Responsibilties

Pharmacy Technician

  • Ensured accurate and timely dispensing of prescription medication to patients, maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism in a fast-paced environment with short deadlines.

  • Managed prescription requests, ensuring all relevant information was correctly recorded and processed to provide optimal patient care.

  • Provided personalised support to patients, offering guidance on the proper use of medications and addressing any concerns or questions to ensure their health and well-being.

  • Maintained strict adherence to pharmacy regulations and operating procedures, ensuring the highest level of quality and safety in all tasks performed.

This role sparked my interest in pharmaceutical news and market reporting, an important and highly lucrative industry. I now cover this sector for the St Andrews Economist Science and Technology section. My first article for the publication, ‘Hollywood’s Worst Kept Secret,’ was informed by the devastating effects of global semaglutide injection shortages on Type 2 diabetic patients, which I witnessed firsthand in the pharmacy. I believe I was one of the first to report on what has since become a globally recognised conversation surrounding Ozempic, Wegovy, and Novo Nordisk—one of my proudest journalistic achievements.

Skills developed

  • Developed strong communication skills through regular interactions with patients, providing clear guidance and support while ensuring a positive experience in a healthcare setting.

  • Adapted to working under pressure with tight deadlines, a skill that has proved crucial in journalism when responding quickly to breaking news and ensuring timely delivery of content.

  • Thrived in a high-pressure, fast-paced setting where multitasking and efficiency were essential, an experience that directly translates to managing multiple stories and tasks in a journalism role.

  • Honed my ability to think critically and resolve issues on the spot, whether dealing with prescription queries or patient concerns—skills that are essential for tackling complex journalistic challenges.