Pharmacy Case File – Breaking down real-world patient scenarios.

The Hidden Power of a Pharmacist’s Routine!

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"What’s your biggest secret to being a great pharmacist?"

A student asked me this during a chat.

I paused, knowing my answer would be disappointing. Because my biggest secret? There’s no secret at all.

If you ask me, success in pharmacy isn’t about knowing fancy medical terms—it’s about following a simple process every single day.

But most people want a shortcut. A hidden trick. The one thing nobody else knows.

I see this all the time:

"How do I quickly review a patient’s medications?" or "What’s the easiest way to make the right recommendation?"

And the real answer? It’s the most boring one.

I follow a step-by-step approach every time. Even when the case seems easy. Even when nobody asks for my input. Even when it feels repetitive.

But that’s what makes a difference.

The Power of Routine

The best pharmacists aren’t doing anything groundbreaking. They’re just consistent and never skip the basics.

Take this case:

?? Patient: 58-year-old male

?? Diagnosis: Pneumonia

?? History: Diabetes, High Blood Pressure

?? Meds: Metformin, Amlodipine

?? Treatment: Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin

At first, everything looks fine. But a smart pharmacist always asks:

? Is Metformin safe? (Kidney function check)

? Is there a risk with Amlodipine + Azithromycin? (Heart rhythm check)

? Will the antibiotics affect blood sugar? (Diabetes control check)

? When should we switch to oral medication? (De-escalation plan)

This isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about having a simple process and using it every single time.

And the best pharmacists? They don’t rely on memory. They create checklists and reminders to stay on track.

Why We Avoid This Approach

Here’s why most people don’t like this answer:

If success required secret knowledge, we could say:

"I just haven’t found the right book yet."

If it required special training, we could say:

"I just don’t have enough experience."

But when it’s just about sticking to simple habits—we have no excuses left.

That’s what makes the best pharmacists stand out.

How to Apply This in Your Practice

Pick your daily habits and stick to them:

1?? Reviewing Medications? → Always check for kidney function, drug interactions, and correct doses. No exceptions.

2?? Making Decisions? → Always follow this sequence: Why is the patient taking this? Is it safe? Is it working? How do we monitor?

3?? Following Up? → Always check if the treatment is working, look out for side effects, and adjust if needed.

The key isn’t just doing these things—it’s making them automatic so you never miss them.

Final Thought

The real secret? There isn’t one.

Just like I told that student, great pharmacists follow a simple routine and never skip the basics.

So get good at the boring stuff. Really good at it.

Because when you do, the boring stuff becomes powerful.

And that’s all for today.

See you after 2 weeks.

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