21/01/2026
We spy with our little eye our clever Junior Pharmacy Assistant Shaye starting her journey at JCU! 👏 💊 Bachelor of Pharmacy - here she comes!
💊 Welcome to JCU Pharmacy – Class of 2026! 🎉
We were delighted to welcome our first-year Pharmacy students across Townsville, Cairns and Mackay to James Cook University, kicking off their journey with an energising address from Head of Pharmacy John Smithson.
“Pharmacy, as a profession, is a very exciting place to be at the moment,” Associate Professor Smithson told the new cohort.
He reminded students they are joining something special.
“You are joining a family – a tradition of JCU Pharmacy that started 26 years ago and has developed clinicians, industry advocates and leaders across the country.”
With JCU leading nationally in cultural practice and regional health impact, he reinforced the program’s purpose.
“Our mission here is to provide a pharmacy workforce for regional Queensland – and regional Australia. That’s the type of attention you’ll be exposed to.”
Students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones early.
“These are the people you’ll work with for the rest of your careers. You’ll maintain friendships and professional relationships with the people around these tables for decades to come."
As students shared their backgrounds, fun facts and aspirations, key skills quickly emerged — communication, ethical judgement, attention to detail and scientific knowledge.
“Pharmacy is a unique mix – it has a strong scientific foundation and a deeply human side. Communication matters all day, every day.”
Welcome to the JCU Pharmacy family. We can’t wait to see where this well-worn path takes you. 💙
