PATY Finalist: Meet Emilie Dalwood, SA

TerryWhite Chemmart, Woodcroft Plaza

How does it feel to be the South Australian State Winner?

 It feels awesome to be awarded the South Australia State Winner! I’m very proud of myself. I’m so pumped and can’t wait to get to Queensland for the National Finals – hopefully I can get some sleep from now until then.

It is a fantastic feeling to be recognised for doing something that I love and am passionate about.

Can you give an overview of your career in pharmacy?

I started in pharmacy 20 years ago after completing what was then a Certificate I in pharmacy with the Guild. I’ve since looked it up and that’s not even a course anymore, so it’s been a while!

Our owners have two pharmacies within two kilometres of each other and I’ve been here for 16 years now this October. I was at one store for about three years and I became second in charge. Not long after, I had my first baby and now I have three children. I went back and worked part-time after having each of my children.

How difficult was balancing your pharmacy career and starting a family? Did you consider a different career path during this time?

 I never once considered a different career. Pharmacy has always been a wonderful place to work especially when my three daughters were younger as it has the versatility to work hours that suited my family and I could also share so much of what I learned as a Mum with our new Mum customers.

What do you have planned for the future?

 I am currently working with my pharmacist manager to start introducing some fantastic new health services into our store that would benefit our community. Along with some team building and staff training plans to align with these services. Our goal is to be ‘the’ health destination for our community and make them proud by hopefully winning Pharmacy of the Year next year!

 

Retail Pharmacy Assistants magazine wishes Ms Dalwood the best of luck at the PATY Awards commencing on October 12.