THE National Association of Pharmacy Students (NAPSA) Congress 2024 set the stage for discussions on the scope of practice impacting the future of the profession, led by Pharmacy Guild National President Trent Twomey, while National Vice President Helen O'Byrne presented to students the latest on pharmacy workforce issues.
Held in Hobart last week, the Congress conducted three dynamic workshops, and held a trade show with the grand finale being the ball.
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) President Tom Simpson and SHPA Lead Education Pharmacist Julia Hruz also urged for students to consider hospital pharmacy as a career by hosting the SHPA booth at the Congress alongside Kelvin Kan and Jack Dickin, SHPA Residents at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
NAPSA's annual event brings together pharmacy students from round Australia and New Zealand to learn from those on the frontline.
Putting a spotlight on regional pharmacy were Life Pharmacy Group pharmacists Lochie Pettiford, Brooke Young, Bailey Stratford and Jack Buckley who presented an education session to students on the 'Journey to Ownership', and conducted an interactive workshop on how patient-centred professional services can drive a good pharmacy business.
"There was a lot of optimism about community pharmacy, in particular as students are realising that there are a lot of clinical opportunities, and they're willing to engage, try new things and support the growth of the industry and the changing face of pharmacy," said Lochie Pettiford, Pharmacist in Charge of Parkes Pharmacy.
"It's great to see pharmacists that are like-minded, engaging, and advocating for the industry.
"An increase in scope of practice is what the future generation of pharmacists want to see."
"There were so many enthusiastic pharmacy students, excited to meet and learn from our experiences, and they wanted to gain as much as possible from Congress 2024," said Brooke Young, pharmacist and part-owner of Cooleman Court Pharmacy in Canberra.
Young added the industry leaders must ensure students are "excited, rather than scared", about entering the pharmacy profession.
"It was heartwarming hearing the positive impact we had on students as they listened to us speak about our journey to ownership.
"The next generation of pharmacists coming through are a true inspiration and I look forward to seeing their careers progress and the positive impacts they may have on the future of our profession," Young concluded.
The NAPSA Congress 2025 will be held next in Brisbane. JG
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