Creating opportunities

After a pharmacy rep career across the Middle East, Mohamed Bassuny MPS now manages a pharmacy in Bendigo, VIC, that will remain open until very late.

How did you get your start in health care?

After spending a year as a hospital pharmacist in Alexandria, Egypt, where I worked in one of two cardiac centres serving 7 million residents across the city, I knew I could do more. That’s when I joined Pfizer as a product specialist, focusing on autoimmune diseases. This role took me across Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where I was able to educate healthcare professionals and patients on the benefits and use of biologic treatments.

Where did you get your start in pharmacy in Australia?

I moved to Bendigo, Victoria at the beginning of 2020, drawn to the welcoming hospitality and kindness I had heard so much about from friends who have lived there, but unaware that this would be the year a global pandemic would change everything.

I was fortunate to secure an internship at a United Friendly Society (UFS) community pharmacy, which marked a new chapter in my life. Adapting to a new home and career amid the chaos of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, I found myself constantly challenged. However, the support of my amazing pharmacy team helped me through it.

What was your experience going from intern to pharmacist?

After years of being an expert in my field, starting as an intern again to be registered in Australia was not easy. I reminded myself that life is a constant learning journey, and each day brings new opportunities to learn.

My internship was a valuable experience that helped me adapt to the local culture, pharmacy laws, and practices. Once completed, I was eager to become a fully equipped pharmacist.

My goal was to gain as much local experience and as many qualifications as possible to best serve my community. To achieve this, I worked across five different stores each week, including a 24/7 pharmacy, delivering various services and building my expertise along the way.

What opportunities did you take to get where you are today?

Post-internship, I seized every opportunity to climb the pharmacist ladder. Bendigo UFS was the perfect fit during this time, offering exposure to almost every service
a community pharmacy can provide.

I became qualified to run the pharmacy’s dose administration aid,
in vitro fertilisation and opioid pharmacotherapy programs. I also provide vaccinations and wound care services.

How will you fund remaining open late?

Recognising the need for around-the-clock health care, the late-night service is a groundbreaking initiative designed to offer extended hours every day. Until the start of 2024, when state government funding was redirected to other health services, it was a 24-hour service, but we wanted to continue long-hours opening. At the heart of the longer service, no longer government-funded from this month, will be a special pharmacist and a nurse, always on duty and ready to provide expert consultations and care daily from 7 am–11 pm.

To make this ambitious plan sustainable, the pharmacy took on the challenge of self-funding the service. And it introduced a modest service fee to cover the costs, ensuring that every patient could receive top-notch care whenever they needed it. Our vision is to turn our pharmacy into a healthcare destination that can help the community in times when access to health care isn’t easy.

What’s your advice to other internationally trained pharmacists starting over in Australia?

Making the most of this opportunity isn’t just about following instructions but remaining agile and open to every new experience.

Each day brings a new challenge, lesson and chance to grow. Whether you are just starting out or have decades of experience, you will realise this early lesson in agility was just the beginning. The world of pharmacy is ever-evolving, and it’s a field where new discoveries and advancements continually shape your practice – so remaining adaptable and curious becomes your greatest asset.

In this dynamic landscape, a pharmacist’s ability to embrace change and pursue ongoing education not only enriches their career but also ensures they remain at the forefront of delivering exceptional care.

A Day in the life of Mohamed Bassuny MPS, Pharmacy Manager, Bendigo UFS After Hours Pharmacy, VIC.