The AJP Podcast Australian Journal of Pharmacy

Dr Fei Sim, PSA national president, talks about the first ever agreement with the government on pharmacist’s professional practice programs, and what this means for the profession
In this special episode of the AJP podcast, Dr Fei Sim, national president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) speaks to Carlene McMaugh about a radical change for pharmacy – the first strategic agreement between the federal government and PSA to oversee pharmacy professional practice programs and structures.
Signed concurrently to, and in association with, the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA), this new strategic agreement will see PSA oversee the operation of programs such as Home Medicine Reviews (HMR), Residential Medication Management Reviews (RMMR), Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) and workforce programs that were covered by previous CPA iterations.
PSA will also assume a role in other non-CPA programs such as the National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) and the pending Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) program.
Among the topics covered are:
(2 mins 45): The reassurance offered by the new 8CPA, what this includes, and what it means for community pharmacy
(8:40): The new PSA/government strategic agreement – what this means for pharmacy professional practice   
(12:20): The components of the strategic agreement and how it will underpin professional standards and guidelines
(17:00): 7CPA programs and other programs to be included under the strategic agreement framework
(19:40): Providing reassurance to credentialied pharmacists
(24:30): The chance for professional equity, reducing intra-profession competition and securing additional funding for expanded practice
(26:40): Looking at the next steps, working through the plan. Also an upcoming PSA member exclusive webinar  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Go here for the full list of active AJP podcasts. These can also be accessed via Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Carlene McMaugh

“I love the blend of caring for patients but also having to run a business at the same time,” pharmacy entrepreneur Pasquale DeMaria tells our podcast
“I love the hustle and bustle of it,” DeMaria says, telling host Carlene McMaugh about his work in pharmacy ownership, in bookkeeping – and after a major life event, in maintaining work-life balance.
He says that only a pharmacist can truly understand what it takes to run a pharmacy, given the number of directions they’re pulled in at any time – but points out that there is very little business acumen taught during pharmacy studies.
After years away from pharmacy ownership – following a heart attack which forced him to reevaluate some priorities – DeMaria is now on the hunt for a new store, saying he feels “very positive, I’m liking what I’m seeing” in the pharmacy landscape.
He also highlights the importance of returning the dispensary as the central focus of the pharmacy – and hopes the 8cpa will return confidence not just to buyers and sellers, but also lenders following the introduction of 60 day dispensing.
1.07 – What does pharmacy ownership look like for you at this stage?
2.23 – Thoughts on 8CPA and the pharmacy market
3.41 – What did bookkeeping expertise teach him, and tips for pharmacists listening
6.03 – How has 60-day dispensing affected the numbers of pharmacy
8.06 – How a significant health event has changed his perspectives
10.46 – The move into accounting
12.24 – A new role
13.39 – On being a pharmacy entrepreneur
16.05 – How could work-life balance ideally be kept?
19.25 – How to embrace yourself as a brand
21.38 – Differentiating yourself from the competition
24.23 – How to combat discounters
25.29 – Advice on adapting to a constantly evolving landscape – and doing it well
Go here for the full list of active AJP podcasts. These can also be accessed via Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Carlene McMaugh