Pharmacy View Podcast Pharmacy View Podcast

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audirie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, interviews Kerri Barwick, GM of Education & Training at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA). Kerri shares their unique journey from business studies to Pharmacy, highlighting their innovative approach to training and the evolving role of Pharmacists. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on overcoming industry challenges and the exciting future of Pharmacy.

Kerri shares their inspiring journey into the Pharmacy profession, starting as a casual Pharmacy Assistant in high school. Initially pursuing a business degree, Kerri found themselves drawn back to Pharmacy roles, eventually deciding to study Pharmacy while raising young children. This blend of business acumen and Pharmacy skills has enabled Kerri to create innovative training programs at PSA, leading to rapid career advancement into their current leadership role.

Kerri discusses how their unique career path has influenced their approach to Pharmacy. Unlike many who transition from Pharmacy to business studies, Kerri's journey began with a business degree. This provided them with a distinct perspective on the importance of business skills in Pharmacy. Kerri underscores the support banner groups offer to Pharmacists in areas like marketing and business management, although they believe more can be done to enhance Pharmacists' understanding of customer relationships and long-term business value.

In their role at PSA, Kerri oversees a wide range of responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration. They manage the organization of major conferences like PSA-24, various educational workshops, and qualifications such as the Diploma of Leadership Management. Additionally, Kerri oversees CPD products and new credentials like Pharmacist Prescribing. Building relationships through meetings with partners, universities, and internal teams is crucial to achieving the department's goals, according to Kerri.

Kerri highlights the significant challenges faced by Pharmacists, including time constraints and workforce shortages, especially in rural and remote areas. They emphasize the need for flexible training programs that can be accessed anytime and anywhere to accommodate these challenges. Despite the increasing demand for Pharmacists due to expanded roles like immunization and aged care, the profession often struggles with recognition and respect. Nonetheless, Kerri remains optimistic about the positive changes and increased authority Pharmacists are beginning to experience.

Kerri further discusses the complexities of training Pharmacy professionals in a demanding work environment, stressing the importance of balancing work and continuing education. They note the debate over the necessary training for Pharmacists to prescribe medications, pointing out that many Pharmacists already possess the required competencies. The competency framework helps identify training gaps, and Kerri stresses the importance of professional judgment and CPD in addressing these gaps. While acknowledging the differing views on training requirements, Kerri is hopeful about the evolving role of Pharmacists and the exciting opportunities on the horizon.

Note: This insightful discussion is part one of the episode, with the second part to be released next week.

Welcome to a special episode of the Pharmacy Podcast, a stream of Pharmacy View Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group (IPA).  Today, we have a unique treat for our listeners as guest host Andrew Pattinson steps in. Andrew is the Chief Innovation Officer at The Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group (IPA), and for this special episode, he is joined by Kos Sclavos AM, the Past National President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. Together, they dive deep into the strategies and innovations shaping the future of Pharmacy in Australia. This insightful discussion covers everything from the latest 8CPA to the importance of strategic investments and the evolving role of Pharmacists in community care. Stay tuned for an episode packed with valuable insights and expert advice!

In our 100th episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast, host Scott Carpenter, EVBC, interviews Michael Beck, Director of Med-ID for Australia and New Zealand. Michael shares their entrepreneurial journey from small business beginnings to spearheading innovation in the Pharmacy industry with SynMed robots. Join the two as they explore the transformative impact of automation and the future of medication safety and pharmacy operations.

Michael recounts their early career in small business and retail before transitioning into medical radiation technology, where they played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of medical imaging. This journey eventually led Michael into the Pharmacy sector, where they pioneered the deployment of SynMed robots for medication packing. They highlight their collaboration with Lucy Walker, marking the first SynMed implementation in an Australian Pharmacy.

Scott and Michael further explore their efforts to revolutionize medication safety and Pharmacy operations. Michael discusses their partnership with Dr. Paul Gooden and the establishment of Med-ID, detailing their journey from conceptualization to navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite obstacles, they successfully introduced SynMed robots across Australian Pharmacies, scaling their business significantly and eventually merging with BD Rowa to form BD Rowa SynMed.

The conversation shifts to the innovative aspects of SynMed technology, emphasizing its robust design with metal components and advanced pick-and-place mechanisms for precise and rapid medication packaging. Michael underscores SynMed's role in not only solving logistical challenges but also enhancing Pharmacy revenue streams through efficient service delivery. They highlight SynMed's seamless integration with major software systems and the support received from pioneers in Australian medication packing.

Scott reflects on his extensive tenure in the Pharmacy industry, focusing on the evolving landscape and the importance of customer relationships, particularly in aged care settings. Michael expands on the strategic implications of robotics and automation in pharmacies, advocating for models like the hub and spoke system to optimize efficiency and customer engagement. They conclude with a discussion on community engagement, emphasizing how Pharmacies can meet the growing demand for healthcare services among aging populations by offering enhanced, frequent services like health checks and consultations.

Overall, Scott and Michael underscore the transformative impact of automation on Pharmacy operations, envisioning a future where technological advancements not only streamline processes but also elevate patient care and business sustainability in the healthcare sector.

In this episode of Pharmacy Podcast, a stream of Pharmacy View Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA), host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group (IPA) is joined by James Reid, the Head of Apex Implementation at The Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group (IPA). From marathon running to Pharmacy ownership, James shares his resilience, dedication, and commitment to empowering pharmacists across Australia. Get ready to be inspired by his story of overcoming challenges and making a difference in the Pharmacy industry!

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Full Scope Pharmacy Leadership stream, host, Chantelle Turner, a Pharmacist Leadership and Business Coach at TURN Pharmacy Leadership, welcomes Shaylee Mills. A Rural Pharmacist, Pharmacy Help Karratha, who is also the National PSA Intern Pharmacist of the Year 2022. Shaylee shares their unique journey into Pharmacy, their dedication to rural healthcare, and insights on mentoring future Pharmacists. Tune in to discover the challenges and rewards of a fulfilling career in Rural Pharmacy.

Shaylee shares their unexpected journey into Pharmacy, inspired by a love for organic chemistry found in university course books. They recount their diverse experiences across metropolitan, rural, and hospital Pharmacies, as well as their involvement in student advocacy and research. Shaylee’s passion for Rural Pharmacy was solidified during a placement in Karratha, leading them to return and continue their impactful work in the community.

Shaylee discusses their deep commitment to Rural Pharmacy, shaped by their upbringing in a rural area and professional experiences in rural healthcare. They emphasize critical challenges such as workforce shortages and limited access to doctors, highlighting Pharmacists' vital role in these communities. Shaylee advocates for increasing the rural healthcare workforce and shifting the Pharmacy model towards primary care to better support patients.

Shaylee shares insights on the distinct advantages of pursuing a career in Rural Community Pharmacy, highlighting the immense professional satisfaction and rapid career progression it offers. They address the misconception that Community Pharmacy lacks clinical opportunities, illustrating how rural settings provide a rich, clinical work environment. Additionally, Shaylee emphasizes the work-life balance and rewarding community connections that come with living and working in rural areas.

Chantelle and Shaylee discuss the importance of self-care and preventing burnout in early career Pharmacists. Shaylee emphasizes three key leadership skills: self-awareness, adaptability, and determination. They explain that self-awareness involves understanding one's emotions and reflecting on personal capacity and stress levels. Adaptability is crucial, especially in rural settings where circumstances can change rapidly. Determination helps push through challenging times until conditions improve, maintaining a sustainable and fulfilling career in Pharmacy.

Shaylee also discusses their role in nurturing early career Pharmacists within the Karratha community, emphasizing the importance of mentoring Pharmacy students. This mentorship leads to successful recruitment and retention of future Pharmacists. Shaylee shares their passion for providing students with positive experiences, inspired by their own journey and impactful mentors. They highlight the gratifying nature of this work, noting that about 50% of their current staff were once students who interned with them, underscoring the effectiveness of their mentorship and community-building efforts.

Additionally, Shaylee addresses the misconceptions and pain points that deter Pharmacists from pursuing rural positions, such as isolation, workload, and relocation challenges. They counter these concerns with their own positive experiences and the support systems available, including financial aid and unique professional opportunities. Shaylee emphasizes the importance of early conversations about rural healthcare careers at the university level to inspire and inform future Pharmacists, advocating for greater awareness and discussion about the benefits and unique experiences of Rural Pharmacy practice.

In this episode of Pharmacy Podcast, a stream of Pharmacy View Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA), host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group (IPA) is joined by  Karen Carter, Pharmacist and owner of Narrabri Pharmacy and partner at Carter’s Pharmacy in Gunnedah. Karen shares her journey from a farm in Gunnedah to leading innovative rural healthcare initiatives in Australia. Join us as we explore her dedication to community health, her family's deep roots in the Pharmacy business, and her vision for the future of rural healthcare.