Leaving Ukraine at the beginning of the war and starting a new life in Australia was one of the biggest challenges of my life. After spending some time in Europe, I eventually settled in Australia and completed my pharmacy internship here.

Australian community pharmacy is very different from what I was used to. The pace is much faster, there is a much stronger focus on patient counselling, and pharmacists play a far more active role in providing healthcare advice. The training I received gave me the confidence to adapt quickly and understand the Australian way of practising pharmacy. I’m grateful for the support throughout my internship and for helping me successfully transition into my new career.

My journey started here as a pharmacy student on placement, followed by my internship, and today I’m proud to be managing multiple pharmacies within the group. The guidance, mentorship, and opportunities I received throughout my training played a huge role in shaping my career.

The learning hasn’t stopped. I’m currently completing my Pharmacist Prescribing qualification as part of the first intake of pharmacist prescribers in Australia. It’s exciting to continue growing professionally while helping expand the services we can offer our patients. Looking back, I’m grateful for the trust, support, and encouragement I’ve received throughout every stage of my journey.

Moving to Australia meant adapting to a different healthcare system and learning new professional standards. Throughout my internship, I received hands-on training in dispensing, PBS, pharmacy regulations, patient counselling, and the practical skills needed to work confidently in an Australian community pharmacy.

One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is how highly community pharmacists are valued here. In the Philippines, pharmacists working in community pharmacy often don’t receive the same level of recognition. Working in Australia has shown me how important our role is within the healthcare system, and I’m grateful to have completed my internship in such a supportive environment.

Moving from Egypt to Australia meant adapting to a completely different way of practising pharmacy. One of the biggest differences I noticed was how hands-on Australian pharmacists are. In Egypt, pharmacy technicians are often responsible for much of the dispensing process, while pharmacists mainly focus on checking prescriptions and medications. In Australia, pharmacists are involved throughout the entire patient journey, from dispensing and counselling to ensuring medicines are supplied safely and appropriately.

The transition wasn’t easy, and it took time to understand the Australian regulations, dispensing systems, and professional expectations. The training and support I received during my internship gave me the confidence to develop those skills step by step. Today, I’m proud to be working as a fully registered pharmacist in Australia, using what I’ve learned to make a meaningful contribution to the health of my community.

Coming to Australia as an overseas-trained pharmacist meant I had to learn a completely different pharmacy system. During my internship, I was guided through everything from dispensing software and PBS requirements to Australian pharmacy regulations, patient counselling, and the day-to-day responsibilities of community pharmacy.

Although I had previous experience in the pharmaceutical industry in Iran, community pharmacy in Australia was a completely new experience for me. The support, patience, and practical training I received helped me build confidence every day. I genuinely enjoy working in community pharmacy now and feel well prepared for my career as a pharmacist in Australia.