In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training stream, host Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist and Founder at Locumate is joined by Ghassoub El Assaad, a Community Pharmacist and Founder of PharmacyDownUnder. Listen in as the episode seamlessly weaves Ghassoub’s journey, insights into the challenges and growth within the Pharmacy profession, and a forward-looking vision for the transformative future of Pharmacy services.

Ghassoub starts the conversation by reflecting on their transformative journey within the Pharmacy profession, shedding light on the evolving perception of the role over the past five years. Initially viewing Pharmacy as centered around routine tasks, Ghassoub now emphasizes its multifaceted nature, advocating for a broader understanding beyond dispensing and customer interactions.

The narrative delves into Ghassoub's personal and professional growth, shaped by a family deeply ingrained in healthcare and a mentoring experience that significantly impacted their career trajectory. Expressing gratitude for the impactful guidance received during their internship, Gus highlights the rarity of such supportive mentorship in the Pharmacy field, culminating in the creation of Pharmacy DownUnder—a platform aimed at filling the void in mentorship and knowledge-sharing for Pharmacy interns. COVID-19's impact on the Pharmacy profession becomes a focal point, with Ghassoub addressing the challenges faced by new graduates during the pandemic. The discussion pivots towards bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and effective communication, emphasizing the importance of balancing high-level clinical thinking with accessible language for community engagement.

Ghassoub then unfolds the intricacies of adapting to online platforms, sharing insights into content creation for Pharmacy interns and early career Pharmacists on platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube. The importance of maintaining a growth mindset and the power of delayed gratification is emphasized, offering practical advice for personal and professional development.

The episode concludes with Ghassoub's forward-looking perspective on the rapid evolution of Pharmacy, anticipating expanded prescribing rights and increased service accessibility. The overarching theme underscores the Pharmacist's role as a health professional, promoting a community-centric approach and positioning Pharmacies as pivotal contributors to healthcare services.