30/04/2026
“I was unsure of where I wanted to go in my career, however, I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field. Taking a gap year and getting non-university qualifications in pharmacy during that year reinforced that I wanted to work in pharmacy.”
For Ally Fowler, that early uncertainty has grown into a clear direction. Now in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), she’s building that future through a combination of study and hands-on experience in a community pharmacy.
Having moved to Bendigo from a smaller rural town, Ally says the experience has deepened her understanding of the importance of accessible healthcare—shaping both her passion for pharmacy and the kind of impact she hopes to make.
“Moving to Bendigo from a ‘smaller’ rural town has demonstrated the value of accessible healthcare, which has further shaped my appreciation and interest in pharmacy and patient care.”
Alongside her studies, Ally works as a dispensary technician and sleep technician, taking on responsibilities beyond what’s typically expected of a student. From DAA packing to Sleep Apnoea testing and IVF treatment plan dispensing, she’s gaining exposure to a wide range of services while learning directly from experienced pharmacists.
“Through this experience I have learned that pharmacy is not only about understanding medicines, but also about problem-solving and supporting patients in managing their health.”
Balancing a significant workload with university hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been a defining part of her journey.
“One challenge I found has been balancing a significant number of working hours with university commitments. However, it has helped me strengthen my time management skills and allowed me to apply what I learn at university to real-world pharmacy scenarios.”
Connection has also played an important role, with the Bendigo Association of Pharmacy Students (BAPS) providing opportunities to step away from study and build friendships with peers.
“The Bendigo Association of Pharmacy (BAPS) events have provided valuable opportunities to take a break from stresses of study and work, which helped me connect with other people in my course and enjoy their company outside of an academic environment.”
Looking ahead, Ally is focused on what comes next.
“After finishing my degree, I aim to complete my internship in under a year. After that, I aim to complete a post-graduate course that will allow me to expand my scope and become a prescribing pharmacist.”
Her advice to others reflects the balance she’s learned along the way.
“Some advice I would give to any students would be to be mindful of balancing work experience with their studies and wellbeing. While experience is valuable for your career, taking on too many working hours alongside study can lead to burnout, which can be more detrimental than beneficial.”
