Pills, Presidents, and the Power of Locuming: Laurence Middleton's Wild Ride

At Clarity Locums, we’ve always believed in the transformative potential of locuming, not just as a career choice, but as a lifestyle. Few people embody that spirit more vividly than Laurence Middleton, whose new book Pills and Presidents takes readers on a globe-trotting, heart-thumping, occasionally hilarious journey through the unexpected intersections of pharmacy, travel, and everything in between.

Laurence’s book didn’t emerge from a quiet writing retreat or long days behind a pharmacy counter. Instead, Pills and Presidents was born out of locuming itself.

“Once you’ve had the opportunity to locum,” Laurence says, “you become more confident and adaptable in new and strange situations.”

That confidence, fueled by a strong case of itchy feet, led him to experiment with alternative careers, spontaneous travels, and surreal adventures. From guiding tourists across Andalusia to standing awkwardly backstage on a live TV strip show, Laurence has returned again and again to the flexibility and freedom of locuming to anchor his life.

“I think locuming is fantastic,” he says. “If you like helping people, if you like freedom, and if you like challenges. You can work like heck for a few months, then take an extended break. You can work part-time, you can dream, and test the waters in new ancillary activities. If you’re inquisitive, as I am, it’s hard to think of a better career.”

Enter Mike Perez, and the Clinton Summit Story

No reflection on Laurence’s adventures would be complete without a shoutout to Mike Perez, formerly Laurence’s contact at Clarity. Some of the most unforgettable stories in Pills and Presidents simply wouldn’t exist without Mike’s help, and patience.

Take the chapter Get There Before Clinton, for example:

“Hi Mike,” Laurence recalls saying, “any chance you could reschedule my bookings in Devon? I think I have a World Summit?”

Only a locum pharmacist would juggle community shifts with presidential summits, and only a guy like Mike would make that work. “He’d always fix it,” Laurence says, “and I’d happily return the favour by covering ‘problem’ pharmacies that no one else wanted to go to.”

What’s Inside Pills and Presidents?

The book is a vibrant mix of humorous and surreal encounters, stitched together by the common thread of a curious pharmacist who never quite stays still. The stories take us across continents, career changes, and cultural collisions. Some standout chapters include:

• Faith, Hope and Charity – A wild bike ride across Cuba in aid of charity.
• DRINX 4 PAX – Tour leading chaos in Andalusia over Christmas.
• Get There Before Clinton – Behind-the-scenes madness at a global summit.
• Dr. Enrique – A high-altitude pharmacist at 12,500 feet.
• That'll Sort You Out, Mr Branco – The Colombian hospital experience you never want.
• A Month in the Agency – A crash course in the seductive world of advertising.
• Looking For Rain – Reality bends in the South American highlands.
• "I'm a Pharmacist - Get Me Out of Here!" – Laurence finds himself on reality TV, not quite sure why.

Where to Read It

A free sample of Pills and Presidents is available on Amazon, and Laurence’s website www.laurencemiddleton.com includes links to purchase the book through paperback vendors like IngramSpark, along with more behind-the-scenes content.

Locuming: The Career That Keeps on Giving

Laurence’s story is proof that locuming isn’t just a job, it’s a launchpad. A way to discover the world, challenge yourself, and still return to the roots of patient care.

For anyone who’s ever wondered whether there’s life beyond the dispensary counter, or whether locuming can lead to bigger, stranger, and more fulfilling adventures - Pills and Presidents is your answer.

Thanks again to Laurence for sharing his story, and to Mike Perez, who clearly helped write a few lines of it himself.

Start your own journey. Explore locum opportunities with Clarity Locums today.