In this month’s issue of Retail Pharmacy Assistants e-magazine, we speak with Naturopath and Retail Manager Shimon Tomita from Lawler’s WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods in Dee Why, NSW, about his career highlights, challenges and tips for other pharmacy assistants and staff.
How long have you been working in retail pharmacy?
Two years.
What does a day in your work life look like?
As the pharmacy’s resident naturopath, I have one-to-one appointments with customers to understand their personal health and wellness goals. I support them through a holistic approach to wellness that considers physical symptoms as well as lifestyle and emotional factors for the best outcomes.
When I’m not in an appointment with a customer, I’m available throughout the store to guide and recommend natural solutions and products that work in conjunction with traditional medicine and pharmacy items.
The second hat I wear in-store is as a retail manager, so I’m also passionate about our store’s presentation, ensuring our space is looking its best with stock levels always kept up to standard.
How did you come to work within the industry? What drew you towards a profession in retail pharmacy?
I worked in the health foods industry for 10 years, where I developed an interest in the combination of complementary healthcare and conventional medicine. WholeLife drew me in as it allowed me to combine my education in naturopathy with the offering of a pharmacy to provide patients with a truly holistic approach to healthcare.
What have been some of the highlights in your career so far?
An ongoing highlight for me is when I’m truly able to help someone see real results in their health and wellness journey. We have a lot of regular customers who return to the store and let me know that my advice has improved their health issues. It’s always fulfilling to hear that a patient is making positive progress.
What has been the most challenging part of your work?
At WholeLife, and for me personally, protecting the planet is an important priority and something our customers are also very passionate about. Every day we look for new ways to minimise the number of products that have to be removed from the shelf because of expiration – in order to achieve zero waste. It’s been challenging but something that we’re all very committed to overcoming.
Is working in retail pharmacy something you think you’ll be doing in the long term?
Absolutely. I’m very happy in my role at WholeLife, and it’s been a great opportunity to transfer my skills to a retail pharmacy environment. I love being able to work with customers in the community and help in a tangible way every day.
You’ve recently undertaken some professional development. How important for pharmacy assistants is continued training and education?
With market demands changing seasonally, it’s important for pharmacy assistants to engage in ongoing professional development – ensuring that they’re on top of the latest trends and are able to confidently respond to their customers’ needs.
At WholeLife, we participate in regular online training modules that provide useful tools and updates on what’s happening with our customers and the industry more broadly.
How would you describe working in a pharmacy to anyone new to or considering entering the profession?
I would highly recommend that health food practitioners consider a career in retail pharmacy, and for pharmacy assistants to expand their understanding of holistic health solutions to better support customers. It’s so rewarding to be able to help customers on their health journey, and not just treat patients when they’re sick – but support them at any stage of life.
What is your advice to retail pharmacy assistants in terms of achieving career goals and stepping up within the industry?
Firstly, it’s important to enjoy working in pharmacy. If you’re passionate, the rest will fall into place. Secondly, know your stuff! If you’re confident in what you recommend to customers, they will in turn trust your opinion, and then you’re more likely to make a positive impact on their health journey.
If there was one thing you’d like to change/improve about the industry, what would it be?
I would like to see more offerings similar to that of WholeLife. Taking a holistic approach to health is so important, so it would be great to see more natural solutions and holistic services with supplements and health foods to meet people’s needs.
