"Why did you want to come to the UK?

I wanted to come to the UK for a new and different experience, to improve my language skills, to see how pharmacy works in the UK and to meet new people and broaden my horizons.

I first heard about Avalon Medical at EPSA when I met Miriam Sheppard and then I attended interviews and language tests held in July 2006 and I arrived in UK October 2006.

Did you have any problems with registration?

Registration with RPS was straightforward; it was easy to get required documents and Avalon Medical paid for the initial registration fee.

How was your initial relocation?

Relocation went very well and Avalon Medical delivered a very good service they were always on hand to help and assist with information. Avalon Medical booked flights and pickup from the airport. I didn’t have to worry about anything when arrived, no headaches!

I enjoyed the induction; it was nice to meet other pharmacists from other countries. I was based in the Midlands for my training period and lived for the first month in a hotel which was nice. I had no worries about accommodation when first arrived.

What do you do at work?

I work as a relief Community Pharmacist, this means I work in different pharmacies. Some are busy, others quieter, some very modern, others a bit older. All have friendly, helpful staff and good facilities.

What are the advantages of being a relief Pharmacist?

I never get bored!  I meet lots of new people all the time and have learnt different ways of working in a pharmacy and dealing with people. I will be store based soon and will take knowledge gained in all different pharmacies; this will make me a better pharmacist with different styles of problem solving.

What are the disadvantages of being a relief Pharmacist?

As I work as a relief pharmacist, I had to buy a car and adapting to driving in UK. Also, as a relief pharmacist the day is very busy and a week can be quite tiring but it goes quickly as so busy.

What do you do in a normal day?

My normal day consists of checking and dispensing prescriptions, accounts, talking to and advising patients and providing different specialist services (diabetes, cholesterol, quitting smoking). I also organise the pharmacy team and help team to carry out their roles, assist with stock ordering. I work a variety of hours depending on the pharmacy I am in.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of working in the UK?

I feel more respected by patients; they really listen to and follow my advice.  I feel that people trust the pharmacist more than at home.

…and the most difficult?

Initially settling into a different way of working and living and finding accommodation.

Was there a culture shock when you first came to the UK?

I didn’t find it a culture shock at all to come to the UK and I adapted very quickly. I haven’t really felt homesick and have only been home once, but friends come to stay. I found British people to be polite and nice to work with, although most of my friends are from different nationalities; Polish, Spanish, Australian, Italian.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I go salsa dancing and I am currently learning Spanish. I have studied for and obtained my diving license. I go swimming and to the gym. I travel round the UK sightseeing when I can. I found there are more social activities in the UK, more variety of activities.

What are your long term plans?

I want to stay in UK for a few more years yet. I want to study for further qualifications in the UK but carry on working, I may go part-time, I’m not sure yet.

What would you say to a Pharmacist or Pharmacy graduate?

I am in contact with other pharmacists who Avalon Medical placed all around the country I have a network of pharmacist friends in the UK. I would highly recommend coming to work in the UK to a Pharmacist or Pharmacy graduate. There is much more to discover about pharmacy, and gain invaluable experience in the UK, which they can take back home and use in their careers."