Pharmacy Daily | “Be present, truly listen, and connect”

THIS year has been a big year for Victorian pharmacist Sara Murdock (pictured), who took out the 2025 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Victorian Pharmacist of the Year (PD 02 Jun) and the Patients Australia Outstanding Community Pharmacist 2025 (PD 07 Aug).

It has been a long and sometimes difficult road for Murdock to get this far, and she shared with Pharmacy Daily the story behind the recognition, and what young pharmacists can learn from it.

The first award came as quite a surprise, Murdock said, and when the President of PSA Victoria rang and told her of the award, she could not say anything - she just started crying.

"All I could think of in that moment was my 20 years of service and raising my kids in pharmacies - having my two little kids falling asleep in the back of the pharmacy," Murdock said.

''It hasn't been easy as a single parent raising two children, wanting them to have the best education and opportunities and sport, while at the same time, trying to build a career and build a name and be able to thrive as a pharmacist and learn.

"It meant a lot for me to receive that phone call - it just affirmed that what I'm doing is good enough to be recognised."

The award from Patients Australia was equally unexpected, and especially humbling.

"I serve the community with heart," Murdock explained.

"I love my patients, and I'm on a high when I feel like I've served someone, whether it's bettering their health literacy, or educating them about a specific condition or a pill, or just listening to them.

"Quite often, people coming into the pharmacy just need someone to talk to - especially the elderly.

"It's an incredible honour, it's humbling, and it just affirms that you're on the right path."

Asked what advice she would give to early career pharmacists, Murdock did not hesitate.

"Be present - you need to be present for people.

"You need to truly listen and connect, have empathy and create a safe space for people to be able to speak to you."

Murdock is now the lead pharmacist at Pharmacy 777 Pascoe Vale, an extended-hours pharmacy with a team of 10 staff.

Her role includes introducing services to the community, collaborating with community groups, schools and local medical centres, finding out what their needs are and trying to fill the gaps.

She also supports her staff in their areas of passion, upskilling them and making sure they are growing.

Murdock attributed the recognition she has received to the alignment of her own values and those of Pharmacy 777.

"Pharmacy 777 is very big on people before business, and looking after your community and looking after your patients in a professional way aligns with my values, and that's why I'm thriving," she said.

"So another thing I would say to students and young pharmacists is to make sure you're in an environment and with people that align with your values.

"We all have our challenges in our careers but having shared values leads to success and allows you to thrive." KB