162 Brijesh Thaker
We dive deep into the remarkable journey of Brijesh Thaker, a successful pharmacy owner who transitioned from India to establish himself in the UK healthcare system. With ownership of four independent pharmacies and over 17 years of experience, Brijesh shares invaluable insights for international pharmacists and those aspiring to pharmacy ownership.
Brijesh's story begins with his arrival in the UK in 2007 to pursue a master's in pharmaceutical sciences. While working as a Christmas temp at Superdrug, a mentor recognised his potential and introduced him to the OSPAP (Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Program) pathway. This program, offered by multiple UK universities, provides international pharmacists with the opportunity to convert their qualifications for UK practice. Brijesh details the comprehensive application process through GPhC, including syllabus comparison requirements and English language proficiency tests.
The discussion provides a candid look at the challenges faced by international students, from managing visa requirements to balancing work and study commitments. Brijesh shares his innovative approach to financial management, including his experience working multiple jobs - from newspaper delivery to retail positions - to support himself through his studies. His story emphasises the importance of building strong support networks and maintaining resilience through cultural adaptation.
The episode then transitions into a detailed exploration of pharmacy ownership, with Brijesh sharing his journey from employee to entrepreneur. He emphasises the importance of thorough market research, understanding pharmacy valuations, and developing comprehensive business plans before making the leap into ownership. His focus on rural pharmacies and community engagement offers a unique perspective on building successful pharmacy businesses in underserved areas.
He shares practical examples from his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he transformed his pharmacy space to meet community vaccination needs, demonstrating the importance of adaptability in pharmacy ownership.
For aspiring pharmacy owners, Brijesh provides crucial advice about financial planning, including considerations about initial stock purchases, cash flow management, and the importance of maintaining reserves during the transition period. He highlights the need to understand both the clinical and business aspects of pharmacy ownership, suggesting that new owners should have experience in various pharmacy settings before taking the entrepreneurial leap.
This episode provides essential insights for international pharmacists, pharmacy students, and practitioners considering business ownership, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the business and practice of pharmacy in the UK.
🌟 Key Highlights:
The OSPAP Journey
GPhC application process and requirements
Course costs and university options
Work-study balance strategies
Visa considerations for international students
Transitioning from international pharmacist to UK practice
Developing clinical and business skills
Building professional networks
Path to pharmacy ownership
Service development and diversification
Team building and management strategies
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT LIFE OUTSIDE THE TRADITIONAL 9-5?
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CONNECT WITH BRIJESH:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brijesh-thaker-874440299/
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