Leading in healthcare: why clinical skills are only the beginning

Where it all started

I was born in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Filipino parents. My mum worked as a nurse and my dad was a dental technician. When I was in primary school, my parents decided to move our family back to the Philippines. There, my mum was very hands-on and disciplined; ensuring my siblings and I were excelling academically.

I became the valedictorian of my high school and later graduated cum laude from university with a Bachelor of Pharmacy. Choosing to study Pharmacy felt natural. It reflected my parents’ influence, but it also aligned with my curiosity and love for chemistry. I was intrigued by how medications interacted with the body and could make a real difference to someone's health.

I graduated at just 19 years old, the youngest in my cohort. It was confronting studying with people several years older than me - I had to mature faster. I stayed focused on my studies and went on to become a registered pharmacist in the Philippines.

My first role

I started my career in a community pharmacy, eager to put my knowledge into practise. After a few years in, I was placed in charge of overseeing the store. While it was a significant milestone, it came with unexpected challenges. Some of the staff were not comfortable taking direction by someone younger than them and I often felt the pressure of having to prove myself. There were times when I was burnt out because I ended up doing everything on my own.

I realised that being a pharmacist required more than just clinical knowledge – it was also about leadership, communication, customer service and understanding the business behind healthcare such as sales and financial management. I made the decision to pursue a master's degree to expand my skillset. I wanted to study abroad to help me become more independent and meet new people.

Being a pharmacist required more than clinical knowledge – it was also about leadership, communication, customer service and understanding the business behind healthcare

Coming to Australia

I chose to study in Australia as it was close to home and offered quality education. I chose Kaplan Business School (KBS) as they offered an MBA with a specialisation in health services management- exactly what I needed to bridge my clinical background with leadership and business expertise.

I enjoyed learning in smaller classes as my lecturers had time to understand and support each student. There were online classes which allowed me to work while studying. My MBA subjects went beyond learning how to manage healthcare systems and included developing leadership skills such as emotional and cultural intelligence. One subject about women in leadership taught me how to negotiate confidently, speak up and earn respect in professional environments.

Growing up, I was shy and introverted. But after arriving at KBS, I had opportunities to step outside my comfort zone. I built friendships with people from different nationalities and became more confident sharing my thoughts and opinions in group discussions, collaborating with my team and presenting in front of the class. I was also invited to be on the panel at a KBS workshop where I shared my insights and experiences working in healthcare.

A few months after I arrived, I secured a job as a Pharmacy Assistant at Ramsay Pharmacy. After 4 months, I moved to Chemist Warehouse– the largest pharmacy retailer in Australia. The growth I experienced at KBS showed in the workplace. I became more confident leading people, delegating tasks, and interacting with customers – even when they were not in a good mood.

The reality of working in pharmacy

Working in pharmacy requires a great deal of patience and empathy. When customers walk through the door, they're often unwell, stressed or frustrated - and sometimes that comes across as cranky or rude. Whatever mood they are in, it's your responsibility to listen carefully, understand their condition and clearly explain their medications.

The role also demands multi-tasking. At any given moment, you could be dispensing prescriptions, helping a colleague or a customer comes up to you asking for advice. The pharmacy is a fast-paced environment, so being able to prioritise, stay organised and manage your time effectively is essential.

Despite the challenges, I find my work very rewarding. Even on the busiest days, helping people feel better – or simply feel heard - makes everything worthwhile.

Where I'm working now

My original plan, after graduating from KBS, was to return to the Philippines. That plan changed after a conversation with my favourite lecturer at KBS – who was also a pharmacist herself. She encouraged me to stay in Australia and pursue local registration. She shared valuable resources, guided me through the process and kept me motivated throughout the months of preparation.

At the time, I was working as a Pharmacy Assistant at Chemist Warehouse, so my first step was passing the exam that would qualify me to work as a pharmacy intern. From there, I completed the required supervised practice hours under a registered pharmacist. It was a demanding journey that required focus, resilience and confidence in myself.

In June 2025, I sat the final exam to become a registered pharmacist in Australia – and I passed! Today, I'm happy to be working as a registered pharmacist at a Chemist Warehouse in Brisbane.

Recently, the pharmacy owner offered to sponsor me, so my plan is now to stay in Australia long term. I'm excited to build a future here. While Australia is home for now, I may still return to the Philippines in the future to open my own pharmacy.

Want to connect with Renacris?

LinkedIn - Renacris Marielle Pablo

Develop your leadership capabilities and improve healthcare services with our MBA (specialisation: Health Services Management).  Learn the top reasons to study business in Australia. 