Meet Emily Maksoud, an experienced pharmacist who has made a big impact on DHU for the last two and a half years. Graduating from the University of Liverpool in 2015, Emily chose a different healthcare route than her parents, opting for pharmacy due to its structured and precise nature.
Before DHU, Emily gained valuable experience in community pharmacy, joining DHU shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, as the NHS 111 East Midlands Lead Pharmacist, Emily oversees a team of over 30 individuals. Balancing dual roles as Integrated Urgent Care Pharmacist and Lead Pharmacist, her days vary, involving patient calls, meetings, audits, team check-ins, new pharmacist orientation, and training.
One of Emily's key strengths lies in her adaptability. Thriving in challenging situations, she told us: "I didn’t know what to expect when I joined DHU, with the Urgent Care and NHS111 services being completely new to me. When I’m in a situation where I’m facing an unknown, that’s when I always seem to develop the most and quickly. I like to put myself into these challenging situations and if I’m I the right environment, such as I am at DHU where I am supported, I can really do my best.”
“Even without seeing the patient face to face I am making a difference.”
“Because of my background and experience I was used to looking after patients face to face, but I adapted very quickly talking to patients over the phone. It came more naturally than I expected following some intensive training and my triage skills developed from day one – right up until today! It’s all about recognising red flags and prescribing or offering advice, in some cases where I can’t help it’s about knowing where and when to refer the patient to.”
At DHU, Emily has embraced numerous opportunities for growth. Becoming a prescriber has not only enhanced her clinical skills but also propelled her into a leadership role. Emily continues, "DHU has provided me with more opportunities to develop than anywhere I have worked in the past, and my manager has been extremely supportive Most recently I was given the opportunity to join the new DHU ‘Inspire’ course, which is a coaching led leadership programme designed to develop colleagues across the company.
Emily represents the dedication, adaptability, and leadership that define our DHU team. Her commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare, coupled with her continuous pursuit of growth, makes her an invaluable asset to the DHU family.