South Asian Heritage Month: Thorrun Govind reflects on the impact of her heritage

Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month with Pharmacy Business, Thorrun Govind shares how her cultural legacy inspired her to pursue a dual career in pharmacy and healthcare law

Thorrun Govind’s journey in pharmacy is deeply influenced by her South Asian heritage, with a Punjabi mother and a Gujarati father shaping her professional path.

She reflects on this influence: "I think my heritage has influenced my journey to become a pharmacist because there are a number of well-known and recognized figures in pharmacy who come from a South Asian background."

"I think there's a tradition of hard work in my heritage. Additionally, many businesspeople in the community have also been a key influence. This entrepreneurial aspect has influenced my desire to pursue a career in pharmacy. It was always something I saw as part of my identity.”

Currently, Thorrun practices as both a pharmacist and a healthcare lawyer. She provides legal support to fellow pharmacists, including assistance with fitness to practice proceedings and business transactions.

In June 2024, Thorrun joined Brabners’ regulatory & professional conduct team, further expanding her role in the sector.

Her journey, however, has not been without its challenges.

Being an Asian female has been a challenge

As an Asian female, Thorrun has faced age and gender bias.

She recalls the difficulties she encountered when she first joined the board of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, which she later chaired: "Being an Asian female has been a challenge. I remember when I first got elected to the board of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, there was obviously a challenge because of how young I was. I don't necessarily think a male in the same position would have experienced the same challenge.”

Despite these obstacles, Thorrun has actively sought opportunities to promote representation and inclusivity.

She believes in creating space for others and stresses the importance of not just securing a seat at the table but ensuring there is room for future generations.

“I am always someone who will go and help find a seat at the table, and I think that's really important.

“It's not just about getting that seat at the table; it's also about making sure there's a seat for others in the future as well,” she tells Pharmacy Business.

Pharmacists need to advocate for themselves  

Thorrun has also been a steadfast advocate for the role of pharmacists in healthcare.

She highlights that despite being the first point of contact for many health issues, pharmacists are often overlooked in favour of doctors.

Thorrun has been working hard to challenge these perceptions and educate the public about the crucial role pharmacists play in healthcare.

She is grateful that being a South Asian pharmacist and TV health expert has provided her with the platform to share her insights and educate the public on their health and how to utilise their pharmacy more effectively.

She acknowledges the uphill struggle in demonstrating the value of pharmacists: “Before even qualifying as a pharmacist, I recognised the need for us to advocate for ourselves and demonstrate our value. It’s been an upward struggle because sometimes people would rather hear from a doctor than a pharmacist.”

However, she believes that perceptions are shifting, with people increasingly turning to their pharmacists for a variety of issues, recognizing them as the first point of contact.

Menopause stigma in the South Asian community

Thorrun has been heavily involved in the women's health space, particularly focusing on issues within the South Asian community.

She raises concern about the stigma surrounding periods and menopause in the South Asian community, emphasising the need to educate patients and the wider community.

Recently, Thorrun spoke at a conference aimed at addressing menopause specifically within this community.

She expresses her commitment to this cause: “This is the biggest change I want to see, both for our patients and the wider community.”

Advice for aspiring pharmacists of South Asian heritage

Thorrun advises aspiring pharmacists of South Asian heritage to seek mentors, connect with others, use social media for support, and find advocates.

She emphasises the importance of having a supportive network: “We all need people around us who are going to help motivate us and champion us and keep us going.”

She also encourages them to embrace leadership positions without fear and to fully commit to the profession.

“This is an absolutely amazing profession to be part of,” she concludes.

In 2018, Thorrun was elected to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and was subsequently re-elected in 2021 and Chaired the English Pharmacy Board until June 2023.

In the same year, she was named Young Pharmacist of the Year by Pharmacy Business Magazine, recognising her advocacy for healthcare and healthcare professionals.

Thorrun frequently comments on public health and healthcare law on various media channels, including BBC Newsnight, Sky, BBC News, BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 1, This Morning, Good Morning Britain, BBC Morning Live, Talk TV, and in print.