Hear from Ray: Our Group Lead Pharmacist
At OneMedicare, we believe in helping our people grow and take on new challenges. Raymond Mak is a great example of the career opportunities available here. Starting as a Hub Pharmacist, he stepped up in 2024 to become our new Group Lead Pharmacist. This is a role that allows him to shape medicines management across our services while continuing to build his own professional expertise.
Getting started in pharmacy
I was born in Leeds and studied at the University of East Anglia, before returning to Leeds to complete my pharmacist training at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. After qualifying, I spent four years working in Salford, where I entered Primary Care and achieved my Independent Prescribing qualification. This was a really important milestone in my professional development.
Joining OneMedicare (from Hub Pharmacist to Lead)
I joined OneMedicare as a Hub Pharmacist in August 2023 where I provided regulatory and compliance work across our services, including high risk drug monitoring, medication shortages and audits. I also delivered a clinical service through annual medication reviews which allowed me to develop close partnerships with primary care networks and community pharmacists.
In October 2024, I took on the role of Group Lead Pharmacist for OneMedicare. It’s a big step forward, and I now have a wide range of responsibilities across our sites, including:
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Reviewing and updating Medicines Management policies
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Preparing sites for inspection
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Overseeing Medicines Management activity across practices
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Supporting and reviewing the work of PCN and practice pharmacists
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Continuing essential work on MHRA alerts, medication shortages, and audits
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Providing clinical support for medicines management queries and incidents
It’s a varied role and one that really allows me to make a difference at both a clinical and organisational level.
Life outside of work
Outside of pharmacy, I have plenty of passions that keep me busy. I’m a big fan of classic video games, films, and cats. And I always warn colleagues not to hand me a karaoke mic unless they’re ready for an off-key rendition of the Red Hot Chili Peppers!
Looking ahead
I’m proud of the journey I’ve made so far, and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow within pharmacy. Taking on the Group Lead Pharmacist role is a chance to strengthen the support we provide across our sites, and I’m excited to keep developing both my leadership skills and clinical expertise.