092 David Smith: Fighting Superbugs and Saving Lives: The Journey of an Antimicrobial Pharmacist

<p> In this episode of Pharmacist Diaries, I’d like to introduce David Smith to the podcast. David is the current Lead Antimicrobial Pharmacist and Chair of the Antimicrobial Steering Group at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust. David starts the conversation by talking about his journey from studying pharmacy in Belfast to becoming a pharmacist in England. He shares his experiences working in community and hospital pharmacy, the challenges of career progression, and the importance of finding your passion in the field. David also offers advice to younger pharmacists on how to approach career development and networking.</p> <p><br></p> <p>David also discusses his current role as an antimicrobial pharmacist at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, and how he is implementing digital solutions to support junior doctors in making better decisions for patients. He talks about the benefits of building efficient systems and tailoring them to specific drugs or indications, and how decision support tools can save time and improve patient outcomes.</p> <p><br></p> <p>David also shares his thoughts on the importance of shared parental leave and work-life balance, and how he is navigating these issues in his own career and family life. He emphasizes the need for employers to support both men and women in taking time off to care for their children, and the challenges that still exist in the current cultural and societal norms.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Overall, this podcast episode offers valuable insights into the following:</p> <ul> <li>The importance of finding your passion in the field of pharmacy.</li> <li>The benefits of building efficient systems and tailoring them to specific drugs or indications.</li> <li>The importance of shared parental leave and work-life balance.</li> <li>The value of spending time as a band six pharmacist and gaining a variety of experiences.</li> <li>The benefits of networking and building a professional network on platforms like LinkedIn.</li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p>Whether you are newly qualified or