Emily Larcombe: seeking constant improvement means constant growth
Emily Larcombe's skill was recognised early in her career, and at just 23 she became a pharmacy owner of Barcaldine Pharmacy. The pharmacy industry has a long history in Barcaldine, celebrating 140 years of growth and community-focused care in 2025. Having already seen huge evolutions in technology and pharmacy practice, her career showcases an ethos of striving to improve in big and small things, and how this drives positive growth for individuals, businesses and the wider community.
I started working in pharmacy as a student at Terry White Chemists, Grand Central Toowoomba. I picked pharmacy out of the QTAC book because it was in the health section and I needed to fill up 6 university course preferences! After 11 months of my pre-registration year at Pease St Discount Drug Stores (now Pease St WholeLife) I was offered a partnership opportunity at Barcaldine Pharmacy at 23 years old. I am now a partner in 3 stores and the managing partner of Atherton WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods.
What is a moment from your time in pharmacy that you’ll never forget?
The 'firsts' in my pharmacy career definitely provide the highlights - the first time checking a script as a registered pharmacist, the first time I walked into my own store, the first time vaccinating a patient and the first time prescribing an e-script are the major milestone moments so far.
How has community pharmacy changed over the years?
Automation and faster processing have definitely changed a lot in my career. It's a far cry from sorting signed scripts into bundles from 0 - 99 and posting them in Medicare boxes to claim our PBS payments. The people haven't changed though, and I have met some absolutely wonderful pharmacists and pharmacy assistants throughout Queensland in the stores I have owned and worked in.
What has been the biggest benefit of being part of The Guild community during your ownership?
Throughout my time as a Guild member I have had so much support in many different aspects of pharmacy. I've used The Guild for small things in day-to-day pharmacy like the flu-vaccine claiming flowchart, to big things like legal support. I've spoken to Tina Scrine about every sort of Industrial Relations matter over the last 20 years and she has been a truly invaluable resource! Guild support helps you navigate issues step by step. I was actually quite intimidated by The Guild in my younger years of ownership - I wish I had utilised them better at the time. If you are new to pharmacy or ownership, don't hesitate to reach out to your state Guild branch - they are always happy to help.
Any advice you would give to a young pharmacist or new owner starting out today?
As with anything in life, in pharmacy it's easier to continue doing what's always been done - we are inherently very resistant to change. Years ago someone told me that "there's always a better way", and it's a good reminder to strive for improvement in our stores and our day-to-day lives. I always ask locum pharmacists if they've seen things elsewhere that could improve our store, and likewise it's what I look for at conferences and events. Looking back over the last 20 years I am grateful for the support of my family, business partners, colleagues, and employees, and I'm excited to see where the next chapter of pharmacy takes us.
Pictured above, left to right: Carly Doyle, Peter Turner, and Emily Larcombe.
