Nick Pincombe - From Combat to Community Care; A Veteran's Story

Nick Pincombe is a community pharmacist based in Samford and a passionate advocate for the health and wellbeing of veterans and first responders. Drawing on his unique background as both an ex-infantry officer and pharmacist, Nick addresses the complex health challenges faced by Australia’s veteran community through education, advocacy, and clinical practice.Over a 12-year military career, Nick served in various roles including regimental postings, soldier training, disaster relief operations in Brisbane and Townsville, as well as operational deployments in Afghanistan. As he transitioned from service, he began his pharmacy degree, determined to use his lived experience to improve health outcomes for others.Nick is the founder of the Veterans' Medication Review Service, a pioneering initiative that offers veterans nationwide accessible, referral-free consultations to review medications, improve health literacy, and explore holistic treatment options - including pathways for service-related claims and alternate therapies. In 2024, he was recognised as one of five national finalists for the TerryWhite Pharmacist of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to community health and suicide prevention.He has also presented at the 2023 RANZCP Conference on the veteran experience with both conventional and psychedelic therapies. Nick is currently working with the Pro Patria Centre in Wagga on veteran-focused projects, including a documentary on traumatic brain injury and the development of a veterans’ retreat for psychedelic-assisted therapy. He recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Practice and Prescribing for Pharmacists and has joined James Cook University as part of the teaching team for future pharmacist prescribers.Nick’s mission is clear: to empower patients - especially veterans - with the knowledge and tools to take ownership of their health and lead better lives.You can find Nick Pincombe on LinkedIn.Do you have questions about your pharmacy career? Then contact us or meet our team.