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PSA24: Pharmacy Student of the Year awarded to JCU student
3 August 2024
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) proudly congratulates Shylee-Jade Hadar-Pagliari, James Cook University for taking out the 2024 PSA Viatris Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) award.
The annual PSOTY awards recognise and celebrate outstanding pharmacy students by showcasing their counselling skills to the pharmacy profession and is a highlight of PSA’s annual flagship conference.
Congratulations also to Hayden Scott from the University of Canberra who took out the People’s Choice award.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Shylee-Jade on her achievement and commended the talent of all finalists.
“Congratulations to Shylee-Jade for successfully taking out the Pharmacy Student of the Year award,” Associate Professor Sim said.
“This competition provides students the opportunity to demonstrate important skills such as gaining patient insights and patient understanding, active listening and skills that support positive patient outcomes.
“Each of the students who participated in the PSOTY competition has demonstrated impressive professionalism, skill, and dedication. On behalf of PSA, I wish them the best in what I’m sure will be successful careers as pharmacists.”
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) have renewed their longstanding partnership to further support for pharmacy students at pharmacy schools across Australia.
The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed at the PSA24 National Conference, supports key NAPSA initiatives including the National Pharmacy Student Survey and the NAPSA Congress, and ensures that students are supported with professional development and further education opportunities throughout their studies.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to supporting pharmacy students.
“PSA has a long and proud history of supporting pharmacy students, which we are proud to continue.
“Students are the future of our profession, and it is our responsibility to support them in every possible way. Through this ongoing collaboration with NAPSA, we are not only investing in their education but also in the future of our profession.”
“This agreement not only strengthens our commitment to the development of future pharmacists but also reinforces our dedication to advancing the pharmacy profession as a whole. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with NAPSA and to seeing the positive impact this will have on pharmacy students across Australia.”
NAPSA President Sebastian Harper welcomed the renewed agreement.
“PSA is the peak body representing all 38,000 pharmacists in Australia across areas of practice.
The renewed agreement between the NAPSA and PSA exemplifies our organisations’ commitment to advancing the interests of pharmacy students.
“As the industry takes on new opportunities and challenges in the advancement of full scope, there has never been a better time to be a member of your representative bodies.”
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
Locumate.ai Co-founder Kavita Nadan, Locum Pharmacist of the Year Esther Staal, Associate Professor Fei Sim. Photo: Josh Woning
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today named Tasmanian pharmacist Esther Staal as the 2024 PSA Locumate.ai Locum Pharmacist of the Year, awarded at PSA24’s opening plenary this morning (Saturday 3 August).
Ms Staal is an empowered locum pharmacist focused on continued learning and professional development to improve practice. She is passionate about her growth as a health professional and reflects on her practise and the patients she meetings across different communities, from the goldfields of Kalgoorlie to the retirees in Vasse.
Esther quickly embeds herself in all aspects of being a locum, quickly building mutual rapport with pharmacists and general practitioners and embracing the active rural and regional communities she’s practising in. Her energy and willingness to champion a high standard pharmacy practice makes her well adored in each community she practises in.
Presenting the award, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Ms Staal.
“I’m proud to award Esther Staal with the PSA Locumate Locum Pharmacist of the Year Award, acknowledging the vital work of locum pharmacists around the country.
“Anyone who has practised in a pharmacy, especially in a rural or regional area, knows just how important locum pharmacists are in keeping healthcare accessible to our communities. There are unique challenges for locum pharmacists, but those like Esther take it all in their stride.
“I sincerely thank Esther and all locum pharmacists around Australia for all that they do. The role of a locum is often overlooked, however it is important to recognise that they are a critical part of the foundation of a complete team.”
Locumate.ai. Co-Founder and Director Kavita Nadan also congratulated Ms Staal.
“On behalf of Locumate.ai, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Esther Staal.
“Esther’s passion and commitment to our profession are evident in her exceptional work as a dedicated locum pharmacist. Her unwavering care and attention to her patients make her a valuable asset to our communities.
“Esther is an exemplary locum pharmacist, and we at Locumate.ai are proud of her efforts in promoting and highlighting the incredible contributions locum pharmacists make.”
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
Associate Professor Fei Sim, Intern of the Year James Oh, MIMS Australia CEO Robert Best Photo: Josh Woning
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today named Bowen-based pharmacist James Oh as the 2024 PSA MIMS Intern Pharmacist of the Year, awarded at PSA24’s opening plenary this morning (Saturday 3 August).
Mr Oh graduated from James Cook University in 2023, receiving the Professor James Dare Graduate of the Year award recognising both academic success as well as excellence in leadership, ethics and community engagement.
Throughout his intern year, Mr Oh has seen first-hand the impact that accessible pharmacists have on his community in Bowen, Queensland. James takes a lead role in his community practice, demonstrating a strong appetite for areas of practice that are forward-facing and impactful on patient outcomes, with a particular focus on Meds Checks and immunisation as opportunities to optimise patient care.
Mr Oh’s positive attitude and leadership qualities endear him to the local community, forming strong relationships with both patients and his peers. Outside the pharmacy, Mr Oh works with undergraduate students at James Cook University as a role model and mentor, actively participating with student organisation NAPSA and the PSA.
Presenting the award, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Mr Oh.
“Intern and early career pharmacists like James Oh show us that the future of our profession is very bright.”
“It’s great to see pharmacists like James going to regional and rural Australia, taking challenges head-on and embracing all of the opportunities that are coming our way.
“Congratulations James – we at PSA cannot wait to continue supporting you throughout the rest of your pharmacy career, wherever that takes you,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.
MIMS CEO Robert Best also congratulated Mr Oh, reaffirming MIMS commitment to supporting the next generation of pharmacists.
“Last year, in 2023 MIMS celebrated our 60th Anniversary as the most trusted provider of drug and medicines information across the Australian healthcare industry,” Mr Best said.
“We see the pharmacy profession as the most important and pivotal part of our medicines ecosystem when dealing with consumers and patients, so, as we approach the halfway point of this 2024 Olympic year, we will continue to acknowledge the Gold Medal role that pharmacists and their interns play with respects to advising, educating and dispensing medicines across Australia.
“For more than 60 years, MIMS has been the most trusted provider of drug and medicines information across the Australian healthcare industry. We will continue to provide the Pharmacy industry, from interns through to Chief Pharmacists, with the most of up-to-date drug and medicines information available at the point of care,” Mr Best concluded.
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
PSA24: New cohort of PSA Fellows recognised for contributions
3 August 2024
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is pleased to present 26 PSA Fellowships this weekend at PSA24, recognising the significant contributions of members to both the profession and PSA.
Among the new Fellows is Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and
Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health the Honourable Emma McBride MP – the only pharmacist currently serving in the Australian Parliament.
Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the new Fellows to PSA’s growing community of pharmacy leaders.
“Each of these pharmacists have made significant contributions to pharmacy and patient care, exemplifying the passion and dedication of our profession.
“Fellowships of PSA are a prominent acknowledgement of those who have provided an outstanding contribution to PSA or the profession for an extended period of time.
“As a profession we thank them for their ongoing service and dedication to improving pharmacy practice.”
The following pharmacists have been elevated to Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia:
Ms Bronwyn Clark (Australian Capital Territory)
Adjunct Professor John McEwen (Australian Capital Territory)
Ms Lyn Todd (Australian Capital Territory)
Ms Caroline Diamantis (New South Wales)
Dr Cherie Lucas (New South Wales)
The Honourable Emma McBride MP (New South Wales)
Dr Jonathan Penm (New South Wales)
Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin (New South Wales)
Mr Gilbert Yeates (Queensland)
Dr Julie Stokes (Queensland)
Ms Dianne Brown (Tasmania)
Ms Katie Hayes (Tasmania)
Mr Mark Kirschbaum (Tasmania)
Ms Dimi Hoppe (Victoria)
Mr Joe Brizzi (Victoria)
Ms Kay Dunkley (Victoria)
Professor Simon Bell (Victoria)
Ms Stefanie Johnston (Victoria)
Dr Amanda Cross (Victoria)
Ms Brooke Shelly (Victoria)
Ms Deborah Hawthorne (Victoria)
Ms Atinuke (Tinu) Abraham (Victoria)
Mr Joon Soo Park (Western Australia)
The following pharmacists have been elevated to Life Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia:
Ms Helen Howarth (Tasmania)
Mr Ian Huett (Tasmania)
Ms Jocelyn Watson OAM (Tasmania)
Both Professor Faye McMillan and Professor Arthur Christopoulos were also recognised at last night’s event after receiving PSA Fellowships in 2023.
PSA congratulates each of the above pharmacists on their achievements and sustained contributions to the pharmacy profession.
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
PSA24: Launch of Opioid Toolkit to promote safer medicine use
2 August 2024
Professor Suzanne Nielsen at PSA24 – ICC, Sydney, 2-4 August 2024. Photo: Josh Woning
Monash University has today launched its new online Opioid Safety Toolkit for consumers, inviting delegates attending PSA’s National Conference, PSA24 so pharmacists can gain early access to prepare for its public release in late August.
The Toolkit, developed in partnership with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and PainAustralia, supports consumers who are prescribed opioids and contains advice on safer opioid use as well as guidance on how to develop an opioid safety plan in case of an adverse reaction.
Crucially, the Opioid Toolkit raises awareness among consumers that naloxone is available at no cost from Australian community pharmacies. It is estimated that less than 2% of patients at risk of a prescription opioid overdose received naloxone. This work aims to make opioid safety information and naloxone more readily available to all people who may benefit from it.
The Opioid Safety Toolkit is funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care and was developed by pharmacists, consumers and other health professionals.
Monash University Lead Investigator Professor Suzanne Nielsen said that the Toolkit leverages more than a decade of research into safer use of prescription opioids.
“This resource provides a new tool for pharmacists to use when providing information on the use of opioids. It can be provided to any person prescribed opioids, whether new or ongoing, and can be accessed at any time convenient to the patient.
“It will help pharmacists to deliver effective patient education in a non-judgemental manner that the patient can access whenever a question arises.”
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the launch of the Toolkit as an additional resource for consumers.
“Pharmacists are well placed to take a leading role in reducing opioid harm in Australia, empowering consumers with the right information and guidance to support the safer use of opioids. All Australian pharmacists will be able to use the toolkit to have open conversations with patients using opioids, and increase uptake of naloxone as a harm reduction tool.
“I strongly encourage all pharmacists, whether practising in a community pharmacy setting, hospital or in other areas of specialisation, to access the Toolkit resources and promote their uptake with consumers.”
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
On the first day of its national conference PSA24, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched its flagship vision for the future of Australian pharmacy practice, Pharmacists in 2030, alongside Federal Health Minister the Hon. Mark Butler MP.
Pharmacists in 2030 is an evolution of PSA’s vision for the future of the pharmacy profession, and the steps that need to be taken to get there. Compared to its predecessor, Pharmacists in 2030 has an increased focus on equity, medicines stewardship and pharmacist wellbeing, while maintaining focus on medicine safety, expanding scope of practice and integration of pharmacists into collaborative care teams.
The vision is a culmination of deep consultation with pharmacists, consumers and other health stakeholders. Informed by consumers across 14 in-depth focus groups, Pharmacists in 2030 describes how the care pharmacists provide will change over the next 6 years’ through the lens of both pharmacists and patients.
Pharmacists in 2030 articulates six key actions to realise this vision:
Medicine safety – empowering and supporting pharmacists to reduce risks and minimise harm by advancing medicine safety in practice
Medicines stewardship – supporting pharmacists to actively lead and influence effective and judicious medicine use
Access to care – providing all consumers greater access to care by increasing and leveraging the accessibility of pharmacists to address unmet health needs
Equity – supporting pharmacists to meet the unique needs of vulnerable individuals and priority populations to address the disparity of health status through the provision of appropriate and responsive care
Workforce development – equipping and growing the pharmacist workforce to address existing and emerging health challenges
Sustainability – driving practice changes that increase the sustainability of the pharmacist workforce, increase social contribution and limit environmental impact
These actions empower pharmacists to embrace their full potential to not only meet Australia’s surging health needs over the next six years, but also to build capacity to address health challenges beyond 2030.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that today’s launch built on the growing momentum behind the profession.
“In launching Pharmacists in 2030, we are progressing PSA’s vision for the future of pharmacy practice in Australia,” A/Prof Sim said.
“Our profession has evolved significantly, and continues to evolve, to meet the increasingly complex health needs of Australians, our aging population and overstretched health system. Our communities need us to continue down this path, they need all pharmacists doing more to support safe use of medicines and greater access to care when and where they need it.
“Pharmacists in 2030 leverages the appetite for change in our health system, driven by patient needs, and provides a roadmap for the next 6 years on how pharmacists’ full potential can be realised. It helps government, policymakers and funders understand our value and potential.
“Pharmacists in 2030 challenges the entire health ecosystem to collaboratively drive pharmacy practice to the next level, including policymakers, patients and consumers.
“We know that regulatory change alone is not enough. We need to address the cultural and system factors which hold our profession back and importantly, we cannot continue expecting pharmacists to do more with less.
“Our goal is getting to a point where practice is more efficient, relieving unnecessary administrative burden so that pharmacists can focus on delivering the care that patients need.
“Each one of us, in all areas of practice and specialisations have a role to play in realising this vision by 2030. The daily practice of pharmacists in direct patient-care roles will see the most evolution in their daily roles, enabled by pharmacists practising in non-patient facing roles, including academia, management and leadership.”
Associate Professor Sim also thanked all the pharmacists that participated in consultation on Pharmacists in 2030.
“Pharmacists in 2030 is for the future of every pharmacist,” she said.
“Whether responding to the official consultation, speaking to our teams around the country about the future, or contributing to our social media pages – the collective wisdom of our profession and health consumers has built the path forward for all pharmacists.
“I thank Minister Butler for officially launching Pharmacists in 2030 at PSA24, alongside the passionate pharmacists and consumers who shaped it,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.
PSA24: South Australian pharmacist’s lifetime of service honoured on national stage
2 August 2024
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today recognised Adelaide pharmacist Peter Halstead with the 2024 PSA Symbion Lifetime Achievement Award presented at PSA’s national conference in Sydney.
Over his 40-year long career, Peter Halstead has made a sustained contribution to the pharmacy profession and associated organisations, dedicating himself to developing and advancing Australian pharmacy practice. Through these activities, Peter has made a significant contribution to patient care. He has been an advisor, mentor and friend to many members of our profession and epitomises the values of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
After graduating in 1980, Mr Halstead practised as a community pharmacist and was instrumental in developing new areas of practice and became a pharmacist adviser to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Drug and Alcohol Services and The Family Planning Unit at SHINE SA.
In 1996, Peter joined the School of Pharmacy as a research fellow involved with Professor Andy Gilbert and others in the development of new pharmacist roles, particularly in Aged Care services.
In the period 2000 to 2001, Peter was the Education Officer of the Pharmacy Board of South Australia and from 2001 to 2010 he was the Registrar of the Board, a position which he held with distinction until the formation of the National Pharmacy Board. During his tenure, Peter developed and implemented systems and procedures that allowed the formal assessment of the competency of recent graduates and others seeking registration as pharmacists in South Australia.
Peter was a Director of the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) from 1996 to 2010 and since 2010 has been the Senior Pharmacist for the APC involved in the development of assessment processes for intern pharmacists as well as pharmacists from overseas seeking registration with the National Pharmacy Board. He actively supported many overseas pharmacists who were going through the formal process of seeking registration and became a mentor to many.
Peter was appointed as the General Manager of the Pharmacy Regulation Authority, South Australia (PRASA) in 2010, a position he held for 12 years until his recent retirement. During this period, he continued to engage with the Pharmacy Board of Australia on many issues affecting Australian pharmacy practice.
Presenting the award, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said: “Peter Halstead is a most deserving recipient of the PSA Lifetime Achievement Award.”
“Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Mr Halstead has made enormous and sustained contributions to the pharmacy profession, dedicating himself to developing and advancing Australian pharmacy practice. His work continues to influence our profession every day.
“On behalf of the pharmacy profession, I congratulate Mr Halstead on receiving the 2024 PSA Symbion Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
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.
PSA24: Victorian researcher awarded top pharmacy honour
2 August 2024
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today named researcher and Melbourne-based pharmacist Dr Amy Page as the national PSA Symbion Pharmacist of the Year.
Presented by National President Associate Professor Fei Sim at PSA’s national conference in Sydney, Dr Page was acknowledged for her extensive work with pharmacists, students and other healthcare professionals.
Dr Amy Page is the President of PSA’s Victorian branch, a leading pharmacy researcher, academic and practising pharmacist. She is driven by her dedication to elevating pharmacy practice both nationally and internationally for a sustained impact on practice and medicines safety to improve the wellbeing of all Australians.
In 2018, Dr Page led work with the Pharmacy Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to investigate the regulatory environment for pharmacist prescribing, resulting in a statement that confirmed the ability for pharmacists to prescribe within current regulation. This work has directly resulted in pharmacist prescribing pilots for urinary tract infections, oral contraception, skin conditions and travel health – improving the accessibility of care to millions of Australians.
Through her role as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Australia Dr Page is also passing on her passion and dedication to the next generation of pharmacists.
Dr Page contributes nationally to advancing pharmacy practice through her involvement in research, policy and regulation. She has brought about significant and lasting change in pharmacist prescribing and pharmacy practice standards through her research and her sustained engagement with professional organisations and regulators. Amy is established as a world leader in her research field of medicines safety and pharmacy practice. She’s been invited to give presentations internationally, including in China and the United Kingdom.
Her research has been used to justify policy changes (such as the National Aged Care Quality Indicators) and to assess the impact of policy change (e.g. polypharmacy prevalence). Her work has influenced guideline development internationally and beyond her field including being recommended by NPS MedicineWise, the British Geriatric Society and the New Zealand Safety and Quality Commission.
Beyond the pharmacy profession, Dr Page has also progressed non-medical prescribing within other disciplines nationally. As a leading Australian expert, she continues to work with the Physiotherapy Board and Optometry Australia on their journeys toward prescribing.
Dr Page has achieved this while continuing to practice clinically, currently working both in community pharmacy and undertaking medicines reviews.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim congratulated Dr Page, saying: “PSA is proud to name Dr Amy Page as Pharmacist of the Year, recognising not only her clinical leadership but also her commitment to raising the profile of the profession.”
“Dr Page has dedicated her career to leading our profession, whether in her role as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Australia, as the inaugural Director of the Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, or serving as part of the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
“Dr Page is a deserving recipient of the 2024 Pharmacist of the Year title, embodying what it means to be a pharmacist every day of her career to date.
“On behalf of the pharmacy profession, I congratulate Dr Page on being named the 2024 PSA Symbion Pharmacist of the Year.”
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
PSA24 – ICC, Sydney, 2-4 August 2024. Photo: Josh Woning
Three outstanding Australian pharmacists have been recognised today by the national peak body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA). The 2024 Excellence Awards were presented alongside award sponsor Symbion at PSA’s national conference, PSA24, in Sydney.
The recipients of the 2024 PSA Symbion Excellence Awards are:
Dr Amy Page FPS, Pharmacist of the Year
Peter Halstead FPS, Lifetime Achievement Award
Presenting the awards, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the recipients.
“The PSA Excellence Awards acknowledge the pharmacists who go above and beyond, those who are involved in innovative practice, those who are striving to raise practice standards, and those who, through their professionalism, provide a model of practice which others strive to emulate,” Associate Professor Sim said.
“PSA congratulates Dr Amy Page as Pharmacist of the Year, recognising her clinical leadership in quality use of medicines, and her commitment and consistent volunteer work to raise the profile of the profession. Dr Page has dedicated her career to leading our profession, whether in her role as an academic at the University of Western Australia, as the inaugural Director of the Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, or serving on the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Dr Page is a deserving recipient of the 2024 Pharmacist of the Year title, embodying what it means to be a pharmacist every day of her career to date.
“Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Peter Halstead has made enormous and sustained contributions to the pharmacy profession, dedicating himself to developing and advancing Australian pharmacy practice. His work continues to influence our profession every day.
“On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy profession, congratulations to Dr Page, and Mr Halstead,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.
Symbion CEO Brett Barons also congratulated the award winners.
“Pharmacists are the backbone of Australia’s healthcare system and Symbion is proud to sponsor the PSA Excellence Awards for a 20th year and help celebrate those pharmacists making their mark on the industry,” Mr Barons said.
“On behalf of Symbion, I congratulate this year’s winners on their outstanding achievements and deserved recognition for their commitment to deliver the highest level of care to their communities.”
Media notes
Dr Amy Page is the Victorian President of the PSA and a practicing pharmacist with an impressive research output and sustained engagement with policy and regulation. She has had a sustained engagement with policy and regulation to progress non-medical prescribing and to improve the development and use of practice-based resources for the profession.
Dr Page was invited to lead the Pharmacy Board of Australia work on pharmacist prescribing in 2018. This work was the first time an AHPRA board had progressed non-medical prescribing since the formation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme in 2010. She led the
consultation process undertaking extensive stakeholder engagement and producing written reports. This work resulted in a statement that no regulatory barrier existed for pharmacists to prescribe. As a direct result of this work, pharmacists prescribing has been introduced in multiple Australian states.
In 2023, pharmacist prescribing was launched in Victorian community pharmacies for certain conditions. As Victorian state PSA president, her substantial contribution to the working groups for the Victorian prescribing pilot informed its implementation. This has now led to community pharmacy prescribing pilots for urinary tract infections, oral contraception, skin conditions and travel health.
In her role on the Pharmacy Board of Australia, she initiated the development of the first Australian accreditation standards for non-medical prescribing. The Pharmacy Board appointed the Australian Pharmacy Council to develop Prescribing Standards for the profession. In recognition of her leadership, the Pharmacy Board appointed Amy as their representative to guide the development of these new national accreditation standards. Simultaneously, Amy also sat on the Expert Advisory Group to develop the new APC Medication Management Review and Aged Care standards.
Broadening her impact beyond the profession, she has progressed non-medical prescribing nationally. As a recognised expert in non-medical prescribing, she was involved in developing the NPS Prescribing Competencies. Over the past two years, she has been contributing to the Physiotherapy Board’s journey towards prescribing, thus broadening the impact of her work beyond the profession. She was one of four invited experts who presented to almost 1000 physiotherapists who attended their prescribing forum, work that is ongoing towards achieving autonomous prescribing. She is one of only two pharmacists on the Physiotherapy Prescribing Working Group convened jointly by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Further broadening her impact, Optometry Australia contracted her to write their Quality Use of Medicines guidelines in preparation for an anticipated expansion in their scope of prescribing to include oral medicines.
Dr Page contributes nationally to advancing pharmacy practice through her involvement in research, policy and regulation. She has brought about significant and lasting change in pharmacist prescribing and pharmacy practice standards through her research and her sustained engagement with professional organisations and regulators. Amy is established as a world leader in her research field of medicines safety and pharmacy practice. She’s been invited to give presentations internationally, including in China and the United Kingdom.
Her research has been used to justify policy changes (such as the National Aged Care Quality Indicators) and to assess the impact of policy change (e.g. polypharmacy prevalence). Her work has influenced guideline development internationally and beyond her field including being recommended by NPS MedicineWise, British Geriatric Society and NZ Safety and Quality Commission.
Dr Page has achieved this while continuing to practice clinically, currently working both in community pharmacy and undertaking medicines reviews.
Dr Page is awarded the 2024 PSA Pharmacist of the Year award.
Over his 40-year long career, Peter Halstead has made a sustained contribution to the pharmacy profession and associated organisations, dedicating himself to developing and advancing Australian pharmacy practice. Through these activities, Peter has made a significant contribution to patient care. He has been an advisor, mentor and friend to many members of our profession and epitomises the values of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
After graduating in 1980, Mr Halstead worked as a community pharmacist and was instrumental in developing new areas of practice and became a pharmacist adviser to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Drug and Alcohol Services and The Family Planning Unit at SHINE SA.
In 1996, Peter joined the School of Pharmacy as a research fellow involved with Professor Andy Gilbert and others in the development of new pharmacist roles, particularly in the area of Aged Care services.
In the period 2000 to 2001, Peter was the Education Officer of the Pharmacy Board of South Australia and from 2001 to 2010 he was the Registrar of the Board, a position which he held with distinction until the formation of the National Pharmacy Board. During his tenure, Peter developed and implemented systems and procedures that allowed the formal assessment of the competency of recent graduates and others seeking registration as pharmacists in South Australia.
Peter was a Director of the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) from 1996 to 2010 and since 2010 has been the Senior Pharmacist for the APC involved in the development of assessment processes for intern pharmacists as well as pharmacists from overseas seeking registration with the National Pharmacy Board. He actively supported many overseas pharmacists who were going through the formal process of seeking registration and became a mentor to many.
Peter was appointed as the General Manager of the Pharmacy Regulation Authority, South Australia (PRASA) in 2010, a position he held for 12 years until his recent retirement. During this period, he continued to engage with the Pharmacy Board of Australia on many issues affecting Australian pharmacy practice.
Mr Halstead is awarded the 2024 PSA Lifetime Achievement award.
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.a
