From a pharmacy intern in Cairns, to a respected pharmacy owner, and a university lecturer, Satish Maganlal’s career has been shaped by vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to the profession.
From clinical to community pharmacy
Satish moved to Brisbane, Australia from Fiji as a high school student in 1974 and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from The University of Queensland.
In 1982, he relocated to Cairns to complete his pre-registration training at Cairns Base Hospital (now Cairns Hospital). At the time, there was no pre-registration internship training course or oral exam, and instead for the first time, interns could complete an optional project. Satish, with a strong interest in clinical pharmacy, undertook an analysis of prescriptions dispensed to outpatients.
After working after-hours at Cairns Sunshine Day and Night Pharmacy, Satish felt a strong pull towards community pharmacy. In 1983, he became a registered community pharmacist.
How an unexpected detour became an adventure
Satish returned briefly to Fiji to validate his work visa. That short trip turned into a multi- year adventure. He was offered the opportunity to manage a pharmacy, that was to be part of one of Fiji’s first private hospital projects, in Suva.
Soon after, he was invited to become the sole owner of the pharmacy he managed. He accepted and stayed. And thanks to this unexpected turn of events, he met his future wife.
Building a career and community in Australia
Returning to Australia with his wife in 1987, Satish managed two pharmacies in Gympie before purchasing his own in Logan Central in December 1989. That period marked the beginning of a new era in pharmacy remuneration and Satish realised very quickly how critical it was to have strong representation and the support The Guild offers.
“I quickly realised that Guild membership is not an option, but a necessity,” shared Satish.
A voice for the profession
After selling his two Logan pharmacies in 2003, Satish was offered a casual teaching role at Griffith University. That opportunity evolved into a broader contribution to the profession. He helped shape the university’s pharmacy curriculum and played a key role in implementing Stage One accreditation of the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy (AACP) course. On completion of this part, graduating students would then go on to stage two on registration, creating a pathway to conduct medication management reviews.
Satish realised he missed community pharmacy and believed it would be beneficial to both teach and have a pharmacy so that he could offer students real-life examples. That opportunity presented in 2010, leading to ownership of Southbank Pharmacy. Committed to service and always a persevering optimist, he navigated the challenges of the 2011 floods, the construction works of 2017, and COVID-19 to keep his business successful. After 15 years of dedicated care to the community of South Bank, Satish relinquished his ownership in June 2025.
Whether as a mentor, educator, or advocate, Satish remains committed to the development of future pharmacists.
Balancing passion with personal health
In recent years, Satish has faced serious health issues. These experiences reshaped his perspective on work, wellbeing, and life overall.
For other pharmacists who are chasing their dreams, Satish has some words of advice for maintaining health and avoiding burnout.
“Balance is the challenge. The things we love and are passionate about can cause us to forget ourselves. As pharmacists, especially owners, with focus on many aspects of running the business, it is easy to not make time for ourselves.”
Satish’s message to pharmacists is heartfelt and clear.
“Don’t forget yourself. Prioritise your own wellbeing. Take a break. Have a holiday. Refresh yourself. And surround yourself with the right people – like those at The Guild who will connect you to the right people.”
“It is commonly said that we live day by day or moment by moment, but we actually live breath by breath. And we take that for granted, but when you realise how lucky we are just to live, everything changes.”
Why the Guild Matters
Throughout every chapter of his career, Satish has leaned on the Guild for support – whether it was industrial relations advice, QCPP, education, financial benchmarking through the Guild Digest, or business support.
He especially values the relationships he’s built with Guild staff such as Jill Power (Business Support Officer) and Tina Scrine (Industrial Relations Manager).
“The Guild is the strong voice we need – especially in such a highly regulated industry,” he says. “Pharmacists are often not valued enough by the government. We want to feel professional, be appropriately remunerated and the Guild can help us get there.”
What’s next for Satish?
Even now, Satish continues to evolve his career journey. He will serve as an examiner for the AHPRA Pharmacy Board in the October exams and is focusing on Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs). He’s also passionate about supporting the ongoing expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice.
Words of advice to fellow pharmacists
In a profession that’s evolving rapidly, Satish reminds pharmacists to stay curious and connected.
“Keep learning. Keep listening. Embrace changes and technology. And stay passionate about serving your community. That’s what makes pharmacy not just a career, but a calling.”
Satish Maganlal’s story is a powerful reminder that pharmacy is more than a profession – it’s a purpose. With courage, connection, and the right support, it can be a life filled with impact and legacy.
Satish Maganlal with pharmacy display featuring painting signifying the daily work of pharmacists – healing the sick – and original typewriter used to dispense medication in 1989 before computers.
Close up image of hundred-year-old painting. Caption: The Governor Who Healed The Sick (1640 A.D.) Unable to attract apothecaries or physicians to the New World, John Winthrop, Governor of Massachusetts Colony (1630-49) sought advice by correspondence performed apothecary’s services in his own home for citizens of the colony.
TerryWhite Chemmart Southbank hosting pharmacy visit organised by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia for international pharmacists who attended FIP Conference 2023.