Member Spotlight – World Pharmacists Day 2024 – Chastina Heck (Chas)

Logan-based Bidjera, Nywaigi, and Mamu woman Chastina Heck (Chas) grew up in Toowoomba after being born in Barcaldine. She has two younger sisters.  Growing up Chas saw her parents volunteering and helping others and loved the idea of helping people in her own life journey and decided Pharmacy was a way of doing that.  “I loved that there was the ability to help people with their health and wellbeing in such an accessible way”. “People can just walk into the pharmacy and see a pharmacist to get help without needing to make an appointment like you would for a doctor”. 

As a pharmacist on the wards at Logan Hospital, I get to spend time primarily on the wards yarning with patients. Helping people with whatever challenges they may have – trouble remembering to take medicines; or difficulty swallowing tablets and advising on alternatives, or advising the doctors about medicines that might not be needed anymore.  Pharmacists don’t just put labels on bottles!   “I love being able to connect with mob in hospital. I like to take my time to make them feel I’m focused just on them. Time is really important in helping mob feel safe, especially in a hospital environment.  If I take time to understand and really listen, I know I can do my part to help avoid the need for future hospital visits for that patient and family. 

Growing up I went to school in Toowoomba, and after high school, I moved to Brisbane where I studied for a Bachelor of Pharmacy over 4 years at the University of QLD. I graduated in 2004. As I wasn’t from a family of doctors or pharmacists, I felt different from many of my fellow students at university.  I was admitted through an alternative entry program through the School of Pharmacy and other students made me feel like I didn’t deserve to be there because of this. However, I’m glad I stuck it out because I think being a great pharmacist is more than the science, it’s ultimately about connection with people – patients, doctors, and the whole healthcare team.  

IAHA has been part of my professional and personal life from way back in the early days and have been a member ever since. IAHA wasn’t around when I was a student – I have FOMO about the Ultimate Student Leadership Challenge students get to do these days! 

I draw strength from my connections and involvement with IAHA. I get cultural strength and energy from being connected to other Indigenous allied health professionals, especially working in the places and spaces that I do.