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PSA Media Releases August 2010

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	Peter Waterman articles by this author...
Keeping you up to date with PSA activities.

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30 August 2010
PSA INTERN TRAINING PROGRAM RECOGNISED AS BEST

An information session in Tasmania explaining the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s National Intern Training Program (NITP) has resulted in an overwhelming response from pharmacy students keen to join the program.

The NITP is designed to maximise the career opportunities of young pharmacists as they transition from being students to entering the workforce as qualified pharmacists.

The PSA’s specially designed program helps to smooth the transition process from student to competent pharmacist and the great strength of the NITP program is that it is delivered by the PSA, the professional organisation representing the professional interests of pharmacists and the practice of pharmacy.

For this reason, the PSA’s NITP is regarded by students and early career pharmacists as the premier program available and this was highlighted when 100 per cent of students attending an information session in Tasmania last week filled in expressions of interest to join the program.

One of the key messages delivered by Branch President, Dr Shane Jackson, was that students have the choice of which intern training provider to select.

“Ultimately the student pays for the course and it is their career we are talking about.  When deciding on which course to undertake, students should weigh their decision based on price, quality, employer recommendations and the organisation running the program,” Dr Jackson said.

“Students should consider the course and the provider that is best going to assist them with their career in the short and long term and that should be with the organisation that best helps them develop as a pharmacist.”

Dr Jackson said PSA had a track record of delivering ITP programs across Australia as well as education programs for pharmacists.

“Nationally and locally PSA is pushing for increased opportunities for the profession such as prescribing, vaccinations, direct roles for consultant pharmacists, pharmacists working in general practices and super clinics and pharmacists being a part of the health-care team,” Dr Jackson said.

The information session held in Tasmania was the first in a series of such sessions to be held across Australia.

Details of presentations at other universities and pharmacy schools can be found at

www.psa.org.au/intern

One of the key messages delivered by Branch President, Dr Shane Jackson, was that the choice of which intern training.

27 August 2010
NEW EXECUTIVE FOR QLD BRANCH COMMITTEE

The appointment of Lisa Goldsmith as a Vice-President of the Queensland Branch Committee of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia gives the branch one of the youngest executives seen at the PSA on a state or territory level.

The branch executive is now made up of Dr Lisa Nissen, Branch President, Mr Bruce Elliot, Branch Vice-President, and Ms Lisa Goldsmith, Branch Vice-President.

Dr Nissen is an associate professor at the University of Queensland, Mr Elliot is an accredited pharmacist and community pharmacist owner at Yeppoon and Ms Goldsmith is a hospital pharmacist in Brisbane.

Both Dr Nissen and Mr Elliot are National Board members of the PSA.

Dr Nissen said, “Whilst the average age of the Executive is 33, Bruce and I already have nearly 18 years of PSA committee service between us and Lisa Goldsmith joins the Executive as an ex-NAPSA President and Chair of the Qld Branch Early Career Pharmacist Working Group. I believe this is a strong foundation for us to work from to help PSA members and the profession now and into the future.”

Dr Nissen said that the Qld Branch Committee itself was well balanced with a mix of experience across broad practice settings.

“The balance we have is a really good one with the breadth of the profession represented.”

Dr Nissen said the make-up of the Executive was a positive reflection of the enthusiasm of Early Career Pharmacists and their desire to contribute to the profession at the highest levels.

“I am always proud of the contribution of our branch committee and how we work together as a team for Qld members with a strong mix of youth and experience. It has enabled us to give our members the very best service and value for their membership,” Dr Nissen said.

Dr Nissen also wanted to acknowledge Dr Julie Stokes who has served as Branch Vice-President for the last 12 months who decided this year to step down from the position. Dr Nissen said, “Julie’s contribution has been significant and I’m thrilled that she remains on the Committee providing her enthusiasm and expert knowledge and skills.”

 

27 August  2010
AACP FORUM AND FULL PAC10 REGISTRATION - A COMBINATION TO GIVE PHARMACISTS A BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL EDGE

The Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy Accredited Pharmacists’ (AACP) Forum at the Pharmacy Australia Congress this year focuses on Clinical and Practical Skills for MMRs, Building your Portfolio with a targeted program of clinical presentations, therapeutic updates, clinical controversies and practice pointers.

Chief Executive Officer of the AACP, Grant Martin, said this year’s forum would be particularly important following the recent introduction of mandatory CPD by the Pharmacy Board of Australia. While the AACP accreditation program has asked accredited pharmacists to undertake and report on their annual CPD activities, all pharmacists are most welcome at the AACP Forum. Maintaining their clinical currency is important for all pharmacists and the AACP has a solid reputation in delivering a quality clinical seminar at PAC.

“We have selected a range of expert speakers who will address topics that will build on the skills base of attending pharmacists and better equip them for the current environment they work in,” Mr Martin said. 

Mr Martin said speakers included Debbie Rigby, Chair, AACP of the Board; Christine Culhane of the Victorian Psychotropic Drug Advisory Service; Margaret Thorpe from Melbourne’s  Nixon Hostel; Victorian accredited pharmacist Neil Petrie; Dr Peter Tenni, Manager, Clinical  Division of Medscope; Dr Sonia Davison, Endocrinologist at the Jean Hailes Foundation in Victoria;  Dr Geraldine Moses from the Drug Information Centre of Brisbane’s Mater Hospital; Professor Michael Woodward , Medical Director, Aged and Residential Care Services, Austin Health in Victoria; and  Debra Rowett, Service Director of South Australia’s Drug and Therapeutics Information Service.

Chair of the PAC10 Organising Committee, Alistair Lloyd, said delegates to the AACP Forum could add to the value of their experience by registering for the full PAC1-0 program.

“The PAC10 program complements the AACP Forum in that the presentations have been specially designed to give pharmacy delegates a business and professional edge,” Mr Lloyd said.

“The workshops and seminars, in addition to the expert plenary sessions, will prove to be an invaluable experience for anyone attending.”

Being held in Melbourne from 28-31 October this year, delegates to PAC10 can also earn Continuing Professional Development credits which are mandatory under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for health professionals which came into effect on 1 July.

To register or for more details visit the PAC10 website at www.pac10.com.au.

26 August 2010
APF21 HELPS IDENTIFY BANNED SUBSTANCES FOR SPORTS PEOPLE

The case of Australian swimmer Ryan Napoleon being banned from international competition for three months after testing positive to a banned substance highlights the need for pharmacists to be totally aware of what they are dispensing and the circumstances under which medications are dispensed.

The three-month ban on Mr Napoleon, imposed by the world swimming body FINA, means he is ineligible for the Commonwealth Games, despite beings selected to represent Australia in the 400m and 1500m freestyle events at the Games in new Delhi in October.

In imposing the ban, FINA said Mr Napoleon “had tested positive to  the substance formoterol in November 2009.”

FINA went on to say, “... during the hearing of the Doping Panel it has been sufficiently established how the substance formoterol [available in Australia as Eformoterol] entered the body of the athlete due to the use of an inhaler wrongly labelled by a pharmacist.”

Acting President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Grant Kardachi, said the case highlighted the need for pharmacists to have the resources available to check on the medications they are dispensing and, in the case of elite sport people, to be able to check if they are banned substances.

“PSA’s definitive reference work, APF21, provides information to assist pharmacists in their dispensing and other aspects of their pharmacy practice. The section, Drugs in Sport would have been especially helpful in this case as it details the processes that a pharmacist should go through when dispensing any medicines for  athletes subject to doping control testing” Mr Kardachi said.
“This substantial clinical handbook is essential in all aspects of pharmacy practice and has evolved to continually adapt and meet the growing needs of pharmacists as a result of the ever-changing practice and practice environment.”

In its ruling, the FINA Doping Panel said the case “underlines the responsibility of the athlete to check his medicine (in this case for asthma)”.

Mr Kardachi said it also underlined that pharmacists should also check the medications for athletes and other consumers who had to comply with banned substances lists, and APF21 provided a link to the latest list of banned substances.

“APF21 has been designed to ensure the efficacy and robustness of processes and procedures in pharmacy practice and no pharmacist, regardless of what sector they operate in, should be without this invaluable reference tool,” Mr Kardachi said.


26 August  2010
SELF CARE A FORCE BEHIND SA PHARMACIST OF THE YEAR

Being a member of the PSA’s Self Care group has been an integral part of the pharmacy business which has led to South Australian pharmacist Lewis Pounentis being named the State’s PSA Pharmacist of the Year.

Mr Pounentis is a pharmacist proprietor and has more than 15 years’ experience in community pharmacy and is renowned for his passion of providing all of his customers, both old and new, with the highest levels of customer service and advice - on all health-related matters.

He also is an accredited pharmacist and certified diabetes educator providing professional and compounding services to his local community. In 2009, his pharmacy was named the winner of the 2009 Australian Small Business Champion (Best Pharmacy Category).

“It was an honour to be awarded the 2010 PSA South Australian Pharmacist of the Year,” he said.

“I have practised as a community pharmacist since 1991 – then owning my first pharmacy in 1997. From that first day, Self Care has been an integral part of my pharmacies.

“I began specialising in specific health conditions in 2002 – commencing with Smoking Cessation and then Diabetes. My Payneham Road Chemplus Compounding pharmacy now specialises in (as the name suggests) Compounding as well as Diabetes Care, Sleep Apnoea testing and CPAP trials and provision of pharmacy services to Aged Care facilities.”

In 2009, Mr Pounentis completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Diabetes, thus also becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator.

“Self Care Fact Cards allow me to provide that extra support to my customers as part of an individualised health care plan,” Mr Pounentis said.

“I find the Self Care Fact Cards are extremely useful in my role as a Certified Diabetes Educator, especially when discussing the condition with customers who are newly diagnosed.

“Self Care Fact Cards are an extremely useful resources and I would highly recommend subscribing to Self Care for those pharmacies that currently don’t.”

24 August 2010
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING – A POWERFUL TOOL FOR THE PHARMACIST

Motivational Interviewing is a relatively new concept in the area of pharmacy which was originally developed in the early 1980s and has been adapted and used in many health-care settings, ranging from alcohol addiction to assisting with medication adherence. 

Healthcare today often involves assisting patients manage conditions lifestyle or behaviour change and motivational interviewing provides pharmacists with the skills necessary to assist in these changes in a highly effective and supportive way.

To bring pharmacists up to date on Motivational Interviewing and developments in this field, a stream at PAC10 will be devoted to the subject on Saturday 30 October.

The session will be presented by Vanessa Lontos who established CreatingMe, an innovative service and solution-focused practice, supporting individuals and businesses in the areas of health and wellness education, leadership and business development

Ms Lontos said the motivational interviewing workshops would present powerful tools to enhance communication with patients and guide them in making choices to improve their health. 

“The workshops are both highly informative and interactive allowing pharmacists to learn and apply the techniques in a few short hours,” she said. “The comprehensive theory, engaging case studies and worked examples bring to life the core skills of motivational interviewing and easily demonstrate how to incorporate this evidence-based approach into the pharmacy setting.”

On top of her CreatingMe work, Ms Lontos is an independent consultant pharmacist based in Melbourne.

Since 2002 she has worked in various roles in both Melbourne and Sydney and also spent a short time in the UK.

Since 2008, Ms Lontos has expanded her consulting practice through studies in Life-Coaching and qualification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming to include Life and Wellness Coaching, which complements her role as a pharmacist.

She recently commenced work with PSA as a Practice Support Field Officer and is also a tutor for both the Monash and PSA Intern Training Programs, all of which are roles that she thoroughly enjoys. Vanessa is also a member of the Early Career Pharmacists Committee.

Being held in Melbourne from 28-31 October this year, delegates to PAC10 can earn up to 35 Continuing Professional Development credits during the congress.

To register or for more details visit www.pac10.com.au.

23 August 2010
SA PHARMACIST OF THE YEAR FINALISTS NAMED

Mr Lewis Pounentis has been named the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s South Australian Pharmacist of the Year.

Mr Pounentis is a pharmacist proprietor and has more than 15 years’ experience in community pharmacy.  He is renowned for his passion of providing all of his customers, both old and new, with the highest levels of customer service and advice - on all health-related matters.

In addition, he is an accredited pharmacist and certified diabetes educator providing professional and compounding services to his local community. In 2009, his pharmacy was named the winner of the 2009 Australian Small Business Champion (Best Pharmacy Category).

Mr Pounentis said he was honored at being named the SA Pharmacist of the Year for 2010.

“I have been very active in ensuring the highest standards and focus on customer service and I think this award is recognition of my philosophy,” Mr Pounentis said.

“When a customer comes into my pharmacy they know that they can get the best advice and service on all their health needs.

“My staff and I are committed to their needs and to ensuring better health outcomes for them as a result of their visit to the pharmacy.”

South Australian President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, congratulated Mr Pounentis on his achievement.

“Lewis epitomises the new face of pharmacy today,” Mr Kardachi said.

“In addition to the traditional products and pharmacy related services, he is a diabetes educator and his pharmacy puts a great emphasis on the delivery of a comprehensive range of professional services.

“He is not content to stand idle but is constantly looking of ways to improve his business, and to improve the value customers receive from a visit to his pharmacy.”

 

19 August 2010
CUTTING THROUGH THE MYTHS OF DIETS AT PAC10

Every day it seems there is a new diet fad being talked up by the media and in the eternal search for the solution to the growing waistlines of Australians, many popular diets have been tried and eventually discarded.

There are literally hundreds of dieting books and programs to choose from, with many popular ones substantially departing from mainstream nutrition and medical advice.

To help sort through the hype, a special presentation called Diets – Which Ones Work, Which Ones Don’t and Safety in Dieting will be presented by Dr Tim Crowe as part of the Holistic Management of Diabetes Session at PAC10 on the afternoon of Friday, October 29.

Dr Crowe, a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition at Deakin University and an Accredited Practising Dietician, will explore, from a firm evidence-based perspective, how the different dietary approaches of low-fat, low-carbohydrate, low-GI, high-protein, low energy density, and meal replacement products compare over both the short and long term.

Importantly, consideration will be given to the health and safety aspects of following the different dietary approaches.

Dr Crowe’s presentation will also discuss predictors of long-term weight loss success  with the aim of formulating practical, realistic, and evidence-based diet and lifestyle recommendations that can be given to the individuals to ensure the best chance of long-term weight loss success.

Dr Crowe teaches about the role of nutrition in disease prevention and management, particularly diabetes and cancer.

He is actively involved in several areas of nutrition research including specialised nutrition in the prevention of surgical complications; nutrition support in wound healing; and at a public health level, the changing nutritional intake of the Australian population.

He is as an acknowledged expert on dieting approaches for weight management and writes for many consumer publications, speaks regularly on many nutrition topics to the general public and is active in providing information and comment to many media organisations. He is also an independent director on the Weight Management Council of Australia.

Being held in Melbourne from 28-31 October this year, delegates to PAC10 can earn up to 35 Continuing Professional Development credits during the congress.

To register or for more details visit www.pac10.com.au.

 

12 August 2010
NAPSA LEADS STUDENTS THROUGH CHANGE

Now is a great time to be a pharmacy student, and the body representing them, the National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association (NAPSA), says it is excited to be part of this new era of the profession.

National President of NAPSA, Ashleigh Coome, said that with national registration now available and the recent signing of the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement, “it is a great time to be a pharmacy student”. 

“It has been nine years since NAPSA's reformation and our organisation still strives to maintain its vision to be the pre-eminent and independent organisation for pharmacy students in Australia and to support their education, leadership, professional and personal development,” she said.

“This year NAPSA plans to increase awareness of rural pharmacy by revamping the role of our Rural and Indigenous Health Committee. We also plan to increase our global profile by hosting more international pharmacy students as a part of the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (IPSF) Student Exchange Program.”

National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Warwick Plunkett, said NAPSA was an important organisation that helped focus the profession on the needs, and aspirations, of upcoming pharmacists.

“Young pharmacists face a lot of challenges in today’s professional environment but with the backing of NAPSA they leave their colleges well prepared.”

Ms Coome said NAPSA acknowledged that the profession was evolving. 

“Some challenges include an oversupply of pharmacists, a shortage of intern positions and lacking infrastructure to provide the key cognitive services that the profession requires,” she said.

“NAPSA not only acts as a voice for pharmacy students to the wider profession, but also relays this information back to our members so they can become informed and engaged in the current pharmacy climate.”

 

11 August 2010
NOMINATIONS FOR PSA EXCELLENCE AWARDS CLOSE 1 SEPTEMBER

Nominations for the pharmacy profession’s most prestigious and sought-after awards, the

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Awards for Excellence, close on 1 September 2010, so there is still time to get an entry in.

The awards acknowledge the achievers of the profession: those involved in innovative practice; those who are striving to raise practice standards; and pharmacists who, through their professionalism, provide a model of practice which others strive to emulate.

The award winners will be announced at PAC10 in Melbourne during the opening plenary session on Friday, 29 October 2010. The awards are divided into three categories:

• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Pharmacist of the Year
• Young Pharmacist of the Year

A nominee must be a member of PSA but there is no restriction on who may lodge a nomination. Nominees for the Lifetime Achievement Award must be either a current PSA member or a retired pharmacist who was a former member for a consecutive 25 year period or more. Nominees for Young Pharmacist of the Year must be under 35 years of age with less than 10 years experience as a practising pharmacist.

The Pharmacist of the Year and Young Pharmacist of the Year each receive the PSA Excellence Awards medal and the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient receives a commemorative glass plaque.  Each winner also receives a Symbion Pharmacy Services Education Grant to the value of $8,000.

National President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said the awards were very significant for

the profession and were made in recognition of the special individual contributions to the profession of pharmacy.

“The Pharmacist of the Year and the Young Pharmacist of the Year awards are for achievements made in 2010 while the Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual’s contribution over a much greater period of time,” Mr Plunkett said.

“These awards reflect the extremely high standards that the profession maintains in Australia, and recognise the efforts by individuals to maintain and improve on those standards.”

Nominations can be sent to Nicole Campbell at nicole.campbell@psa.org.au

10 August 2010
SA PHARMACIST OF THE YEAR FINALISTS NAMED

The South Australian Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has announced the finalists in the prestigious Pharmacist of the Year Award.

The finalists are:

• Ms. Kirrily Chambers, accredited pharmacist and diabetes educator;
• Mr. Lewis Pounentis, accredited pharmacist, proprietor and diabetes educator; and
• Ms. Julie Bedford, accredited pharmacist and proprietor.

Ms Chambers has been a pharmacist since 1993 and in 2008 became a HMR and DMAS accredited pharmacist.  In January last year she became the only credentialed diabetes educator and pharmacist in Australia.

Mr Pounentis is a pharmacist proprietor and has more than 15 years’ experience in community pharmacy.  He is renowned for his passion of providing all of his customers, both old and new, with the highest levels of customer service and advice - on all health-related matters. Lewis is an accredited pharmacist and certified diabetes educator providing professional and compounding services to his local community. In 2009, his pharmacy was named the winner of the 2009 Australian Small Business Champion (Best Pharmacy Category).

Ms Bedford is a community pharmacist and proprietor who has built a strong reputation for the range of professional services she provides through her pharmacy including diabetes care, smoking cessation and blood pressure monitoring. Julie is an inspiration to her staff and well known for often going beyond the call of duty. In addition, her commitment to the local community through health related articles in the local paper, Rotary and the Heritage Club represents the very being of what a community pharmacist is all about.

South Australian President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, said the finalists epitomised the quality of pharmacists in the State and their commitment to their profession.

“The strength of the field of nominations was exceptionally high and I congratulate everyone who was nominated,” Mr Kardachi said.

“This is the State’s most prestigious pharmacy award and one which recognises the very best in our profession.

“To be a finalist is indeed an honour.”

The winner of the SA Pharmacists of the Year will be announced at the South Australian Pharmacy Profession Dinner on Saturday, 21 August.


9 August 2010
NEW CEO OF PSA ANNOUNCED

The Board of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has announced the appointment of Liesel Wett as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Wett, who is currently Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Australian General Practice Network, is expected to take up her appointment on 1 October 2010

National President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said Ms Wett would bring to the role a wealth of experience in the health field, not only through her career in health  organisations but also through her formal qualifications.

“As well as her executive roles at AGPN, Liesel has held senior executive roles at other health organisations and holds an MBA and relevant other qualifications in health-related areas including a Masters in Public Health,” Mr Plunkett said.

“She has been at AGPN since 2003 during which time she also assumed the role of Acting CEO for some 12 months.”

Mr Plunkett said in her roles Ms Wett had developed strong and ongoing relationships with Government and public sector stakeholders which, combined with her experience in setting and driving strategic direction of a peak body, would help take PSA forward during very challenging times for the health sector.

“Her strong experience in liaising and negotiating with the Minister’s office and staff, senior Department of Health staff as well as staff across the health network, will help to ensure PSA’s voice is heard and that the interests of pharmacy are taken into account,” Mr Plunkett said.

“Her background and experience with the AGPN offers the opportunity to build better bridges with the medical profession which will be essential for implementing much of the desired future extended professional role for pharmacists

“Liesel is also very experienced in working with and on Boards, serves on the Godwin Homes Board in Canberra and is involved in making investment portfolio decisions. 

“At AGPN she has served as Company Secretary and completed Australian Institute of Company Director qualifications. 

“Her appointment is a great asset for the PSA and for the pharmacy profession.”

 

5 August 2010
ONLINE MODULE EXAMINES BIPOLAR DISORDER

Each month, PSA releases an online presentation, developed with experts in the specific clinical area covered to ensure the latest evidence is brought to PSA members using these education tools.

The modules are delivered in four 15-minute units and are specifically designed for the busy pharmacist to allow flexibility in what and when they access the information.

This month’s module deals with bipolar disorder and is presented by Dr Chris Alderman.

Dr Alderman points out that atypical antipsychotics were medications that were initially developed for the treatment of psychosis, in general, and schizophrenia.

“These are now used increasingly in the treatment of bipolar disease,” Dr Alderman said.

“Medications such as olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone have become important tools for the clinician in helping to stabilise acutely ill bipolar patients and preventing them from becoming ill again.

“These medications may have efficacy beyond being simply antimanic agents and may be true mood stabilisers, as they may actually help prevent mood fluctuations that interfere with social and occupational functioning.”

In this one hour podcast/online lecture, Dr Chris Alderman provides an overview of bipolar disorder and addresses the management options available. 

Upon completion of this module, pharmacists should be able to:

 

• Understand key features of bipolar disorder
• Describe the general principles of pharmacological management of bipolar disorder
• Identify specific roles for various drugs in management of mania and bipolar depression
• Understand principles of mood stabiliser treatment
• Discuss recent advances in knowledge relevant to management of bipolar disorder

 The modules are available free to PSA members to view through the PSA website, or can be downloaded as podcasts for listening at a suitable time.

 

4 August 2010

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DIABETES MANAGEMENT FEATURES AT PAC10

Diabetes in Australia is now about three times more prevalent than it was 20 years ago, with more than 800,000 of today’s Australians having been diagnosed with the disease.

Statistic show about 85–90% of diabetes cases are the Type 2 variety, which begins mainly among the middle aged and is linked to our low levels of exercise and especially to our rising levels of overweight and obesity.

Pharmacists have a pivotal role to play in the management of diabetes by using their expertise to deliver professional services and information to support and assist people with diabetes over the entire course of the disease.

To assist pharmacists optimise patient outcomes, a special stream dedicated to the holistic management of diabetes will be held at PAC10 in Melbourne this year.

The session, on Friday 29 October 2010, will be addressed by Professor Jonathan Shaw, Director, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, who will provide a clinical update on diabetes.

He will be followed by Dr Geraldine Moses, consultant drug information pharmacist, Mater Hospital in Brisbane, who will provide an update on the medicines used in the management of diabetes.

With the high incidence of foot problems and lower-limb amputations associated with diabetes, the issue of foot care has become important in diabetes treatment. Dr Kerry May, Manager Podiatry, Diabetic Foot Unit Coordinator, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, will discuss the action pharmacists can take in the prevention and management of these complications.

The rising levels of overweight and obesity in Australia is likely to increase the prevalence of diabetes and Dr Tim Crowe, Senior Lecturer (Nutrition), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, will look at the evidence for different diets in weight reduction – which ones work, which ones don’t and safety issues in relation to dieting.

Being held in Melbourne from 28-31 October this year, delegates to PAC10 can also earn up to 35 Continuing Professional Development credits during the congress.

To register or for more details visit www.pac10.com.au.

 

2 August 2010
INTERN TRAINING PROGRAM HELPS PHARMACISTS MAXIMISE OPPORTUNITIES

The transition from being a student to a practising pharmacist can be a difficult time and unless early career pharmacists equip themselves for the new challenges they face, they may not be maximising their career opportunities.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has long recognised that this is not an easy time for early career pharmacists and its National Intern Training Program (NITP) helps smooth the transition from student to competent pharmacist.

A great strength of the NITP program is that it is delivered by the PSA,  the professional organisation representing the professional interests of pharmacists and the practice of pharmacy wherever pharmacists work in supporting the Australian health-care system.

The program has been developed with workplace relevance in mind, increasing the applicability of pharmacists’ skills and knowledge. 

The NITP is especially relevant under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) which came into effect last month and which requires registration nationally instead of  pharmacists registering in each state individually.

The PSA NITP incorporates discussion on national and state-based issues to take into account the NRAS changes and, being a national program, enables interaction between interns and pharmacists across Australia, thereby broadening their knowledge of the profession.

PSA understands the key elements required of a training program developed to help new graduates apply their knowledge in a range of workplace situations, and to become a valuable team member in any pharmacy.  To meet these needs, PSA has designed the NITP program for maximum impact and effectiveness.

With a combination of interactive workshops and workplace-based activities, the NITP course is not just an extension of university, but a specifically developed program with a focus on the workplace with the utilisation of pharmacists’ skills and knowledge in practice.

To explain the course and help students enrol, a series of talks will be presented at universities across Australia starting with the University of Tasmania on 18 August.

Fourth year University of Tasmania pharmacy student Leah Hodgkinson said, “PSA’s National Intern Training Program comes at a great time to coincide with National Registration, it’s great to know that if you do the PSA’s course in Tasmania and then practice in Queensland that you can be working next to other pharmacists who have done the same intern course.”

Details of presentations at other universities and pharmacy schools can be found at www.psa.org.au/intern

 

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