Newsroom interviews... Jatinder Girn about rural pharmacy, how pharmacy changed their life, and what Spiderman has to do with it

Newsroom talks to Hamilton pharmacist Jatinder (Jay) Girn about the opportunities rural pharmacy provides to those who go into it, the value of a great team, and how pharmacy does its best to support the wider health system.

Q. What is your first memory of a pharmacist or pharmacy?

A. When we were young my parents owned a Fish & Chips shop a few doors down from the Pharmacy. Every few weeks we and my younger brother used to go in to look at the cool things in the retail shop. We would spend what felt like hours looking at the shelfs, weighing ourselves on the scales and checking out the latest spiderman bubble baths and kids toys.

Q. Why did you choose to become a pharmacist?

A. I really had no idea what I wanted to do as a high school leaver. Originally, I thought I wanted to learn software engineering. Since my older sister was a pharmacist, I put that down as my second choice as I had to write something. But everything changed when I went for the pharmacy interviews in Auckland. I met some great people, I fell in love with the opportunity to start a new life, recreate myself as an individual. I was very introverted, shy, and low on confidence, and embarked on a career as a well-respected pharmacist.

Q. Where did you do your training?

A. I was in the very first intake at the University of Auckland. It was a very memorable and defining time in my life and I owe much of my personal growth to my studies and experiences at the university.

Q. What town do you identify with as home?

A. Hamilton.

Q. What’s your favourite thing about being a pharmacist?

A. Being in a profession that is highly respected by the public and being able to help our patients find solutions to their health problems. Its traditionally been a 9-5 hour profession so it is a good way to have work life balance.

Q. Do you have any advice for people considering becoming pharmacists or pharmacy technicians?

A. Pharmacy is a great career path. Technicians and pharmacists are in high demand and will continue to be so. Its fulfilling in terms of helping others, the days whiz by quick, and there are so many different pathways you can take on your journey in pharmacy. The profession is changing rapidly so always be open to innovating and improving yourself. In terms of success, you basically get what you put in, so work hard, always be willing to help, always do a little bit more than is expected and you will go a long way.

Q. What is your involvement with rural pharmacy?

My first pharmacist position was in rural which I did for two years. I now own and operate multiple rural sites.

I always try to promote rural pharmacy and general pharmacy ownership as a great way to achieve fulfilment as a pharmacist in NZ.

I always wonder, why do young pharmacists look outside of NZ for better work opportunities when everything they need is right here in our own backyard in NZ. I put it down to people listening to general negative noise rather than going to talk to a few successful pharmacists. Sometimes what's missing is they just haven't met the right person (employer or fellow pharmacists) that can show the opportunities right in front of them that would lead to a better future.

I always try to attract young people to join the pharmacy team in our various rural locations.

• We offer pathways to talented individuals within our rural communities to train up as pharmacy technicians.
• We do placements for Year 3 & 4 pharmacy students this is a great way for people to get a taste of rural pharmacy
• Last year I went and spoke to APSA students at the Auckland Pharmacy School which was run by PSNZ. It was a highly successful way to showcase the benefits of working as a pharmacist in rural towns such as Te Kūiti.
• We try to attract Interns to join our rural sites and we showcase them a pathway to a rewarding career as a pharmacist.

Q. What attracted you to rural pharmacy?

A. I wanted to work in a pharmacy where I could add value to the needs of the community, my employer, and fellow staff. I also wanted to take the opportunity to fast track my career become a manager sooner and find partnership pathways.

Q. What are your top three highlights from working in a rural community?

A. 1st - Being appreciated by everyone (doctors, my boss, my colleagues, and patients) for choosing their rural town to work in.

2nd- We had a trade school next door to the pharmacy. They stuck a permanent sign up to say, ‘No Parking - Except for the Indian Dude.’ I thought that was pretty cool.

3rd - Walking into the rural pharmacy on the first day as a pharmacist, I was very nervous, to meet the staff, one of the staff pushed the others out of the way so they could be the first to shake my hand. All the staff made my job so much better and fun and many are still in touch decades later which means a lot to me.

Q. In your opinion, what are the key differences between working in an urban environment and a rural one?

A. Rural is more relaxed and inviting. People are understanding during delays, often happy to wait or come back. There are more learning opportunities, more opportunities to build closer relationships with the medical staff. Upskilling and career progression opportunities are also more abundant in rural given the scarcity to options.

Q. In your opinion, what is Aotearoa New Zealand pharmacy’s top achievement (this can be from any time period)?

A. NZ pharmacy has always adapted and pivoted exceptionally well. We have had many challenges over the last few decades and pharmacy keeps pushing forward, putting their hand up to say, yes, we can do more (like we did during the pandemic). In the future the healthcare system will look towards pharmacy as a solution to some of the challenges it faces - like always, we will find ways to help.