At Peak, we're not just about staying ahead in the pharmacy industry; we're all about immersing ourselves in the heart of it. So, when Patricia, (Bookkeeping Manager), and Priya, Director, jetted off to the Australian Pharmacy Conference (APP) 2024, it was more than just a conference—it was an adventure. Let's dive into their three-day whirlwind, filled with insights and connections.
Day One
Picture Patricia, wide-eyed, stepping into the buzzing APP for the first time. But before she could even dive into the wealth of knowledge awaiting her, there were smiles, and reunions galore. And then, the announcement—the Pharmacy of the Year award. The cheers were deafening as Capital Chemist in Southlands claimed the title, with Stacey Fuller and Louise McLean leading the charge with their innovative approach to healthcare.
Trent Twomey, Guild national president, set the tone with his opening speech, delving into the ever-evolving landscape of pharmacy. From discussing the 60 Day Dispensing model to the importance of community trust, his words sparked lively conversations that echoed throughout the day Lastly, he mentioned 8CPA’s has the deadline of 1 July 2024. And oh, let's not forget the trade show at night—Patricia practically returned home with a treasure trove of goodies, much to the envy of the entire team!
Day Two
Day two kicked off with a celebration of women in pharmacy, where Priya and Patricia represented Women in Pharmacy WA at the Women's Networking Lunch. Amidst empowering conversations and shared experiences, they had the privilege of hearing from Shannon Fentiman, the Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services, who championed initiatives aimed at advancing women's health in Queensland.
But the highlight of the day? That was reserved for Richard Harris, whose inspiring story left Priya, and let's be honest, the entire audience, in tears. Dr Richard “Harry” Harris, an Australian anaesthetist, channels his passion for cave diving into exploring new frontiers worldwide. In 2018, he and his diving companion became pivotal figures in the Tham Luang cave rescues in Thailand. Harris detailed how they utilised their medical skills and cave diving experience to maintain composure amidst intense pressure and scrutiny. They adapted to the ever-evolving conditions, ultimately rescuing the young boys and their coach whose fate rested in their hands.
And after a day filled with empowerment and inspiration, Priya and Patricia attended the CBA cocktail party, soaking in the atmosphere and making memories.
Day Three
On the final day, Patricia watched the discussions on integrating full-scope pharmacist services into community pharmacy practice. The panel emphasised the significance of effective communication and raising awareness within both the community and the team. They expressed overall optimism and anticipated rewarding outcomes for pharmacists in supporting the community. Additionally, they highlighted the collaborative nature of working alongside GP’s rather than in opposition. Armed with enthusiasm and determination, she soaked in every insight, ready to bring back fresh ideas to the team. And yes, she may have brought back a few more goodies from the trade show—who can resist those irresistible freebies?
The day was also marked by candid discussions on menopause, led by Andria Aird and A/Prof Erin Morton, who approached the topic with honesty, humour, and empathy. But it was Rabia Siddique's keynote address that truly stole the show, leaving Priya and everyone in attendance challenged and inspired to make a difference in their own spheres. Rabia, a former British Army officer and human rights lawyer, achieved legal victory against the UK Ministry of Defence for discrimination. This came after they neglected to recognise her contributions to rescuing two captured Special Forces soldiers in war-torn Iraq in 2008. Her case underscored the essence of demonstrating moral courage, setting a leadership example, and steadfastly upholding principles despite criticism, adversity, and personal sacrifice in the pursuit of equality.
One key takeaway from APP was that the Health Minister, Mark Butler mentioned that 8CPA is cementing 60 Day Dispensing for pharmacies and the policy isn’t going anywhere. For our team, they were most interested in the conversations around full scope of pharmacy, and how this will aid pharmacies to pivot in this ever changing climate.
From reunions to tear-jerking keynote addresses, APP was more than just a conference—it was an experience.Priya and Patricia returned Sunday, laden with goodies and brimming with inspiration, Stay tuned for more adventures and insights from the team at Peak Strategies!