For many people, choosing a career path can feel overwhelming. For Freya, Dispensary Pharmacist at Pharmaxo Compounding, it was an experience during the COVID-19 pandemic that helped shape her future and introduced her to a profession where she could make a real difference to people's lives.
While studying for her A Levels, Freya began exploring careers in healthcare and looking for a role that combined science, problem-solving and patient care. To gain a better understanding of the opportunities available, she completed a placement at her local community pharmacy.
That experience proved to be a turning point.
"Before my placement, I didn't fully appreciate the role pharmacists play in supporting patients every day," Freya explains. "Seeing the impact they could have through advice, reassurance and helping people understand their medicines confirmed that pharmacy was something I wanted to pursue."
Since entering the profession, Freya has discovered that no two days are the same. One of the aspects she enjoys most is the opportunity to support people and help them feel informed and confident about their treatment.
"Even small interactions can make a real difference," she says. "Being able to answer questions, address concerns and support patients in understanding their medicines is incredibly rewarding."
Alongside patient care, Freya has also come to value the collaborative nature of pharmacy. Working as part of a wider healthcare team has provided opportunities to learn from colleagues, share knowledge and contribute to delivering the best possible outcomes for patients.
"Pharmacy is very much a team effort," she says. "Everyone brings different experiences and perspectives, and supporting one another helps us provide the highest standard of care."
For anyone considering a career in pharmacy, Freya recommends gaining practical experience wherever possible.
"Spending time in a pharmacy gives you a real insight into what the profession is like day to day," she explains. "You get to see how pharmacists interact with patients; how different teams work together and the variety that comes with the role."
Looking back, one of the biggest lessons Freya learned was that pharmacy is about far more than medicines alone.
"Communication is such an important part of the job," she says. "It's about listening to patients, understanding their concerns and explaining information in a way that's clear and reassuring. If you enjoy working with people, solving problems and being part of a healthcare team, pharmacy can be a really rewarding career."
As healthcare continues to evolve, professionals like Freya play an important role in helping patients navigate their treatment with confidence. Her journey into pharmacy is a reminder that a single experience can open the door to a meaningful and fulfilling career.