ePlacebo
Principal Sponsors
President’s Report
DearNAPSAmembers,
MyfirstreporttoyouasNationalPresident comestwomonthsaftertheelectionofthe newNAPSABoardofExecutiveDirectors
I'mproudtobeworkingalongsideadiverse teamofDirectors,committedtoadvancing theinterestsofpharmacystudents Withouteverypairofhandsondeck, noneoftheincredibleworkwedowould bepossible.
PRESIDENT
Sebastian Harper
SinceJuly,we'vehitthegroundrunning.Inmyfirsttwoweeksinoffice,I travelledtoMelbourneandSydneytomeetwithfederalmembersof parliament,whereIandourlocalbranchPresidentsmadethecasefor pharmacyandalliedhealth'sinclusionintheCommonwealthPrac Payment.Notlongafter,NAPSAsubmittedaletteronbehalfofthe AustralianPharmacyLeadersForumtotheMinisterforEducation,callingfor thiscommon-senseapproachtotacklingplacementpoverty.Ourlatest stepinthiscampaignisasubmissiontotheSenateCommitteeinquiryinto thePracPayment,becausewewillpullouteverystoptodeliverforour membersandpatients
Lastmonth,theBoardreturnedfromthePSA'sannualconferencePSA24,in Sydney.Attendingtheconferencegaveournewteamthechanceto engagewithstakeholdersonbehalfofthousandsofpharmacystudents, advocatedirectlytoMinisters,AssistantMinistersandShadowMinisters,and embracealltheinnovationsinpharmacydisplayedatPSA24 Iwanttouse thisopportunitytocongratulateallthefinalistsofthePharmacyStudentof theYearcompetitionheldinSydney,andofcourseourwinnerandfellow NAPSADirectorShylee-JadeHadar-Pagliari.
NotlongagoNAPSAelecteditsChairsforthe2024/2025term Thisteam comesfromalmosteverystateandterritory,showcasingtheincrediblefact thatNAPSAisoneofonlyafewtrulynationalhealthstudentbodies.Forthe firsttimeever,thatteamincludesanIndigenousChairwhowillsoonforma fullyidentifyingIndigenousCommittee.TheBoardisproudtohavelaidthe foundationsforabodywithinNAPSAthatcanmaketruerepresentations,as totheneedsandwantsofourFirstNationsmembersandpatients
AspreparationsforNAPSACongress2025inBrisbaneareunderway,tickets aresellingoutfast!Beingapreviousattendeemyself,Iwouldn'twantany studenttomissoutontheopportunitytoattendthisfantasticweekof education,socialevents,networkingandmore.Whetheryou'reBrisbane basedoracrossthecountry,makesureyougetaticketherebeforethey're allgone!
Yoursfaithfully,
SebastianHarper
NationalPresident2024/2025 president@napsa.org.au
IPSF World Congress
OpeningourEyestotheWorldofPharmacy
Annyeonghaseyo!
MynameisShylee-JadeandIamcurrentlythe ExecutiveDirectorofInternalandExternalAffairs forNAPSA.InAugustthisyear,myselfandfour otherAustralianpharmacystudentsattendedthe InternationalPharmaceuticalStudents’Federation (IPSF)WorldCongressinSeoul,SouthKorea. Wehadanunforgettabletimenetworkingwith internationalstudents,exploringglobalpharmacy practiceandexperiencingKoreanculture
Shylee-Jade Hadar-Pagliari
IPSFWorldCongressconnectsstudentsandearlycareer pharmacistsfromacrosstheworld,withthe2024eventhavingover500delegates from54countries.Theeightdayeventfeaturesacombinationofeducationsessions, workshops,teambuilding,socialeventsandtraditionalKoreanactivities Itisalsothe locationoftheIPSFGeneralAssemblywhichistheirannualmeetingwhereinexecutive committeeelectionstakeplacealongsideavarietyofotherdiscussionsandvotes.
Throughouttheweek,ImadefriendswithpharmacystudentsfromNewZealand,France, Poland,Korea,Malaysia,England,AmericaandCanadatonameafewplaces I engagedininterestingdiscussionsregardingdifferencesinpharmacists’scopeof practicegloballyandthefuturegrowthoftheprofession Welearnedaboutglobal healthconcerns,humanistichealthcare,digitaltherapeuticsanddiscoveredwaysto improveourpracticebothaspharmacistsandaspartofthehealthcareteam.Partof thelearningopportunitiesalsoincludedanexcursiontoapharmaceuticalcompany, wherewelearntaboutthecrucialroleofpharmacistsinthedevelopmentand manufacturingofmedicines
Inadditiontotheincredibleeducationopportunities,therewerearangeofsocialevents heldthroughouttheweek SomehighlightswereInternationalNight,whereeachcountry dressedandpresentedtraditionalfoodanddrinkfromtheircountry,SportsNight,in whichwecompetedinfungamestowinthetitleoffirstplaceandK-CultureNight, wherewewalkedthroughSeoulcityandimmersedourselvesinKoreanculture
ThefinaleveningwastheGalaNightwhereweenjoyedincrediblelivemusicperformed bymusicbandsofregisteredKoreanpharmacistsanddeliciousfood Thiswasan opportunityforusalltoreflectontheconnectionsandfriendshipswehadformedand appreciatetheexperienceswehadsharedtogether.Thiscongressreinforcedthefact thatpharmacyisacareerthatconnectspeople
Comingbackhome,IhaveanewfoundappreciationforpharmacypracticeinAustralia, andanetworkoffriendsacrosstheglobe ThisisanexperiencethatIwouldhighly recommendtoallpharmacystudentsandamlookingforwardtoseeingmore Australianrepresentationatinternationalevents KeepaneyeoutforwheretheIPSF WorldCongressisin2025soyoudon’tmissout!
WearethankfultothePharmaceuticalSocietyofAustraliaforsupportingourofficial delegatestoattendWorldCongress
Ifyouwanttoaskanyquestionsabouttheexperienceorhowtogetinvolved,pleasedo nothesitatetocontactmeat;iea@napsaorgau
Gamsahabnida!
Shylee-JadeHadar-Pagliari NAPSAExecutiveDirectorforInternalandExternalAffairs2024/2025
Branch Update - TAPS
Half-waythroughoursecondtrimesterattheUniversityofTasmania,ourstudent placementsarecomingtoacloseandexamsarejustaroundthecorner.Butthishasn’t stoppedusfrommakingthemostofthetimewe’vehadtosparethisyear Mostrecently,wehavejustfinishedtheannualTAPSGalaBall-andwhatablast!Itwas anighttoremember,fromthemasqueradethemeandoutfits,deliciousfoodanddrink, engagingnetworkingopportunitieswithalloursponsors,andapackeddancefloor spurredonbyourownpharmacyDJ.ItwasourfirsttimehavingtheBurnieand LauncestoncampusesinvolvedwiththeBallandwelookforwardtointegratingourrural pharmacystudentsintomoreofourevents
InMay,theBurniecampushostedatrivianight,whichwasourfirstsatellitecampus event,anditwasanexcitingeveningofnibbles,networking,andachancetoscore somebraggingrights Thiswasthefirstofmanyeventstoincludeoursmallersites,and Launcestonwillfollowwithitsowntrivianighttowardstheendofthissemester We endeavourtoholdourfirstsemi-virtualeventsoon:aPharmacySpeedNetworkingnight featuringpharmacistsfrominterestinganddiversebackgrounds,allofferingunique perspectivesintocareerpathswedonotnormallysee.Weplantohaveoursatellite campusesjoinusviavideocalltoexperiencetheseamazingpharmacistsone-on-one
TAPSstillholdsthetrophyfortheNAPSACharityCupforthethirdyearrunning.With contributionsfromourlocalpharmaciesandtheawesomeworkoftheTAPScommittee promotingthecharityraffle,wemanagedtoraiseover$11,000forQENDOandthefight againstendometriosis,adenomyosis,infertilityandotherwomen’shealthconditions Our fundraisingnightinvolvedanenjoyabledrinkandbitetoeatataclassicSalamacapub, whiletriviaprizeswereannouncedoveralivefeedsoeveryonewhocouldn’tmakeit couldjointhefun
TAPShasbeenfocusingoneducationaltoursoverthelasttwotrimesters,inwhichwe hostedapharmaceuticalwarehousetourofferingstudentsanexclusivebehindthe sceneslookofoneofourmajorwholesalersinHobart,whichwasagreatopportunityto seetheothersideofthesupplychain BackinMay,TAPStookagroupofstudentstotour Tassie’sownmedicinalcannabisproducers,whichyoumayhavebeenluckyenoughto seeifyoujoinedusdownhereinHobartforCongress!
Ouramazingsecretaryhasbeenhardatworktocreateour2024hoodiesthathave keptustoastywarmovertheTassiewintermonthsandwillsuretobeastaplegarment poppingupintheunilibraryaswecloseinonexamseason
Withonlyafewweeksleftofthistrimester,ourmemberswillbefocusedonsmashing outthischaotictermbeforelookingforwardtoafewlovelymonthsoffoverthesummer forsome,whilstsomeofourTAPSmemberswillbedivingstraightintoanothertrimester toroundouttheyear!
FromallthepharmacystudentsofTasmania,keepupthehardworkanddon’tforgetto havefuninallthechaosofuni!
DanielBurgess PresidentofTAPS2024/2025
Unlocking Your Future in Pharmacy: A Guide for Aspiring Pharmacists
1. The Importance of Staying Informed
The pharmacy profession is continuously evolving with new technologies, treatments, and regulations As a student, keeping up-to-date with these changes is crucial Here’s how you can stay informed:
Subscribe to Industry Newsletters: Many professional organisations and industry bodies offer newsletters that cover the latest trends, research, and regulatory updates
Attend Webinars and Conferences: Virtual and in-person events are excellent for learning about the latest developments and networking with professionals
Follow Industry Leaders on Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn are great for connecting with thought leaders and staying on top of emerging trends
2. The Role of a Pharmacist in Modern Healthcare
Pharmacists are increasingly recognised as critical players in healthcare, particularly in the areas of patient care and medication management Understanding the expanding role of pharmacists will help you appreciate the impact of your future career
Patient Care: Pharmacists are now more involved in direct patient care, providing medication counseling, chronic disease management, and preventive care services
Technological Advancements: The use of AI and data analytics in pharmacy is on the rise, helping pharmacists manage large amounts of data and improve patient outcomes
Regulatory Changes: Being aware of evolving regulations, especially in areas like telepharmacy and pharmacy compounding, will prepare you for future practice.
3. Benefits of Being a Student Member of Professional Organizations
Joining a professional organisation while still a student can provide numerous advantages that will enhance your education and career prospects.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and peers, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from experienced pharmacists.
Access to Resources: Many organisations offer resources like journals, study materials, and career advice that can support your academic journey.
Scholarships and Grants: As a member, you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and awards that can help ease the financial burden of your studies
4. Locum Work: Gaining Experience and Flexibility
One of the most significant opportunities for pharmacy students and graduates is locum work. This flexible work option allows you to gain practical experience in various settings, from community pharmacies to hospitals.
Diverse Experience: Locum work exposes you to different environments, helping you discover your interests and strengths in pharmacy practice.
Flexibility: Working as a locum allows you to manage your time effectively, balancing work with studies or other commitments.
Networking: Each placement is an opportunity to build connections within the industry, which can be valuable when looking for full-time employment post-graduation
5. Preparing for Your Future Career
As you progress through your pharmacy program, it's essential to start preparing for your career Here are some steps to consider:
Build a Strong Resume: Include your academic achievements, internships, and any locum work experience Tailor your resume to highlight your skills relevant to the role you are applying for Practice Interview Skills: Participate in mock interviews and seek feedback to improve your confidence and responses
Stay Informed About Job Opportunities: Regularly check job boards, especially those focused on pharmacy roles, and consider signing up for alerts to stay ahead of the competition
6. The Future of Pharmacy: Trends to Watch
The pharmacy industry is poised for significant growth and transformation in the coming years Here are some trends to keep an eye on:
Personalised Medicine: The move towards tailored treatments based on genetic profiles is expected to revolutionise patient care
Telepharmacy: With the rise of telehealth, telepharmacy is becoming more prevalent, offering patients easier access to pharmacist consultations
Sustainability: There is a growing focus on sustainability within the pharmaceutical industry, from reducing waste to developing eco-friendly medications
Conclusion
Your journey as a pharmacy student is an exciting and challenging time. By staying informed, getting involved in professional organisations, and exploring opportunities like locum work, you can build a solid foundation for a successful career. Remember, the pharmacy industry is full of possibilities stay curious, stay engaged, and you'll unlock a rewarding future in this dynamic field.
Written by Sue Muller
PSA’S INTERN TRAINING PROGRAM
Never settle for less than your best, that’s why most graduates choose PSA’s Intern Training Program because it is Australia’s most popular and comprehensive training program.
• Get everything you need to succeed
• On completion, you will receive a Graduate Certificate in Applied Pharmacy Practice Competitive and flexible payment options to suit your lifestyle
• Get FREE PSA membership
• Get extensive support and education resources
Talk to us on 1300 369 772, scan the QR code or go to www.psa.org.au/intern
James Oh
2024 PSA Intern of the year
SupportForPharmacists
The Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) is a charity which focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of the Australian pharmacy profession PSS is just a phone call away and can help if you are stressed, concerned about your mental health or need a listening ear The PSS telephone is answered by volunteers, who are all experienced pharmacists or retired pharmacists, who have undertaken training in crisis support counselling. PSS is available to all pharmacists, interns, students, overseas pharmacy graduates seeking registration in Australia PSS provide anonymous and confidential support over the phone every day of the year between 8 00am and 11.00pm AEST/AEDT by phoning 1300244910.
For more information about PSS and to access information and resources visit our website at www supportforpharmacists org au
Kay Dunkley B Pharm, Grad Dip Hosp Pharm, Grad Dip Health Admin, Cert IV TAE, FPS, MSHPA, FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt)
Executive Officer, Pharmacists’ Support Service
Branch Update - SUPA
AsweapproachthehalfwaymarkofSemester22024,itissafetosaythatthisyearhas been,andisshapinguptocontinuetobe,averysuccessfulyearforSUPA!Inour105th yearasasociety,weareveryproudtosaythatweareNAPSA’slargeststudentbranch -anachievementthatweareveryproudofhereatUSYD!Thiscomesasaresultofthe hardworkofNAPSAinsecuringfreestudentmembershipswiththePGA-something thathasremovedanypossiblebarriertobecomingastudentmember
Oureducationdepartmenthasbeenshiningbrightoverthepastyear.Datingbackto ourfirst,andlargesteducationeventeachandeveryyear-SydneyUniversityPharmacy AssociationConvention(SUPAC).Thiseventisourmostsuccessful,andproud, opportunitythatweprovideforourmembers!TakingplacewithinthestunningGreat HallatUSYD,SUPACisanopportunityforourstudentmemberstoattendatradeshow, networkwithsponsors,collectcopiousamountsoffreebies,andfindoutaboutwhatsto comeinourexcitingfuture!Withover30stalls,and 700studentsinattendance,itis safetosaythatSUPAC24wasagreatsuccess!SUPACisaneventthatonlyseemsto continuetogrowinnumbers,andthatissomethingwearesuperexcitedtotakeinto nextyearinhopesofgrowingitevenmore!Additionally,onAugust27,wehosted~110 studentsinourPharmacyLectureTheatretofindoutmoreabouttheamazingworkof noneotherthanDermalTherapy!HearingfromtheirHeadofTechnicaland InnovationAmit,wasanopportunitythatourmembersdidnotshyawayfrom!The eventwasamajorsuccess,witheveryoneleavingwithgoodiebagsintheirhands thankstoDermalTherapy.Icanconfidentlysaythatwhat’stocomeinoureducation departmentfortherestofthisyearisveryexciting,andIcanonlyimaginewhatisgoing tocomenextyear!
Despiteourloveforacademicsuccess,itisnosurprisethateveryonehereatSUPAloves agoodparty!Andso,whatbetteropportunitytopartythanwithourbi-annualPub CrawlsandHarbourCruises!August22ndsawourSemester2PubCrawlhitthestreets FollowingonfromasuccessfulSemester1PubCrawl,thiseventdefinitelydidnotletus down!Wetookon3ofSydney’sfinestvenues,andourmembersmadesuretopartythe nightaway Ourcruisesalwayscometowardtheendofthesemester,servingasafinal nighttoforgetallofyourpharmacyworriesbeforeexamsbegin.InSemester1,weseta newrecordforourlargestcruiseattendance,with~165attendees,andthissemester,we arehopingtoonlygetbigger!
Inwhatwasanotherverysuccessfulcollaborationevent,thePGAhostedaUSYD PharmacyStudentNetworkingLunch Thiseventwasafantasticopportunityforour studentmemberstonetworkwiththecurrentleadersofourprofession,andgettoknow theminaninformalmanner.Thiseventwasthesecondtimeithadrun,anditwasgreat toseethatthenumbershaddrasticallygrownsincelastyear
Toculminateour2024year,wearehavingour2024GalaBallonNovember29th,atthe elegantLeMontagevenue!Thisisourbiggestsocialeventoftheyear,andsomething thatwealllookforwardto!Wecan’twaittocelebrateourPharmacynightofnightsCasinoRoyalethemed!
TobringtheSUPAupdatetoaclose,Iamgladtosaythatwewillbereceivingour2024 merchinthecomingweeks-somethingthatwehaveallbeenlookingforwardtosince ourmerchwasreleasedtwomonthsago
WeareverymuchsolookingforwardtoBrisbaneCongress2025,andwecan’twaitto meeteveryonethere!
MichaelBejjani PresidentofSUPA2024/2025
Managing assessment and exam stress and anxiety
As the end of the University year approaches and assessments are looming, it is common to start feeling stressed and anxious, especially if you will be sitting exams Here are some tips to help you through this challenging time of the year.
Remember that stress can be used to motivate you to prepare for your assessment. A small amount of positive stress will enhance your performance by helping you to stay focused, motivated and efficient. Too much stress can lead to feeling overwhelmed, anxious and confused, “going blank” and unable to concentrate Negative and self-critical thoughts, catastrophising and perfectionism can interfere with your ability to concentrate and focus and will increase your level of stress Remind yourself that you have successfully reached this stage of your student life. Have positive self-talk like “I can do this I’ve passed exams before” and “I might be anxious but I can cope.” and “I know the material, I’ve done the work.”
Have a study location set up with everything you need Make sure you are comfortable, the location is free from distractions and the environment is not too hot or too cold If you are drifting off to sleep take some time out to either rest or go for a walk. Avoid too much caffeine late in the day as it will disrupt your sleep and also increase your heart rate and sense of anxiety It is important to get enough sleep as this will improve your ability to focus and being well rested reduces anxiety. Have some regular exercise, preferably outdoors, throughout the exam period as this will improve your concentration. Healthy meals also improve your ability to concentrate and focus as you will not have sugar highs or lows Some treats, in moderation, can be a useful motivator if used a reward for completing a task.
Start your preparations early and have a study plan. Break large tasks down into smaller parts. Prepare summaries and use acronyms and mnemonics (rhymes and jingles) to help memorise facts. Practice exams or exams from previous years are a great way to establish timing for different sections of an exam and to become familiar with what to expect so that the real exam is not a surprise.
Study blocks should be about 50 minutes followed by a short break, but work to a timing that best suits your ability to focus and take a break if your mind is wandering. During a study block do not access your social media or allow other distractions. Some students find that music can be helpful to focus but others find it distracting – do what suits you best. If you study well with a friend do so and share memory tips, useful resources and test each other. If you are feeling acutely stressed before or during an exam take some slow deep breaths, drop your shoulders and let go of tension in your body, rotate shoulders forward and back, turn your head slowly from side to side, and then ear to shoulder, feel your feet on the floor Raise and lower heels one at a time, consciously relax jaw, neck and shoulder muscles, look around the room and name six objects you can see Then return to your study or exam, tell yourself
“I can do this” and focus on the task
It is important to keep exams and assessments in perspective Many excellent pharmacists have failed exams and a lower than expected mark or a fail will not define your career Exams and assessments are an opportunity to communicate your knowledge After an exam reassure yourself that you did you best
Written By Kay Dunkley
PSA Upcoming Events
FormoreinformationonanyofthePSA’sUpcomingEvents,checkout theirwebsite-https://wwwpsaorgau/networking-events/all-events/
September2024
Tuesday10thSept-GoutMasterclasswithA/ProfDebbieRigbyandA/Prof FeiSim-LiveWebinar
Wednesday18thSept-PromotingPharmacyVaccination-LiveWebinar
Wednesday25thSept-MentalHealthFirstAid-UnleySA(SAonly)
Thursday26thSept-Navigatingthenewvapingregulation-LiveWebinar
Thursday26thSept-PSA&AdPhaWorldPharmacistsDayEvent-Unley SA
October2024
Saturday12thOct-WAAnnualTherapeuticUpdate2024-DoubleTreeby HiltonWaterfront,Perth
Monday14th&15thOct-MentalHealthFirstAidWorkshop-Digital(SA only)
Saturday19thOct-QLDAnnualTherapeuticUpdate2024-RydgesSouth Bank,Brisbane
Tuesday22nd&23rdOct-MentalHealthFirstAidWorkshop-Digital(SA only)
EditedbyFelicityRadcliff NAPSAPublicationsChair2024/2025 Email:publications@napsaorgau