Going locum

Esther Staal MPS, PSA LOCUMATE 2024 Locum of the Year wakes up to birdsong, takes scenic walks and improves health services – while travelling.

Her pharmacy career began by working night shifts as a pharmacy assistant while a teenager in Launceston, Tasmania.

After starting a pharmacy degree, she decided, however, to follow other pursuits, namely motherhood and environmental work. But the flexibility and stability of pharmacy drew her back to the profession 11 years later.

Several permanent and part-time roles later, Ms Staal decided to try her hand at locum work. ‘I always imagined I would use my pharmacy degree to travel around Australia and work in different places when my children were old enough,’ she says. Since hitting the road with her partner in July 2023, Ms Staal has travelled north for a locum role in Scottsdale, Tasmania, before moving through South and Western Australia.

The transient nature of locum work has been both rewarding and challenging. ‘Whenever you come into a new place, you have the capacity to add value by providing extra services such as diabetes management, while meeting new customers and supporting staff in the workplace,’ she says. ‘But you often don’t stay long enough to see all of these changes through.’

Every stop on her locum journey has its own unique charm. ‘There’s beautiful snorkelling and reefs to explore in Exmouth, WA,’ she says. ‘But then there are other towns such as Lake Grace. You wouldn’t want to stay long if you were just driving though, but you discover the magic of it after mingling with locals at the pub or the races.’

Returning to Tasmania later this month, Ms Staal plans to provide HMR services while taking on locum stints closer to home in Hobart.

Q&A

1. What is the one scope of practice change you would most like to see?

Medicare item numbers for the services we already provide. We’re always available for people to walk in the door, get advice, have their dressings changed, and talk about mental health issues.

2. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be kinder to yourself and remember that if you persist, you will reap the rewards. I’ve put in the work to become the person I am today, and while it’s still hard at times, I now feel assured that the security and benefits are here to stay.

3. What pharmacist role do you see yourself performing in 2030?

Taking on a teaching role so I can share my knowledge and inspire other pharmacists to work in rural areas. While the focus is often on the significant workforce shortages in these areas, working in rural areas is also personally and professionally fulfilling.