Welcome to your March issue, which as usual is filled with wonderful opinion pieces and clinical content written by pharmacists, for pharmacists.
Once again, we get an insight into the experiences of a modern student taking their first steps into the world of pharmacy. These features are a welcome addition to the line-up of content, as they contrast nicely with the opinions of our accomplished and distinguished columnists. Maybe it will also stir-up a few memories for you.
Anna eloquently describes how she stumbled onto the idea of pharmacy education by chance, and first got the ‘pharmacy bug’ at an introductory lecture. She was drawn to the profession for all the right reasons — a love of science, and an in-built desire to help people.
It was also a little startling to hear that some of her misguided peers were describing how they would become ‘overpaid shopkeepers’ at the end of their pharmacy studies. Perhaps you also have a smile on your face at this moment too — a rude awakening awaits them, before they eventually find their best-suited careerpath. Probably as a shopkeeper. Anna also describes how at times, when she informs people that she’s studying to be a pharmacist, people cock their heads to the side like a dog who has heard a confusing sound, not quite sure what to say. Despite the best efforts of our pharmacy bodies, there’s still some work to do in terms of public awareness.
I feel confident in predicting that in five- to-10 years’ time, that lack of awareness won’t be a problem. Prescribing powers and clinical skills will reveal to the public the true abilities of their community pharmacist. It’s a change that will happen one patient at a time, who tells their friends, family, etc, and the pebble in the pond will generate waves of fresh perception. Exciting times.
Returning to the topic of young pharmacists, APPEL is now accepting expressions of interest for 5th-year pharmacy student placements. Don’t miss your chance to host one of these wonderful young folks and help to shape the next generation of pharmacist-clinicians.
Pat Kelly, pat@greenx.ie
