I started my journey at Cardiff University around five and a half years ago where I spent four years working towards my goal of becoming a pharmacist.
Daniel Freeman - Clinical Pharmacist
After my pre-registration year, closely followed by a brief stint as a provisionally registered pharmacist, I qualified in April 2021.
During my first year in university, I noticed an advertisement for a pharmacy counter assistant in the shop window of the newsagent I was working in. I knew that I would enjoy working in a patient-facing role and after applying for the position, I was successful in getting the job at the community pharmacy which is based in Cardiff.
I continued to work in both the newsagent and the pharmacy throughout my whole university experience, and I am fortunate to still be working in the pharmacy. I have very close relationships with my colleagues, tutor and patients; the sense of community has helped to build my confidence.
Alongside my community pharmacy responsibilities, I have recently started working as a hospital pharmacist, which has given me an insight into a different field of pharmacy. I truly enjoyed my laboratory and hospital placements in university, so working in the hospital is helping me to further my knowledge, experience and critical thinking.
I want my work to have an impact and make a difference to patients’ lives in every aspect which has led to me advancing into a hospital setting.
In addition, I am incredibly proud that I am now a qualified COVID-19 vaccinator and have been able to provide vaccinations in the community. It is great to see pharmacists in community pharmacies being utilised to help with the overall vaccination programme, which is crucial to help reduce the spread of the virus.
I hope to further my studies and expand my knowledge. I plan to become more involved in all aspects of pharmacy and give pharmacists a voice, by promoting the profession.