Healthcare science | Career Development and Education

From Childhood Dream to NHS Specialist: Lizzi’s Journey in Pharmacy

When Lizzi first stepped into a hospital pharmacy as a teenager through work experience, it opened a new world of possibilities for the career she’d already set her sights on at 12. While many struggle to determine what they want to be when they grow up, Lizzi was certain. “I’ve always wanted to be a pharmacist, since I was 12,” she says. “It’s been a privilege to have such a clear path.”

Today, she’s the Specialist Clinical Pharmacist for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), a role that blends clinical expertise, leadership, and empathy. Her journey is proof that when passion meets perseverance, even the most ambitious goals can become reality.

A Career Built on Curiosity and Courage

Growing up, she was drawn to science and maths and knew early on that she wanted a career that combined both with helping others. Pharmacy felt like the perfect fit. “I didn’t want to be a doctor, because I didn’t want to touch people or give bad news,” she says. “Pharmacy was a nice halfway house.” A work experience placement at her local hospital pharmacy confirmed it; this was the path she wanted to follow.

She went on to study at Cardiff University, graduating in 2012 with a MPharm degree. Her pre-registration year at North Bristol NHS Trust gave her a strong foundation, and she soon progressed into a Band 6 rotational role. Over three years, she gained experience across multiple specialities while completing a postgraduate diploma. But even with a clear career path ahead, Lizzi wasn’t afraid to pause and reflect. “I knew that if I applied for Band 7, I’d probably never leave,” she explains. “I wanted to experience something different.” That self-awareness set the tone for how Lizzi approaches her career today: thoughtful, curious, and unafraid of change.

That desire for growth and a sense of adventure led her to New Zealand. With family already there and a curiosity about healthcare systems beyond the NHS, Lizzi made the leap. What started as a one-year plan quickly evolved into a transformative chapter that would challenge, shape, and ultimately deepen her passion for pharmacy.

A Career That Crossed Continents

The move to New Zealand wasn’t just a change of scenery; it was a bold step that reshaped her understanding of pharmacy and patient care. Before leaving, she sat an exam in London to qualify as a pharmacist overseas. “It was very similar to our pre-reg exam,” she recalls. She laughs, “It would have been very embarrassing if I’d failed, as I’d already been a pharmacist for three years.”

Once in New Zealand, she completed four weeks of supervised practice in a community pharmacy, serving a diverse and underserved population. “It was my first look into community pharmacy, and it was very different to here. The pharmacist I worked with was incredibly understanding of the patient groups; it was really lovely to see.”

She later joined Wellington Hospital, where she spent four years and eventually became the Medicine Co-ordinator. It was here she discovered her passion for respiratory pharmacy, stepping into the cystic fibrosis role, “I became very interested in respiratory pharmacy, it just fell under my remit, and I ran with it.” And when the time came to return to the UK, she brought with her a renewed sense of purpose and a global perspective that continues to shape her work today.

Returning Home and getting back on the ground

In 2021, Lizzi returned to the UK with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to be closer to family. “I was alone in New Zealand during COVID. I wanted to be closer to my family on the Isle of Wight, and Southampton was the closest big hospital,” she shares. UHS felt like the right place to continue growing her career.

She rejoined the NHS as a Band 7 pharmacist and took time to reacquaint herself with the system before stepping into a more senior role as Lead Medicines Pharmacist, which included cover for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)With her background in respiratory pharmacy and her passion for patient-centred care, Lizzi now leads on prescribing and monitoring treatments for over 300 patients across the Wessex region.

Building a Specialist Role at UHS

Lizzi’s current role as Specialist Pharmacist for ILD is one she’s shaped through experience, initiative, and a deep understanding of patient needs. Her work is highly collaborative, embedded within a close-knit multidisciplinary team. “We’re a small team of six consultants, two nurses, two pharmacists and, MDT co-ordinator but we’re tight-knit,” she says. “I’ve carved out a role where I can be quite autonomous. Patients often speak to me directly about side effects or concerns.” That autonomy allows Lizzi to respond quickly and personally, ensuring patients feel supported throughout their treatment journey.

But her care goes beyond clinical decisions. Lizzi takes time to understand the lives behind the prescriptions. “I always ask about their hobbies,” she shares. “One patient loved gardening, but the medicine caused sun sensitivity. So, I looked at alternatives. For some patients, there is no point in adding six months to their life if they can’t enjoy it.” It’s this kind of thoughtful, person-centred approach that defines her work and makes her role so impactful.

A Life Beyond the Uniform

That empathy doesn’t come from textbooks; it comes from lived experience. Outside of work, Lizzi leads an active lifestyle, regularly taking part in Parkrun and training with two triathlon clubs, one in Southampton and one on the Isle of Wight. “Having my own hobbies helps me understand my patients better. I know how important it is to keep doing what you love,” she says.

Her personal passions give her insight into how treatment decisions affect daily life. Whether it’s managing side effects or adjusting medication schedules, Lizzi’s goal is always to help patients maintain the quality of life that matters to them. “Our job is hard. But if you’ve got the passion, it’s incredibly rewarding.” That balance between clinical excellence and human understanding is what makes her role at UHS so impactful.

Lifelong Learning and Leadership

Lizzi has always valued learning as much as progression. Early in her career, she made the conscious decision to stay in a Band 6 role longer than her peers, not because she lacked ambition, but because she wanted to build a strong foundation. “I knew I wasn’t going to stay there long-term, so I thought there’s no point stepping up for six months. I might as well absorb everything I can,” she reflects.

That mindset continues to shape her approach today. Now a qualified independent prescriber, Lizzi is mentoring the next generation of pharmacists as they enter a rapidly evolving profession. “Prescribing rights are changing; new pharmacists will graduate with them,” she explains. “We need to rethink how we support them, especially since pharmacists often work alone on wards.” Her experience gives her a unique perspective on how to guide others through the transition from learner to leader.

She’s also part of a national leadership programme focused on ILD, helping shape the future of regional care delivery. “I’m excited about leading the area when services devolve. I want to be the point of contact for pharmacists in regional centres, ensuring consistent care no matter where patients are.”

The UHS Difference

For Lizzi, joining UHS wasn’t just about returning to the NHS. It was about finding a place where her skills, ideas, and leadership could thrive. “Southampton is huge. There are pharmacists here I’ve never met who are top of their game. The respect for pharmacy here is really high,” she says. That culture of excellence and recognition has helped her grow not just as a clinician but as a leader.

One of the most impactful aspects of her role has been the freedom to shape it. “I’ve been able to design my own rota around MDTs and clinics. That flexibility has made a huge difference,” she explains. It’s allowed her to balance specialist responsibilities with ward work, support junior colleagues, and maintain a rhythm that works for both her team and her patients. At UHS, Lizzi hasn’t just found a job; she’s built a career that reflects her values, her expertise, and her drive to make a difference.

Advice for Future Pharmacists

Lizzi’s advice to future pharmacists is simple but powerful: take your time and trust the process. “Be prepared to be learning forever—but that’s not a bad thing,” she says. “You don’t always have to chase the next role. It’s okay to sit in a job and absorb everything.” Her own career shows that growth doesn’t always mean moving fast; it means moving with purpose.

When it comes to specialising, Lizzi encourages pharmacists to follow what feels right. “You need either opportunity or passion. I was lucky to have both. But don’t specialise just because it’s the next step, make sure it’s something you care about.” Whether you’re just starting out or considering a new direction, her message is clear: build a career that reflects who you are, not just where you think you should be.

From early ambition to specialist leadership, Lizzi’s career reflects the depth and diversity of opportunities within pharmacy. Her story highlights how curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning can shape a career that truly makes an impact.

Interested in building a career where you can grow, lead, and make a difference? Click here to explore pharmacy roles at UHS and see where your journey could begin.

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