Josie
What made you want to become a pharmacist? How many years of experience do you have?
I have been a pharmacist for 43 years. I decided on a career in pharmacy as it had the right balance of medicine and chemistry and it gave me the opportunity to have my own business. It is also a profession that helps people. During my years as a pharmacist I have worked in many different areas of the profession eg community pharmacy, hospital, clinical, teaching undergraduate pharmacy students and on advisory boards.
Was your goal always to become a compounding pharmacist and open your own laboratory?
I have always enjoyed and been interested in the “Art” of pharmacy or compounding. I noticed that manufactured medication didn’t always suit the needs of patients especially when it came to animals or children or those with allergies of sensitivities. In 2003 I decided to become a member of the Professional Compounding Chemists of Australia (PCCA) and I opened my compounding lab after undergoing their primary training course. The need for compounded medication has steadily grown since that time.
What do you love most about being a compounding pharmacist?
I love problem solving and there is a lot of problem solving in compounding. Sometimes you just have to think outside the square! There is nothing more satisfying than when you can see a patient benefit from your work, especially the most vulnerable patients like children and animals.
Do compounding pharmacies follow the same regulations as drug manufacturers?
No, compounding is the preparation of an individual drug to meet the prescriber’s exact specifications and to be dispensed directly to the patient. Manufacturing is the mass production of drug products that have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) — these products are sold to pharmacies, health care practitioners or others authorised to resell them. Compounding pharmacies are exempt from the Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) but are not exempt from meeting the quality standards set out in the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
Do you have any fur babies?
Yes, I have two Burmese cats named Ruby and Chester. They are sister and brother and I adore them!
Is there anything else you would like the public to know about you or compounding in general?
The pharmacists and technicians that work at Marion Compounding Pharmacy are committed to providing the best and most timely outcomes to our patients. We are very happy to take the time to answer any questions that our patients may have about their medications or compounding in general.
Anita
How many years of experience do you have? How long have you been with MCP?
I have 34 years of pharmacy experience and was fortunate enough to join the team at MCP one month ago.
Why did you choose a career in pharmacy?
I was working in a pharmacy after I completed school, one day I applied for the role to be a technician at another local pharmacy.. the rest is history.
What do you like most about working in the lab?
I love the variation in the lab, from making capsules, creams and liquids; I enjoy the fact that I can help humans and animals.
How would patients know if their medication needed to be compounded?
They often don’t know, when they arrive in the pharmacy our lovely staff will notify them.
Do you have any fur babies?
Yes, I have a miniature schnauzer. Although she is 8 years old, she still acts like a puppy.
Is there anything else you would like the public to know about you or compounding in general?
The staff love helping people and animals with all the compounding requirements and healthcare needs. On a personal level, working in the pharmacy industry has been a career I have loved.
Dana
Tell us a bit about your career as a pharmacist, how many years of experience do you have? How long have you been at MCP?
I began working in pharmacy in 2002 as a dispensary technician during my undergraduate Medical Science degree. I enjoyed it enough to want to undertake a Master’s degree in Pharmacy. I have been registered since 2009 and working at Marion Compounding since 2010.
What do you like most about working in the lab?
That we can tailor make medicine for both humans and animals, it’s a very friendly atmosphere.
Why did you choose a career as a compounding pharmacist?
I wanted to get back to the base roots where a pharmacist used to make medicine from scratch. I enjoy the fact that we can help people and animals and specific allergies, to tailor to personal needs.
Do you have any fur babies?
Unfortunately not yet, as the kids have been asking for a kitten or puppy which we will adopt once our new house is built!
Sam
Why did you choose a career in pharmacy?
It chose me, I got a summer job another pharmacy whilst studying at University; I have been in pharmacy ever since! I have 32 years’ experience and I have been at MCP for 11 years now.
What do you like most about working in the lab?
I enjoy the variety, it is a satisfying role as you really feel that you’re helping people and animals.
Do you have any fur babies?
I have a cat called Maisie, she is very loving and cuddly.
Is there anything else you would like the public to know about you or compounding in general?
We are a very happy lab, we all enjoy our work and each other’s company; we enjoy helping people and animals and this positive attitude is reflected in our work life. Give us a call or visit us in store if you have any compounding needs.
Gemma
How many years of experience do you have? How long have you been with MCP?
I qualified in England in 2004 and then came to Australia in 2012. I have been working at MCP since my arrival here in Australia.
Why did you choose a career as a compounding pharmacist?
As I was looking for a pharmacist position, there was a position available as a compounding pharmacist. I thought this would be a more challenging role as opposed to a generic pharmacy dispensary position.
What do you like most about working in the lab?
I enjoy the variety of work, saving patients formulation issues. I especially enjoy providing parents support with paediatric compounding medications.
Why are compounded medications necessary? How can we benefit from them?
When there are supply issues and manufacturers are unable to supply the branded products, we can compound them so the patient can continue that medication. We are able to cater to specific needs and allergies if required.
Do you have any fur babies?
I have a 5 year old chocolate Labrador named Rosie, she is full of energy and life; I also have three chickens.
Is there anything else you would like the public to know about your or compounding in general?
We can compound a whole range of vet medications and offer value for money, this benefits you and your pets.
Sonya
How many years of experience do you have? How long have you been with MCP?
I have over 20 year’s experience working in pharmacy, I worked for MCP for 10 years, after leaving for another role I have returned for another 10 years; I clearly cant get enough of the team here at MCP!
Why did you choose a career in pharmacy?
At the time when I was looking for work, I was unsure of what field of choice I would choose. I had a close friend as a manager in a pharmacy which eventually led me to my role. I’m glad it worked out that way as I love what I do, it also provides flexible hours when you have kids.
What do you like most about working in the lab?
I enjoy the positive attitude and friendliness of the staff, as I have returned back to MCP it shows how much I truly enjoy working here. We’re always up for a laugh and passionate about our positions within the compounding pharmacy.
Do you have any fur babies?
I have two dogs and one cat, they are very much loved and a part of our family.