22 Aug 2025

Ema Paulino

Growing up surrounded by the world of community pharmacies, with grandparents and a mother who were pharmacists, I always felt a deep connection to this profession. It was a natural choice for me, but it also came with its own set of challenges and opportunities, especially as a woman in a field that, despite its female majority, has traditionally seen men in most leadership roles.

From an early age, I observed firsthand the impact that pharmacies have on people’s lives. This proximity to patients inspired me to specialise in community pharmacy and to further my studies with a postgraduate degree in this area at the University of Lisbon. It was in those formative years that I learned that being a pharmacist is about so much more than just dispensing medicines—it’s about listening, advising, and supporting people on their health journeys.

My journey has taken me from those family pharmacy roots to leadership roles that I could never have imagined. When I was elected to the Executive Committee of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), I was both the first woman and the youngest person to ever hold that position. It was a moment of pride, but also a humbling experience, knowing that many women before me had paved the way so that this opportunity could exist. Today, FIP has already had a female President and a female CEO, and I am proud to be part of this growing movement.

As President of the Portuguese National Association of Pharmacies (ANF), I faced some of the most significant challenges of my career, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacies had to quickly adapt to new roles in testing, vaccination, and supporting public health. Leading during this period required not only operational resilience, but also empathy and an unwavering belief in the power of our profession to support communities. I learned that leadership is about bringing people together around a common vision, even in the most uncertain times.

At the same time, I continued to advocate for the recognition and fair remuneration of pharmacists’ clinical services. In Portugal and across Europe, there is still a long road ahead to ensure that these contributions are not just acknowledged but truly valued within our health systems. I have always believed that this work is not about short-term victories but about changing perceptions and creating sustainable structures that will benefit future generations.

Being part of international organisations such as FIP and the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU) has also given me the chance to represent Portugal and share our experiences with the world. It has shown me the importance of diversity in decision-making spaces and the need for women’s voices to be heard and valued. I have seen how diverse leadership can bring fresh perspectives and challenge the status quo in the most positive ways.

Looking ahead, I believe that the future of pharmacy will be built on the principles of equity, collaboration, and digital innovation. As Director General of Ezfy, I am leading efforts to integrate pharmacies more fully into primary care, leveraging digital tools to personalise care and improve health outcomes. Our work with structured support programmes for people with chronic diseases is already showing how data and human interaction can transform lives.

For the next generation of women in pharmacy and science, my message is simple: do not be afraid to take risks and speak up. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, and remember that leadership is not just about titles—it’s about making an impact. There will always be barriers to break and new challenges to face, but with determination, collaboration, and a clear sense of purpose, we can continue to shape the future of our profession for the better.

Ema Paulino, President, Portuguese National Association of Pharmacies (ANF).