After a transition from paramedicine, 2026 Intern of the Year Tayler Holdman brings fresh energy to community pharmacy, enhancing access to care and embracing an expanding scope of practice.
Interning at Capital Chemist in Merimbula on the New South Wales far south coast, the University of Canberra graduate pivoted from a career as a paramedic in search of greater growth opportunities – an experience that now deeply shapes her clinical perspective.
Daily, Ms Holdman delivers vaccinations, works in the pharmacy’s sleep apnoea clinic and contributes to the ongoing development of its wound care service.
‘I came into this role with so many ideas about what pharmacy could be and the ways we could better support the community,’ she says. ‘The team has been incredibly supportive, and we’ve been able to explore every idea I’ve had so far.’
This collaborative and supportive environment has allowed Ms Holdman to play a part in several initiatives, including participating in a clinical trial with the local hospital and delivering education sessions for people living with chronic kidney disease.
These projects reinforce the important role community pharmacies can play in supporting patients when access to other healthcare services is limited.
‘If people can’t get in to see their GP, we’re here,’ Ms Holdman says. ‘We offer so many services, but also just love having a chat and helping people understand what’s available.’
In regional towns like Merimbula – where the nearest hospital is 30 minutes away and GP appointments are scarce – she believes pharmacists are perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between primary care and hospital services.
‘I want to be at the forefront of that change,’ she says. ‘Particularly in rural communities, pharmacy has so much to offer, and I want to help advocate for that. People should feel comfortable walking in for advice, wound care or help understanding where they need to go next.’
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