The pharmacist philosopher

Academic and MMR-credentialed pharmacist Evgeniy Miroshnichenko MPS is a philosopher at heart, constantly learning more about the world.

Why choose pharmacy?

I initially opted for a pharmacy degree because of my profound interest in chemistry. As I progressed, I realised just how much of an impact pharmacists can have on an individual’s health and wellbeing. The ability to make a difference in health outcomes and patient lives is what attracted me to the profession. The blend of problem solving, the multifaceted nature of pharmacy work and the evidence-based approach to practise further solidified my decision. As a student, I realised the profession will be characterised by ever-changing practice, meaningful patient experiences, and collaborations across healthcare teams.

How do you juggle your various pharmacy roles?

I am a community and MMR-credentialed pharmacist, and an Associate Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology. I am also on the Pharmacist Advisory Board at the Blackmores Institute and a Clinical Educator at PSA. Balancing the demands of various roles alongside my academic position hinges on skills refined over years in community pharmacy. There, I learned how to juggle multiple responsibilities through meticulous time management and task prioritisation. Strategic planning, detailed to-do lists, and a structured calendar are key to staying on track with professional goals and maintaining the quality of work expected across all my roles.

Where is the profession heading?

It’s on the precipice of a very exciting phase. We are actively questioning and defining our scope of practice to enhance existing roles and create new ones within the evolving Australian health system.

There’s a significant shift towards a more integrated role for pharmacists within healthcare teams and the broader health system. I expect this trend to continue through opportunities to demonstrate our utility in innovative ways – such as in preventive care, chronic disease management and personalised medicine.

How will graduate pharmacy jobs change over the next decade?

I anticipate pharmacy graduates will see a significant shift towards more specialised roles in clinical settings, greater involvement in public health initiatives, and expanded responsibilities in patient care, including prescribing.

The integration of AI and big data into routine clinical care will enable future pharmacists to deliver more personalised care and reduce administrative burdens. This, in turn, will allow pharmacists to spend more time interacting with patients and working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams within their full scope of practice.

This evolving landscape will require our graduates to be adaptable, curious, and prepared for a professional life full of continuous learning and growth.

Did your philosophy qualification help shape your pharmacy career?

My Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree provided a practical introduction to the world of research – incredibly valuable. Designing my own research project allowed me to explore the use of patient-generated health data – such as blood pressure measurements, Apple Watch data and migraine diaries – in the clinical workflows of Australian healthcare providers. This hands-on experience taught me how to conceptualise complex clinical problems, create plans to explore solutions, and generate research that can support clinical decision making. Ultimately, it enriched my understanding and approach to patient care. I am now a more thoughtful and reflective practitioner and educator.

How will scope of practice evolve?

Pharmacists are taking on more direct patient care activities such as prescribing, performing minor medical procedures and managing chronic diseases. Legislative changes, technological advancements, and healthcare needs are pushing the boundaries of traditional pharmacy roles, empowering pharmacists to explore and take on greater responsibilities.

Any advice for new ECPs?

Embrace curiosity through continuous learning, adapt to change, stay informed, build strong professional networks and develop essential soft skills.