Early career pharmacists

The Early Career Pharmacists Working Group (ECPWG) was established both nationally and in each state branch early in 2009 to support pharmacists in the early stages of their career. It represents students, interns and registered pharmacists with up to 10 years of experience.

The objectives of the ECPWG are to:

Establish and maintain National and Branch Early Career Pharmacist Working Groups (ECPWGs).
Identify the needs of early career pharmacists in relation to professional development, practice support and advocacy, and advise PSA on how to address these needs.
Facilitate programs and activities that aim to improve the professional satisfaction of early career pharmacists.
Assist with the planning, organisation and promotion of PSA activities that engage early career pharmacists.
Encourage and support early career pharmacist involvement, motivation and contribution to PSA via opportunities within branch and national committees.
Work with PSA to present a clear vision for pharmacy, focusing on excellence in practice, innovation and career development.

Each Branch has an ECPWG who organise educational and social networking events. If you would like to find out about activities, email your nearest branch through our Contacts and governance page.

The national ECPWG has a representative from each branch. The current members are:

Claire O’Reilly, National Chair
Justin Lee (Qld)
Stefanie Johnston (WA)
Vivienne Mak (SA & NT)
Cynthia Foo (Vic)
Lisa Kouladjian (NSW)
Ella van Tienen (Tas)
Alex Lui (ACT)

ECP Survey

The National ECPWG commissioned a survey in 2009 to identify the professional needs of ECPs and their expectations of the ECPWG and PSA in general. Data collection was conducted from 16 February to 31 March 2010. A total of 1,394 surveys were completed. The results can be downloaded below.