Brendon Jiang

What has been your best moment as a pharmacist, so far?

Brendon: My team were NHS South regional finalists in the Excellence in Primary Care NHS70 parliamentary awards. Award ceremonies can be a little insipid, but representing pharmacy at Westminster was pretty special.

Who’s influenced you in your career?

Tony Fisher – pharmacist proprietor where I first worked and trained. I’ve always tried to emulate Tony’s care, empathy, professionalism and commitment to his community. Also, Bronwyn Clarke – she also trained at Titahi Bay Pharmacy and has progressed pharmacy practice through senior leadership roles in New Zealand and Australia. And finally, Rena Amin – in 2013, Rena’s article in the PJ inspired me to get into primary care. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a CPPE induction residential three years later.

What’s your most significant job move?

Moving into primary care. After 12 years in community pharmacy I needed a more clinical challenge and couldn’t see myself continuing with corporate management.

What are your ambitions for your career?

I’m currently taking stock. It’s difficult juggling a portfolio career across multiple employers. I have plans to further develop myself professionally and I want to complete the RPS Faculty. In my national roles and locally, I want to help pharmacy engage with PCNs and transition towards more clinical services.

What do you get out of bed for each day, professionally?

I genuinely enjoy problem solving and helping people. Whether patients or colleagues, I love using my knowledge and skills to improve outcomes individually and collectively. Summarising in pharmacy jargon: providing medicines optimisation through person-centred, shared decision making.

How do you relax?

I’ve not yet worked out how to continue my previous exercise regime with a baby. Instead, I’ve recently taken up baking sourdough. It’s fun to experiment, the kneading is therapeutic and the results are delicious.

Optimist or pessimist?

Optimist. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you do?

My son just turned one – if I wasn’t working, I’d love to spend more time raising him as a stay-at-home dad.