CONTENT NOTE 
This episode includes an open discussion of terminal illness, the death of a parent, and end-of-life and palliative care, with a brief reference to pregnancy loss. Support for pharmacists is available through the Pharmacists’ Support Service, 1300 244 910.

In Part 2 of this conversation, we welcome back Nancy El-Miski, registered pharmacist and Credentialled Diabetes Educator at SparrowHub, for a conversation she asked to have: grief, and what it means for how we practise.

This is one of the most personal episodes we've shared.

Nancy reflects on supporting her father through cancer, balancing the roles of daughter and pharmacist, and how grief changed the way she practises pharmacy.

Rather than seeing empathy as simply being kind, Nancy explains why understanding a patient's lived experience is one of the most important clinical skills a pharmacist can develop.

In this episode:

• Holding the roles of daughter and pharmacist during her father's palliative care
• Why she chose to stock and train her team on end-of-life medications
• How understanding grief changed the way she designs patient services
• A simple habit that helps you notice when a patient or colleague is struggling

"Empathy is one of our best tools in pharmacy." - Nancy El-Miski

Whether you're early in your career or have been practising for decades, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the care pharmacists provide extends far beyond dispensing medicines.

You can find Nancy El-Miski on LinkedIn.

About Your Pharmacy Career Podcast

Welcome to Your Pharmacy Career Podcast, proudly produced by Raven’s Recruitment - the experts in pharmacy career and locum services for over 30 years!

Hosted by Pharmacist, Krysti-Lee Patterson, every episode is your gateway to new opportunities in the pharmacy profession. From expert advice to inspiring success stories, we’re here to spark ideas, guide your career, and help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a student, an early-career pharmacist, or a seasoned professional, this podcast is designed to keep you informed and inspired.

Proudly brought to you by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. The PSA is committed to empowering pharmacists through advocacy, innovation, and industry-leading professional development. To become a member or learn more about how the PSA can support your career, visit www.psa.org.au.

Pharmacy Daily is a proud supporter of Your Pharmacy Career Podcast. If you're in the pharmacy world, it's a great resource to stay up to date with the latest industry news. To subscribe, just head to pharmacydaily.com.au to get the newsletter delivered straight to your inbox

We sit down with Curtis Ruhnau, an award-winning community pharmacist with more than 40 years of experience, current President of the Pharmacists' Support Service, and a passionate advocate for community-centred pharmacy.

Curtis became the youngest licensed pharmacist in NSW at just 21. Together with his wife, he has built a nationally recognised pharmacy founded on trust, compassion and genuine patient care. From harm minimisation initiatives to supporting vulnerable members of the community, Curtis shares why the most rewarding pharmacy careers are built by putting people first.

In this episode:

• How becoming the youngest licensed pharmacist in NSW shaped his career
• Why community outreach and harm minimisation improve patient outcomes
• Leadership lessons from guiding a pharmacy through the COVID-19 pandemic
• Why mental health and domestic violence training matter for every pharmacist
• The importance of asking for help and supporting the wellbeing of the profession
• Why the greatest legacy in pharmacy is the impact you have on your community

"It's not just about the business, it's about the people you serve, and the legacy you leave."

Great pharmacy careers aren't built on dispensing medicines alone - they're built on trust, leadership and service. Listen now.

You can find Curtis Ruhnau on LinkedIn.

Resources

• Pharmacist Support Service - https://supportforpharmacists.org.au
• DV Alert - Domestic Violence Training - https://www.dvalert.org.au/
• Small Business Big Impact Podcast - https://smallbusinessbigimpact.com/

About Your Pharmacy Career Podcast

Welcome to Your Pharmacy Career Podcast, proudly produced by Raven’s Recruitment - the experts in pharmacy career and locum services for over 30 years!

Hosted by Pharmacist, Krysti-Lee Patterson, every episode is your gateway to new opportunities in the pharmacy profession. From expert advice to inspiring success stories, we’re here to spark ideas, guide your career, and help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a student, an early-career pharmacist, or a seasoned professional, this podcast is designed to keep you informed and inspired.

Proudly brought to you by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. The PSA is committed to empowering pharmacists through advocacy, innovation, and industry-leading professional development. To become a member or learn more about how the PSA can support your career, visit www.psa.org.au.

Pharmacy Daily is a proud supporter of Your Pharmacy Career Podcast. If you're in the pharmacy world, it's a great resource to stay up to date with the latest industry news. To subscribe, just head to pharmacydaily.com.au to get the newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.

We sit down with A/Prof Fei Sim, whose inspiring career journey proves that success isn't always about following the path you first imagined.

As a child, Fei dreamed of becoming an artist. While life took her in a different direction, she discovered that pharmacy offered something just as fulfilling - the opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives through service, care, and leadership.

What began in community pharmacy evolved into a career spanning leadership, advocacy, and influential national and international roles. Along the way, Fei embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.

In this episode:

• How a childhood dream of art led to an unexpected career in pharmacy
• Why purpose became the driving force behind every career decision
• The leadership lessons gained through community pharmacy and advocacy
• How saying yes to new opportunities opened doors to national and international impact
• Why meaningful careers are built through continuous learning and service
• Advice for pharmacists looking to grow beyond traditional career pathways

"Lead with purpose, not titles."

Fei's story is a powerful reminder that your career doesn't have to follow the plan you started with. By remaining open to opportunity, staying curious, and focusing on making a difference, you may find a path that's even more rewarding than the one you first imagined.

You can find A/Prof Fei Sim on LinkedIn.

About Your Pharmacy Career Podcast

Welcome to Your Pharmacy Career Podcast, proudly produced by Raven’s Recruitment - the experts in pharmacy career and locum services for over 30 years!

Hosted by Pharmacist, Krysti-Lee Patterson, every episode is your gateway to new opportunities in the pharmacy profession. From expert advice to inspiring success stories, we’re here to spark ideas, guide your career, and help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a student, an early-career pharmacist, or a seasoned professional, this podcast is designed to keep you informed and inspired.

Proudly brought to you by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. The PSA is committed to empowering pharmacists through advocacy, innovation, and industry-leading professional development. To become a member or learn more about how the PSA can support your career, visit www.psa.org.au.

Pharmacy Daily is a proud supporter of Your Pharmacy Career Podcast. If you're in the pharmacy world, it's a great resource to stay up to date with the latest industry news. To subscribe, just head to pharmacydaily.com.au to get the newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.

We sit down with Nancy El-Miski, whose pharmacy journey spans more than two decades across community pharmacy, leadership, clinical services, and now digital health innovation.

Arriving in Australia as a baby with her family, Nancy grew up watching her mother build relationships and community through their family business. Those early lessons in connection, resilience, and service would go on to shape a remarkable pharmacy career.

From becoming a pharmacy manager at just 22 years of age, to leading Sydney's first 24-hour pharmacy, and more recently transitioning into her role as in-house pharmacist at SparrowHub, Nancy shares the experiences that have defined her professional journey.

In this episode:

• Why she chose community pharmacy over a PhD pathway
• The realities of managing a pharmacy that never closes
• Lessons learned through leadership and clinical service delivery
• How motherhood inspired a new chapter in her career
• The growing role of technology in supporting independent pharmacies
• Why continuous reinvention is essential for long-term career success

"The only failure is if you say no" - this is the advice that changed everything for Nancy El-Miski.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that career growth doesn't always follow a straight line - and that some of the most exciting opportunities emerge when you're willing to say yes before you feel completely ready.

You can find Nancy El-Miski on LinkedIn.

About Your Pharmacy Career Podcast

Welcome to Your Pharmacy Career Podcast, proudly produced by Raven’s Recruitment - the experts in pharmacy career and locum services for over 30 years!

Hosted by Pharmacist, Krysti-Lee Patterson, every episode is your gateway to new opportunities in the pharmacy profession. From expert advice to inspiring success stories, we’re here to spark ideas, guide your career, and help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a student, an early-career pharmacist, or a seasoned professional, this podcast is designed to keep you informed and inspired.

Proudly brought to you by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. The PSA is committed to empowering pharmacists through advocacy, innovation, and industry-leading professional development. To become a member or learn more about how the PSA can support your career, visit www.psa.org.au.

Pharmacy Daily is a proud supporter of Your Pharmacy Career Podcast. If you're in the pharmacy world, it's a great resource to stay up to date with the latest industry news. To subscribe, just head to pharmacydaily.com.au to get the newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.

We’re turning the microphone around as guest host Jenny Kirschner interviews our usual host, Krysti-Lee Patterson, about her own pharmacy career journey - from accidentally discovering pharmacy while studying biomedical science, to leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and building innovative education platforms like lrnrx.

What shaped her path?
Mentorship, resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to pursue opportunities outside traditional pharmacy career pathways.

What drives her work today?
A passion for innovation in pharmacy, empowering pharmacists to recognise their value, and creating new opportunities for education and professional growth. 

In this episode:

• The mentors and experiences that shaped Krysti-Lee’s career
• Lessons learned through leadership and advocacy
• Navigating ADHD and entrepreneurship
• Starting and building a business without a financial safety net
• Innovation, disruption, and the future of pharmacy
• Why pharmacists need to better understand their professional value

This conversation is an honest reflection on the realities of leadership, entrepreneurship, and building a meaningful career that doesn’t follow a traditional or linear path.

A huge thank you to Jenny Kirschner for leading such a thoughtful and insightful discussion.

You can find Krysti-Lee Patterson on LinkedIn.

Do you have questions about your pharmacy career? Then contact us or meet our team.

Associate Professor Sarah Dineen-Griffin shares her journey from community pharmacy to becoming a nationally and internationally recognised leader in pharmacist prescribing, research, and education. 

Sarah is a registered pharmacist and Program Convenor of the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing at the University of Newcastle and has led the prescribing trials across NSW and ACT. Backed by $8 million in NSW Government funding, her research was to evaluate and implement expanding pharmacists’ scope to prescribe for common conditions, including UTIs, skin ailments, and contraception.

Sarah is Vice President of the Community Pharmacy Section Executive Committee of the International Pharmaceutical Federation and Director of the FIP Hub, driving global pharmacy innovation. Sarah was awarded the Beryl Nashar Alumni of the Year in 2024, and a Fellowship to the International Pharmaceutical Federation and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia in 2024.

What shaped her path?
It started early - working in community pharmacy at just 14 years old - and evolved into a career focused on improving access to care and helping pharmacists practise to their full potential.

What drives her work today?
A strong belief that evidence, collaboration, and patient safety must underpin any expansion of scope.

In this episode:

• How early pharmacy experience can shape long-term career direction
• Why research plays a critical role in policy and practice change
• The realities of pharmacist prescribing and expanded scope
• Building trust, collaboration, and safe models of care
• What Australia can learn from international pharmacy practice
• Addressing burnout and supporting the future workforce

From community pharmacy beginnings to influencing national and global practice, this episode highlights the impact pharmacists can have beyond traditional roles.

You can find Sarah Dineen-Griffin on LinkedIn.

Do you have questions about your pharmacy career? Then contact us or meet our team.

Glenn Angel, pharmacist and founder of Pharmacy Halo, shares how questioning everyday processes led him from community pharmacy into tech entrepreneurship.

What sparked the shift?

Not a grand plan but a simple question: “Why are we still doing it this way?”

What started as frustration with missed orders and paper-based systems became a drive to create smarter, more efficient solutions now used by pharmacies across Australia.

In this episode:

• Turning frontline challenges into scalable solutions
• Innovation beyond traditional pharmacy career paths
• The role of technology in improving pharmacy operations
• Why questioning “the way it’s always been done” matters

From community pharmacy to building national tech solutions, this episode highlights how diverse and dynamic a pharmacy career can be.

You can find Glenn Angel on LinkedIn.

Do you have questions about your pharmacy career? Then contact us or meet our team.

Explore the leadership journey of Prof Mark Naunton, National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, as he shares his perspective on the future of pharmacy in Australia.

From growing up in rural Tasmania to leading the profession at a national level, Mark reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and the lessons that continue to influence his leadership approach today. This episode dives into the evolving scope of pharmacy practice, workforce challenges, and the expanding role pharmacists play across the healthcare system.

Gain practical insights into leadership, career development, and how pharmacists can position themselves to contribute meaningfully to the future of the profession.

In this episode:

• Mark’s journey from rural Tasmania to national pharmacy leadership.
• Key influences that shaped his career and leadership philosophy.
• The evolving scope of practice, including prescribing and expanded clinical roles.
• Workforce challenges and opportunities across the Australian pharmacy sector.
• The role of the PSA in advocacy, education, and shaping the profession.
• How pharmacists can prepare for future career pathways and leadership roles.
• Practical advice on lifelong learning, adaptability, and professional growth.

This episode provides a compelling look at the human side of leadership and offers listeners a clearer understanding of how individual experiences can shape the future direction of an entire profession.

You can find Mark Naunton on LinkedIn.

Do you have questions about your pharmacy career? Then contact us or meet our team.

Discover Ellen Bolger-Rowe's inspiring story of blending pharmacy, dance, and community involvement. From navigating career crossroads to owning a dance studio, her journey highlights the importance of following passions, building a strong network, and taking bold steps. Gain insights into how embracing change can lead to a fulfilling career and life outside traditional paths.

Ellen is a final-year pharmacy student at Charles Sturt University and Secretary of the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA).

This episode explores:

• Ellen's unique multi-decade journey from pharmacy assistant to pharmacy student
• The role of mental health challenges in career decisions
• How early employment and mentorship shaped her career path
• Balancing and blending passions for dance and pharmacy
• The importance of community involvement and advocacy
• Insights into rural pharmacy practice and scope expansion
• Steps to overcome self-doubt and expand comfort zones
• The value of leadership and extracurricular activities in career growth
• Future trends in pharmacy, including mentorship and networking
• Practical advice: "Throw yourself at things - you're not going to die"

It’s an honest conversation that we think will resonate with many pharmacy students and early career pharmacists who may be questioning their path.

Sometimes stepping away is actually part of finding your way back.

You can find Ellen Bolger-Rowe on LinkedIn.

Do you have questions about your pharmacy career? Then contact us or meet our team.

In this episode, Deb Hawthorne shares her journey through pharmacy, highlighting the diverse roles and opportunities beyond traditional pharmacy practice. She discusses advocacy, rural health, and the importance of upskilling and community engagement in shaping the future of consultant pharmacy.

Deb is Consultant Pharmacist of the Year, rural health leader and Chair of PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Community of Special Interest.

This episode explores:

• How rural practice shaped her leadership.
• The realities of delivering medication reviews across a 500–600km catchment.
• Why consultant pharmacists are advocating for reform in the current Federal Budget cycle.
• The impact of HMR caps and stagnant remuneration since 2019.
• How Deb built a 4,000+ member national consultant pharmacist community.
• Why pharmacists must engage directly with policymakers.

This is not just a policy conversation. It’s a career conversation.

It’s about how clinical experience turns into advocacy. How saying yes creates opportunity. And how pharmacists can step into leadership wherever they practise.

You can find Deb Hawthorne on LinkedIn.

Do you have questions about your pharmacy career? Then contact us or meet our team.