Luvjit Kandula is the Head of LPC Engagement and Collaboration PSNC and Chair for PCPA Community Pharmacy Group.
Luvjit is a qualified pharmacist who worked previously as the Chief Officer of Leicestershire and Rutland Local Pharmaceutical Committee and was seconded to NHS Digital to support digitising medicines and Pharmacy.
Her role involves advancing community pharmacy in the local NHS whilst representing Community Pharmacists interests through integration. Luvjit has extensive experience working as a Community Pharmacist also having worked in hospital pharmacy and industry both in the UK and abroad. Previous roles include Head of Pharmacy Services, Head of the Pre-registration Training Programmes and also Chairing Warwickshire Local Pharmaceutical Committee.
1 Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I feel most at home in India. I find it’s a place where there are great ancient traditions and influences that inspire me to become a better human being. I feel a sense of calm and belonging and always learn so much from the people that I have met there. The focus is far removed from outward success and much more orientated towards inner satisfaction and peace.
2 What are your proudest achievements?
My proudest achievement was gaining a Fellowship from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in recognition of my contribution to the Pharmacy profession. I was also honoured to be appointed a specialist advisor to the APPG Diabetes group.
3 What inspires you?
I am inspired by people that overcome challenges to achieve great success but also support others to grow and develop. I think the greatest satisfaction comes from helping others to achieve their dreams.
4 What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
The biggest obstacle in my career has been that I never felt supported in my career development and aspirations and therefore it had an impact on my self-confidence. I hope in the future, young people have more support and encouragement to follow their dreams and grow rather than being criticised or facing negativity for being innnovative and demonstrating leadership qualities.
5 Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
The biggest influence on my career to date has been down to a few people. They have all been senior managers or Pharmacy colleagues that demonstrated great leadership skills in terms of integrity, fairness and selflessness for a greater cause. In addition, they were great mentors who truly wanted to see others succeed which has influenced and inspired me greatly.
6 What is the best aspect about your current role?
The best aspect of my job is being able to influence change to help patients and communities to have a better quality of life through more extended support from the Pharmacy profession alongside all our other NHS colleagues.
7 And the worst?
The worst aspect of my job is the length of time it takes for change to take place. Also, Pharmacists not being recognised and valued for what they do. We have so much expertise that still hasn’t been recognised or used but this is now changing.
8 What are your long term goals?
My Long term goals will be related to supporting people to prevent ill-health and live long happy and healthier lives.
9 If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would like to see a greater emphasis on prevention of ill-health through inclusion of techniques such as self-awareness, meditation and physical exercise to promote self-care in our education and wider healthcare systems. This will ensure all our communities maintain high levels of physical and mental health to reach their own potential and have a long, happy and healthy life which will support NHS costs to reduce too.
10 If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
I would have liked to spend time with the Buddha. This because his teachings relating to personal development, understanding of the mind and cultivating compassion for others really resonates with me. His teachings require in-depth introspection of your deeper self to challenge your own limitations and beliefs to create peace for one self and others
