Israr recently completed his trainee pharmacist year, working within community pharmacy and has just started the next chapter of his journey as a locum pharmacist working across all sectors. In this story, he shares how the trainee foundation year was incredibly insightful and allowed him to grow both personally and professionally.

My trainee year as a pharmacist was both challenging and rewarding.

It was a steep learning curve, but it helped me grow professionally and personally. I faced struggles with confidence in clinical decision-making at first, often second-guessing myself or feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility. I also found it difficult to balance the workload, especially during busy periods. However, I overcame these challenges by actively seeking feedback, staying organised and reminding myself that learning is a process. Over time, I developed key strengths such as better time management, clearer communication and greater resilience. I became more confident in my abilities and learned to trust my judgement.

The top three tips I’d give to trainees about to start their placement are:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take initiative and learn from every experience, even the tough ones
2. Build strong relationships with your team – they’re your best support system
3. Most importantly, look after your wellbeing: take breaks, don’t suffer in silence and be kind to yourself. This year will shape you in ways you don’t expect, and every struggle will bring growth.

Looking to the year ahead, you might already have questions about what next.

As you prepare to become a Responsible Pharmacist, remember that leadership comes not just from knowledge, but from calmness, accountability and good communication. Don’t be afraid to take charge but know when to seek support. Stay organised, know your legal responsibilities and trust the foundation you’ve built during your training year – you’re more prepared than you think.