For University of New England (UNE) Pharmacy student Racquel Smith, studying pharmacy was a natural progression from her years working in community pharmacy. But it wasn’t until she took on a rural placement in Broome, Western Australia, that she truly understood the impact pharmacists have in remote communities.
“I always knew I wanted to go into healthcare, but I wasn’t sure where I would fit in,” Racquel said. “After working in pharmacy for a few years and seeing the importance of building connections with the community, I knew this was the right career path for me.”
Originally from the Northern Rivers, Racquel chose to study at UNE because of its flexible learning options, allowing her to stay in her community while completing her degree. “I couldn’t see myself living in a big city, and UNE let me study from home while continuing to work full-time,” she said.
When it came time to choose a clinical placement, Broome stood out as the perfect opportunity to combine her passion for rural health with real-world experience. “When Broome was listed as an option, it was a no-brainer,” she said. “I reached out to the placement coordinator almost a full semester in advance because I wanted to make sure I had the best possible experience.”
The placement took Racquel across Broome, Fitzroy Crossing, and Derby, where she worked in both hospital and community pharmacies, as well as Aboriginal Health Service Clinics, remote community clinics, and even hepatic dialysis clinics.
“My placement experience was incredibly eye-opening and nothing short of amazing,” she said. “I had the chance to see pharmacy in a completely different way, working in clinics that serve some of the most remote communities in Australia.”
One of the biggest highlights was traveling between sites, sometimes by small charter plane and sometimes on short road trips, offering a firsthand look at the geographic and logistical challenges of rural healthcare.
But it wasn’t all work.
Racquel made the most of her time in Broome, fully immersing herself in the local culture. “I went to trivia, bingo, markets, museums, art galleries, and local pubs. I played netball, joined a run club, rode my bike around town, and even watched a movie at Australia’s oldest outdoor picture garden,” she said. “Every evening, I watched the sunset over the water. The Kimberley is such a beautiful place.”
Reflecting on the experience, Racquel said she couldn’t recommend a rural placement highly enough. “The team in Broome was incredibly generous with their time, making sure we got the most out of every learning opportunity. It’s not just about the clinical side of pharmacy - it’s about understanding the reality of remote healthcare in Australia,” she said.
Now in her final year of study, Racquel hopes to own a rural community pharmacy with a focus on extended services, ensuring high-quality healthcare remains accessible to regional and remote communities.
Looking back at her journey, she has simple advice for students considering a similar path. “Make friends in your degree to keep each other accountable, find a mentor in the area you want to work in, and take every opportunity to gain hands-on experience,” she said. “Most importantly, believe in yourself. You’re more capable than you think.”
