Why I’m leaving the country to become a better pharmacist 🌍

There’s a silent risk we don’t talk about enough in pharmacy.

It’s not burnout or lack of opportunity—it’s complacency.

That moment when you stop questioning, stop reaching, and slowly start going through the motions.

It doesn’t always feel negative.

Sometimes it’s disguised as “I’m comfortable” or “This is just how things are.”

But the truth is: comfort, if left unchecked, can be the enemy of growth.

And that’s why I’m flying to Singapore this week—to see what pharmacy looks like when you step outside the familiar.

Why Singapore?

Singapore has one of the most innovative, fast-paced pharmacy environments in Asia.

It blends:

• World-class retail pharmacy through chains like Guardian and Watsons,

• Technology and health innovation via partnerships with giants like P&G,

• And deep cultural integration, where healthcare meets diverse communities and expectations.

From floating Apple stores in Marina Bay to heritage Chinese temples surrounded by busy health hubs—everything is designed with intention.

Their pharmacies aren’t just dispensing centres.

They’re health destinations.

And I want to know: What can we bring back from that?

How Does This Apply to Australia?

Australia already has one of the most dynamic pharmacy systems in the world.

Our scope of practice is expanding, our community models are evolving, and more than ever, pharmacists are being asked to lead.

But to keep pace, we need outside perspective.

We need to study what other systems are doing right—and wrong.
We need to understand how consumer behaviour, store design, tech, and policy interact globally.
And most of all—we need to stay open to reinvention.

Complacency in Pharmacy: Why It Happens (and What You Can Do)

Here are three reasons I believe pharmacists start to stagnate—and how to fight back:

• Routines turn into ruts

“I’ve been doing it this way for years.”

Solution: Commit to monthly exposure. Attend one talk, one podcast, one external training. Small sparks keep the flame alive.

• You’re always too busy to build something new

“I’ll focus on that idea later—right now I just need to survive the week.”

Solution: Block 1 hour a week for “future focus.” No scripts, no emails—just learning, reflection, or strategy.

• You don’t see other pharmacists doing things differently

“No one else I know is changing either.”

Solution: Join communities and networks that challenge the norm. Surround yourself with the next wave.

This is exactly why I built PharmacyDownUnder

Our exclusive community is for pharmacy students, interns, and professionals who want to do more than coast.

It’s where we explore topics like:

• Business mindset in pharmacy

• Exam strategy and clinical reasoning

• Navigating career pivots

• And now… global pharmacy insights

If you want support, ideas, conversation—and accountability—this is for you.

Click here to join the community →
(Spots are limited, and only for people ready to grow.)

📘 Want to Go Deeper?

If this email sparked something in you—maybe it’s time to take the next step.
I’ve put together a collection of practical, straight-talking eBooks for pharmacy students, interns, and early career pharmacists.

They cover everything from goal setting, planning your career, to thriving during your intern year.

👉 Check out the full collection here:

Because sometimes, the best way to break out of autopilot… is to read something that shifts your thinking.

I’ll be sharing live updates and reflections from the Singapore tour on Instagram, so follow along if you're curious about what pharmacy looks like from the other side of the world.

Because your pharmacy career isn’t meant to stay still.
And sometimes, the best way to see where you're going... is to step outside where you've been.

Let’s move forward—together.

Gus
Founder – PharmacyDownUnder