Aesthetic Pharmacists Group UK (APGUK)

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FOUNDER

"When I first entered the non-surgical cometic industry in 2009 there was very little support for pharmacists. 

This led  to the creation of the 

Aesthetic  Pharmacists Group UK (APGUK) 

which aims to support, educate and represent aesthetic pharmacists in the UK."

Sophie founded the 

Aesthetic Pharmacist Group UK (APGUK) 

in 2014.

She is a Pharmacist Prescriber with 20 years NHS experience and 14 years experience in aesthetic medicine.

Her  interest in dermatology began in 2004 when she completed a Masters degree in pharmacy,  during which she was involved in published research on dermatological disease and its effect on quality of life. 

After becoming an independent prescriber in 2009 she continued to work as a specialist clinical pharmacist prescriber within the NHS as well as pursuing experience in Non-Surgical cosmetic medicine. 

Being an advocate of the importance of anatomical knowledge in aiding safe aesthetic practice, Sophie has gained extensive training in the management and prevention of dermal filler complications.

Her special area of interest includes facial rejuvenation, wound healing post surgery and regenerative aesthetic medicine.

She is committed to promoting the professional, clinical role of the Aesthetic Pharmacist and works tirelessly to stay up to date with the latest advancements and best practices, ensuring the best possible care with a strong emphasis on patient safety and regulation in medicine.

Accreditations and Formal responsibilities :

 Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain

Regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council UK 

Member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation agency.

Founding board member of the Welsh Aesthetic & Cosmetic Society (WACS)

SaveFace Advisory Board Member 

Former Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) formation group 

Speaker at the International Forum on Quality & Safety in Healthcare

CO-FOUNDER

Gillian Murray (MPharm PG Dip Clin Pharm PG Dip Minor Illness INP) has been working in aesthetics since 2014.  

In addition to her aesthetic practice she holds both a senior lecturer and clinical academic position at Kings College London University, where she undertakes research and supports the delivery of the clinically enhanced prescribing programme (CEPIP) for nurse practitioners and advanced clinical pharmacists.

Gillian has 16 years’ experience working in acute trusts within the NHS predominately in her speciality areas of surgery and intensive care medicine. As an advanced clinical pharmacists her areas of prior practice include plastics, burns, vascular, dermatology, rheumatology and infection.She has vast experience in critical appraisal of literature and guideline writing pertaining to areas of surgical and non-surgical medicine, and has consulted on education strategies at local, regional, and national level.Gillian held a position on the ACE (Aesthetic Complications Expert) board where she gathered experience managing complications. Currently she is a founding board member of CMAC (Complications in Medical Aesthetics Collaborative), a global membership organisation which supports medical professionals in need of help. CMAC is a collaborative who work together to provide guidance and further education for those who need it.

She has a specialist interest in hypersensitivity reaction in aesthetics, covid related complications, hyaluronic acid gel chemistry, rheology, and behaviours, and through her position at KCL she is currently undertaking research toward her PhD.

She has already lead and co-authored publications related to vascular occlusion, Hyaluronidase, delayed onset nodules, acute bacterial and herpes simplex infection, facial wounds and rheology.

CO-FOUNDER

Amar Suchde is an accomplished and highly skilled independent prescribing-aesthetic pharmacist, specialising in non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

After establishing a career in pharmacy, Amar decided to venture into the world of aesthetics. 

Recognised as a pioneer in his field, he founded his first clinic, AMS Aesthetics, on the renowned Harley Street in London. 

Building on this success, Amar expanded his business, opening four additional venues in and around London, including a prestigious location at the Shangri-La London, The Shard. 

Today, he has a dedicated international clientele who continue to trust and rely on his expertise.

Driven by his passion and commitment to helping other professionals succeed in the aesthetics industry, Amar launched PharmAesthetics UK in 2017. 

Collaborating with leading experts in the field, he worked tirelessly to establish ethical and clinical training standards for pharmacists.

Amar holds a Master's degree in Pharmacy from The University of Hertfordshire. 

His expertise has been sought after by various media outlets, including radio chat shows, BBC, Vogue, Glamour, Grazia and is currently a columnist in Closer magazine. 

He has even made appearances in a Sky TV documentary centred around the importance of safety in aesthetics.

AESTHETIC PHARMACIST  PRESCRIBER

Iki Rhode is a Brighton and Hove based Aesthetic Pharmacist with a passion for cosmetic skin treatments and skin care products. 

She founded Aesthetic BTN - a  boutique skin clinic - in 2019.

Her pharmacy career has been varied; training and starting her career in hospital pharmacy, moving into community pharmacy, area management and then becoming the Plymouth Regional Pilot Lead in the Pharmacists in General Practice National Pilot Scheme.

After completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy and her Independent Prescribing qualification she enrolled on an Aesthetic Medicine course and shortly afterwards founded her own clinic.

Her role as an Aesthetic Pharmacist Prescriber has evolved over recent years and her life-long interest in skin care has led her to research and train in many different cosmetic skin treatments, always ensuring she brings the latest and most evidence-based treatments to her clients.

Naturally, a pharmaceutical background and the understanding of formulation science that this provides, enables her to critically evaluate new skincare products and treatments, ensuring her clients are always recommended the safest and most effective options. 

Skincare formulations are very similar to those of pharmaceuticals and an in-depth understanding of these products is crucial to delivering an outstanding service to clients. 

Iki is a firm believer that pharmacists have an exceptional knowledge base and skill set to thrive in this field. 

AESTHETIC PHARMACIST  PRESCRIBER

Piril Erel-Sideras MPharm, PIP PGCert graduated from the University of Bradford & the University of Keele. 

Piril went on to study on various aesthetic courses from the likes of Derma Medical, Harley Academy and PharmAesthetics where she applied the knowledge attained to create her own successful Aesthetics Clinic located in Essex called PS Aesthetics Clinic. 

Working alongside many industry experts, Piril built her clinic and branding from scratch and continues to echo her high standards of ethical aesthetics & beauty through her business platforms.

PS Aesthetics Clinic provides an holistic approach to it’s patients to looking and feeling good. 

Piril chooses to have inclusive treatments that inform you not only what your skin may need on the outside but also to strengthen & hydrate the skin, stimulate collagen, fade pigmentation or reduce fine lines and wrinkles through more invasive treatments. 

Piril continues to enhance her knowledge by attending aesthetic conferences and various masterclasses globally. 

In addition to this Piril completed her teaching degree and now works as a trainer with PharmAesthetics to provide you with in-depth knowledge and guidance as you begin your journey into Aesthetic Medicine.

AESTHETIC PHARMACIST  PRESCRIBER

Kevin Cheung is a GPhC registered Pharmacist since 2012. 

He worked as a Pharmacist at York Teaching Hospital where he gained postgraduate diploma in Pharmacy Practice at University of Leeds. 

He then continued working as an independent Pharmacist Manager in a community pharmacy and a Practice Pharmacist in several GP surgeries across North Yorkshire and East Riding. Here, he qualified as an Independent Prescriber at Keele University.

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During 2016, he developed an interest in non-surgical aesthetic treatments and began his training under the expert guidance of Dr. Zack Ally and Dr. Sanah Qasem at Derma Medical, London. Kevin successfully completed both Foundation and Advanced training, followed by masterclass such as Non-surgical Rhinoplasty & Tear Troughs.  He has now opened Elite Medical Aesthetics in York.

Kevin is totally focused on expanding his already successful reputation in aesthetics, with a dedication to patient outcomes, maintaining a natural result through advanced aesthetic techniques. 


As with all clinicians, striving to maintain clinical excellence and to keep ahead of the latest techniques and products are core principles he aims to uphold. He is recognized as an aesthetic practitioner by industry insurance providers.