Shaping the next generation of pharmacists
Published on 21 October 2025
From building pharmacist-led clinics to guiding the profession through national challenges, Ms Esther Bek’s leadership has left a deep imprint.
When Ms Esther Bek, 47, Senior Principal Clinical Pharmacist at the National University Health System (NUHS) Pharmacy, looks back on her career, one of her proudest achievements is not a single programme or project, but the opportunities she has created for others. “As a junior, there were things I wanted to do but couldn’t,” she said. “Now I hope I’ve paved the way for others to achieve more than I did back then.”
That commitment has reshaped the way pharmacists practise at NUHS Pharmacy. Under her leadership, they have taken on new roles through specialised services such as osteoporosis and cardiology clinics. She also co-led the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme in primary care, the first of its kind, equipping pharmacists to play a central role in combating antibiotic resistance. “These initiatives allow doctors to refer directly to pharmacists, showing what we are capable of when given the chance,” she explained.
Building talent for the future
For Ms Bek, advancing pharmacy has always gone hand in hand with nurturing people. She led NUHS Pharmacy to secure accreditation from the Singapore Pharmacy Council as a Pre-registration Pharmacist Training Site, a milestone that strengthens both education and the manpower pipeline. She also helped establish sponsorship programmes for polytechnic students, allowing new talent to flow sustainably into the profession.
Her passion for mentorship runs deep. She often guides juniors in both professional and personal growth and encourages them to discover their passion. “Pharmacy isn’t easy,” she said. “You need to know why you wake up every day to do it.”
Her own reasons have evolved with time. “When I was younger, what drove me was seeing patients improve – their diabetes better controlled, their blood pressure stabilised,” she shared. “That was very satisfying. Now, I find it even more meaningful to impact my junior pharmacists. Even if I’ve just helped one person, that’s enough for me.”
Rising to national challenges
Her leadership has also extended beyond the organisation. In 2024, she was part of the Expert Committee for the National Insulin Shortage Mitigation Strategy, which was formed after a major manufacturer stopped production of the hormone. She worked with peers across institutions to design supply strategies, develop guidelines for switching patients to alternatives safely and ensure continuity of care. “It taught me that we must adapt quickly to evolving situations,” she said.
She also contributes to national pharmacy standards as an Associate Member of the Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC) Board of Examiners, helping to design competency assessments for pre-registration pharmacists.
With nearly two decades in the profession, Ms Bek is clear about what tomorrow’s pharmacists need: confidence in their expertise, and the ability to embrace technology without losing the human touch. “AI (artificial intelligence) is a tool, not a replacement,” she said. “We remain the medication experts. Patients need us to validate, to detect problems and to truly listen.”
She sees technology as a way to free pharmacists for deeper patient interactions, especially with those managing complex or high-risk medications. “At the end of the day, pharmacy is human-to-human. If you don’t like talking to people, you shouldn’t do pharmacy,” she said with a smile.
This year, Ms Bek received the Excellence Award at the NUHS Allied Health & Pharmacy Awards, affirming her leadership in both practice transformation and talent development. From shaping new service models to mentoring juniors and navigating national crises, she has shown what it means to lead with both vision and heart.
Her journey embodies the qualities NUHS champions in its Healthcare Workforce of the Future: adaptable, collaborative, patient-centred and committed to developing others. “My goal isn’t to impact hundreds,” she said. “If even one pharmacist can say I made a difference in their life, that’s enough.”
The NUHS Allied Health & Pharmacy Awards celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to patient care, education, research and professional practice across NUHS.
Click here to find out more about the various Allied Health Professionals.
In consultation with Ms Esther Bek, Senior Principal Clinical Pharmacist, NUHS.
