Welcome Jamie Shrimpton

1.Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am originally from the UK and have been a practicing as a pharmacist for 15 years. I spent 4 years practicing in the UK and the rest across various jurisdictions in Australia. Having spent time in Victoria and Queensland I am happy to call the NT home. I like to live simply with community, time and the environment at the top of my list of values.

2.Why did you become a pharmacist?

This is an extremely complex question that looking back I couldn’t answer on my first day of university. However, after 15 years in the profession I am glad I have chosen it. One of my key values in life is a sense of community and where better to build it than in a pharmacy. I love engaging with different walks of life and building a team around me that I can call family.  Pharmacy has given me the opportunity and flexibility to see many parts of the world and live in various parts of Australia.

3.What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?

From a professional standpoint, it would be managing Priceline pharmacy in Alice springs, from contract management to the 30 members of staff.  It was there I was able to develop what it means to manage a successful team and a profitable, sustainable business. From a personal perspective I would say contentment. Contentment has bought me peace of mind and positivity that facilitates growth and self-improvement.

4.  Why did you join the Guild team?

I have worked for so long for individual pharmacies and wanted to give back and support the broader pharmacy community. I see this new role as an opportunity to progress the pharmacy industry in the Territory, an often-overlooked jurisdiction.

5.What do you think are the three biggest challenges or opportunities in the NT?

The biggest challenges in the NT at the moment are staffing and medication shortages. In the NT the opportunities for progress, reform and improvement are endless. Due to continued issues surrounding access to healthcare, pharmacies in the NT are perfectly positioned to optimise on increases in scope of practice.

6.What’s your ideal way to spend your weekends?

Variety is the spice of life, so my weekends are very different from week to week, and it is hard to pin which one is ideal. I love to explore and camp, so you can't beat an overnight hike with only the sound of birds and the beautiful views to occupy my mind. On the other hand, I love to host and there is nothing better than to see my house full of people enjoying themselves.