Fiona O’Reilly – Executive Assistant

Fiona completed a Masters Degree in Pharmacology from the University of East London, having studied Toxicology in Athlone IT. During an accomplished 30 year career, she has held a varied range of roles, including Medical Practice Management, Pharmaceutical Sales, Regulatory Affairs Officer and Research Scientist. This experience that uniquely combines science and healthcare has given her a thorough understanding of the medical industry. Having worked for many years as a GP Practice Manger, Fiona understands the needs and difficulties surrounding the recruitment of quality medical personnel. Having grown up in a family business, Fiona has a strong work ethic and is passionate about delivering an outstanding service whilst committed to achieving and exceeding targets and business objectives.

Get to know Fiona

Where are you from?

I was born and bred in Tullamore and whilst I lived and worked for several years in the UK, it was always my plan to return home. I did move back to Ireland quite a few years ago, however it is only in the last year that I have finally made it ‘home to Tullamore’.

Why did you decide to join a medical recruitment company?

I have always worked in a healthcare setting, Medical Research and Development, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmaceutical Sales, and General Practice Management. During my years managing a GP Surgery, I appreciated the difficulties sourcing and retaining good medical staff. Given the current shortage of GP’s in Ireland, sourcing them from abroad has become essential. When I saw my role advertised, I believed that I could bring a lot to the company and believed this would give me the new challenge that I was craving.

What do you love about recruitment?

If I have learned one thing from working with doctors for so long, it is that they are excellent at what they do, i.e. treating patients, however they don’t have the time or inclination to engage with much else. Therefore, the effort it takes for them to ‘recruit’ or ‘be recruited’ is best left to others. Working at Med Doc and Med Pharm allows me to use my experience to date to assist in all aspects of connecting the ideal employer with the ideal employee and taking care of everything in the background so that the process appears effortless to the doctors/pharmacists involved.

Next or dream holiday destination?

It might not seem like the most exotic destination, but my dream holiday destination is Venice. My husband surprised me with a trip there for my 40th (yes, a few years ago!) and it is the one place that I have been to that I want to return to. I think my life at the time was so hectic, that Venice provided me with some forced downtime! The fact that transport is either by foot or by boat, there is no choice but to operate at a slow pace and I think everyone needs that from time to time.

What is your favourite hobby?

Sport of any description. I have played gaelic football, camogie, volleyball, basketball, and soccer at competitive level, but my favourite one to play was Gaelic Football. I even donned the Green, White and Gold of Offaly in my younger days. I went on to play for a club in Watford in the UK and the friendships formed from my playing days have lasted a lifetime. So of course, now that I have hung up my boots, my favourite hobby is spending time with the friends I have made through playing sport.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance of winning a medal for?

‘Mammying’ I think I’d at least be on the podium! My greatest achievement in life is my 3 children who have all grown up to be decent human beings and that to me is one of the most important traits in a person…. Just be a decent person. The fact that they are each successful in their chosen careers is a bonus, and it didn’t just happen by chance. They put in a lot of hard graft. I like to think they have each inherited my work ethic which I have always told them is the most important attribute in an employee. Skills can be taught but attitude can’t.

What are three things on your bucket list?

• A Caribbean cruise would be lovely.
• One big giant family holiday to include spouse, children, siblings, nieces, nephews, partners etc. Don’t know who would pay for it but it would be great fun!
• To live to 100 and get a cake with 100 candles and of course to be healthy enough to enjoy it.

Daina Krulyte – Compliance & Resourcing Manager

Daina joined Med Doc Healthcare bringing with her over 10 years retail experience from London working in one of the largest coffee chains in the UK. Transitioning into a fast paced recruitment environment has proved seamless to Daina starting off in resourcing and quickly progressing to Compliance and Resourcing Manager. Daina is every clients best friend ensuring all compliance is adhered to even if some of our candidates don’t enjoy her attention quite so much. Daina has proven to be a quick learner and will always give her best in all that she does.

Get to know Daina

Where are you from?

Originally, I am from a beautiful country in the heart of Europe – Lithuania. Growing up, I always had a dream to live in a big city. As much as I loved my country and my family, Lithuania seemed to be too small at that time for me, so I moved to London (yep, there is no place like London) and lived there for over 12 years. After experiencing big city life for that many years, I decided to cross the pond and move to Ireland and I am now living in Dublin.

What do you love about recruitment?

I think that it is important that any job you do, you are passionate about and it is not only about the payslip at the end of the month. Working in recruitment, connecting the right clients with the right candidates, helping people to find a dream job – definitely gives you the satisfaction of making a positive difference in someone’s life.

Next or dream holiday destination?

Next trip – Italy, Lake Como. As for my dream holiday destination…well, the dream would be to create a life that I would not have a need to take holidays!

What is your favourite hobby?

Traveling & reading. If I cannot travel or go to explore new cities – I would spend all day with a good book in my hands. Now that restrictions are lifted (thanks, Covid-19), I can now explore the beautiful Emerald Isle.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?

Cooking! I am all about the healthy life style and I love to experiment cooking vegetarian food and hosting big brunches/dinners for my beloved ones (trying my best not to poison them). I believe that good food & positive mind-set is truly the only most effective medicine.

What are three things on your bucket list?

• To set up a therapy retreat farm, full of horses, where kids with autism could spend time with them.
• Stay healthy, mindful & happy.
• Visit every single country on the world map.

Rachel Ginnell – Recruitment Consultant

Rachel joined Med Pharm in November 2021 and is a recent Business Studies graduate with an extensive background in the Irish hospitality industry. She has been involved with successful venues in Dublin and Galway and brings with her a wealth of experience in customer service and organisational development.
Rachel is responsible for and places both permanent and locum pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, supporting clients and candidates alike to ensure that their standards and requirements are met with Med Pharms best in class approach.

Get to know Rachel

Where are you from?

I am from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath but have spent most of my adult life living in Galway city. It’s a wonderful place to live, with a perfect mix of city buzz and nature on your doorstep. Mullingar holds a special place in my heart though, and I love spending time there.

Why did you decide to join a medical recruitment company?

I spent many years working in the hospitality industry, and always enjoyed the fast-paced mix of customer engagement, team leadership and contributing to an organisation’s growth. My previous workplaces were focused on the craft beer industry, and it was always very exciting to help the customer discover some lesser-known, niche options. I was interested in recruitment, but hoped to work with a similarly focused approach, as opposed to recruiting across all industries. It has been fascinating to learn about the nuances and challenges of Irish community pharmacy, and to assist each client and candidate with a tailored approach. It is also great to have joined a small but mighty team, where everyone bands together to get results.

What do you love about recruitment?

I love the combination of organisational process, and getting to know the people involved in that process. Pharmacist roles may not differ too much at first glance, but in building relationships with our clients and candidates, you can identify what they really hope to achieve, what value means to them, and how to create the best fit.

Next or dream holiday destination?

I haven’t travelled outside of Ireland in two years so I’m not too picky about my next destination! That said, a trip to Italy would be gorgeous- sun, scenery and Aperol Spritz, what more could you want?

What is your favourite hobby?

My favourite way to wind down is to plug into a podcast or playlist and hit the promenade in Salthill. The sea view never fails to amaze, whether it’s a scorching summer day or a wild winter storm.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?

I can spend whole days reading and can fly through a good book so maybe I’d qualify for the speed reading category? I have recently acquired a Kindle, so the library continues to grow…

What are three things on your bucket list?

• Obtain a Masters: I studied part-time over the last few years and really caught the bug again so studying for a Masters in recruitment or a related field would be a great challenge.
• Getting my driving licence: I’m almost there but am still working on perfecting my skills ahead of the test. If you’re walking around Galway please be vigilant! ( I just did this in August 2023)
• Skydiving: As a naturally cautious person, this would probably be the most out of character thing for me to do, but if it all went smoothly it might encourage me to take more risks!

Valentina Secrieru – Recruitment Consultant

Valentina joined Med Pharm in November 2022 after moving to Ireland from Portugal with her partner, young daughter and adored pets, not for the faint hearted, leaving sunny Portugal behind. Valentina is responsible for and places all our lovely permanent pharmacists and pharmacy technicians looking to move to Ireland from abroad as well as those based in Ireland looking for a change of scenery and sometimes, better working conditions. She is prone to the odd locum here and there too.

She has as diverse a life story, as the countries she’s called home. Born on a Christmas day in 1988 in the capital city of Moldova is where Valentina spent the first 15 years of her life before moving to Portugal with her family in 2004.

For almost two decades, Valentina worked as a nurse, dedicating herself to caring for others in private hospital’s and surgical departments in Algarve. Since moving to Ireland and joining Med Pharm, Valentina realised the world of possibilities beyond the confines of traditional nursing.

“Life has taught me that change can be a beautiful and unexpected gift. With a heart open to new experiences. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead, knowing that we can do much more than we ever imagined. I eagerly anticipate the adventures and opportunities that the future holds for our family.”

Get to know Valentina

Where are you from?

Chisinau, Moldova, is where my journey began on a memorable Christmas day in 1988. This city, the capital of Moldova, is a part of my origin, and it’s where I carry with me the warmth of my childhood.

However, my heart found a second home in Portugal, where I became a part of the community in 2004. Portugal, with its beaches and welcoming spirit of the people, embraced me as one of its own. It’s where I learned to savour life’s simple pleasures and see myself as a true Portuguese. Both Moldova and Portugal have shaped my identity, and I cherish the unique blend of experiences and cultures that they’ve gifted me and made the person who I am today.

Why did you decide to join a medical recruitment company?

My journey into the world of recruitment is a funny twist of fate. When we were thinking of moving to Ireland, I had my heart set on continuing my career in nursing. Little did I know that destiny had a different plan. My partner was recruited by Med Pharm and it was during this time that a delightful surprise unfolded.

I was approached by Tom Garvey – Managing Director of Med Pharm, and despite having no prior experience in recruitment, he offered me an opportunity to join their team. It was a comical turn of events, given my background in nursing, but I decided to embrace the unexpected and dive headfirst into this new adventure. Since then, I’ve discovered a passion for connecting pharmacists, mostly Portuguese, with the perfect opportunities for them. Life has a way of surprising us, and my recruitment journey is a testament to that!

What do you love about recruitment?

I love the relationship I create with the candidates. I usually guide them through all the process until they find the perfect job for them and even after I place the candidates, I still keep in touch with all of them. This makes me feel that I am a valuable part of the process.

Next or dream holiday destination?

I don’t have a specific dream destination. What matters most to me is traveling with my family, exploring new places, and creating beautiful memories together. The destination becomes special because of the experiences we share.

What is your favourite hobby?

Two of my favourite hobbies are hitting the gym and taking long, leisurely walks with my furry companion. The gym provides me with an outlet to stay active and healthy, while my dog’s company during our walks adds a special touch of relaxation and joy to my daily routine. These activities are my go-to for maintaining both physical and mental well-being.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?

This is a hard one, because I don’t think I have any hidden talent, but maybe I am always good at inventing meals with the ingredients I have available. I will always make a dish even when you think it is impossible to make one. However, I have to be honest; I don’t think I would get a medal for it.

What are three things on your bucket list?

• Traveling to new destinations with my family
• Go bamboo rafting
• Learn how to speak Irish fluently