“Pharmacy is maybe a little bit like magic, in the sense that everything should happen behind the scenes and you don’t see it.” — Dr Georgina Marsh Pharmacy is changing fast. Once seen primarily as the profession that dispenses medicines, it is increasingly becoming a frontline clinical service—one in which pharmacists prescribe, manage long-term conditions and give patients accessible, expert care. In Episode 183 of Eastern Promise, Dr Georgina Marsh, Head of Pharmacy and Prescribing at the University of Suffolk, joins your host Mike Rigby to explain what this transformation means for patients, the NHS and the next generation of pharmacists. Georgina also introduces the University’s new four-year MPharm programme, due to begin this month (September 2026), and discusses how it has been designed around professional standards, regional workforce needs and the future direction of healthcare. Guest Dr Georgina Marsh is Head of Pharmacy and Prescribing at the University of Suffolk. A pharmacist by training, she is leading the development of the University’s MPharm programme and oversees its non-medical prescribing provision. Her research interests include pharmaceutical 3D printing and the potential for personalised, point-of-care manufacture of medicines. In this episode Why pharmacists are increasingly recognised as medicines experts and clinical healthcare practitioners How independent prescribing is widening the profession’s role in patient care Why communication, active listening and an understanding of patient behaviour matter alongside scientific knowledge How the new MPharm combines science, clinical practice, digital skills and early placements Why the East of England needs more locally trained pharmacists—and how a “grow our own” strategy could help address shortages The breadth of pharmacy careers, from community and hospital practice to industry, regulatory affairs, the armed forces, prisons and care homes How realistic simulation can help students move from knowing what to do to taking responsibility as the pharmacist How resilience, leadership and wellbeing are being built into training amid concerns about burnout The potential of AI, remote consultations, personalised medicine and pharmaceutical 3D printing How research, continuing professional development and partnerships with healthcare and industry could shape the department’s future. From science to patient care Dr Marsh describes pharmacists as “scientist healthcare practitioners”. Their work spans the whole life cycle of a medicine: discovery and development, formulation and packaging, understanding where and how it acts in the body, and helping patients use it safely and effectively. That scientific foundation is matched by clinical judgement and human skills—from reading body language to adapting advice for someone processing a new diagnosis. Training pharmacists for the region The programme responds to a clear regional need. Dr Marsh cites a 2024 community-pharmacy workforce survey indicating a vacancy rate of around 19% in the area, alongside shortages of early-career hospital pharmacists. Developed with input from hospitals, community pharmacies, GP practices, industry and the local Integrated Care Board, the course supports a wider “grow our own” approach to developing the healthcare workforce. Students will complete 14 weeks of placements across community, hospital and GP settings during the four-year degree, beginning in the second semester of year one. They will also learn in a simulated pharmacy, purpose-built laboratories, clinical-skills suites and mock ward environments. By the fourth year, teams will be expected to run realistic pharmacy services, respond to patients and clinicians, manage long-term conditions and deal with the practical problems of day-to-day practice. Building confidence—and resilience The aim is not to force students into an early specialism, but to give them the broad foundation needed to move between sectors and specialise after registration. Alongside that flexibility, the curriculum addresses the pressures of professional practice through mentoring, leadership, team management, resilience and psychological wellbeing—helping future pharmacists recognise when they need to pause, reflect and ensure they remain safe to practise. Looking ahead The conversation closes with a look at the future: a digital thread running through the course, including AI and remote consultations; closer links between university research and patient care; expanded continuing professional development; and pharmaceutical 3D printing that could one day produce medicines tailored to an individual patient and dose. Listen to Episode 183 for a revealing look behind the pharmacy counter—and at the education, technology and regional partnerships shaping a profession at the heart of future healthcare.
