Hello, everyone! It's been a while since my last blog, and although I wish I could say it's been a quiet few weeks, so much has happened. I want to highlight two standout events that occurred during this period: the government's introduction of the 60-day dispensing measure in the recent Federal Budget, and the opportunity I had to host a panel discussion at the inaugural Women in Pharmacy Western Australia (WIPWA) networking event.
Let's briefly touch upon the 60-day dispensing measure, as I'm sure you've already read and heard plenty about it. The announcement of this measure came as a complete shock to everyone in the industry. However, it has sparked an emotional and overwhelming response from key stakeholders, leading to an inspiring industry-wide call for solidarity and action.
The other event that stood out for me was the WIPWA networking event. Together with Julie Bishop and Negar Almassi, we launched WIPWA and organized our first event—a panel discussion. We invited four amazing women at different stages of their pharmacy careers to join the panel. While our primary focus was on the 60-day measure and its impact, we also delved into each woman's unique journey to ownership.
What struck me the most was the realisation that, among all the women (and two charming men) in the room, almost every single one of us had achieved something substantial at some point, whether it was a personal or a career goal. Yet, each of us also experienced significant self-doubt and low self-confidence. When one of our panelists addressed this topic, I could see nods of recognition on almost everyone's faces in the audience. I, too, have experienced these feelings. We all strive to be at the top of our game and aim to be everything to everyone. However, when we fall short or are unable to achieve that, we tend to see ourselves as failures.
Now, I don't claim to be an expert in this area by any means but being in the company of so many incredible women who feel the same way brought me a sense of ease. Moreover, knowing that I am part of a network that allows me to connect with women who have found different ways to navigate these moments of self-doubt is truly encouraging.
I am delighted that WIPWA was warmly received. We all need a safe space where we can converse with like-minded individuals who are willing to listen and share their experiences. By providing this forum, I'm confident that we can inspire more brilliant pharmacists to take the next step in their journey toward ownership.
If you're interested in joining the Women in Pharmacy Western Australia (WIPWA) network and discovering how it can support and empower pharmacists on their journey to ownership, visit our website at https://womeninpharmacywa.net/. Explore the resources, connect with like-minded individuals, and be a part of this vibrant community. Together, we can make a difference in the world of pharmacy. Join us today and let your voice be heard!