Lismore woman Rachel Dungan ‘The Pharmacist Coach’, has been recognised by the International Coaching Federation for a national coaching award.
Rachel was elected as Ireland’s ‘Life/Wellness Coach of the Year 2015’ at the International Coach Federation awards gala held recently at Killashee House in Naas.
Based at her home in Lismore, Rachel is best known in pharmacy circles for her training and coaching work with the Irish Pharmacy Union Training Academy, as a peer support pharmacist with the Irish Institute of Pharmacy and as founder of 4Front Pharmacy Solutions.
Rachel’s expertise supports pharmacies to provide OTC consultations to improve patient outcomes, implement new initiatives, adapt to change, protect data assets, support patient-centred care and expand the role of pharmacists as the ‘go to’ centre of excellence at the heart of their communities.
She is also a coach on a project to support the peace process by working with the Dept of Foreign Affairs to provide pro bono coaching to recipients of Reconciliation Fund grants.
Speaking about her award, Rachel said pharmacy customers are becoming increasingly aware of the value pharmacists have to offer to support them to manage their own health and wellbeing.
“Pharmacy and coaching marry our pharmacist’s medicine expertise with health behaviour change expertise to lead healthcare provision in the 21st century. As pharmacists, we are the last health care professional to connect with the patient before they go home to manage their own health and we are in an ideal position to support them to make the changes they want to make in their lives.
“That is why I am so honoured as ‘The Pharmacist Coach’ to receive this national award. I’m based in a beautiful but remote spot in Lismore. This award shows that with new technology and improving transport links, Waterford businesses can have a big role in our global economy.”
Rachel lives in Lismore,Co.Waterford with her husband Padraig and three children Kevin, Adam and Helen and her parents Brian and Diana Dungan, live in Curraghreigh North, Lismore.
