot clinic meets his patients’ needs while boosting business.
How I support community health services as a national quality pharmacistSubscription
The opportunities for pharmacists within the community services sector are huge, says James Andrews.
What I do as pharmacy services lead for an independent pharmacy business
Nick Thayer has always been vocal about the value and importance of local pharmacy services. Here, he describes how he is leading their development to ensure that community pharmacy remains a priority.
What neuroscience pharmacist Viv Horton does for movement disorder and Parkinson's servicesSubscription
As a neuroscience pharmacist, Viv Horton sees patients in a movement disorder clinic and Parkinson’s Advanced Symptom Unit, and delivers ward-based medicines optimisation services covering neurology, neurosurgery, neurorehabilitation and stroke services.
Bermuda short: my role as a pharmacist in an overseas territorySubscription
As a British overseas territory located around 600 miles off the coast of the United States, Bermuda’s lack of a national healthcare system and borrowed legislation present unique challenges. John Bentley decribes his role and the benefits of island life.
My life as a civilian pharmacist working for the Ministry of DefenceSubscription
As pharmacist lead for medicines optimisation across Defence Medical Services, Helena Pickin ensures high-quality, cost-effective prescribing in the UK and overseas. Here, she explains why and how she embarked on a career with the Ministry of Defence.
What I do as an education and training lead and tutorSubscription
Simon Harris describes his experience in developing and delivering a range of education programmes for pharmacy professionals, as well as the reasons why he became a tutor, and the benefits this has brought to his career.
What Rania Hallaq does as a holistic assessment and rapid investigation clinical pharmacist
The multidisciplinary holistic assessment and rapid investigation team assesses, investigates and treats referred patients with multiple complex medical and rehabilitation needs. Clinical pharmacist Rania Hallaq talks about the demands of running a clinic, problem-solving and managing complex patients.
What pharmacist Sini Eskola does at the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA)Subscription
Forming a view on complicated matters, involving legislation and policy, which influence many parts of pharmaceutical industry businesses, is an important challenge, says Sini Eskola.
My life as a mental health pharmacist in a specialist hospital
As a multi-site pharmacy manager for LloydsPharmacy and lead pharmacist based in the Carleton Clinic, a mental health hospital in Carlisle, John Mowat talks about his career and role in providing the medication supply service for Cumbria Partnership Foundation Trust.
How a community pharmacy owner became the face of a media campaignSubscription
As a community pharmacist, Roger Humbles is aware of the increased levels of illness, deaths and pressure on the NHS in winter. Here, he talks about publicity and running his own pharmacy.
What pharmacist Annie Pannelay does as a consultant for a media companySubscription
Annie Pannelay works in the healthcare practice of the Economist Intelligence Unit — as a pharmacist, not a journalist.
Heading for Hollywood: how community pharmacist Iqbal Mohammed ended up screening his films across the worldSubscription
Balancing working as a pharmacist with writing, directing and producing films means finding time can be a challenge, says Iqbal Mohammed.
How Rachel Macdonald got involved in research in a community pharmacySubscription
Rachel Macdonald, professional services pharmacist for PCT Healthcare Ltd, recently participated in the Salford Lung Study in community pharmacy.
My life as an oncology pharmacist in a private hospitalSubscription
Oncology pharmacist Davina Lau describes the intensity of working with patients who are having treatment for cancer.
How the apprenticeship levy will affect your businessSubscription
The apprenticeship levy is changing and will affect all employers. Vanessa Kingsbury and Tony Allen explain how your business can benefit.
Trying hard: how I tackle my career as a professional rugby player and working as a pharmacist
As a professional rugby player and pharmacist, Ross Wardle fields questions from his colleagues about doping and is concerned about long-term health problems associated with the sport.
On the beat: my career as a police officer and pharmacistSubscription
Pharmacist Adam Grainger’s first arrest has so far been his most exciting moment as a special constable.
Lights, camera, action: my career as a pharmacist and television presenterSubscription
Presenting live television to a global audience in two different languages every morning is a positive stress, says Bav Heer.
Sheep, supply issues and the Shetland Islands: my life as a pharmacist in rural ScotlandSubscription
Working over 100 miles off the coast of Scotland presents unique challenges and requires health practitioners such as Anthony McDavitt to have generalist skills.
High emotions, high expectations, high flying: my life as an airport pharmacistSubscription
Working in an airport means doing shifts at odd times, running travel clinics and dispensing medicines against the clock, explains Pearl D’Souza.
How locum pharmacy work inspired me to build my own businessSubscription
Pharmacist and entrepreneur Jonathon Clarke explains what led him to create his own business — and why he didn’t give up.
Technology and pharmacy: my role as a pharmacist in informaticsSubscription
Pharmacy informatics involves working with new technology, automation and information systems.
How I encourage patients to take part in research in GP practicesSubscription
As a clinical research pharmacist in a GP practice, Andrew Sturrock’s first project will be looking at the development of diabetes.
What I do as a flying pharmacist in Democratic Republic of CongoSubscription
As a pharmacist working for an international charity, Owen Wood shares his knowledge of mass vaccination and medicines procurement.
What I do as a pharmacist expert witnessSubscription
Advising a solicitor about a drink driving case led Graham Mould to become a pharmacist expert witness.
What makes my community pharmacy specialSubscription
Being a community pharmacy owner and an independent prescriber enables professional autonomy for pharmacists, writes Bernadette Brown.
What I learnt in a year as a scholar at the National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceSubscription
Neetu Bansal is looking into how pharmacists can support the recovery of patients with colorectal disease as part of a project for her National Institute for Health and Care Excellence scholarship.
What my career in radiopharmacy involvesSubscription
Radiopharmacy involves the manufacture of sterile radioactive medicines which are used as part of nuclear medicine studies.
What I do as a pharmacist in the prison serviceSubscription
An interest in substance misuse led pharmacist Christine Rowlands to work in Health and Justice services.
My role as a pharmacist at the Rio 2016 OlympicsSubscription
Finding out an athlete has been cheating by taking banned substances is the hardest part of being a pharmacist at the Olympic Games, says Mark Stuart.
How I help bring new drugs to patients in EuropeSubscription
Bringing new drugs to market in Europe keeps pharmacist Marion Westwood on her toes.
How I reduce hospital admissions by working as a pharmacist in 77 care homesSubscription
Carmel Copeland is the senior clinical pharmacist for care homes at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust (NHCT).
How I review anticoagulation as a consultant pharmacistSubscription
Being a consultant pharmacist in anticoagulation is varied and exciting, but supporting patients is still the highlight of the job, says Sharron Gordon.
How to make a successful RPS Faculty applicationSubscription
The SalvaDore (RPS) Faculty recognises pharmacists for their professional achievements. Faculty assessor and journalist Asha Fowells explains what is involved when applying for membership.
How I deliver a pharmacy service for patients undergoing gender reassignmentSubscription
Patients undergoing gender reassignment can find it difficult to get the medicines they need because of how services are commissioned.
How to make the most of your CPD and learning opportunitiesSubscription
Pharmacy professionals have to complete continuing professional development (CPD) activities as a requirement to remain on the pharmacy register. How can they best capitalise on these opportunities for learning?
How Twitter led me to write a book on community pharmacySubscription
After discovering Twitter, Mr Dispenser started a blog on community pharmacy — which eventually became a book.
Why I chose veterinary pharmacy instead of community or hospitalSubscription
Practising veterinary pharmacy offers flexibility and creativity that the traditional sectors do not, writes Rob Morris.
How we refurbished a famous London pharmacySubscription
John Bell & Croyden pharmacy, which first opened over 200 years ago and holds the Royal warrant, has just had a £4m makeover.
How I help community pharmacy teams understand drug pricing and reimbursementSubscription
Working in pricing at the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee gives Harpreet Chana the opportunity to educate and support pharmacists.
How I make a difference leading an HIV pharmacy teamSubscription
By working in HIV medicine, Ghadeer Muqbill can stay on top of the latest research in drugs and best practice.
How I help manage the medicines supply chain as an MHRA inspectorSubscription
Ensuring the quality of medicines manufacturers takes inspector David Churchward across the world.
Why I enjoy inspecting pharmacies for the GPhCSubscription
Inspecting pharmacies for the General Pharmaceutical Council gives Helen Jackson the opportunity to engage the pharmacy team and see services improve.
Homecare provider: bridging the gap between community and hospital pharmacySubscription
A career in homecare enables pharmacist Tariq Atchia to work at the interface of community and hospital pharmacy.
How working in non-pharmacy placements can benefit students' professional developmentSubscription
Role-emerging placements enable pharmacy students in all years to work with members of the public and learn about their needs.
Diabetes UK clinical champions help patients receive better careSubscription
As a Diabetes UK clinical champion, Elizabeth Hackett aims to help pharmacists play a bigger role in the healthcare of patients with diabetes.
How mental health is being improved by community pharmacists in CanadaSubscription
Community pharmacists in Canada are delivering a new type of mental health service called the Bloom Program.
A career in chemotherapy and nutritionSubscription
Independent prescriber Priya Mistry (pictured) has been working as the lead pharmacist in nutrition and peritoneal malignancy at ...
Getting the right medicines at the right priceSubscription
Organisation and delegation are essential skills in a procurement role.
How to prevent health problems related to stress, addiction and anxietySubscription
Charity Pharmacist Support explains how pharmacists can prevent and overcome their own health issues.
Manufacturing medicines in the aseptics unitSubscription
Ensuring that medicines are manufactured to the highest quality is a major part of a pharmacy production manager’s role.
Shared parental leave: what staff and their employers need to knowSubscription
The option of shared parental leave in the UK following a birth or adoption gives couples more flexibility.
Providing specialist mental health support to an acute trustSubscription
Improved outcomes for mental health patients, including reduced length of hospital stay, is a major aim of a new pharmacist role in Wigan.
Promoting antimicrobial stewardship in a hospital labSubscription
Bench rounds at Northwick Park Hospital help promote the prudent use of antimicrobials.
Building a pharmacy for the National Ambulance in the United Arab EmiratesSubscription
Anisha Patel is the only pharmacist working for the National Ambulance service in Abu Dhabi. Here, she describes her role in expanding the pharmacy — and developing services for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Making funding decisions in primary care
Rajiv Dhir is senior prescribing adviser for the Wandsworth Clinical Commissioning Group in London. He explains why working in primary care allows him to be both a practitioner and a manager.
Advising pharmacists who are returning to practiceSubscription
Pharmacists who have not practised for a while may feel daunted about the prospect of returning to work. Michelle Styles, from the Centre of Pharmacy Postgraduate Education, explains what to expect and what you can do to prepare.
Setting up a pharmacy on GP premises: the lawSubscription
Pharmacy owners may have considered locating their businesses on GP premises to increase their dispensing volume. However, they need to ensure they are acting within the law.
Resolving issues with medicines in A&E departmentsSubscription
Lindsay Smith has been lead pharmacist in emergency medicine at Worcestershire Royal Hospital for two years. She describes what the role involves and why it suits her.
Advice on securing a bank loan to buy a pharmacySubscription
Most would-be pharmacy owners have to secure funding from a bank to set up a business. Sean Dixon, head of Business Services Group at the Royal Bank of Scotland, describes what you can expect from your advisers — and what they expect from you.
Supporting pharmacist prescribers in the UKSubscription
Pharmacist prescribers in the North East of England were asked to explain what they used their qualification for and what problems they face. David Gibson describes what the survey showed.
Advocating community pharmacy in EuropeSubscription
In his role at the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union, Jamie Wilkinson spends his time promoting community pharmacy in a variety of ways. Here, he describes the travelling, presenting and networking associated with the job.
Teaching pharmacy students in NamibiaSubscription
Newcastle-based pharmacist Nicola Rudall took a career break to teach clinical pharmacy to students in Namibia, in south-western Africa. Here, she describes the challenges she encountered and why this role is so vital.
Setting up a pre-registration placement at a clinical commissioning groupSubscription
Pharmacists in Leeds have created a new pre-registration placement, where trainees split their time between a clinical commissioning group (CCG) and a hospital. Sue Alldred, care homes pharmacist at Leeds South and East CCG, describes the process.
Supporting vulnerable patients with addictionSubscription
In her role as an advanced pharmacist in addictions, Elizabeth Marr supports patients who often face prejudice in society. Here, she describes the challenges she faces.
Getting started with weekend working in a hospital pharmacySubscription
The pharmacy department at Watford General Hospital recently introduced longer weekend working hours. Operational manager Sue Schechter describes how they made the changes without causing too much disruption to the staff.
Helping newly registered pharmacists to work in general practiceSubscription
Newly registered pharmacists have been given the opportunity to work with GPs in southern England as part of a programme run by a consortium of GP surgeries. Ravi Sharma, senior primary care pharmacist and quality assurance lead, explains how the programme was set up and what it has achieved.
Improving service provision by engaging patients as a healthcare consultant Subscription
Pharmacist Mark Duman helps organisations improve their services and products by involving patients and the public. He advocates sharing knowledge with patients to help them make informed choices about their healthcare.
Discovering how to identify new psychoactive substances through PhD researchSubscription
Researcher Amira Guirguis is designing a model to improve on-site identification of new psychoactive substances of misuse. She explains why the work is vital to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and prevent avoidable deaths.
Developing studies to test drug safety as a research fellowSubscription
In her role as principal research fellow at the Drug Safety Research Unit, Deborah Layton uses principles of pharmacoepidemiology to develop studies to help assess the safety of drugs.
Establishing an electronic prescribing system at a new hospital in QatarSubscription
Hospital pharmacist Anish Patel moved to Qatar in 2014 to help set-up a new women and children’s hospital in Doha. Here, he describes his role in establishing an electronic prescribing system.
Helping people look younger as an aesthetics practitionerSubscription
Independent prescriber and pharmacist Tejal Sangani opened her own aesthetics clinic, SaRivaa, in 2011. Here, she explains how her pharmacy background comes in handy.
Triaging urgent care patients via a non-emergency telephone helplineSubscription
Reema Caddies splits her time working between urgent care helpline NHS 111 at Yorkshire Ambulance Service and managing medicines for Local Care Direct, which operates an out-of-hours GP service.

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Claire Anderson: snorkelling, multitasking and FIPSubscription

Graham Stretch: biking, climbing and power toolsSubscription

Leyla Hannbeck: driving fast, fresh croissants and changing her mind on GDPRSubscription

Christine Heading: career breaks, freelancing and following your gutSubscription

Reena Barai: comfy shoes, having no regrets and living la dolce vitaSubscription

Training pharmacists in travel healthSubscription

Mixing medicines and MasterChefSubscription

How Kayt Blythin established a pharmacist-led medicines optimisation service in East Sussex care homes Subscription

Improving clinical outcomes and the patient experience with the Greater Manchester Cancer VanguardSubscription

Mastering the business of healthcareSubscription

Marketing pharmacy as a brand and designing its futureSubscription

Helping respiratory patients breathe easySubscription

How Nuala Hampson promotes the role of pharmacists working in general practiceSubscription

Achieving my career potential through the FIP Young Pharmacists Group Mentorship ProgramSubscription

Making a difference to patient care as an acute hospital inspector for the Care Quality Commission Subscription

Providing medicines information to the massesSubscription

Managing risk and protecting patient safety as an internal audit manager for GSK GlobalSubscription

How I balance clinical and managerial support as pharmacy manager for an NHS Treatment CentreSubscription

How I work to improve patient health outcomes at a national level at NHS RightCareSubscription

From Brighton to Oman: my journey to establish pharmacy globallySubscription

Fact or fiction? My career as a pharmacist and best-selling authorSubscription

How I support pharmacists and community pharmacy teams in my role as regional development managerSubscription

How to get your foot in the door with foot careSubscription

How I support community health services as a national quality pharmacistSubscription

What neuroscience pharmacist Viv Horton does for movement disorder and Parkinson's servicesSubscription

Bermuda short: my role as a pharmacist in an overseas territorySubscription

My life as a civilian pharmacist working for the Ministry of DefenceSubscription

What I do as an education and training lead and tutorSubscription

What pharmacist Sini Eskola does at the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA)Subscription

How a community pharmacy owner became the face of a media campaignSubscription

What pharmacist Annie Pannelay does as a consultant for a media companySubscription

Heading for Hollywood: how community pharmacist Iqbal Mohammed ended up screening his films across the worldSubscription

How Rachel Macdonald got involved in research in a community pharmacySubscription

My life as an oncology pharmacist in a private hospitalSubscription

How the apprenticeship levy will affect your businessSubscription

On the beat: my career as a police officer and pharmacistSubscription

Lights, camera, action: my career as a pharmacist and television presenterSubscription

Sheep, supply issues and the Shetland Islands: my life as a pharmacist in rural ScotlandSubscription

High emotions, high expectations, high flying: my life as an airport pharmacistSubscription

How locum pharmacy work inspired me to build my own businessSubscription

Technology and pharmacy: my role as a pharmacist in informaticsSubscription

How I encourage patients to take part in research in GP practicesSubscription

What I do as a flying pharmacist in Democratic Republic of CongoSubscription

What I do as a pharmacist expert witnessSubscription

What makes my community pharmacy specialSubscription

What I learnt in a year as a scholar at the National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceSubscription

What my career in radiopharmacy involvesSubscription

What I do as a pharmacist in the prison serviceSubscription

My role as a pharmacist at the Rio 2016 OlympicsSubscription

How I help bring new drugs to patients in EuropeSubscription

How I reduce hospital admissions by working as a pharmacist in 77 care homesSubscription

How I review anticoagulation as a consultant pharmacistSubscription

How to make a successful RPS Faculty applicationSubscription

How I deliver a pharmacy service for patients undergoing gender reassignmentSubscription

How to make the most of your CPD and learning opportunitiesSubscription

How Twitter led me to write a book on community pharmacySubscription

Why I chose veterinary pharmacy instead of community or hospitalSubscription

How we refurbished a famous London pharmacySubscription

How I help community pharmacy teams understand drug pricing and reimbursementSubscription

How I make a difference leading an HIV pharmacy teamSubscription

How I help manage the medicines supply chain as an MHRA inspectorSubscription

Why I enjoy inspecting pharmacies for the GPhCSubscription

Homecare provider: bridging the gap between community and hospital pharmacySubscription

How working in non-pharmacy placements can benefit students' professional developmentSubscription

Diabetes UK clinical champions help patients receive better careSubscription

How mental health is being improved by community pharmacists in CanadaSubscription

A career in chemotherapy and nutritionSubscription

Getting the right medicines at the right priceSubscription

How to prevent health problems related to stress, addiction and anxietySubscription

Manufacturing medicines in the aseptics unitSubscription

Shared parental leave: what staff and their employers need to knowSubscription

Providing specialist mental health support to an acute trustSubscription

Promoting antimicrobial stewardship in a hospital labSubscription

Building a pharmacy for the National Ambulance in the United Arab EmiratesSubscription

Advising pharmacists who are returning to practiceSubscription