Director, Advantage Pharmacy Group

“Early career pharmacists need to embrace and lead practice change. I would like to be a positive voice amongst the negative out there to inspire our next generation of health care professionals.”

Michael Gray believes his education, business and legal experience can help young pharmacists looking for career advice. “I can offer mentoring support on study programs that are best suited, as well as advice on avoiding pitfalls to those who want to buy their first pharmacy” he says.

“Despite the doom and gloom that many talk about in the profession, I see great opportunities in pharmacy and it’s our younger pharmacists who will ultimately drive this. A career in pharmacy can open many doors, not just community pharmacy”. Michael added that out of all the health professions, pharmacy is the one with the most opportunities. “Don’t be put off by negative talk. Go after what you want.”

“We need to build a community of early career pharmacists that are inspired, resilient and ready to take on whatever challenges and opportunities are ahead of us!”

Elise Apolloni said she was lucky enough to have a number of inspiring mentors in her early days as a pharmacy student and pharmacist. “It would be a privilege and honour to be able to offer that same opportunity I had to early career pharmacists, so they too can benefit from the experience I did”. Elise says she can help by providing ideas, inspiration, guidance and a listening ear to early career pharmacists. “I am interested in making sure early career pharmacists are supported and well-advised during this very important time in their professional life”.

For Elise the “sky is the limit” in the pharmacy profession. “I think our profession is evolving to incorporate more skills and services than we can imagine, and the possibilities are endless. When you love what you do, and you can see the difference you are making to the health of your community, it is a very rewarding feeling, which is why I love being a pharmacist!”