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Author: Georgia Clarke

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PSA set to negotiate and sign new pharmacy programs agreement

31 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are set to negotiate the first dedicated agreement on pharmacy programs with the Australian Government. PSA will be signatory to this agreement.

 

The agreement will cover a range of pharmacy programs that no longer sit within the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, including but not limited to medication management programs (including Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific programs, and rural support programs that encompass pharmacists in a range of practice areas.

 

The new agreement will see PSA and the Commonwealth work together, alongside other pharmacy stakeholders, to strengthen programs that pharmacists deliver across the health system.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the agreement was an opportunity to reform programs to ensure they are fit-for-purpose, now and into the future.

 

“PSA is the recognised peak body for all pharmacists, in all areas of practice across our health system. This agreement is an opportunity to reform program rules and funding arrangements to maximise the impact of pharmacists across the health sector,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“In negotiating a standalone agreement with the Australian Government, we are advocating for the changes we have long known need to happen, allowing pharmacists to best serve our communities.

 

“Members will be aware that following PSA’s advocacy, the government confirmed in late 2024 that these programs would have ongoing funding beyond the current financial year. Now that there is security of funding for these programs, our focus turns to removing the barriers that have prevented pharmacists from playing a greater role in patient care.”

 

As signatory to the new agreement, PSA will be seeking feedback from pharmacists and stakeholders on program arrangements and barriers.

 

“I encourage every pharmacist involved in these programs to have their say so that we can provide a full picture of the barriers, challenges and opportunities for pharmacists to provide better care for patients.

 

“PSA looks forward to continuing our work with the federal government to secure a stronger pharmacy profession now and into the future,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA consultant pharmacist adviser Debbie Rigby FPS also welcomed the announcement.

 

“As the home for credentialed pharmacists, it’s important that PSA is the organisation leading these discussions,” Ms Rigby said.

 

“I’m excited to be part of PSA’s team, advocating for improvements to these programs. As someone with a deep understanding of the current programs, I am committed to raising awareness of the benefits of these programs and further enhancing outcomes for patients.”

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Nearly 34,000 children presenting to emergency departments each year due to medicine problems, new report finds

31 January 2025

 

An estimated 93 children present to Australia’s emergency departments each day due to medicine-related problems, with approximately 40 admitted to hospitals, according to a new report from the peak body for Australian pharmacists.

 

The Medicine safety: Child and adolescent care report released by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia today reveals the extent of medicine-related problems in children and adolescents, costing the Australian economy at least $130 million each year.

 

In the past six months alone, approximately 120,000 Australian children under 14 years old have experienced an adverse event due to medicines.

 

The report calls for Australia’s health system to be better equipped to deal with medicine safety challenges, with recommendations for action including the implementation of a national incident reporting and learning system, so that when children are harmed by medicines, health professionals and systems learn how to prevent another child suffering the same harm. This would bring Australia in line with many of our international peers, including Canada who have had the Assurance and Improvement in Medication Safety (AIMS) program in place since 2019.

 

Further recommendations also call for increased availability of pharmacists in paediatric wards of hospitals, as well as mandatory indication on prescriptions for children and adolescents, and mandatory manual dose checks during dispensing of paediatric prescriptions.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the report’s findings painted a sobering reality of medicine use in Australia’s children and adolescents, showing the urgent need for reform.

 

“As the peak body for all pharmacists in all areas of practice, PSA continues to advocate for pharmacists to be further empowered in their roles as medicine safety experts.

 

“Our health system is failing children and adolescents. As a health community, we must commit to doing better, but we also need to be given the resources and tools to do better. Pharmacists are critical to ensure the safe use of medicines and must be supported to do so.

 

“That means adequately staffing children’s hospital wards with the expertise of pharmacists, investing in systems that capture the data needed for evidence-based policy, and improving the quality use of medicines whenever medicines are used.

 

“It takes all of us, across all areas of practice and indeed across all health professions, to make a difference to the children and adolescents who rely on our care,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

The full Medicine safety: Child and adolescent care report is available at www.psa.org.au/medicine-safety-child-adolescent-care-report/

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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PSA announce intent to acquire Australasian College of Pharmacy

28 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Board has today announced plans to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy, further growing PSA’s leadership in education and training for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians.

 

The Australasian College of Pharmacy (the College) is a member-based organisation developing and delivering education, training, and research programs to pharmacists and pharmacy assistants since 1976.

 

The decision to acquire the College is part of the PSA Board’s broader plan to maximise member value through growth, expanding education opportunities for the profession, and securing a long-term, sustainable future for PSA as the premier training and education provider for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians.

 

PSA’s acquisition of the College builds on its long history of high-quality, nation-leading education and training for pharmacists, allowing further investment in professional and practice support for members.

 

The PSA Board has carefully considered the impact of acquiring the College, and alongside independent advice from third-party experts the Board is confident this is the right path forward for PSA, its members, and the broader profession.

 

National President and Chair of the PSA Board Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the acquisition will be a transformational opportunity to grow PSA’s industry-leading education and workforce development offer.

 

“The PSA Board’s strategic decision to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy secures a long-term future for pharmacy workforce education. It puts PSA in a stronger representative and financial position to support and advocate for our members during this pivotal time of practice change in pharmacy,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Along with the PSA Board, I fully understand the challenges pharmacists are facing, as we transition to full scope of practice and our roles become increasingly demanding.

Growing our footprint within pharmacy education means we can further invest in not only education, but also the professional and practice support PSA provides. As our profession continues to mature, this unity will provide the necessary strength our profession needs at this critical time of change to fully utilise our skills and expertise.

 

“We are ambitious about our future growth as an organisation, as the peak education and representative body for all pharmacists across all areas of practice.

 

“We look forward to being able to provide even more education opportunities and support to pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians, strengthening our pharmacy profession and ultimately improving care for our patients,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

ACP Chief Executive Officer Amanda Seeto said the College and the PSA had always shared a commitment to providing contemporary education and training in a format that is accessible, efficient, and most importantly – highly relevant to Australian pharmacists.

 

“This exciting and pragmatic change maximises the focus on world-leading professional development for Australian pharmacists, no matter their practice setting or career stage.

 

“The move will set our sector up for success, at a time when pharmacy is becoming an increasingly valued frontline health service.”

 

PSA members are set to vote on matters relating to the acquisition at an upcoming meeting.

 

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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PSA announces Community of Specialty Interest for Hospital Pharmacists

21 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) announces its Hospital Pharmacy Practice Community of Specialty Interest (CSI), a new forum focussed on strengthening support for pharmacists practising in Australia’s hospitals.

 

The Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI is dedicated to improving care in hospitals, including embedding pharmacists within healthcare teams, facilitating pharmacist prescribing within collaborative care models and improving pharmacist stewardship of medicine management to improve outcomes of transitions of care.

 

Led by an experienced team of hospital pharmacy leaders, the CSI addresses emerging practice needs through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

 

Hospital pharmacists now have access to a members-only Facebook group where they can connect with the CSI, with a dedicated online webinar to be hosted in early 2025.

 

Leading hospital pharmacist Professor Michael Dooley MPS has been appointed to chair the new CSI.

 

On behalf of the PSA Board, National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed and thanked Professor Michael Dooley for leading this important work.

 

“The establishment of this CSI is a testament to PSA’s ongoing commitment to all pharmacists as the peak body representing pharmacists across all areas of practice”

 

PSA Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris emphasised the importance of leadership in evolving areas of pharmacy practice.

 

“PSA has heard members’ feedback and are moving to provide more support for pharmacists practising in hospitals. We’re excited to welcome Professor Dooley as Chair of the Hospital Pharmacists CSI, where he will work with us to develop a package of support tailored to the needs of pharmacists practicing in this setting.

 

“Hospital pharmacists have unique experiences in practice and face evolving unique challenges. PSA is proud to continue strengthening our representation of hospital pharmacists with the extensive experience and expertise of Michael and the CSI leadership group.”

 

Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI Chair Professor Michael Dooley MPS said: “Every day in Australia there are over 24,000 presentations to emergency departments   30,000 admissions into hospital and 100,000 patients receiving non-admitted care through hospitals. Pharmacists have a crucial role in the care of these patients especially as they transition between settings and services.

 

“I am excited to be part of this great initiative and look forward to working alongside such an experienced team at the PSA to help inform and shape the future for hospital pharmacy practice.”

 

The Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI is an exclusive community for PSA members. The CSI leadership team are set to host a webinar in early 2025 to formally introduce the CSI and its program of work.

 

Chaired by Professor Michael Dooley, the Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI is led by:

  • Choi-Ling Batten
  • Professor Ian Coombes
  • Lauren Fraser
  • Hannah Knowles
  • Associate Professor Sue Kirsa
  • Richard Marotti
  • Professor Lisa Nissen
  • Associate Professor Bhavini Patel
  • Prasin Rodrigues

 

For more information and to join the new community, visit www.psa.org.au/communities-of-specialty-interest/hospital-pharmacists-csi/

 

About Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI Chair Professor Michael Dooley MPS

 

Professor Michael Dooley is an experienced clinical pharmacist and leader. His career has focused in the acute healthcare sector and has spanned special clinical roles in oncology through to senior leadership positions within health services. He has led a wide range of initiatives progressing improvement in medication use and clinical pharmacy practice in Australia including development of profession standards of practice and formal training programs. 

 

Having practised across cardiology and oncology before becoming a senior oncology pharmacist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and then appointed as Director of Pharmacy He undertook research into medicine use in oncology which became the focus of his PhD, and in 2005 he became the Director of Pharmacy at Alfred Health in Melbourne and the inaugural Chair of Clinical Pharmacy of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Monash University. In this role he has led the development and implementation of a range of innovative pharmacist led practice models spanning inpatient and ambulatory settings.

 

Professor Dooley contributes to many national and local professional committees and working parties related to improving the delivery of quality health care services. Michael has also worked with many health services within Australia and overseas in implementing services to improve medication use, transition of care and uptake of innovative pharmacy services.

 

Professor Dooley is a former President of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists (SHPA).

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

​

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NAPSA Wildcard Pharmacy Student of the Year 2025 Announced

20 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce Brielle Geard from the University of Tasmania as the 2025 NAPSA Wildcard Pharmacy Student of the Year, awarded at NAPSA Congress in Brisbane.

 

The Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) competition showcases the top pharmacy students in Australia, celebrating their exceptional skills, knowledge, and dedication to the pharmacy profession. The Wildcard category provides students who did not win their local competition another opportunity to compete and demonstrate their capabilities on a national stage at PSA25 in August.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Brielle Geard on their outstanding achievement.

 

“The PSOTY competition is a valuable platform for pharmacy students to showcase their clinical knowledge, communication skills, and professionalism. Brielle has demonstrated excellence in all these areas, and this award highlights their potential as a future leader in the pharmacy profession,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

The Wildcard competition involved a rigorous assessment process, with participants judged on their ability to solve complex clinical scenarios while effectively communicating with patients and healthcare teams. Brielle stood out for their exceptional communication skills and knowledge.

 

Ms Geard will now progress to the final round of the PSOTY competition, to be held at PSA25 in Sydney, where they will compete against other state and territory winners for the coveted Pharmacy Student of the Year title.

 

PSA acknowledges and thanks the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) for its ongoing support in the Pharmacy Student of the Year competition, which nurtures and inspires the next generation of pharmacists.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Pill testing will save lives this summer

23 December 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes boosted accessibility of pill testing this summer, with New South Wales joining Victoria and the ACT in offering pill testing services.

 

PSA supports drug checking as a method of harm reduction and broadly supports the availability of drug checking services at events like music festivals and at fixed sites.

 

A 2023 evaluation of ACT drug checking service CanTEST revealed only 53% of substances tested matched the expected drug. For those where an additional drug, a different drug or an inconclusive result was found, one-third reported that they ‘definitely will not’ use the drug.1

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said PSA has long advocated for expanded drug checking services, with harm minimisation being an essential principle of Australia’s National Drug Strategy since 1985.

 

“Having drug checking services available is key to reducing the harm of illicit substances,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Drug checking or pill testing is not about telling consumers ‘this substance is safe’, but about allowing them to make an informed decision about the risks of the substances they have.

 

“Every summer we see young people lose their lives at events around the country because they didn’t know what was in the drugs they were taking.

 

“The evidence is overwhelming – pill testing and drug checking saves lives.

 

“But importantly it is also an opportunity for a health professional to provide tailored support and information on illicit drug use and harm.

 

“PSA supports further expansion of drug testing, further investing in trials and research to support evidence-based, informed decisions about pill testing.”

 

1 Olsen A, Baillie G, Bruno R, McDonald D, Hammoud M, Peacock A (2023). CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service Program Evaluation: Final Report. Australian National University: Canberra, ACT

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Consumer voices strengthen PSA’s roadmap to 2030

18 December 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today release the Pharmacists in 2030: Strengthening consumer voices report, an addendum to the Pharmacists in 2030 vision released in August 2024.

 

The report reveals the outcomes of fourteen patient focus groups held as part of the broader Pharmacists in 2030 consultation process.

 

Consumers reaffirmed high levels of trust with pharmacists, and expressed broad support for expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice, including prescribing and participating in multidisciplinary teams.

As part of the report, PSA also makes a series of commitments to ensure patients are better served by Australian pharmacists. PSA commits to:

  • maintaining a consumer network to inform and partner in our work, including in PSA’s policy and advocacy, the development of practice guidelines and other practice support materials;
  • utilising the lived experience of consumers to inform pharmacist education, including at PSA’s National Conference; and
  • remunerating consumers for their involvement in projects and consultation.

 

These commitments further promote person-centred care as part of PSA’s role as leaders of professional pharmacy practice.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the Pharmacists in 2030 consumer consultation was a powerful testimony to how health sector policy can be strengthened with the views of patients.

 

“Patients and consumers are at the heart of everything we do as pharmacists, and should have a voice when policies are made for the system that is meant to serve them,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Throughout our Pharmacists in 2030 project PSA listened to both pharmacists and consumer focus groups, and the result is a stronger vision for the future.

 

“In releasing these consumer insights PSA also makes a number of commitments to amplifying consumer voices in all that we do. Consumers will continue to be a key part of the work we undertake, from standards and guidelines, to education and policy work. Partnerships which have been ad hoc now become our business-as-usual.

 

“Working directly with consumers and consumer advocates means the communities we serve have a greater say on how pharmacist care is delivered, improving care for all Australians.”

 

The Pharmacists in 2030: Strengthening consumer voices report is available here.

 

Please note that the consumer testimonials in this report are provided solely for informational and illustrative purposes. Media may use these quotes only when attributing to PSA’s Pharmacists in 2030: Strengthening consumer voices report.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

 

 

 

 

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PSA and Audirie mark first year of partnership, announcing expansion of AI-powered education simulations in 2025

5 December 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Audirie are celebrating the first anniversary of partnership, empowering thousands of learners through immersive AI-powered simulations and enhancing their patient counselling and clinical communication skills.

 

In the first year of partnership, PSA and Audirie have:

  • Empowered thousands of pharmacists, interns, and pharmacy assistants through immersive AI-powered simulations.
  • Enhanced patient counselling and clinical communication skills with cutting-edge technology tailored to the unique needs of pharmacy professionals.
  • Strengthened our shared commitment to excellence in education and improved health outcomes for communities across Australia.

 

PSA is expanding use of AI-powered pharmacist prescriber simulations in 2025, giving more learners access to nation-leading technology.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS expressed her enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership and the upcoming launch of the AI-powered simulations.

 

“Our collaboration with Audirie is boosting the capacity of our education programs to deliver real-world experience for pharmacists, interns and assistants, setting them up to succeed in new roles,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Integrating pharmacist prescriber simulations means learners will be able to practically apply knowledge, counselling and prescribing for an AI-driven patient in real-life clinical scenarios.

 

“PSA is proud to be leading the integration of artificial intelligence in pharmacist education, giving our learners the best and most comprehensive education experience in the Australian market.”

 

Audirie Co-founder and CEO Michael Alexander also highlighted the utilisation of AI as a powerful tool in improving learning outcomes.

 

“Our partnership with PSA has been a transformative journey. Over the past year, we’ve empowered pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and pharmacy interns with cutting-edge AI simulations that enhance their skills and confidence. Together, we are shaping the future of pharmacy education and professional development in Australia.”

 

“The integration of AI into the upcoming PSA Pharmacist Prescriber modules represents the next step in our shared vision to elevate the profession. By combining innovative technology with PSA’s expertise, we are equipping pharmacists with tools to excel in their evolving roles and deliver better patient outcomes.”

 

About Audirie

Audirie is a leading provider of AI-driven communication solutions, committed to transforming the way individuals learn and grow. With a focus on immersive learning experiences, Audirie harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to deliver innovative and effective training programs across various industries.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.

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PSA-credentialed pharmacists gain new official post-nominals

2 December 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today announces new professional post-nominals for members who have achieved Medication Management Review (MMR) and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) credentials through PSA training programs.

 

PSA is committed to elevating professional practice and ensuring pharmacists are recognised for their additional skills and qualifications. The new post nominals enable members to display their advanced practice credentials in a way that validates their expertise and commitment to high-quality patient care.

 

Credentialed pharmacist post-nominals provide visible acknowledgement of the advanced clinical skills and area of specialisation, enabling pharmacists to be readily recognised as key players in multidisciplinary teams.

 

Post-nominals are linked to the members current PSA postnominal MPS or FPS, followed by CredPharm with the appropriate credentials in brackets. For example, a PSA Fellow who has achieved their MMR credential would use post nominals FPS CredPharm (MMR).

 

PSA’s Consultant Pharmacists Community of Speciality Interest Chair Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) is excited that members are now able to have their credentials recognised through the addition of post nominals.

 

“Our credentialed pharmacist workforce is a really passionate and skilled group of professionals. It’s critical for them to be able to have their expertise recognised by all members of the care team, Ms Hawthorne said.

 

“It’s also important that they’re easily recognisable to consumers – we’ve done a lot of advocacy work with consumer groups recently and for them to have a way of knowing that their pharmacist is qualified and part of a practice community that drives innovation and career-long learning is essential.

 

“These post nominals will go a long way to driving public trust and confidence in our credentialed pharmacist workforce,” Ms Hawthorne concluded.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the recognition of PSA’s credentialed pharmacist members through post nominals is the next logical step in support for credentialed pharmacists.

 

“PSA is the home for credentialed pharmacists, as the only organisation with a track record of consistent support, training and advocacy for credentialed pharmacists across all areas of practice.

 

“We have a long and proud history of advocating for credentialed pharmacists and are focused on how we can continue growing and supporting this workforce.

 

“PSA is committed to supporting credentialed pharmacists in a way unmatched by any other organisation at present. I am proud that PSA continues to be the home for credentialed pharmacists,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Renowned journalist Melissa Doyle to host PSA25

28 November 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced today that nationally awarded journalist Melissa Doyle AM will return to emcee its national conference PSA25 for a second year, from 1-3 August 2025.

 

An accomplished and awarded journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, Melissa is one of the best-known and trusted voices and faces in Australian media. Melissa will take to the stage across the conference weekend, also returning to host the member-favourite ‘Carnivale’ Gala Dinner on the evening of 2 August 2025.

 

The emcee announcement comes as super early bird registrations open for the 2025 conference, saving members up to 40% on full conference registration.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS shared the announcement, expressing her excitement to have Ms Doyle join the PSA25 team.

 

“PSA is thrilled to welcome Mel back to our national conference for another year, harnessing her decades of experience as a journalist to give delegates the conference experience of a lifetime,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Mel brings an infectious energy and unmatched professionalism to the conference, getting to the heart of what we do and why we do it, both as pharmacists and as the peak body representing our beloved pharmacy profession. I can’t wait to have her join us again at PSA25.”

 

PSA25 is the premier pharmacy education conference, with more than 1000 attendees from across Australia. The three-day conference will run from 1-3 August 2025, at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

 

Super early bird registrations are open now at www.psa25.com.au

 

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were our first pharmacists.

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