Meet the Pharmacists

Where did you study/train?

Brighton University.

How long have you been at your Pharmacy?

21 years.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their fertility journey?

Stay positive. Seek support from others on the same journey and those in healthcare who are there to help you. Ask questions - knowledge will help you to feel more confident as you take each step in your fertility journey.

What is your most memorable moment from your career?

So many great moments, too many to pick just one. I really enjoy working with people and for every sad story we hear, we hear so many more happy and uplifting patient stories. It's a privilege to work in community pharmacy.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Life is busy, I have a young family myself. I enjoy being out in nature, my happiest days are at the sea!

Where did you study/train?

I studied and trained in Poland, specifically in the medical university of Wroclaw.

How long have you been at your Pharmacy?

I've been qualified for 20 years of which 19 years have been spent practising as an Irish registered pharmacist.

How long have you been working/interested in fertility?

I have been interested and working with fertility throughout my career. In particular, my interest particularly spiked when we launched our "my fertility pharmacy" service with www.localpharmacy.ie . From there, we began dealing with a lot more fertility patients and our knowledge of the area really bolstered.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Patient interaction without a doubt. I love hearing people's stories and becoming a significant part of their stories. Whether it's enjoying their high moments or being present for their low moment, every interaction gives me job satisfaction.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their fertility journey?

Go to a professional who is well-educated in the area. Whether that be a clinic like Sims IVF as a starting point or it's a visit to one of our pharmacies, we see patients at different stages of the fertility journey. We understand the journey is full of highs and lows, but getting knowledge from someone experienced will allow for you to get greater insights and confidence in the journey.

What is your most memorable moment from your career? 

We had a patient who learned about our fertility service and so visited us to discuss it. She was highly stressed and very emotional about everything that was involved. My role involved listening to her and educating her on how to administer the medication, when to administer it, and how to manage side effects. I was also there to manage stock issues alongside her clinic. Ultimately, we took away the stress of the process for her. It was so gratifying to learn that her treatment was successful and seeing her new born children made the moment even more memorable.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

That's a good question. I am a simple lady with small but specific hobbies. I enjoy walking the dog, spending time with family, reading books and playing the Rubiks cube. I'm yet to find someone who can beat my record completion time!

How long have you been working/interested in fertility?

Since I qualified in 2014, but this has intensified since I joined the team at Medipharm.

What inspired you to become a pharmacist?

I was always interested in science and the human body and pharmacy was an ideal way to blend this with the opportunity to help and connect with other people.

What is your favourite part of your job?

When you make a connection with a patient or their family member, and even for the short amount of time you spend with them you feel you have made a real difference to their lives.

What does a day in the life of a pharmacist look like?

Each day is different! From dispensing scripts, liaising with other healthcare professionals, procuring stocks, checking doses, consultations to paperwork, admin and HR.