A Patient Pharmacist by John Atkinson

Release: March 21, 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Blossom Spring Publishing
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,

A real life story of a man from Middlesbrough with a 31 year career as a pharmacist. It spanned from the 1970’s until 2012. However,it all came to a traumatic end due to a brain tumour diagnosis.

Early memories and career anecdotes are shared throughout. These include medicines, formulation and apothecary skills necessary to treat patients.

A story of love and support in a war against the odds, John Atkinson shares his highs and lows, his battles with both his health and family tragedies. His uplifting, positive approach is truly inspirational, keeping you rooting for him and his family all the way as they go through the most testing of times.

About the Author:

John Atkinson was born in Middlesbrough (Yorkshire) and graduated as a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) from the University of Bradford . He registered as a Pharmacist with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

He worked in many locations throughout the UK as a Pharmacist, Store and Senior Manager for the national Boots the Chemists. Also included in this United Co-operatives and miscellaneous pharmacy chains and independents.

This included representation on multiple professional bodies such as the Company Chemists Association, Local Pharmaceutical Committees. He even represented the RPSGB at a Labour Party Conference.

During a 25 year plus career he was responsible for the training and tutoring of numerous pre-registration pharmacy graduates, dispensing technicians and assistants.

His hobbies include League volleyball (player, coaching and refereeing), windsurfing, walking and motor-caravanning.

A Patient Pharmacist is his debut book, inspired by a desire to share life experiences and published through Blossom Spring Publishing.

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A Patient Pharmacist Review:

Firstly, I loved how personal the author made the story. The book feels like an autobiography of the author’s childhood to adulthood, and I always love reading about such experiences. The book is short, and you only get snippets of significant events from the author’s timeline, but the author’s carefree writing makes the story feel personal. Moreover, the author adds exciting moments from the specific timeline, like the MagicCube, and The Yorkshire Ripper, which made me go back and research some of these topics separately.

Secondly, I found some scenes inspiring when we got to the events that impacted the author’s life. I have never befriended a pharmacist, so I had no idea what dangers they exposed themselves to, and the book surprised me. Some parts are challenging to read because I cannot even fathom what the author went through. Yet, the author beautifully spins the events with gratitude, and you really appreciate the author and the good things in your life after reading it. Some passages are inspirational and tell you never to give up. I appreciate the author for taking the time to write this book.

Overall, “A Patient Pharmacist” is a lovely biography worth reading.