Throughout my first term on the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) English Pharmacy Board (EPB), I made a conscious decision to share my experiences openly on LinkedIn. Not just the highlights — but the honest reality of what it’s like to serve, to learn and to navigate a profession in the midst of significant change.
I did this because I believe transparency builds trust. Too often, professional leadership can feel distant and disconnected from the people it serves. I wanted colleagues to see what happens at board level, to understand the conversations being had on their behalf and to feel that they have a genuine connection to the decisions being made.
What I’ve learned over these two years is that pharmacy is at a crossroads. This is an incredibly exciting time — the transition to a royal college represents a historic moment for our profession, one that recognises the expertise and clinical contribution of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. We should be proud of how far we’ve come.
But I also want to be honest — this is a difficult time. The economic pressures facing community pharmacy are real and relentless. Workforce challenges are stretching teams to their limits. Many colleagues are exhausted, and some are questioning whether they have a future in the profession they love. We cannot celebrate progress while ignoring the struggles that exist alongside it.
That’s why I believe the next chapter of our profession must be built on honest conversations. We need leaders who are willing to listen — really listen — to the experiences of pharmacy professionals across every sector and setting. We need to acknowledge what isn’t working, not just showcase what is. And we need to ensure that the royal college we are building serves everyone, not just those with the loudest voices.
During my time on the RPS’s EPB, I’ve worked hard to create space for those honest conversations. I’ve championed the importance of hearing from colleagues who might not always feel confident speaking up, and I’ve tried to bring both compassion and constructive challenge to every discussion.
I’m seeking re-election because I believe this work is far from finished. The transition to a royal college is not an ending — it’s a beginning. And I want to continue ensuring that as we move forward, we do so together, with integrity, empathy and a genuine commitment to every member of our profession.
Ankish Patel
Candidate for the National Pharmacy Advisory Council for England
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