Many pharmacists don’t realise that GP partnership is an option

GP Pharmacist and practice partner at WellBN, Brighton, East Sussex, Shilpa Patel, on her journey from community to practice pharmacy and the opportunities that arise from becoming a GP partner.  

For over a decade, I ran a busy community pharmacy. I wasn’t just ticking boxes, I gave everything to that role. I built the pharmacy up, supported my team, and put patients first every single day. I became the area manager’s second-in-command and was proud of what I’d achieved.

Then one day, I was called into the office and told I was being performance managed — over a rota error!

I was floored. After years of hard work and loyalty, that one small mistake was being used to question my ability. I felt completely disrespected. It was a moment that changed everything for me. I realised I couldn’t stay in a role where I was no longer seen or valued. I needed to find something better and I knew I had more to give.

A new beginning in primary care

Soon after, in 2014, I gained my prescribing qualification and later I joined a GP surgery through the NHS England scheme to upskill pharmacists in primary care. At the time, I wasn’t planning on becoming a partner, I just wanted a fresh start in a place where I could use my skills more fully.

What I found was an environment where I could really make a difference. I wasn’t limited to medicines optimisation, I was improving systems, helping the team work more efficiently, and solving problems across the board.

Two years in, in 2018, I was offered partnership. It was a huge step, but I said yes. I believed in what we could achieve and I wanted to help shape it.

Learning to lead

Becoming a GP partner has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. After being a partner for six years, my GP partners appointed me as lead partner – this was the beginning of a new learning curve. I’ve learned how to run a practice well, from managing staffing and budgets to understanding CQC requirements and streamlining processes.

And the hard work is paying off. This week, a receptionist said to me: ‘It’s all changed since you took over. The processes are working, and the practice is in a better place.’ My heart skipped a beat. I was chuffed,  because that’s why I do it. To make things better for staff and patients alike.

Pharmacy prepared me

People often ask how pharmacy compares to general practice. And while the settings are different, the core skills are the same. Community pharmacy taught me how to multitask under pressure, lead a team, communicate clearly, and keep a business running smoothly. All of that translated perfectly into this role.

But here, I’ve been able to go further, to lead strategically, implement lasting change, and build something for the future.

Why aren’t more pharmacists doing this?

I think many pharmacists don’t realise that partnership is an option for them. The path isn’t always clear, and these roles can feel out of reach especially if you don’t see others like you in them.

There’s also the fear factor: stepping out of a secure role and into something unfamiliar is daunting. But the truth is, pharmacists are well equipped for leadership. We know how to problem-solve, we work well with people, and we understand the wider healthcare system.

We just need to believe in our value even if others don’t see it straight away.

And yes, there’s also financial risk involved.

Becoming a partner usually means buying into the business, either by investing capital or taking on a share of practice debts and liabilities. You’re no longer just responsible for your own income, but for the financial health of the whole practice. That can be daunting, especially if you’ve always worked in employed roles or don’t come from a business background.

Final thoughts

That tough meeting all those years ago, the one that made me feel so small, was actually the moment that set me free. It pushed me to make a change, and to find a space where I could thrive.

Now, I’m a GP partner, leading with compassion, building stronger systems, and proving that pharmacists absolutely belong at the leadership table.

If you’re a pharmacist wondering whether there’s more out there for you — there is. You don’t have to wait for permission. You don’t have to settle for being overlooked. Sometimes, you just have to make your own path.