Did this experience lead you to work in a Norwegian pharmacy?
Yes. During my internship, I had a job interview in Norwegian with one of the pharmacy managers in Tromsø, where I eventually got a job in the Vitusapotek pharmacy chain. Interestingly, I later became the manager of the first pharmacy where I worked. I have always loved Nordic nature and mountains, so the decision to move to Norway was an easy one for me. I was also intrigued by the fact that Norwegian pharmacies operate a little differently than ours and generally offer a wider range of services.
What are the differences between working as a pharmacist in Czechia and Norway?
In Norway, pharmacists have broader responsibilities. In addition to dispensing medicines, they can administer vaccinations, prepare medicines for institutions or the shipping industry, and care for patients undergoing substitution treatment. It is also possible to work as a clinical pharmacist in a hospital pharmacy or in the pharmaceutical industry. In Czechia, the role of a pharmacist is more focused on dispensing medicines and providing expert advice, while in Norway there is greater emphasis on active cooperation within the healthcare system.
What specifically are your responsibilities as a pharmacy manager?
I am not only responsible for running of the pharmacy, but also for managing a team of people. This includes recruiting, training, and supporting employees in their professional development. My job involves organizing day-to-day operations, monitoring business results and marketing, and ensuring exemplary customer care. Of course, an important part of my role is working as a pharmacist as well.
How did your studies help you in your practice?
Above all, my studies taught me analytical and systematic thinking, how to work with information, and how to apply theoretical knowledge to specific situations encountered with patients. My studies gave me discipline and the ability to work in a team, which is absolutely essential in my work.
What is your life like in Norway?
Norway is a magical place to live. I live in Tromsø, a city in northern Norway, about 350 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. There is a university here and the Mack Brewery – the northernmost brewery in the world. In summer, there are three months of constant daylight, and in winter, two and a half months of darkness. It's a big contrast, but each season has its charms – from watching the northern lights to cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the mountains practically any time of the year. On the other hand, it's very difficult to be far from my family and friends. And, of course, the taxes are very high...
Do you speak Norwegian?
Knowledge of Norwegian is essential for working in a pharmacy. I use it actively every day, both when communicating with colleagues and with patients. However, I also use English a lot – many tourists come to Tromsø, and I need to be able to communicate with them.
How do you relax in your free time?
I prefer to spend time outdoors, whether hiking or doing other activities in the mountains. I also enjoy travelling and discovering new cultures and places. When I want to rest, I reach for a good book.
Sport has been a part of my life since childhood, I used to play competitive basketball. The older I get, the more I am tempted to push my limits. For example, I recently completed the 180-kilometer Tour du Mont Blanc with an elevation gain of 10,000 meters in seven days. I see sport as a way to maintain my energy and balance my demanding work.
Are you following the construction of the MUNI BioPharma Hub, where the Faculty of Pharmacy is set to move this year?
I admit that I haven't paid much attention to it yet. But I'm sure it will be a significant step forward and that it will provide Masaryk University students with even better conditions for studying.
