Dedicated Community Pharmacist - Article Example

Mr. X is extremely liberal with his valuable time. For example, he has attended my pharmacy once a week for over six years. Considering the enormous distances he must travel to do so it heartens me that he always treats both my customers and myself with enthusiasm and vigor; more so as he does this without any monetary recompense whatsoever, such is his enthusiasm to return to the register.  Mr. X is fervent in his desire to gain valuable experience under my tutelage – something that I actively encourage.

Mr. X, while obviously on restricted duties, performs a variety of valuable tasks while working in the pharmacy. These include providing homeopathic remedies as well as dispensing conventional medicines. Mr. X also enjoys working at the counter as it allows him to interact with patients as well as allowing him to keep up to date with changes in regulations regarding many over-the-counter medicines. Mr. X is very active in preventive care. He encourages customers to engage in healthy lifestyle pursuits - advising patients about the potential dangers associated with cigarette smoking for example – and is fully versed in all the smoking cessation programs that our pharmacy offers. Indeed, Mr. X’s customer service is outstanding.

He is always engaging and energetic when dealing with patients. Moreover, Mr. X explains in clear simple English exactly what each prescription does, whether there will be any complications or potential side effects, and whether there are any better or cheaper generic medications available. Overall, Mr. X’s customer service skills are exemplary.

I rely on Mr. X’s discretion and professionalism at all times. I trust him to dispose of patients' returned medication; permit him to make entries in the Controlled Drug register with minimum supervision; allow him access to the Private Prescription book and encourage him to order repeat prescriptions for patients should they request such. I have the utmost confidence in Mr. X, even sanctioning him to place important orders with the various pharmaceutical companies that supply my pharmacy.

Mr. X is always keen to maintain his professional awareness and sustain his developmental skill set. As a pharmacist, I liaise regularly with local medical practitioners. Mr. X has never failed to accompany me to these meetings often acting as my proxy should I be unavailable. He always displays an eagerness to learn from these encounters never failing to ask questions and expand his knowledge base.

I am aware that he is proficient in all of the latest developments in the field especially as he reads all the relevant literature in the field such as PJ Online, Pharmacy Journals, Chemist, and Druggist. Mr. X has shown me other educational material that he has covered, such as the Druggist CPD Update and Idis courses. In keeping with his multi-disciplinary approach to preventive care he also reads many of the latest medical journals – indeed he is conversant with many of the latest medical developments outside our field. Consequently, I consider Mr. X’s current clinical knowledge as exceptional, thorough, and at times inspiring.

As to the matter under consideration, I know firsthand the mortification and indignity that Mr. X felt when we first discussed his shortcomings and business failings. I, therefore, know why the applicant was erased from the register and I have seen a copy of the reasons for the dismissal. Mr. X knows ignominy because of his actions and he knows the humiliation that comes from disappointing his family, his customers, and society in general. He deeply and sincerely regrets his actions and wishes to make recompense by ensuring that such events will never occur again.

Consequently, Mr. X asked me to help develop those skills that led to the unfortunate set of circumstances. He understands that it was his deficiency in business acumen that led to his demise and he has taken the most important step one can take when setting out to rectify an error – he has acknowledged his shortcomings and asked for help. As I have a Master's in Business Administration I have been glad to accommodate him in this endeavor, as my experience and educational qualifications give me a unique insight into successful management practices.

As previously noted, Mr. X spends considerable time in my company both at my place of work and outside during professional engagements. It is during this time that we discuss the various aspects of running a successful business. Additionally, Mr. X has successfully undertaken three ‘Teaching You’ multi-media educational programs covering business essentials such as Time Management, and organizational and supervisory skills. Mr. X has continued his education by engaging with programs of excellence such as ‘One minute manager’, ‘In Search of Excellence’, and ‘Laws of leadership’. Overall, Mr. X understands that the essence of any successful endeavor is effective time management. The ability to efficiently employ one’s limited time resources to best maximize commercial outcomes is the quintessential requirement of business expertise. I am convinced that Mr. X understands this and is prepared to develop his life strategies accordingly.

Overall, Mr. X has shown both contrition over the unfortunate circumstance and enthusiasm to retrain himself so that such an event will never happen again in the future.  Consequently, for the benefit of himself, and the pharmacy profession as a whole, I strongly recommend that he is allowed to return to his chosen career which has so far spanned over thirty years.