Sometimes your ideal career doesn\u2019t become clear to you until you\u2019ve started something else.<\/p>\n
This was the case for Peter Santos of Queens Park, who is one the first ten students to graduate from Curtin University\u2019s graduate entry Master of Pharmacy degree. The course offers students who have completed an undergraduate science degree the chance to fast-track into a pharmacy career.<\/p>\n
Peter said he knew half-way through his undergraduate science degree that it would not get him his ideal job, but he wanted to complete what he had started.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realised I didn\u2019t want to be stuck in a lab, I wanted to help people more directly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith a graduate entry program into pharmacy, my previous years of study were not wasted. I was able to build upon my knowledge and be in the workplace making a difference to people\u2019s health much sooner than was possible before.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunity pharmacies are very social. I enjoy working as a team, talking to people, and being able to help people through my knowledge of medications.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel my advice is really appreciated and many people return to the pharmacy to let me know how they are doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
During his studies, Peter did work placements at Graylands Hospital Pharmacy and Savemor Pharmacy in Bentley. He is currently working at Terry White Chemists in Claremont.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am looking forward to gaining lots of experience, with the hope of one day owning my own pharmacy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Professor Jeff Hughes, Head of Curtin\u2019s School of Pharmacy, said opening up new pathways to enable students to gain pharmacy qualifications was a great step forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur graduates of the graduate entry Master of Pharmacy degree will be a welcome addition to the WA pharmacy community. They are curious and enjoy the challenge of problem-solving, which are essential attributes of a good pharmacist,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have shown great interest in making the lives of others better and like direct involvement with patient care. I wish them a very successful career as pharmacists.\u201d<\/p>\n