Award-winning regional pharmacist says relationship with patients is 'unique'

When residents of the north-west Victorian town of Ouyen stop by their local pharmacy, they know they are getting much more than just their prescription filled.

The pharmacy is a one-stop shop for not only medical supplies, but community connection and advice that can save lives.

Owner Alex Look, 34, has become a familiar face in the town of about 1,000 people since purchasing the pharmacy in 2021.

He said the relationship between community pharmacists and their patients was not just transactional, but often "unique and special".

"Sometimes that's very rewarding because we can see the journey that people make throughout their life, but also it can be quite challenging because people sometimes come to us in times of crisis and times of need," he said.

"The fact that they can come in at any time without an appointment and discuss a wide range of issues, joys and troubles, at the same time, it's really powerful."

In early November, Mr Look was awarded International Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmacy Innovation Assembly in Melbourne.

The award recognises pharmacists from diverse backgrounds who are making meaningful and lasting impacts on the profession.

Mr Look said it was an honour to be recognised for his contribution to the community, which he believed should receive the same level of healthcare as any in the city.

"That's why we're fighting for our patients and our community for all these different services that we can offer to make it more accessible because we know it's difficult living in country towns.

"We want to be able to be the solution."

Increasing vaccination access

Earlier in the year, Mr Look introduced Q Fever vaccination services to the pharmacy.

Q Fever is a disease caused by bacteria, which spreads from cattle, sheep and goats, as well as other domestic and wild animals, to humans.

Mr Look said accessing the vaccination had been difficult for people in Ouyen, which is known for its grain and livestock farming.

"We were getting a lot of inquiries from people in the community and within hundreds of kilometres away saying they can't access this vaccination very readily," he said.

"The reason for that is it is a multi-step process requiring blood tests, skin tests and then the vaccination itself.

Now farmers do not have to travel further than Ouyen to access the service.

"We're actually saving patients approximately six to seven hours at least per course of vaccination," he said.

"It's been really helpful for our local community."

Ouyen Inc co-chair Jason Wills said Mr Look had been a strong advocate for the town, continually pushing for health equity.

"He really cares about people and he's showing that with all the services that he's offering out of the pharmacy," he said.

"It's a huge thing in small towns for people to know that people are out there helping them."

Innovative approach

Pharmacy Innovation Assembly founder Ann Coo said Mr Look was selected from over 100 nominations due to his "exceptional" repertoire and his care for the community.

"You can see on his socials he is very active, and he really connects with the patients on a personal level rather than just seeing that patient as someone that walks in your door," she said.

"He really goes that extra mile in saying 'what does the community need and how can I treat my patients better' … that is who Alex is."

Mr Look is also a Justice of the Peace, has been involved in Ouyen Inc, runs a food van and offers delivery services for patients.

Ms Coo said Mr Look's introduction of the Q Fever vaccination had really stood out to the assembly.

"That is a major contribution to local healthcare, it's not very usual practice for a pharmacist to do that," Ms Coo said.

Positive move to the regions

Before moving to Ouyen, Mr Look had worked in various locations, including in Western Australia, Queensland, Broken Hill, and Mildura.

He said moving to Ouyen was the "best decision" he had ever made and the community's drive inspired him.

"I think that often pharmacists or people in general have some concerns about going to small towns about what they can do or making friends or whatnot," he said.

"But in fact, my experience has been incredible and even as a person of diverse background … I've had nothing but positive experiences."

Mr Wills said the town was lucky to have Mr Look as a part of the community.

"He's putting his own time and money into the town, the pharmacy, and that's not his only business; he has a food van as well," he said.

"He puts himself out there, he calls this place his home and we really appreciate that."