On World Pharmacist Day 2025, United Drug is proud to celebrate the people at the heart of healthcare: pharmacists.

Pharmacists are more than medicine experts, they are trusted advisors, community champions, and compassionate listeners. Every day, they play a vital role in keeping patients informed, supported, and safe.

To mark this year’s campaign, we asked pharmacists from across Ireland what being a pharmacist means to them. Their answers reflect a profession rooted in care, integrity, and commitment to community.

A trusted presence in the community

For Erika Van Der Spuy (McCabes Pharmacy), being a pharmacist is about connection:
“To me, being a pharmacist means being a trusted and approachable part of the community, someone people can rely on for support, guidance, and care. I’m passionate about helping others, and I find real purpose in knowing that my work directly impacts people’s health and well-being.”

Her words echo the sentiment of Mairead O’Mahony (McCabes Pharmacy), who highlights the importance of accessibility in her rural setting:
“Being a community pharmacist means being a trusted and approachable source of healthcare in the heart of the community… Pharmacy is not only about medicines, it’s about people, and about supporting them in the moments that matter.”

More than just a profession

For many pharmacists, pharmacy is not just a career but a calling.
Anna Lisowska (Dunne Pharmacy) has known since she was 15 that pharmacy was her path:
“Today, it’s more than just a profession, it’s part of who I am. Being a pharmacist means caring, listening, and guiding… it’s my happiness to know that what I do matters — that it makes a difference.”

Conor Sweeney (Dunne Pharmacy) shares how small moments define the role:
“To me, being a pharmacist is all about making the small interactions count… allowing patients to take control of their medication and lifestyle to become their own advocate.”

Making a difference in people's lives

For Darlene (Dunne Pharmacy), the fulfilment comes from being a steady presence for patients:
“Being a community pharmacist is a very fulfilling career… whether it be health advice, providing medication information to empower, or a listening empathic ear when they are going through tough times.”

Similarly, Phil Hally (Dunne Pharmacy) enjoys the variety of patient interactions:
“One day you might be helping a young parent regarding a prescription for their toddler. The following week it might be the elderly grandparents who might need advice and reassurance on their new medication.”

And Lorcan Brady (Hanley’s Pharmacy) keeps it simple but powerful:
“I enjoy my role in community pharmacy, making a real difference in patients' lives on a daily basis.”

Compassion, integrity and advocacy

For Peace Oseyemi (Dunne Pharmacy), pharmacy is about leading with empathy:
“To me, being a pharmacist is about more than just ‘sticking a label to a box’, it’s about compassion, integrity and being the calm in the chaos… advocating for patient safety, empowering people to understand their treatments and supporting the most vulnerable with patience and respect.”
Peace also acknowledges the challenges that come with the role, but chooses to focus on what drives her:
“From offering clinical expertise to simply being a reassuring presence, I continue to show up because I believe in the impact we make, one conversation, one prescription, one act of kindness at a time.”

The most accessible form of healthcare

Noelle Holmes (McCabes Pharmacy) highlights accessibility as one of pharmacy’s greatest strengths:
“To me, being a pharmacist means serving as the most accessible form of healthcare within the community. We all truly care about making sure every patient feels supported and has the best possible experience when getting their medications or advice.”

Sarah Collins (Anam Pharmacy) adds:
“For me, being a pharmacist is about more than supplying medicines—it’s about supporting people with their day-to-day health… What I value most is growing the trust people place in me and the opportunity to use my knowledge to make their healthcare experience a little easier.”

And Daire Scanlon (Limitless Health Pharmacies) underlines the importance of relationships:
“I believe in community engagement and fostering strong relationships with our customers.”

Celebrating pharmacists, today and every day

The voices of pharmacists across Ireland make one thing clear: pharmacy is a profession built on care, trust, and human connection. At United Drug, we are proud to stand behind pharmacists, supporting them in their work, empowering them with solutions, and recognising the critical role they play in keeping communities healthy.
Because behind every script is a pharmacist who cares. And behind them, is United Drug.