Queensland’s top pharmacists recognised

23 September 2023

 

Five outstanding Queensland pharmacists have been recognised at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland Excellence Awards in Brisbane on Saturday evening.

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Awards were presented to:

• Jacqueline Meyer MPS, Queensland Pharmacist of the Year
• Swapna Chaudhary MPS, Queensland Early Career Pharmacist of the Year
• Zain Langah, Queensland Intern Pharmacist of the Year
•  Lynette Dupuy MPS-AACPA, Lifetime Achievement Awards
• George Kotzas MPS, Lifetime Achievement Awards.

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In addition, James Oh from James Cook University was awarded the Professor James Dare Graduate of the Year award.

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PSA Queensland President Shane MacDonald MPS congratulated the award winners.

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“We are lucky to be home to many pharmacists who go above and beyond for their communities and patients,” Mr MacDonald said.

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“Queensland has lead the way with many pharmacy programs, including UTI prescribing and vaccination, which is only possible with the skill and dedication of our pharmacists.

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“Each of the award winners exemplify everything it means to be a pharmacist.

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“On behalf of PSA and all Queensland pharmacists, congratulations to all the award winners on your achievements.”

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Media notes

 

Jacqueline Meyer MPS, Queensland Pharmacist of the Year

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PSA Queensland Pharmacist of the Year and Live Life Pharmacy Cooroy owner, Jacqueline Meyer embodies what it means to be a pharmacist. She is the founder and host of the Hinterland Health Expo, now in its second year, uniting health providers, building positive relationships, and facilitating collaborations between practitioners. With free community access, consumers can speak to a wide range of health professionals in a relaxed environment, fostering community accessibility, improving consumer awareness and education, and demonstrating that exhibiting practitioners prioritise community healthcare.

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Jacqueline personifies her commitment to medication safety, upholding quality standards, professionalism in the industry and growing the role of pharmacists in the safe, appropriate use of medicines from dosage to education and reviewing medications. Jacqueline sits on two local Medication Advisory Committees for a palliative care hospice and the Cooroy Hospital, working collaboratively with prescribers and nurses in both environments as an integral and embedded part of this community.

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Jacqueline has developed profound relationships with key health services in the local region. She also provides nurse education, antibiotic stewardship, and patient education, reinforcing the support pharmacists provide and how they are making a difference in the community. Jacqueline has also trained as a lactation consultant to fill the gap in local services, enhancing support available to mothers and increase breastfeeding rates in the region.

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Jacqueline lives and breathes the values of the pharmacy profession and has been passionate about mentoring young pharmacists for many years. More than 10 PSA interns have been trained and mentored, with Jacqueline heavily investing in their development along the way. As a female business owner and mother, Jacqueline is particularly dedicated to inspiring young pharmacists establishing their careers within the profession.

 

Swapna Chaudhary MPS, Queensland Early Career Pharmacist of the Year

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PSA Queensland Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Swapna Chaudhary is a passionate advocate for pharmacists to address healthcare disparities experienced by transgender and gender diverse (TGD) communities. Based on her research she believes that education to create inclusive pharmacy environments, using culturally respectful language, and training pharmacists about gender-affirming therapies will improve health outcomes for TGD people.

 

During her internship in Townsville, Swapna recognised that there was a need for pharmacists to provide better healthcare for transgender patients, involving review of medicines, counselling on medicines and hormonal treatment, adverse effects and management, and preventative healthcare, to improve their overall health. She noticed that her community pharmacy was attracting significant numbers of the transgender patients in the town – meaning that it was already seen as safe and culturally appropriate for these vulnerable patients and a good place for her to kick-start her research career.

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Following on exploring both the experiences of people who are transgender visiting pharmacies in Australia and the community pharmacists, she recognised a desire and a need for training on the part of the pharmacists and indeed a lack of availability of such training. This has allowed for her to pursue her passion to provide education on transgender care for pharmacists and to bring about change to ensure that such education is an integral part of pharmacy curricula in Australia.

Swapna has demonstrated outstanding capability in her research endeavours, engaging with health professionals involved in transgender healthcare. She has been embraced by professional organisations as well as support groups working to improve transgender health, with the impact of her work and commitment already recognised.

 

Zain Langah, Queensland Intern Pharmacist of the Year

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When PSA Intern Pharmacist of the Year Zain Langah made the move to Yeppoon, he made a commitment to supporting patient care and safe use of medicines for his rural community. Zain has been instrumental in rolling out a forward dispense model, while still being an optimal care pharmacist and the primary vaccinator. Zain is focussed on investing his time to ensure his patients have been heard and provides thorough counselling that is tailored to his patients and their families.

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Zain is consistently looking for opportunities to upskill and has been highly involved with the pharmacy’s Opioid Dependency Treatment program, medicinal cannabis dispensing and promoting the Take Home Naloxone Program. Zain recognised that his pharmacy’s glucose monitoring service had not been well utilised and organised a local Diabetes Awareness Day, where he was able to test patients’ blood glucose levels (BGLs) and educate patient’s, specifically those on anti-diabetes medication on the importance of monitoring their BGLs.

 

James Oh, Professor James Dare Graduate of the Year

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As a final year pharmacy student at James Cook University, James Oh embodies an exceptional passion for pharmacy that resonates through his words, actions, and deeds. His commitment to the betterment of his patients, colleagues, and the entire profession is palpable. His dedication goes beyond the ordinary; he invests himself heartily to ensure that those around him thrive. This selflessness is a testament to his character and his genuine desire to contribute positively.

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On top of his academic success, James has remarkable leadership qualities that extend well beyond his current student status. His natural ability to lead, inspire, and influence his peers is evident in the significant impact he has already made. He is poised to become a future leader in our profession, and his contributions will undoubtedly shape its trajectory.

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James’s character shines brightly. He exemplifies humility, kindness, and a genuine concern for others. His focus is not on personal gain but rather on the collective success of his patients, his profession, and his peers. This dedication is unwavering, and it is a testament to his honesty, loyalty, and indefatigable commitment to his chosen path.

 

Lynette Dupuy MPS-AACPA, Queensland Lifetime Achievement Award

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For a remarkable eight decades, Dupuy’s Pharmacy has stood as a pillar in Mackay’s healthcare landscape. Established in 1933 by Kenneth Dupuy and subsequently passed on to his daughter Lynette, it held the distinction of being Mackay’s longest-running family-owned pharmacy until very recently.

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Lynette, a local icon, embarked on her pharmacy career at the age of 15, spearheading the adoption of innovative health services such as clinical nutrition, compounding medicines, and vaccination administration. She bore witness to the industry’s evolution and maintained a steadfast commitment to learning international best practices and translating them into action. Recently, Lynette made the decision to sell her pharmacy to free up time for family and to continue her pursuit of studying pharmacy practice.

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Read more about Lynette Dupuy’s journey here.

 

George Kotzas MPS, Queensland Lifetime Achievement Award

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Born and raised in Innisfail, of Greek heritage, George’s life has intertwined with the town’s history. George’s pharmacy journey began in 1957, and in 1978, he purchased Rothnies Pharmacy, a small community pharmacy operating since 1932.

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Rothnies is the genuine embodiment of a “community pharmacy”.  There is a familial bond between George, his wife Anna,  his dedicated long serving team, and the loyal patients of Innisfail.

 

A steadfast pharmacy owner, George has weathered the industry’s transformations while remaining an integral part of the community’s healthcare fabric, bridging the past and present with unwavering dedication.

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George’s story isn’t just about the pharmacy; it’s about a man with a passion for the arts. He acted, directed, collected artwork, and was deeply involved in various community organisations.

George has recently retired to spend time with his family and focus on his other passions.

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Read more about George Kotzas’ journey here.

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

PSA launches training for extended supply of oral contraceptive

7 September 2023

 

This Women’s Health Week the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched the NSW – Contraception Essentials training as onboarding begins for the next stage of the New South Wales Pharmacy Trial.

 

The statewide trial, run by the University of Newcastle, authorises pharmacists participating in the trial to continue a prescription for the resupply of a certain oral contraceptives for eligible women aged from 18 to 35 years.

 

Pharmacists must meet specific requirements to be eligible for participation, and completing the appropriate training is mandatory.

 

PSA New South Wales President Luke Kelly FPS urged pharmacists to complete their training with PSA ahead of the trial’s start date.

 

“Improving safe access to contraception is essential to improving health care for all Australians,” Mr Kelly said.

 

“PSA is proud to be leading the way in pharmacist education and supporting the development of pharmacy scope of practice.

 

“PSA has developed a comprehensive training course tailored to the NSW oral contraceptive trial, arming pharmacists with the latest clinical information and giving them the skills and knowledge for the continuation of appropriate contraception.

 

“This is about making sure that Australians can access contraception when and where they need it,” Mr Kelly concluded.

 

NSW Pharmacists can enrol in the NSW – Contraception Essentials training program here.

 

For more information on the NSW Pharmacy Trial, visit NSW Health.

 

 

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

Updated treatment guidelines for salbutamol and terbutaline

7 September 2023

 

Marking National Asthma Awareness Week (1-7 September), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched updated treatment guidelines for pharmacists supplying salbutamol and terbutaline inhalers to patients suffering from asthma.

 

The updated treatment guidelines reflect the new Professional Practice Standards and include updated information about over reliance on short-acting beta₂-agonists (SABA).

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS says pharmacists have an increasingly important role to play in supporting patients to move away from relievers and toward preventers.

 

“Around 2.7 million or 11 per cent of Australians suffer from asthma, with PBS data indicating a growing reliance on relievers as treatment,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Over reliance on SABA relievers can increase the risk of severe asthma flare-ups and reduce the effectiveness of emergency treatments.

 

“The updated treatment guidelines support pharmacists to identify when it is appropriate to supply reliever inhalers to patients, and when their asthma may not be appropriately controlled.

 

“The guidelines also reinforce the importance of checking asthma symptom control, adherence, and inhaler technique at every opportunity.

 

“As the most accessible healthcare practitioners, community pharmacists are well placed to play a greater role in patient education and awareness of asthma-related harms, identify opportunity for clinical intervention and improve the safe and effective use of inhalers. When undertaking complex medication reviews, credentialled pharmacists are also best placed to make recommendations to optimise the use of treatments and management of asthma.

 

“We all have a role to play to encourage patients requesting SABA relievers to visit their medical practitioner to review their condition and make sure that they are receiving appropriate long-term care.”

 

PSA is urging all pharmacists to familiarise themselves with the updated guidelines, available at Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook | Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (psa.org.au)

 

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

Overdose report shows more needs to be done

28 August 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling for governments, health workers and support organisations to work together to do more to tackle the ongoing challenge of deaths caused by intentional and unintentional drug overdose. 

 

The Penington Institute’s Annual Overdose Report, released today, found there were 2,231 unintentional drug-induced deaths in Australia in 2021. Opioids and benzodiazepines were among the most common drugs involved in accidental overdose deaths.  

 

The report showed more than two-thirds of all unintentional drug-induced deaths involved two or more drug types (72.5%), with presence of benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, lorazepam and alprazolam) increasingly implicated in unintentional drug-induced deaths.  Anti-depressants (38%), stimulants (35%), and alcohol (25%) were also observed in unintentional deaths with two or more drug types.  

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS said the report was a sobering reminder of the work still to be done to prevent avoidable harm from drug, including prescription medicines.  

 

“More Australians are using more medicines than ever before, and prescribing of multiple medicines to manage health conditions is increasingly common,” Dr Sim said. “However, some drug-drug combinations dramatically increase risk of unintentional drug-related death or hospitalisation, as this data tragically shows. 

 

“Real Time Prescription Monitoring is now available and must be used by health professionals to have non-judgemental conversations with people about the potential risks associated with medicines – and particularly when multiple medicines are being used at the same time. RTPM is making an impact but is not the whole answer. More solutions are needed. 

 

“As health professionals, we need to expand the way we assess risk. We need to recognise that medicine sharing happens and should form a routine part of all patient conversations about risk.  

 

“We need to offer Take Home Naloxone routinely and repeatedly to any person at-risk of experiencing or witnessing opioid overdose, and to people taking other medicines in combination with prescribed or illicit opioids.” 

 

Dr Sim called for more support for our health workforce to have conversations with potentially at-risk individuals in a meaningful, non-judgemental and supportive way, including by increasing access to training, guidelines, peer support and fostering collaboration of health teams. 

 

“Pharmacists work with at-risk individuals every day, but need better funding and support to be able to make a meaningful impact in reducing death and injury which drug overdose can cause. This includes building workforce capacity to be more active in deprescribing roles, particularly in primary care,” she said. 

 

“Pharmacists are the custodians of safe use of medicines, we are the key to reducing medicine-related harm. Pharmacists should be empowered and supported to do more to prevent medicine-related harm.   

 

“Every unintentional medicine-related harm is a failure of our health system. There is clearly more work to be done. I commend the Pennington Institute for producing this annual report, and for its impact over the previous eight years.” 

 

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

Renewed partnership to enhance support for pharmacy students

24 August 2023

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership to enhance support for pharmacy students at 18 universities across Australia.

 

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ensures that students are supported throughout their studies and professional development.

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS recognises the importance of supporting pharmacy students as the future of the profession.

 

“PSA has a long and proud history of supporting pharmacy students, who make up a vital part of our profession and PSA’s membership,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Our role is to ensure that our profession has a vibrant and strong future, and that our members have rewarding and exciting career pathways.

 

“Through our partnership with NAPSA, we are giving pharmacy students around Australia the opportunity to engage with the broader profession, having their voices heard on the issues that affect them and their futures.

 

“As the peak body representing pharmacists in all practice settings, we are supporting future pharmacists to help shape their profession.

 

“We are proud to continue to support the vital role of NAPSA and pharmacy students,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

NAPSA President Bano Serhan said the renewed agreement “will continue to provide students with the best opportunities to engage in a professional environment alongside their education.

 

“NAPSA’s members are best served by our close relationships with industry organisations, and with the keen interest of the new Board in policy and advocacy, I am looking forward to the year ahead working closely with the PSA.

 

“Pharmacy students know they have NAPSA and PSA in their corner, and this renewed agreement will continue that tradition.

 

“Supporting future pharmacists will cement our industry as the leading primary healthcare service in Australia.”

 

 

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