Sally Kwong shares her impressive career journey from community pharmacist to diabetes educator here at Diabetes WA, where she also delivers community sessions and takes helpline calls in Cantonese. 

“Back in 2019, after working as a community pharmacist for ten years, I started thinking about a career change. I couldn’t see myself becoming a business owner with my own pharmacy, nor did I want to work as a hospital pharmacist.

Pharmacists are frequently the first point of contact in healthcare and can get a little burned out from talking to so many people every day. I was struggling with the fact that I had regular customers and knew a little of their journey and the health issues they were dealing with, but I always wanted more time to explain things properly. You don’t get that in a busy pharmacy. I also believe it’s important to keep learning and equipping yourself with new professional skills, so the time came when I was ready for a change.

Becoming a diabetes educator seemed like the right choice for me, but then COVID hit. People wanted to stock up on Ventolin, masks, hand sanitisers and two- or three-months’ worth of medication all at once. Our pharmacy was constantly busy and customers could be verbally abusive because they were panicking about being able to get hold of their medications. At times I felt quite vulnerable.

COVID was probably my turning point. I completed one unit of the Graduate Certificate in Diabetes through Curtin University in 2020. Then I had a baby and went on maternity leave, so it ended up taking me 2.5 years to complete the training.

I speak Cantonese as well as English, and I feel honoured to deliver sessions in Cantonese.

You have to do a clinical placement as part of the course, but none of the hospitals wanted someone with a non-nursing background. Instead, I completed my placement here at Diabetes WA, where I learned a lot more about a diabetes educator’s role. It was a great place to learn – Diabetes WA is not a hospital and it’s not solely a private clinic either. There are information sessions, group education programs, telehealth – there’s always a lot going on here.

I started working here in 2023. It was daunting to leave the pharmacy, where I’d worked for ten years and where you stand alongside each other and chat all day. Now I was suddenly back in an office and spending more time on my own. Everyone was very friendly, but it still took a while to get used to it.

When I started, I was mentored by another diabetes educator, but honestly it feels like every colleague I have is my mentor. Everyone has been so supportive.

One day a week I run a clinic for women with gestational diabetes (GDM), alongside a nurse and a dietitian. This shared skill set works well for our clients, and we have great chemistry between us. On other days I’m on our telehealth team, talking to people with GDM and type 1 and type 2 diabetes in regional areas. This year I am also supporting the endocrinology clinic.

One thing I really enjoy is being involved with CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) calls and sessions. I speak Cantonese as well as English, and I feel honoured to deliver sessions in Cantonese. These might be programs for learning more about type 2 diabetes or healthy eating, and I think the participants are glad I speak Cantonese. Plus I can chip in more about cooking tips and cuisine!

My favourite thing to do here is our group information sessions. As a pharmacist I talked to people all day long. It was tiring but I enjoyed it. I’m very comfortable talking to people and feel like it’s my strength. Now I’m here, I’m still keen to keep learning new skills. Looking ahead, my career goals include being an all-round diabetes educator and doing some outreach clinics in the future.

Do you have any questions about diabetes? 

Call our helpline with any diabetes-related questions on 1300 001 880, or visit one of our clinics for an in-person appointment. 

Telehealth for country WA

Diabetes WA Telehealth for country WA service is a free education and clinical support service, available to people living with diabetes in rural and remote areas of Western Australia.

Virtual appointments are provided by credentialled diabetes educators who can assist you to self-manage your diabetes.

Call 1300 001 880 or email telehealth@diabeteswa.com.au to book an appointment.

Do you need a translator? 

If you speak or a family member speak another language you can call Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National
on 131 450 and ask for the Diabetes WA helpline number 1300 001 880.