Kate Gunthorpe (2016)
Pharmacist
1. What path did you take after completing your education at St Hilda's School?
After graduating in 2016, I pursued a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Griffith University, completing the program in 2020.
Since then, I have gained extensive experience in various sectors of the pharmacy industry, including community and hospital settings, oncology, and serving as an industry representative on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. Recently, I earned a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and a Full Scope of Practice Pharmacy qualification.
Additionally, I am proud to be an adjunct lecturer at James Cook University, where I teach and facilitate full scope prescribing for pharmacists.
2. Were there any unexpected or unplanned outcomes throughout your journey?
Life is full of unplanned outcomes, but I believe that this is one of the joys of being young. Often, we envision our lives or careers unfolding in a particular way, only to realize that it isn't what we truly desire. In these moments, we pivot and head in a new direction. There isn't a set limit to how many times you can make these changes. In fact, some of the most rewarding and impactful risks come from embracing these unexpected turns.
Each pivot brings new opportunities and experiences, shaping us into more resilient and adaptable individuals. The journey is as important as the destination, and it's through these unplanned outcomes that we often find our true path and greatest successes.
3. Can you share a fond memory from your time in School and explain how your journey at St Hilda's has influenced the person you have become?
I have very fond memories of my time at St Hilda's but the most memorable moments would be with the life-long friends I made along the way. I have a gorgeous group of friends from St Hilda's who still speak everyday and we try to organise a group trip every year. Last year's destination was Sydney but we're hoping to go international this year (if schedules permit…).
The schools focus on academic excellence, coupled with its focus on empowering and uplifting young women, taught me the importance of hard work, integrity and perseverance. I learned to take initiative, advocate for myself and others, and approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset. The friendships and connections I made there have also been instrumental in shaping my social skills and empathy towards others. Overall, St Hilda's provided a solid foundation that has guided me in both my personal and professional life.
4. What do you love about being your job?
When I graduated from university, I never imagined I would be where I am today. I began my career in community pharmacy, then transitioned to hospital pharmacy, and eventually specialized in oncology care. Despite these fulfilling roles, I felt compelled to make a broader impact, which led me to join the Queensland Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. This position offered me the incredible opportunity to complete a scope of practice qualification and become one of the first autonomous pharmacist prescribers in Australia.
With this milestone achieved, I now serve as the Pharmacist Implementation & Change Specialist for TerryWhite Chemmart. In this role, I focus on implementing systems and clinical guidelines that empower pharmacists and pharmacy teams to practice at their full scope, ultimately ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients. This journey has been both unexpected and incredibly rewarding, allowing me to contribute to the advancement of pharmacy practice on a larger scale.
6. What has been the highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career so far has been the incredible opportunity to travel across Australia, turning work into an adventure. I have visited pharmacies in towns I had never heard of, where I have listened to inspiring stories and witnessed firsthand the resilience and spirit of these communities. Being able to support and implement positive change in such diverse settings has been profoundly rewarding. This journey has not only broadened my professional horizons but also enriched my personal experiences, making every moment truly memorable.
7. What are you currently pursuing and how has this changed your life as it is today?
After a huge amount of study of the past 8 years, I have decided to put my studies on hold until the end of the year to focus on things that are important to me which include friends, family, and doing things which make me happy! My schedule is jam packed between weekly travel around Australia, looking after my miniature dachshund Leo, and spending time with my partner. Although, I do love learning so my next challenge will be starting my Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at the beginning of 2025.
