November 2020 EditionWelcome to the Guild Early Career Pharmacist Newsletter. As part of the Guild family, you will receive this quarterly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox - bringing you the most relevant issues and advances in the industry today We want your feedback...The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Gold Cross are seeking to better understand how we can support the community pharmacy network. This survey seeks to gather feedback on what is working well, where we can improve how and where we share information, offer services or benefits, and enable digital engagement. National Student Business Plan - Where are they now?Participation in the Pharmacy Guild’s National Student Business Plan Competition has helped to launch some amazing careers for young pharmacists. The competition is the perfect way for pharmacy students to develop their entrepreneurial spirit and bring innovative ideas to the forefront of community pharmacy. The competition also gives students the opportunity to meet leaders in the sector including university colleagues, pharmacist owners and accountants. Many of these contacts have helped students as mentors and guides as they progress their pharmacy careers. And if you progress to the finals the opportunities for advancing your career grows as, COVID-19 notwithstanding, the finals are held at the Pharmacy Connect conference, which attracts hundreds of pharmacy owners – who also are potential employers/partners. Students who have found the National Student Business Plan Competition to be an invaluable learning experience as well as a career boost include: Connie Arronis, 2013 Finalist – now Pharmacist Manager at Illawong Discount Drug Store in Sydney. “My experience in the NSBPC was very worthwhile and valuable during that stage of my pharmacy career. It reaffirmed my interest in the community pharmacy retail environment and enhanced my knowledge of concepts that weren’t covered to the same extent with university subjects at the time. I would definitely recommend final year pharmacy students participate in the NSBPC. It is an excellent and valuable opportunity to learn about business plan development, pharmacy management and team building.” Wally Maguire, 2011 Winner - Ownership and management position with LiveLife in Bowen. “Our success with the NSBPC saw me being offered an intern scholarship at LiveLife Pharmacies in the Whitsundays … I don’t believe I would be where I am today if not for the NSBPC. Networking with pharmacists at the event and getting my name out there definitely helped in securing the LiveLife scholarship in Airlie Beach that started me on the career path to where I am now. I would definitely recommend students participate as it can open up a variety of opportunities down the track.” Jess Cahill, 2014 Winner – Proprietor of City Pharmacy Newcastle. “I am where I am now thanks in some ways to my involvement in the competition because I learnt so much from it. Ultimately it helped to shape the career decisions that I made and led me to my current role as a pharmacy owner. It taught me who the key players were and how to navigate the industry. I learnt new skills in negotiation, communication, mentorship and innovation. Looking back, it was a competition of true endurance but that mimics the real world and what it is like to work in the industry or own a business. “ Lauren Haworth, 2015 Winner – Pharmacist in Charge Terry White Chemmart Maddingley. “The NSBPC gave me an interest in the business side of things and a very basic understanding of how to make the books balance. At the time there was no other part of the BPharm that focused on what is a significant part of the career path that many of us take so the NSBPC filled a gap in knowledge. Taking part in the NSBPC gave me a really important understanding of the bigger picture of running a business e.g. wage percentage, impact of stock on hand, stock turn and so on.” Ellen South, 2018 Winner – Pharmacist at Wanniassa Capital Chemist. “The NSBPC gave me the opportunity to gain an insight into the business aspect of pharmacy. As a community pharmacist, this is a vital part of pharmacy management and I did not learn a huge amount of business knowledge during my university degree. The NSBPC is a unique and extremely valuable opportunity for university students and absolutely is worth the effort. The networking opportunities, experience and skills that I gained has made me a more experienced pharmacist. They have inspired me to one day put my ideas into a new pharmacy service, and students cannot miss the opportunity.” Akhila Puthigae, 2016 Winner - Aged care pharmacist. “The NSBPC helped me gain a basic understanding of pharmacy services in Australia, and all the different ways pharmacists can make their businesses profitable and still provide a high level of care. I also got a better understanding of pharmacy business, which was touched on during my final year of university; however, being able to actually take part in the competition helped me understand the nuances of business. This competition is . . . rewarding – the people you meet, the things you learn and the fact that you get to see your knowledge being put into practice is quite exciting.” Chris Braithwaite, 2012 Winner - Clinical Consultant Pharmacist (or ACCHO Pharmacist) at Galambila Aboriginal Health Service in Coffs Harbour. “Other than the business knowledge I was able to gain from the competition and our mentors, I was fortunate to meet my future employer at the Pharmacy Business Network (where the final was then held). This networking opportunity led to me living and working in Weipa for almost three years and gaining the experience I needed for my current role. It is a great challenge and an opportunity to meet some great people who could have a big impact on your career.” Jordan Anderson, 2019 Winner - clinical intern pharmacist at Waikato Hospital. “I would highly recommend this competition to anyone with an idea they want to pursue. This competition has taught us so much about business and innovation that we would not have learned from our degree alone. I would recommend this competition to anyone with the slightest interest in business or innovation. Even if you’re someone who has a small idea that you’re pondering, you should join the competition and use it to your advantage and as a learning experience. “ My Pharmacy Career – the destination for community pharmacy jobs in AustraliaMy Pharmacy Career is your premium job seeking platform for all careers and roles within community pharmacy. Set your career profile today and let My Pharmacy Career start searching for your career opportunities, apply online, or simply start searching today of new career opportunities. My Pharmacy Career is an end-to-end recruitment platform designed to help you find careers and exciting roles in Community Pharmacy. My Pharmacy Career is a national jobs platform specific to community pharmacy. Anyone can register to find a new career or job opportunity within Community Pharmacy. The My Pharmacy Career App is compatible with Apple and Android phones. COMING SOON! Buying and Selling a Pharmacy: A seven step guide to the processBuying a pharmacy is a big step, whatever path you use to enter pharmacy ownership. Taking careful and considered steps in preparing to enter pharmacy ownership has never been more important. The Guild has always looked to support new owners of community pharmacies, as well as assist existing owners “retire” from pharmacy ownership or take on a mentoring and support role to younger partners in their pharmacy. What is the Buying and Selling Guide? The Buying and Selling a Pharmacy Guide resource provides insightful advice on practically From market research, ownership structures and small business management right through to information and business technology systems, appointing an agent and financial and legal considerations. The guide includes checklists, tasks for the first 100 days of business and tips from experts in the field of community pharmacy. A significant portion of the hard work has been done for you in this handy resource guide aimed at ensuring you avoid the risk of not knowing and making costly mistakes that could affect your future. With loads of resources and links to pharmacy professionals and other organisations, the Buying and Selling a Pharmacy Guide provides an excellent way for you – the potential purchaser or seller – to quickly become an expert. 7 simple steps Summarised using 7 simple steps, including information about essential business, financial, insurance, legal, succession planning and personal aspects of buying or selling a pharmacy. It can be easily printed for future reference. The guide has recently been reviewed and updated with a new look and format. 2020 Community Pharmacy HeroesGuild Pharmacy of the Year 2021 is moving from the traditional format to this year showcasing the community pharmacy network and all that community pharmacies have done and continue to do during the challenging times that have defined 2020. The stories of community pharmacy heroes are the focus of Guild Pharmacy of the Year 2021, which is highlighting how pharmacists and their staff go to amazing lengths to help patients and their communities. Listen to one of the community pharmacy heroes - Nathan Lloyd, proprietor Waikerie Pharmacy SA, as he share his story of how the pharmacy and the team adapted and supported their community during the Covid-19 pandemic If you have a great story to share please get in touch with us at communications@guild.org.au Upcoming GuildEd eventsThere is always something new to learn when you are working in a community pharmacy. GuildEd can help you update your skills and knowledge with a range of online courses. GuildEd assists pharmacists, interns and students meet their professional development and education needs through CPD approved education, the CPD learning plan and online training options. Medication management in multiple sclerosis Wednesday 11th November, 7pm MS Limited and The Pharmacy Guild of Australia are presenting a free webinar on the “Medication Management of Multiple Sclerosis” with the explicit aim of improving the knowledge of MS medications for all health professionals involved in prescribing for, or advising patients with MS. Presenters: Prof Jeannette Lechner Scott, Consultant Neurologist and Jodi Haartsen, Nurse Practitioner and Executive Manager, MSL Cost: FREE Register HERE Electronic prescription webinar: Introducing the Active Script List and patient apps Thursday, 12th November 7pm Many pharmacies are now electronic prescription ready and accepting tokens. In this webinar, we look at the next steps in the electronic prescription revolution, with a focus on the Active Script List and how apps can be used to engage with your patients and streamline your pharmacy operations. Presenters: Catherine Bronger: Pharmacy proprietor, Guild National Councillor, Jenny Snegovaya: Australian Digital Health Agency, Aaron D’Souza: Guildlink Cost: FREE Register HERE HLTSS00064 Infection Control Skill Set (Retail)GuildEd, in partnership with iCollege, is proud to announce the launch of targeted infection control training for eligible pharmacists and pharmacy staff.
The training is free for eligible students and can be delivered online or face to face if required. Pharmacists can self-record CPD. Focusing on pharmacy management and ownership, the PBCN supports the improvement and growth of your business performance and career progression with insights and advice from a range of industry professionals. The PBCN podcast will be supporting your journey every step of the way. Podcast in Focus Episode 54:Leadership and Communication - Two side of the same coin with Steph Clarke and Julia van GraasAre leaders born or are they made? Is there the capacity in all of us to lead? Leadership can be a difficult concept for some people to embrace, even those who already act as leaders at work or in their everyday life. Embracing the fact that anyone can lead, and that leadership is an extension of effective communication, can help pharmacists uncover their leadership potential. Julia van Graas and Steph Clarke, from Spiique, are here to talk about how communication and leadership are two sides of the same coin, and both are needed to deliver optimal patient outcomes. Steph and Julia share their insights on how pharmacists can build on their existing communication skills to lead their teams and communicate more effectively with their patients. Communication and leadership are an important part of pharmacy practice, and building on these soft skills helps pharmacists better serve their community. The Guild would like to thank Upjohn for their commitment to this topic with their sponsorship of the episode. Other podcasts of interest;
Do you know Australia’s Top Guild Intern of 2020?Any industry is only as good as its people - and the pharmacy industry of Australia is lucky to have some of the best new talent in the country serving its growing nationwide customer-base. In the coming months, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia will crown the most gifted Guild intern, in recognition of his or her outstanding contribution over this most unusual of years. If you – or one of your staff – know of a deserving Guild intern who is worthy of this title, you can nominate him or her for the MIMS / Guild Intern of the Year Award 2020. The winning intern will receive a travel and educational scholarship to the value of $4,500 courtesy of MIMS Australia. Pharmacy Guild of Australia National Intern Training Program Manager, Katherine Radnedge said the winner will be recognised for demonstrating outstanding achievement in one of six criteria, which include patient-centred practice, improving the health of communities, innovative pharmacy practice, integrity, honesty and professionalism, teamwork, communication and reliability, or response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “2020 has challenged everyone in Australia but we know there are determined Guild interns out there who’ve persevered through extraordinary circumstances to offer an outstanding level of service to their communities. “A pharmacist’s intern year is crucial to their future development in the industry. While it’s a compulsory part of the registration process, the internship should be perceived as an opportunity for young pharmacists to build a strong foundation for their professional career. “The MIMS / Guild Intern of Year Award aims to celebrate an intern who has proactively sought to implement positive change in the workplace and in the process has demonstrated excellence in one or more of the core judging criteria. “Intern candidates can be nominated by their supervising preceptor, employer, pharmacist or colleague, Guild ITP clinical tutor or they can nominate themselves”, she said. This is the seventh year The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has partnered with MIMS Australia for the award. Kumar Singh, Business Development Director, Primary Care - MIMS Australia said MIMS is pleased to continue their relationship with the Guild and their interns. “Recognising talent early is crucial to retaining that talent within the industry. Past winners have shown outstanding community spirit and leadership skills and I look forward to another exciting year of nominations. “Being able to reward excellence in young innovative people is extremely exciting for the whole team at MIMS,” Mr Singh said. To find out more or nominate for the MIMS/Guild Intern of the Year Award, visit www.internpharmacist.com.au/intern-of-the-year/ or email info@interpharmacist.com.au for more information. Guild Intern Training ProgramComprehensive Exam Support Guild Interns receive comprehensive resources to support you with your exams including written and oral exam training modules, practice materials to use with your preceptor and personalised guidance from tutors. Bonus Training The Guild Intern Training Program is the best value program on the market with complimentary vaccination or refresher training, Medication Management Review (MMR) Stage One Training at no extra cost, as well as complimentary membership with the Australian College of Pharmacy and exclusive access to education events. Conference Access Looking to grow your pharmacy network? Guild interns receive FREE registration to APP Conference* on the Gold Coast (valued at $940), and Pharmacy Connect^ in Sydney (valued at $295). Find out more at internpharmacist.com.au or call 1300 110 161 NAIDOC Week 2020 new datesNAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself. Find out more about the origins and history of NAIDOC Week. Each year, there is a different focus city for the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony. The focus city, National NAIDOC Poster Competition and the NAIDOC Awards recipients are selected by the National NAIDOC Committee. Local community celebrations during NAIDOC Week are encouraged and often organised by communities, government agencies, local councils, schools and workplaces. Have you thought about organising a NAIDOC event in your area? A few suggestions about how you can celebrate NAIDOC can be found on this website. Please note that permission is not required to fly either the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flag. However, if you want to reproduce either flag (for example, on a flyer or poster), you will need to seek permission. More information about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags including contact details to gain permissions is available on this site. For many years, the Australian Government has supported national NAIDOC celebrations as well as providing funding grants through the Regional Network to fund local celebrations. Wherever you live, you can take part in NAIDOC Week celebrations. To find out about NAIDOC Week activities in your area, contact your nearest Regional Office. Your pharmacy needs youA career in community pharmacy provides a diversity of roles and the opportunity to be part of a sector that plays an important role in keeping communities healthy. The diversity in community pharmacy as a career is as amazing as it is challenging – you could be educating and advising people on their medications; performing vaccinations; conducting health checks; providing advice on common ailments, wound care and healthcare to name a few areas that community pharmacists work in on a daily basis. Importantly, the skills and expertise of community pharmacists help to ensure that a combination of medicines is not going to cause harm and pharmacist-led education is important in reducing medication errors. More and more health programs are being introduced into community pharmacies and the important role of community pharmacists in primary healthcare is increasingly being recognised. Community pharmacists utilise a vast array of competencies and personal attributes – communication, teamwork, social skills, problem-solving, organisational skills, empathy, initiative and adaptability. Community pharmacists also require analytical skills, data collection and ICT skills, and an understanding of regulatory and legislative frameworks. Researchers from one regional pharmacy school found that two-thirds of pharmacy graduates are working in regional, rural and remote areas with many graduates returning to their hometowns or similar settings. They also were more likely to work outside of major cities after they graduate and were practising in areas of greater social disadvantage. The study illustrated the potential for regional pharmacy schools to attract and train pharmacy students from rural and remote settings, and to have them practise in these settings after graduation. If you are a high school student, or the parent of a high school student, and have an interest in health and a passion for helping people, a pharmacy career could be for you. Students may be eligible for a range of scholarships and payments including Rural Pharmacy Scholarships, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Scholarships, and Tertiary Access Payments. What if rural pharmacy could be a preferred choice?There are so many choices when leaving the esteemed halls of the university world of Pharmacy. Do I work in hospital? Do I work in retail? Do I move back to my family hometown? Do I go somewhere completely new? All these thoughts were going through my head when I finished university about five years ago. I come from a regional area and liked the feel of being able to recognise my neighbours when I was down the street. I liked the idea that I would be working with a small team and wanted to be an important member rather than just another cog in the big machine of a pharmacy department. Rural was the way to go for me. Now I can’t claim to have gone to a remote area where the pharmacy was the only healthcare provider or that I went to a one pharmacy town. But, I can say that I know 80% of the customers that come in the store and that I have had customers come back and thank me for the advice they received. I know when to get the best coffee in town (yep, I’m Victorian) and can tell when some of our older customers have not been down the street in a while. This year I have become a Rural Pharmacy Liaison Officer, a job designed to help promote regional, rural and remote pharmacy. It is a choice that every pharmacy student can make, and I am passionate about making sure that every student has seen the opportunities that can be gained by stepping out of the country’s major cities. I am part of the Rural Pharmacy Support Network, which is a network of pharmacists employed within University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) across Australia. We talk to students on placement about the differences they bring to rural practice. We talk to pharmacists working outside of major cities to see if there are ways they need more support, and to encourage them to be preceptor and mentors. We work with Universities to ensure that regional and rural placements are promoted as a choice for students. The goal is to support and improve access to quality pharmacy services and increase the proportion of total pharmacy workforce outside of metropolitan areas. To find out more about us visit the website: http://www.ruralpharmacysupportnetwork.com.au/ or ask your university about rural pharmacy options and how to get in touch with us. Sun, surf and 60+ sessions? Yes please. APP2021 registrations are now open.Registrations are now open for the 2021 Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2021), which is being held from 20-23 May on the sunny Gold Coast. For the first time, special registration fees are available to Early Career Pharmacists, allowing you to catch the sun, surf, 400+ trade stands and 100+ speakers at a reduced rate. Tailored content for Early Career Pharmacists is also being included in next year’s program in addition to the 60+ sessions covering industry and clinical updates, finance and business management topics and motivational presentations which are already on offer. APP Convenor and former Guild National president, Kos Sclavos, said that The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is looking forward to welcoming members, colleagues and the industry to South East Queensland after what has been a tumultuous year. “The community pharmacy industry has worked incredibly hard on the coronavirus frontline this year to support Australians in need. APP2021 is the chance for the community pharmacy industry to reconnect and share some of our experiences. We’re looking forward to reconnecting with care in 2021.” “The safety and well-being of attendees is our number one priority and we’re working closely with the venue to mitigate any risks associated with COVID-19.” “We may not be able to handshake, but that won’t stop us from reconnecting with colleagues, getting the latest industry updates, networking, earning CPD credits and building our skills.” APP2021 will be held from 20-23 May 2021 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event is the largest pharmacy industry conference and trade exhibition in Australia and provides attendees with an opportunity to gain industry and product knowledge, meet with suppliers and network. Visit appconference.com for further details and to register at the Early Career Pharmacist rate. See the Ability in the DisabilityInternational Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held on 3 December each year. IDPwD is a United Nations observed day celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions. The Australian Government has been supporting IDPwD since 1996 and provides funds to promote and raise awareness of the day around Australia. Information on how you can get involved in the day as an individual or organisation and how to break down barriers (both structural and attitudinal) for people with disability can be found on this website. The annual International Day of People with Disability theme Each year the UN announces a theme to observe for International Day of People with Disability. The annual theme provides an overarching focus on how society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disability. The theme for 2020 is 'See the Ability in the Disability'. Early Career Pharmacist Resource HubThe Guild aims to equip early career pharmacists with the pathways, skills, tools and professional networks needed to be leaders in the primary health care system and owners of community pharmacies. The ECP Resource Hub is where to find valuable information and resources relevant to you and your stage of career. Follow UsThe Dispensary is a leading source of pharmacy news, information and resources for pharmacy students, interns and early career pharmacists throughout Australia, follow The Dispensary on Facebook and The Guild Dispensary on Instagram. For more information or to find out what is happening in your state, please contact your local Guild branch . |