Student Highlights
Bringing pharmacy to rural communities

Jumping straight into a Bachelor of Pharmacy after finishing school in 2018, Teagan experienced a lot of change in a short period of time. Moving from Taree in rural NSW to a share house off-campus, she had a goal and knew what she needed to do to work towards it.

“I was passionate about pursuing a career in allied health but couldn’t handle the “blood and guts” of nursing. My mum worked as a dispensary technician for many years in our community. I looked up to the local pharmacist that my mum worked alongside - they were the first point of call for any health advice,” she said.

Originally intending to study Occupational Therapy, Teagan’s plans changed when she didn’t quite get the marks for entry. Enrolling in Pharmacy as an alternative, she slowly fell in love with that program instead.

“I had intentions to change courses at the end of first year. Throughout my first year of pharmacy, I grew to love the courses and decided to stick with it. They were challenging but I was excited for the future,” she said.

Coming from a country town herself, Teagan took the opportunity for a rural placement. The experience helped develop her skills and taught her valuable lessons in how to succeed.

“I was fortunate enough to complete multiple rural placements across Australia; traveling to Tamworth, Dubbo, Newman, and Karratha. These opportunities have motivated me to provide the best possible care to my community,” she said.

Describing her placements, Teagan said the practical work experience had enhanced her study and built connections that fostered and improved her overall experience.

“I see the placements I completed throughout my degree as some of the most rewarding aspects. The connections I made with the staff across those pharmacies have opened up a world of opportunities for me,” she said.

During her study, Teagan discovered the student organisation, University of Newcastle Association of Pharmacy Students (UoNAPS) and joined. In her third year, Teagan was elected Social Chair and then in her final year was elected President.

“I got to know many students within the degree and developed my communication skills through liaising with venues, photographers and DJs. In my last year of the degree, I had the role of President, I found this year particularly challenging when balancing commitments to the association and my study. My responsibilities had increased but working with the committee as a team was so rewarding,” she said.

Choosing to work as a community pharmacist, Teagan can see the impact she is having on the lives of those within the community and wants to further strengthen those relationships.

“In our degree there was a large focus on counselling and interacting with patients. I believe the one-on-one simulated patient sessions we received almost every week were an invaluable experience that has prepared me for the conversations and interactions that make up my day to day,” she said.

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Teagan Phillips

Coming from a rural background, Teagan knew she wanted to help improve the health and wellbeing of the community. Pharmacy gave her the chance to build relationships and counsel patients when they needed it most.

I see the placements I completed throughout my degree as some of the most rewarding aspects. The connections I made with the staff across those pharmacies have opened up a world of opportunities for me.