Wounds Australia members are passionate professionals on a mission to improve healthcare in their communities and each month in the Wounds Australia news centre, we meet one of them. Today it's the turn of Lara Gliana, Pharmacist with Fullife Pharmacy in Mill Park in Melbourne's north.

Tell us about yourself.

As store manager of Fullife Pharmacy in Mill Park, I oversee daily operations and professional services such as the vaccination program. Since 2019, I have personally administered thousands of influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. I have certifications in asthma education, wound care and vaccinations and I'm currently participating in the Victorian Pharmacist Prescribing Pilot Program.

Additionally, I am a member of the Wounds Australia Victorian branch committee and a member of the Community and Consumer Council Committee of the Northern and Eastern Primary Health Network in Melbourne. My primary focus is to enhance patient involvement in their healthcare.

I am also a wife and mother of three wonderful children.

What do you enjoy about your work?

What I enjoy most about my job is the profound sense of fulfilment that comes from helping individuals lead healthier lives. The trust that patients place in me to guide them through their health journeys is incredibly humbling and motivates me to provide the highest standard of care. Educating patients about their medications, proper usage, and potential side effects is a vital part of my role, and seeing the positive outcomes of this education is deeply gratifying.

I find great satisfaction in the variety of tasks that my role entails. From conducting medication reviews and administering vaccinations to providing counselling and managing health programs, each day brings new and diverse challenges. This variety keeps my work dynamic and fulfilling, as I can apply my expertise in different ways and continually grow in my profession.

What motivates you?

I chose to pursue a career in this field because I am dedicated to helping people maintain their health. It is a highly rewarding profession that offers a diverse range of career opportunities and provides flexible working hours, which is particularly beneficial for a working mother.

I feel privileged to be part of one of the most trusted professions, and to be entrusted with the responsibility of caring for my community and making a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. The trust and confidence placed in me by my patients motivate me to strive for excellence and to continually seek ways to improve the quality of care I provide. This profession not only allows me to apply my expertise in healthcare but also to build meaningful relationships with those I serve, contributing to their overall health and happiness.

Tell us about your business.

We work in a large community pharmacy that serves a very big community in Melbourne's north; we have a vast variety of healthcare services to serve the needs of our community. Recently we have built three large private consultation rooms, one of which is our wound care clinic. We are looking to provide an innovative service to our community. We will provide first aid for cuts and grazes, skin tears, burns and post-operative wounds. We will also provide wound care education to patients on how to look after their wounds to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. We work in collaboration with local medical centres, hospitals, and allied health services to ensure the patient receives holistic care.

I am eager for our pharmacy to become the health hub of Melbourne's northern suburbs. I am excited about establishing a large, efficient pharmacy-based wound care clinic that offers first aid, education, and health solutions for individuals who are in urgent need and unable to visit a GP clinic or emergency department.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Being promoted to lead and manage professional services and the pharmacy where I have worked for several years. This achievement is particularly meaningful to me as it signifies that my hard work and dedication to my professional career have been recognised and valued, allowing me to empower my patients, lead the team and manage the health services of our pharmacy.

What did you want to be at 10 years old? At 18? At 30?

At 10 years old, I wanted to be a teacher. At 18 years old, I wanted to be a doctor. At 30 years old, I wanted to be a manager of a pharmacy.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy activities that enrich both my personal and professional life. Spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, is a favourite, as it offers a relaxing escape and rejuvenation. The beach environment allows me to unwind and return to work with renewed energy.

Family time is incredibly important to me. We cherish holidays together, exploring new destinations and creating lasting memories. These experiences strengthen our family bonds and broaden our perspectives with diverse cultural insights. These hobbies contribute to a balanced life and help maintain a healthy work-life balance, crucial for sustaining dedication in my profession. Engaging in these activities provides personal fulfilment and enhances my professional capabilities, ultimately benefiting the patients and community I serve.

What do you wish you'd known when starting out?

When I started my career, I wish I had known that the pharmacy profession would eventually offer a much wider variety of health services to patients beyond just dispensing prescriptions. I would not have been afraid of change, and I would have learned to be adaptable and embrace new opportunities. As a pharmacist, I am continually committed to professional growth and enhancing patient care through innovative health services.

Anything else you'd like to share? 

The role of a pharmacist today extends far beyond traditional responsibilities. We are at the forefront of patient education, disease prevention, and chronic disease management. Our contributions are vital to the healthcare system, providing accessible and immediate care to those in need. The opportunity to educate patients on medication management, lifestyle modifications and preventive healthcare is immensely rewarding.

I am committed to continuing my professional development and staying abreast of the latest advancements in pharmacy and healthcare. This dedication ensures that I can provide the highest standard of care and contribute meaningfully to the health and wellbeing of my community.