Sparking future pharmacy leaders through innovation
13 January 2016
The peak organisation representing pharmacists the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling for applicants for the prestigious ignite Pharmacist Leadership Program for 2016.
The ignite program aims to nurture and develop high-performing early career pharmacists into future leaders who will drive strategy, change and innovation.
PSA National President Joe Demarte said ignite involved combining interactive workshops, experiential and distance learning with a range of inspirational speakers, personal mentoring and networking opportunities.
“As part of the innovative program, participants enhance personal development and skills through the use of horses; an innovative strategy unique to ignite that aims to increase participants’ self-awareness as leaders,” Mr Demarte said.
“ignite workshops are highly interactive and practical, enabling participants to go beyond theory to apply what they learn. ignite not only prepares pharmacists to be a pharmacy leader, it also provides an experience to become a leader in daily life.”
As part of the ignite program, participants also obtain units of credits towards the exclusive PSA Graduate Diploma of Applied Pharmacy Practice and the PSA Diploma of Leadership and Management.
Mr Demarte said the opportunity to have mentors working close to participants will provide them with the expertise from other professionals that have travelled the same path.
“Being part of the ignite program is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, your talents and abilities while strengthening the confidence in your pharmacy knowledge” he said.
Places for the program are limited to 12 Early Career Pharmacists in 2016.
Applications are now open to PSA members and Early Career Pharmacists (maximum 10 years post-registration).
More details can be found on PSA’s website at http://www.psa.org.au/short-courses/ignite-pharmacist-leadership-program
Visit a pharmacist to avoid PBS headache
December 23, 2015
Australians should visit their pharmacist to prepare for PBS medicine changes taking effect from January 1, 2016, Australia’s peak pharmacist organisation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) said.
Under the changes, 17 types of over-the-counter medicines, including paracetamol and aspirin, will be delisted from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
PSA National President Joe Demarte said patients with chronic conditions who normally accessed medication through a PBS prescription will be affected.
“If people have been taking over-the-counter medicines on prescription for osteoarthritis, headaches and heartburn or have suffered a stroke, they should urgently consult their pharmacist,” Mr Demarte said.
“It’s vital for these patients to contact their pharmacist or prescriber to ensure they’re aware of all medication options for managing their condition. This is critical as in some cases the quantity and formulation of certain medicines – for example, Panadol Osteo – are not easily available.
“Pharmacists know from previous experience that changes to PBS rules can cause confusion for patients and carers, especially during the Christmas holiday period.”
The PBS delistings were announced by Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley in November this year following advice and consultation by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).
Over-the-counter medicines for certain conditions will no longer be subsidised on prescription under the PBS from January 1 as part of savings measures.
“The PSA is committed to ensuring patients’ health needs are being met and assisting Government progress savings measures to ensure the sustainability of the PBS,” Mr Demarte said.