Pharmacy Technician - Kody Stuart Interview
The third Tuesday in October is celebrated as Pharmacy Technician Day. Pharmacy Technician Day recognizes the invaluable contributions made by pharmacy technicians to patient health and safety and as an integral part of the healthcare team. It's a day for pharmacy technicians to reflect on their careers and realize the impact they've had on patients and fellow pharmacy professionals.
To celebrate the day, PSNZ interviewed pharmacy technician Kody Stuart from Life Pharmacy Coastlands, in the Kapiti Coast. Read the full interview below:
PSNZ: Tell us about yourself. How and why you became a Pharmacy Technician?
KS: My name is Kody. I'm 28 years old and a mum of 2 boys. I became a Level 5 Technician by setting myself a goal to be qualified before my children started school. I was interested in learning further how to help my children not only with modern medicine, but also how and why the body responds to certain factors and pharmacy has been one of the best avenues I have ventured down as a career.
I studied full-time at NZMA Wellington for about 18 months which included commuting, exams, work placements, theory, and practicals while also working part-time, which led me into full-time work and where I am currently still part of the team at Life Pharmacy Coastlands. We are the largest pharmacy on the Kapiti Coast sitting right next to our urgent care centre and offer an extensive range of additional services to the community.
PSNZ: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
KS: The point of contact with patients and customers and that no day is the same. You really do learn something new every day. Everyone is fighting a battle. If we can listen and help educate our patients, then we start to change the way people view pharmacies and how to ask for help.
PSNZ: In your opinion, what are the trends and challenges that will shape the future of pharmacy?
KS: I think technology will help with pharmacy services. App rollouts, text reminder services, and online points of contact are definitely trending and can help streamline the processes. I believe one of the challenges we face in the near future is how pharmacies will be able to adapt and interact with GP practices.
PSNZ: What advice would you give to high-school leavers who want to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician?
KS: Look at all your options and career pathways, talk to people in the industry, and make the decision to go for it. It's a rewarding career!
PSNZ: How will you be celebrating Pharmacy Technician Day this year?
KS: At work with all of our dispensary team, some goodies and a lot of laughs.