Celebrating World Pharmacist Day
Every year on September 25, we celebrate World Pharmacist Day – a day dedicated to recognising the incredible contributions pharmacists make to healthcare.
Pharmacists do so much more than dispense medication. They’re trusted advisors, helping patients manage their conditions, offering guidance on managing side effects, and ensuring medicines are used safely.
At SWLSTG, we’re proud to have an exceptional team of pharmacists who go above and beyond to support both patients and teams. Here, pharmacists Ricky and Amanda share more about their roles and what they enjoy most about being part of the pharmacy team.
Ricky Wong, Deputy Chief Pharmacist
Q. Could you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in
pharmacy?
“I grew up in Hong Kong and came to the UK for my A-levels, and I’ve been here ever since. I’ve always had a passion for healthcare, combined with a strong interest in mathematics and chemistry. My fascination with how medicines work led me to choose pharmacy as a career path, and I went on to complete my MPharm degree at the University of Bath.”
Q. Could you tell us about your journey to becoming a pharmacist? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
“Moving to the UK alone, without knowing anyone, was a big challenge. There were tough moments, but making new friends and building a support network was key to overcoming these challenges.”
“These experiences helped me grow personally, build resilience, and become more independent. I gained valuable skills that have been essential for both academic success and my professional career.”
Q. What does a typical day look like for you in your role?
“My role has evolved significantly over the past 15 months. I’ve transitioned from a patient-facing position to a more operational and strategic role. My primary responsibilities now include ensuring our pharmacy team delivers a safe and effective services to our patients, reviewing medicines policies and guidelines across the Trust and the SWL ICS to ensure alignment with national standards, and actively participating in committees focused on patient safety, experience, and reducing health inequalities.
“Additionally, I workclosely with the Chief Pharmacist to set and implement medicines optimisation strategies across the Trust and SWL ICS. While my role has shifted, I still engage in clinical activities, such as providing clinical advice to colleagues and supporting the review of complex cases and medication incidents.”
Q. What do you enjoy most about being part of the pharmacy team at SWLSTG?
“We have an incredible team at SWLSTG! Diverse, collaborative, innovative, and forward-thinking. A major highlight has been our team’s work around psychological safety, where staff are encouraged to share ideas and raise concerns without fear of repercussions. This project led us to win the Trust’s 2023 Quality Award for Innovation or Improvement of the Year!”
“Our department is also focused on developing its own staff. We offer various development opportunities and progression pathways to retain our colleagues and encourage continuous learning and development.”
Q. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in pharmacy?
“Pharmacy is a rewarding career with opportunities in patient care, research, and innovation. However, success in this field doesn’t come easily – it requires dedication, hard work, and continuous learning.”
“Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is crucial to staying up to date with the latest knowledge and advancing your career!”
Q. What do you enjoy about working at SWLSTG?
“I find our Trust to be an inclusive organisation where both staff and patients are involved in quality improvement processes. It’s exciting to see the Trust’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist organisation and embedding this culture into our services. There’s also increasing support for leadership development, particularly for colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds, which is really encouraging. I’m confident that the Trust is moving in the right direction and becoming an even better place to work!”
Amanda-Lee, Lead Mental Health Pharmacist
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in 
pharmacy?
“I’m from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on the island of Borneo, a place known for its incredible beaches and diverse wildlife. Fun fact: Sabah is home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia, and the rare Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower!
“Growing up in a biodiverse environment sparked my interest in science and nature. I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between nature and health, and that curiosity is what eventually inspired me to pursue a career in pharmacy.”
Q. Could you tell us about your journey to becoming a pharmacist? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
“My journey to becoming a pharmacist involved overcoming the challenges of working as an immigrant. With dedication, resilience, and the amazing support of mentors, I was able to navigate these hurdles and grow in the profession.”
Q. What does a typical day look like for you in your role?
“A typical day involves problem-solving, clinical work, and continuous improvement. I begin by reviewing updates and setting priorities. As the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) pharmacist, I focus on reviewing new admissions, prescriptions, and collaborating with doctors to optimise treatment plans.”
“I also prioritise key aspects of pharmacy – medicine safety, enhancing pharmacy services, and operational management. Engaging with my team and addressing challenges are integral parts of the role. At the end of the day, I reflect on our progress to ensure our work is making a real difference to our patients.”
Q. What do you enjoy most about being part of the pharmacy team at SWLSTG?
“I really value the diversity and the size of our team. Being a small group helps us work together effectively and adapt quickly when needed. The different perspectives we bring makeour problem-solving better, and the strong sense of camaraderie creates a positive work environment.”
Q. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in pharmacy?
“Stay curious and passionate. Pharmacy is all about continuous learning, whether it's about new medications, evolving treatments, or advancements in technology. Embrace that lifelong learning aspect!”
Q. What do you enjoy about working at SWLSTG?
“I love the strong sense of community and purpose here. Every day, I feel like I’m contributing to something bigger, which is incredibly fulfilling. I also really enjoy working with colleagues from different teams. I think that you can learn so much from working with others.”
