What I wish I knew sooner: Top tips for new pharmacy students
Attending a JCU Open Day activity as a high school student was the catalyst for JCU Pharmacy Student Association (JCUPSA) President Chloe Kappel’s journey into pharmacy.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school, but I knew I wanted to help people and have job security,” says Chloe.
“I remember attending the JCU Open Day and making lip balms in the pharmacy building laboratories. It was a turning point for me. I also got the chance to speak to some of the pharmacy students and I was instantly inspired.”
The third-year pharmacy student was born in Urraween in Hervey Bay and grew up in Townsville. She chose to study pharmacy at JCU after hearing about the program's excellent reputation and getting a taste of it herself at the JCU Open Day. The fact that it was right on her doorstep made it a no-brainer.
“It didn’t make sense for me to move to another city when JCU was right here with such a great pharmacy program.
“I think the most standout experience from studying at JCU is the interactions and support from all the pharmacy staff. I love that I get to come to class and say hello to the academics, and then start my day. The relationship between pharmacy students and the staff is so unique. We are all so close and we can always have a laugh and casual chat with our lecturers. I can’t think of another degree that offers the same experience. We are incredibly lucky.”
As she enters her final year of study, Chloe reflects on her past three years of pharmacy and offers five top tips for new pharmacy students. Here are some things she learned over the past three years of studying pharmacy that she wishes she knew sooner.
1.The first year of pharmacy builds important foundations of knowledge.
Your subjects revolve around chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology in first year. This year is all about getting a taste of pharmacy, as well as gaining all the necessary foundational scientific concepts and information. So, it’s important not to lose sight of that. When you get to second year, your study becomes a lot more clinically focused, and all the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place — so perseverance is key!
2. Pharmacy is so much more than the supply of medicines to our community.
When I first thought about pharmacy, I thought the job would predominately revolve dispensing prescriptions and supplying medicines, however, this degree has taught me that it’s so much more than that. Pharmacists are not only in charge of the provision of medications but also optimising medicine use and the education of patients. We educate patients about their medications and how they can improve their disease states. We talk to patients about the side effects and contraindications of medications. We also provide patients with non-drug methods that can help improve their health, and also prevent an illness in the future as well. It’s a very important role that I think gets overlooked.
3.Pharmacists are an integrated and important part of health care delivery in Australia.
Pharmacists provide a unique and important focus in the provision of health care and education. This became abundantly clear when I completed my placement at Mount Isa Hospital. Pharmacy crosses over so many different aspects of health care and sometimes doesn’t fit into people's categories. A lot of health professionals realise after working closely with the pharmacy team that we are a broadly skilled and integral part of a multi-disciplinary team.
4. There are various avenues of pharmacy that you can pursue.
A lot of people believe that the only avenue of pharmacy is within the community setting in a pharmacy, but there are also other avenues such as in a hospital and the Defence force, aged care, and primary care settings that offer a completely different experience. There is also the option to go into pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, or clinical trials. The possibilities are endless!
5. Studying pharmacy at JCU will offer an experience that no other university can offer.
Pharmacy at JCU has been and continues to be, one of the most unique experiences of my studying career. I’ve built lasting relationships with my peers and that just adds to the charm of my degree. You get to know just about every single person in your year — which is super handy when it comes to exam time, and you need some advice or some study tips! You also get to build relationships with your lecturers. They all know you by name and know what your personality is like. It’s a great support network and comforting to know that if you’re having a tough time, the pharmacy faculty will check up on you. I can’t count the times that I’ve had an off day or have had personal troubles, and one of the faculty members has noticed and checked up on me. It really makes a difference.
Pharmacy is an in-demand career that can take you anywhere. Read more about Melissa Gibson’s ‘Gold Lotto’ job and follow the adventures of 2021 graduate from Western Australia Patrick Wright and Torres Strait pharmacist Caitlin Davies.
