Australia’s 40,000 pharmacists stepping up for our communities

13 March 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) proudly celebrates Australia’s 40,000 pharmacists this Thank Your Pharmacist Day, recognising the dedication and impact of pharmacists across all areas of practice and in all corners of the country.

 

The 2025 Thank Your Pharmacist Day theme, Pharmacists Stepping Up, highlights the growing role of pharmacists in delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare – stepping up to meet increasing demands, growing towards full scope, and improving patient outcomes in every area of practice and specialty.

 

With the workforce under pressure and health system demands growing, PSA is encouraging Australians to show their appreciation for pharmacists on Thank Your Pharmacist Day, while also calling on pharmacists to use the day as an opportunity for advocacy.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the day is an opportunity to acknowledge pharmacists’ contributions while also advocating for a stronger, more supported profession.

 

“Pharmacists continue to step up to meet new challenges, delivering more vaccinations, expanding acute care services, improving medication management, and championing quality use of medicines in aged care residents. We are doing more than ever to keep Australians healthy,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Today is an opportunity for members of our community to show up for the pharmacists that show up for you. I encourage all Australians to recognise the tireless work of their local pharmacists and share a message of thanks today, and in every interaction.

 

“In celebrating Thank Your Pharmacist Day, I also call on policymakers to recognise and invest in the essential role pharmacists play in our health system. With a federal election on the horizon, now is the time for meaningful reform to recognise and support pharmacists to practise to their full and top of scope.

 

“When we step up together, as a united profession, we drive real change.”

 

Australians can get involved by thanking their pharmacists in person, sharing their appreciation on social media using #ThankYourPharmacist, or learning more about pharmacists’ growing role in healthcare.

 

For more information, visit www.psa.org.au/thankyourpharmacist.

 

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

PSA New South Wales Excellence Award winners announced

1 March 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the winners of the PSA New South Wales Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding pharmacists who have demonstrated excellence in their practice and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for their communities.

 

The 2025 award recipients are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – David North OAM MPS
• Pharmacist of the Year – Ammar Altayib MPS
• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Lily Pham MPS
• Intern of the Year – Peter Figliuzzi

 

Now a PhD candidate, former Sudanese refugee and NSW Pharmacist of the Year Ammar Altayib has been a clinical pharmacist for the past 7 years and has been nominated twice in recent years for patient safety awards for the Southern NSW Local Health District. With numerous academic qualifications including a Masters in Pharmacy, the father of four, in addition to his hospital role, also works on Saturdays at Queanbeyan Pharmacy, teaches Arabic and is a leader in his local community. While nominated for the AdPha Clinical Pharmacy Award last year, he instead took out the African Australian Inc Academic and Professional Excellence Award.

 

David North OAM has been awarded the PSA NSW Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his five decades of outstanding service to pharmacy and the Illawarra community. His career has spanned community pharmacy ownership, hospital pharmacy leadership, and significant contributions to professional development and mentorship.

 

David has played a key role in numerous community health initiatives, including projects on palliative care medication access, smoking cessation, asthma management, and opioid safety. His dedication to promoting medication safety and pharmacy’s role in public health has had a lasting impact.

 

A PSA Life Member and long-time advocate for the profession, David has also served as a peer reviewer, mentor, and board member of the Pharmacists Support Service (PSS). His leadership, commitment to patient care, and advocacy have left a profound legacy, making him a truly deserving recipient of this award​.

 

NSW Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Lily Pham has quickly established herself as a leader in pharmacy. As Vice President of the PSA NSW Branch Committee, she has played a key role in policy submissions, stakeholder engagement, and expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice, particularly in mental health. She has presented at PSA events, met with politicians, and contributed to PSA’s Medicine Safety: Mental Health report.

 

Lily is also undertaking a PhD at the University of Sydney, focusing on perinatal mental healthcare and the role of pharmacists in mental health screening. She works across hospital, community, and primary care settings, ensuring broad patient impact. A dedicated mentor, she supports early career pharmacists and leads professional development initiatives. Her commitment to patient care, research, and professional engagement makes her a deserving recipient of this award.

 

NSW Intern of the Year Peter Figliuzzi is recognised for his leadership, initiative, and commitment to patient care. During his intern year Peter developed a hospital discharge medication management system to ensure patients understood medication changes, reducing confusion and enhancing adherence. His proactive engagement with Veteran patients improved health outcomes through tailored MedsChecks and stronger patient-provider relationships. Additionally, he streamlined vaccination services by creating a patient recall system, improving vaccination rates in his community. Peter’s continued dedication to patient safety, quality use of medicines, and professional collaboration makes him a deserving recipient of this award.

 

PSA NSW President Luke Kelly congratulated each of the award recipients, highlighting their dedication to the pharmacy profession and improving patient care.

“Each of these award winners has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and passion for improving health outcomes in their communities. Their contributions to the profession exemplify the some of the best of pharmacy in New South Wales.”

 

“These awards recognise pharmacists who are stepping up to new challenges and making a real impact in their communities,” Mr Kelly said.

 

“Their dedication and leadership inspire the entire profession, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

 

PSA congratulates award recipients and thanks them for their contributions to the pharmacy profession in New South Wales

 

Photos of awardees available by contacting media@psa.org.au 

 

 

PSA members overwhelmingly endorse strategic acquisition, paving the way for stronger training and education for pharmacists

20 February 2025

 

Members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) have voted in support of the necessary constitutional changes to allow the acquisition of the Australasian College of Pharmacy (ACP) to proceed.

 

The decision to acquire the ACP, announced in early 2025, is part of the PSA Board’s broader strategic plan to grow value for members by expanding education opportunities for the profession, and securing a long-term, sustainable future for PSA as the premier training and education provider for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants.

 

Following the positive voting outcome from the Special General Meeting last night, PSA is now working with the ACP’s shareholders to undertake the necessary transaction and regulatory processes to enable the acquisition, marking a significant milestone in PSA’s journey to strengthening pharmacy education in Australia.

 

National President and Chair of the PSA Board Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the result, saying it reflects strong member support for PSA’s vision for pharmacy education.

 

“Our members have shown us that they share our vision and our excitement for the future of pharmacy education, led by PSA,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This is a vote of confidence in PSA’s future, both as the premier pharmacy education provider and as the peak body for all pharmacists in all areas of practice. Our members are at the centre of everything we do, and we have heard them loud and clear.

 

“Tonight’s voting outcome is one of the crucial steps. With this strategic direction endorsed by our members, we now progress to the next stage of transaction and regulatory processes.

 

“In navigating these next steps we are always acting in the best interests of our members to enable the successful acquisition.

 

“We are excited to start building the next chapter of PSA history, strengthening PSA’s position in supporting and advocating for our members during this pivotal time of practice change,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA is working closely with the ACP to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for learners, our staff, and other stakeholders.

 

PSA remains committed to supporting pharmacists in all areas of practice and will provide further updates as the acquisition progresses.

​

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

PSA announce deadline for MMR RPL processing guarantee

18 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is encouraging pharmacists seeking Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the new Medication Management Review (MMR) Credential to ensure all evidence is submitted by 22 April 2025 to guarantee processing before interim funding arrangements end on 30 June.

 

From 1 July 2025, pharmacists who have not obtained a new credential will be unable to claim fees for MMR services, as current Medication Review Numbers (MRNs) will become invalid.

 

PSA guarantees that pharmacists who submit a complete MMR RPL application before 22 April will have their RPL processed and new credential issued before 1 July. Submission made after this date will still be processed however may not be completed before 1 July.

 

As part of PSA’s ongoing support for consultant pharmacists, PSA also continue to provide complimentary MMR RPL for professional plus members.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the guarantee gives pharmacists certainty about their ability to continue providing MMR services uninterrupted.

 

“The temporary extension of MRNs meant that pharmacists had more time to transition to new credentials, minimising disruption to patient services and allowing the existing workforce to continue providing MMR services,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“As we now approach the end of this extension, our team is preparing for an influx of applications.

 

“To ensure that critical MMR services are not interrupted, PSA is guaranteeing that all RPL applications submitted before 22 April will be processed before 1 July.

 

“I strongly encourage pharmacists who have not yet enrolled in the RPL course and submitted the required evidence to do so as soon as possible, ensuring that your services are not interrupted on 1 July,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest Chair Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) also encouraged pharmacists to connect with the CSI for support.

 

“As the temporary extension of our MRNs comes to an end, now is time to gather and submit evidence for your RPL,” Ms Hawthorne said.

 

“Our Consultant Pharmacists CSI Facebook group is a valuable resource for members undertaking RPL, particularly when it comes to the peer review process. I encourage PSA members to join our community and reach out to peers for support as we near 1 July.”

 

PSA has provided pharmacists detailed information and a step-by-step guide to submitting RPL evidence on a dedicated webpage, available here. PSA’s friendly credentialing team is also available to assist learners via credentialing@psa.org.au

​

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

National women’s health initiatives a significant step forward in improving access to care

10 February 2025

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s $573 million commitment to national women’s health initiatives, including a nation-wide trial to boost access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and hormonal contraception through community pharmacists.

 

For the first time, the nation-wide trial will mean patients able to access medicines for UTIs and hormonal contraceptives at Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicine cost, improving financial access to these essential medicines.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS has served on the federal government’s Women’s Health Advisory Council and co-chaired the Access, Care and Outcomes Subcommittee since 2023.

 

Associate Professor Sim said the announcement, which now has bipartisan support, is breaking down barriers to healthcare access, especially in regional, rural and remote areas.

 

“Women deserve to receive timely, high-quality care, and pharmacists are trained and ready to support them in managing their health,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists across the country are already a vital piece of the puzzle, allowing women to seek treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and repeat prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives when and where they need it. This announcement will take these programs one step further, allowing pharmacists to initiate hormonal contraceptives and supply medications under the PBS for the first time.

 

“Community pharmacists are trusted, accessible healthcare professionals. These policy changes are a game changer for women around the country.”

 

Associate Professor Sim reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to supporting pharmacists with the necessary education and training to provide safe and effective care under these initiatives.

 

“PSA is proud to support these initiatives with high-quality education and training for pharmacists, building the capacity and expertise of our profession as we scale up our health care services for women across Australia.

 

“PSA looks forward to working closely with governments and healthcare stakeholders to ensure the success of these trials and to continue strengthening pharmacists’ role in women’s healthcare across Australia,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Further information on the federal government announcement is available here