The Micallef Program Episode 2 Pharmacy sketch

Shots of chemistry apparatus

Title: The Department of Employment, Education & Training Presents

Insights Into Careers

Pharmacy

Shots of pharmacy students walking to a building

Voice-over (SM): Students, if you’re thinking of a career in medicine but you’re still undecided, why not consider a career in pharmacy? Entry to a course in pharmacy requires outstanding marks in mathematics, physics and chemistry, and it’s not hard to see why.

— Laboratory classroom

Teacher (Bob Franklin): When a prescription comes in, we have to type the patient’s name on a label. Give it a try, Joe. [Joe (SM) begins typing very slowly.] Traditionally, we use two fingers, and we strive to complete the task in ten to fifteen minutes. Good. Colin?

Joe leaves off and Colin (WH) approaches. He begins using one finger, before the teacher reminds him to use two.

Voice-over: Of course, the skill level required to be a pharmacist doesn’t end there. There is another, more specialised aspect of the job, requiring expert knowledge, concentration, and communication skills.

Teacher: When a customer asks to buy some Fisherman’s Friends, or similar throat lozenge, we must tell them the price, and then charge them the same amount. Kelly, would you like to have a go? I should like these Fisherman’s Friends, please.

He slides them across the counter to her.

Kelly (RH): OK. Goodbye.

She slides them back to him.

Teacher: [to class] OK. What’s Kelly done wrong there?

The other students look confused.

Voice-over: It might look complicated, but don’t be put off: Pharmacy is a five-year course.

Teacher: Oh, she didn’t charge me, did she? Colin, you have a go. I should like these Fisherman’s Friends, please.

Colin approaches gingerly and stares at the packet. He hesitatingly reaches for it. One of his classmates moves to help him, but the teacher waves him off.

Voice-over: If you think you’ve got what it takes to type slowly, and sell confectionary and toiletries, why not consider the wonder and challenge of a career in pharmacy?

Title: The End

The Micallef Program Episode 2 “Office”

— Office

A man carrying a folder approaches a woman who is working at her desk.

Man (SM): Denise? This is probably going to sound ridiculous…

Denise (RH): Go on.

Man: OK. [He makes a high-pitched meeping noise for about five seconds, ending with a screeching inhalation. Denise doesn’t reply.] Thanks anyway.

He walks away.