Investing in the Next Generation of Pharmacists

Over the past two weeks, our pharmacy team had the privilege of hosting Emily, a second-year pharmacy student from RMIT University, for her placement. What unfolded was more than a routine student rotation, it was a reminder of the profound responsibility we carry as pharmacists to nurture, guide, and inspire the next generation.

From day one, Emily approached her placement with curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to learn. She asked questions, welcomed feedback, and immersed herself in every aspect of community pharmacy. What impressed me most, however, was her ability to absorb not only the technical skills of dispensing and clinical decision-making, but also the heart and purpose that underpin what we do each day.

Our team took the time to coach her, quiz her, and explain why we approach patient care the way we do, with compassion, dignity, and an unwavering focus on outcomes.

On her last day, Emily surprised us all with handmade thank-you cards and thoughtful gifts for each staff member. In her note to me, she wrote: “Thank you for all the guidance, all the lessons, all the opportunities and overall thank you for the amazing experience for my two-week placement. I’ll be recommending Pharmacy 777 and following your guide to be a pharmacist more focused on integrated health. I’ve been inspired to work harder as well as build connections to expand my knowledge for the better care of patients.”

The transformation we witnessed in Emily over just two weeks was striking. She grew more confident in her clinical reasoning, more articulate in patient interactions, and more assured in her professional identity. These are not changes that happen by chance. They happen when students are surrounded by mentors who believe in their potential and model the values that make pharmacy more than a job, a vocation of care.

As healthcare professionals, we must recognize that early experiences like these leave lasting imprints. They shape how future pharmacists will carry themselves, how they will treat their patients, and how they will lead in their communities.

I could not be prouder of my team for the role they played in Emily’s development. Their willingness to teach, encourage, and share their knowledge reflects the very best of pharmacy practice.

Our patients deserve pharmacists who are not only clinically skilled but also compassionate, resilient, and purpose-driven. By investing in students like Emily, we are investing in the future of healthcare itself.