The NES Pharmacy Podcast aims to provide you with developments and updates in pharmacy education as well as let you hear from various pharmacy teams members who are already contributing to education and training within their various roles in practice.
Episodes will appear here regularly.

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Episodes
Want to know more about what’s happening in pharmacy education and training? Why not join us and listen to our new NES pharmacy Podcasts. Each series of podcasts will explore different areas of pharmacy education and incorporate insights from guests who are involved or undertaking educational roles within their practice. The Podcasts are hosted by our pharmacy team and each episode will provide helpful tips and guidance to support you within your practice.
© NHS Education for Scotland 2025. You can copy or reproduce the information in these podcasts for use within NHS Scotland and for non-commercial educational purposes under creative commons CC BY-NC 4.0 Deed | Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International | Creative commons. Use of this resource for commercial purposes is permitted only with the written permission of NHS Education for Scotland.
Episodes

Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
S4.Ep3 - Pharmacy Simulation - Learners in Simulation - Euan Davidson
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
In this episode, Elspeth speaks with Euan Davidson, a community and hospital pharmacist, to explore his journey through immersive simulation training in pharmacy practice. Euan shares candid reflections on his experiences as a delegate at various NES Pharmacy simulation events, including multidisciplinary scenarios and innovative formats like escape rooms. He discusses how simulation has helped him build practical skills, boost confidence, and learn from peers in a safe, supportive environment. Whether you’re new to simulation or looking to deepen your understanding, Euan’s insights highlight the unique benefits of hands-on learning and collaborative feedback through simulation in pharmacy education.
Access the EP3. Pharmacy Simulation - Learners in Simulation (Euan Davidson) on our website.
Resources
NES Pharmacy Simulation Turas page
Let us know what you think about our podcast series by completing the NES Pharmacy Podcast Evaluation Form.
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
S4.Ep2 - Pharmacy Simulation-Simulation Faculty - Joanna Garrod and Jennifer Allardyce
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
In this second episode of our Pharmacy simulation podcast series, Joanna Garrod and Jennifer Allardyce from the NES Simulation Faculty share their career journey and involvement in national and local simulation programmes, including scenario development and faculty training. Learn how simulation differs from traditional teaching, how realism is ensured through quality-assured resources, and how learner feedback drives improvement.
Discover the benefits of joining the simulation faculty - from supporting learners at all stages to enhancing your professional development and advanced practice portfolio. If you're curious about getting involved, this episode offers practical first steps and inspiration.
Access the Ep2. Pharmacy Simulation - Simulation Faculty - Joanna Garrod and Jennifer Allardyce on our website on our website
Resources
NES Pharmacy Simulation Turas page
Let us know what you think about our podcast series by completing the NES Pharmacy Podcast Evaluation Form.
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
S4.Ep1 - An introduction to Pharmacy Simulation - Scott McColgan-Smith and Mairi Ward
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
In this first episode of our Pharmacy simulation podcast series, Scott McColgan Smith and Mairi Ward from the NES Pharmacy Simulation Team share their insights and experiences into simulation in pharmacy education.
The provide insight into what “simulation” means in the context of pharmacy education, discuss why it’s such a vital tool for training and professional development, and hear real-world examples of simulation activities that have made a lasting impact on learners and practice.
Whether you’re a pharmacy professional, educator, or simply curious about simulation, this series will offer practical advice, highlight challenges and innovations, and show you how to get involved or benefit from the NES Pharmacy Simulation Team’s work.
Access the Ep1. An introduction to Pharmacy Simulation - Scott McColgan-Smith and Mairi Ward on our website
Let us know what you think about our podcast series by completing the NES Pharmacy Podcast Evaluation Form.
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
S3.Ep7. NES Pharmacy Podcast-Summer Break-Elspeth Boxall
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Thanks for joining us for this update. We're taking a short summer break, but we'll be back in the autumn with fresh new content. In the meantime, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share your feedback using the link in the meeting notes. Stay tuned and see you soon!
NES Pharmacy Podcast Evaluation Form: https://forms.office.com/e/xq8PXjfbqJ
Access the Ep7. NES Pharmacy Podcast-Summer Break-Elspeth Boxall on our website.

Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
In this NES Pharmacy Podcast series, we explore the exciting reforms to the Pharmacist Foundation Training Year (FTY) in Scotland. This series discusses the practical aspects of these changes and their impact on various roles within the FTY programme.
In this episode, we take a different approach—answering some of the most frequently asked questions from trainees, supervisors, and training providers about the 2025–26 Foundation Training Year. From supervision requirements and assessment changes to support resources and timelines, we cover the key topics that matter most to those involved in the FTY journey.
Whether you're preparing to host a trainee or in a supporting role, this Q&A episode offers clarity and guidance to help you feel more confident and informed.
Resources
Pharmacy GPhC Initial Education and Training reforms for 2025–26 – Communications page
FTY Reforms Webinar Questions and Frequently Asked Questions
Access the EP6. Foundation Training Year Reforms – Your Questions Answered (Leanne Murphy and Eleanor Paton) on our website.
Let us know what you think about our podcast series by completing the Podcast Series Evaluation - FTY Reforms form.
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
In this NES Pharmacy Podcast series, we explore the exciting reforms to the Pharmacist Foundation Training Year (FTY) in Scotland. This series discusses the practical aspects of these changes and their impact on various roles within the FTY programme.
In this episode, Douglas Lynn, an Independent Community Training Provider, and Felice Jacobs, a Boots Healthcare Academy trainer, join us to share their insights on the planning and preparation for the 2025-26 FTY cohort. They discuss their preparation and plans for supervising and supporting FTY Trainee Pharmacists throughout the 2025-26 year.
Resources
Pharmacy GPhC Initial Education and Training reforms for 2025-26 - Communications page
Access the Ep5. Foundation Training Year Reforms-Community Training Programme-Douglas Lynn and Felice Jacobs on our website.
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
In this NES Pharmacy Podcast series, we explore the exciting reforms to the Pharmacist Foundation Training Year (FTY) in Scotland. This series discusses the practical aspects of these changes and their impact on various roles within the FTY programme.
In this episode, we are joined by Ailsa MacDonald and Eleanor Paton from the NES Pharmacy Prescribing and Clinical Skills Team, who have supported the development of the IP parts to the FTY Programme for the 2025-26 year. They will provide some insight into what the components of the PLP are and PLP will be incorporated into the FTY training year. As well as provide an update on the developments to support how the PLP will be assessed within the FTY Year.
Resources
Pharmacy GPhC Initial Education and Training reforms for 2025-26 - Communications page

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Longitudinal Placement - A hospital training programme often involves trainee pharmacists rotating through various specialities. Lothian have piloted the inclusion of some longer placements in a single area within their programme, to allow trainee pharmacists to spend more time focussing on a single area, supported by the same team.
