ePlacebo - The Travel Edition (November/December)

THE Travel Edition

eplacebo

COVER ART

BY KENYON COX

MIA AVRAM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER EDN

Principal Sponsors

Proudly Sponsored by:

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Content Page President’s Report - Bano Serhan Navigating Health While Travelling: The Role of the Pharmacist - Jala Moushi, PSA 2024 PSA Conferences Pharmacy Guild of Australia Conferences Supporting the pharmacy profession through events - PDL SHPA ANZCAP SHPA Free Student Membership Navigating the World of Pharmacy Through Locum Work: A Passport to Professional Growth - Sue Muller, LocumCo RXplorer Conversations This Travel Season - CWH Don’t get caught out with cybercrime this festive season - FRED Self-Care in the Holiday Season - PSS College Intern Training Program PSA Free Student Membership PSA Intern Training Program The Gold Standard for Pharmacy - Gold Cross PSA Upcoming Events

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President's Report PRESIDENT 23/24

Dear NAPSA members,

Bano Serhan

As we bid farewell to another year of hard work and study, and welcome in a welldeserved break, it is with great pleasure that I present the last edition of ePlacebo for 2023 The Travel Edition. This marks my third ePlacebo report, and I am excited to share the strides we've made together.

First and foremost, I am delighted to announce the closure of the National Pharmacy Students Survey (NPSS). The data collected from this initiative will be instrumental in shaping and steering our profession going into the future. Thank you to every person who participated in the survey, your contribution is a testament to the passion of our community, and I look forward to the positive impact this data will have on the future of pharmacy.

Another exciting update was the inaugural APSJ Info Night, hosted by the Australian Pharmacy Students' Journal, which proved to be a resounding success. The enthusiasm displayed by the APSJ team, as well as all members in attendance, is truly commendable, and I am thrilled to say that many more of these Info Nights are in the pipeline, becoming a regular event going into 2024. If you are interested in the APSJ, whether it be submitting a research or opinion piece, or becoming a student reviewer, please reach out to Annabelle (research@napsa.org.au), and/or attend one of the upcoming Info Nights.

NAPSA recently co-hosted a virtual Student Exchange Program (SEP) with the USA, Canada, and Korea, forging connections globally and broadening the horizons of our members. Students in attendance were able to look beyond pharmacy in Australia, collaborating and discussing with students from across the globe. There was also the opportunity to learn more and better understand student exchange opportunities. The success of this event reaffirms NAPA’s commitment to providing diverse and enriching opportunities for our members, and I encourage anyone interested in similar opportunities to reach out to Zineb (seo@napsa.org.au), our IPSF Chair.

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The NAPSA Student Research Poster Competition concluded at the end of November, and I thank every student who entered. I extend heartfelt congratulations to our winners, Emma Atkinson, our first-place winner, Suzanne Soudah for second place, and Zineb Medrek for third place. I look forward to seeing all of your future achievements. A special thank you also to the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) for their help in judging the poster competition. Thank you to A/Prof Lisa Kalisch Ellett, Dr Chiao Xin Lim, Dr Lynn Cheong, and Dr Julie Stevens. We had a record number of submissions this year, and I’m sure choosing a winner was no easy feat.

In the spirit of nurturing talent, we proudly awarded five scholarships to attend NAPSA Congress 2024 in Hobart. These scholarships serve as a testament to our commitment to supporting the growth and development of our members.

Congratulations to the recipients, and I look forward to seeing you in Tasmania for what promises to be an exceptional event.

As we reflect on the past months, and in the spirit of ‘The Travel Edition’, let us not forget the incredible initiatives that have shaped our association and provided such incredible opportunities for so many of our members. I extend my gratitude to each and every one of you for your dedication and active participation. The year ahead holds exciting possibilities, and I am confident that, together, we will continue to elevate NAPSA to new heights.

Wishing you all a rejuvenating break and looking forward to reconnecting in the coming year.

Yours truly, Bano Serhan National President 2023/2024 president@napsa.org.au

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NATIONAL CONFERENCE

APP

AUSTRALIAN PHARMACY PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE & TRADE EXHIBITION

14-17 MARCH, 2024 Gold Coast, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

APP is the largest pharmacy conference in the southern hemisphere, attracting up to 7,000 proprietors, pharmacists, interns, students, pharmacy assistants and industry professionals to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre for networking, upskilling and professional development each year.

Community pharmacists and industry professionals embraced APP 2023 with more than 7,450 attendees, making the conference its most successful in the 33-year history of the event! This year’s most memorable speakers included Hon. Mark Butler Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care and Mark Burdon, UK pharmacist prescriber and Secretary General of World Pharmacy Council.

With discounted student rates, APP is a must-do for pharmacy students. APP has a designated Early Career Pharmacist workshop stream, as well as a NAPSA Alumni networking drinks event. If the ample education and trade opportunities aren’t enough for you, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the APP Street Party, the best and biggest party of the year on the Australian pharmacy calendar!

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PHARMACY CONNECT

5-7 SEPTEMBER, 2024 Sydney, Hyatt Regency Sydney

In 2023, more than 1,300 pharmacy owners, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, students, and industry representatives gathered at Hyatt Regency Sydney to discuss the future of pharmacy and to embrace the conference theme ‘Make every connection matter’.

Officially opened by the Premier of New South Wales, the honourable Chris Minns at Thursday evening’s Welcome Reception, the Premier welcomed delegates to New South Wales and formally announced the NSW Government’s commitment to implement a Full Scope of Practice Pilot.

The Pharmacy Connect Student Summit is also held in conjunction with the main conference.

Last year, the half-day program had a mix of clinical and career-ready topics to engage and empower pharmacy students who were in attendance from all over Australia. One of the highlights of the summit was the informative session on Cannabis Medicine Dispensing delivered by MedReleaf. The summit came to an explosive end with motivational speaker and martial arts expert Nadine Champion, who outlined strategies for facing your fears in her presentation on ‘10 seconds of courage’. She even got one of the students to karate-chop a board with her at the end - and they succeeded!

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

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STATE-BASED CONFERENCES

WA FORUM

8-9 AUGUST, 2024

Perth, Crown Perth

The WA Forum in Perth is an influential annual gathering for community pharmacy professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry. Renowned for its insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge discussions, it serves as a cornerstone event empowering pharmacy leaders and practitioners with the latest advancements and strategies in healthcare.

We thank the Premier, The Hon. Roger Cook MLA, for officially opening The Pharmacy WA Forum 2023. Over 500 delegates heard the Premier talk about the important role that pharmacies play as part of the healthcare network. We welcomed the Premier's commitment to working with the WA Branch to implement autonomous prescribing.

TASMANIAN PHARMACY CONFERENCE

TBC, 2024

Hobart, Tasmania

The Tasmanian Pharmacy Conference stands as the premier and exclusive annual event dedicated to the pharmacy community in Tasmania. Offering a unique platform for local practitioners and industry experts, it provides tailored insights, professional development, and networking opportunities crucial to advancing pharmacy practice within the region.

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Navigating the World of Pharmacy Through Locum Work: A Passport to Professional Growth The path to becoming a seasoned pharmacist doesn't have to be stationary. In fact, for many pharmacy students and newly registered pharmacists, locum work can be a passport to not only see the country but also to accelerate professional growth. It presents a unique opportunity to gain diverse experience, understand the nuances of different pharmacy operations, and develop a versatile skill set.

Locum work, or temporary work, in the field of pharmacy, is an avenue that allows pharmacists to work in various settings, from community pharmacies to hospital wards, and everything in between. It's an enriching journey that can take you from the bustling city centers to serene rural towns. Here’s how travel and locum work can shape your career in pharmacy: 1. Diverse Experience: Each placement is different, and working in multiple environments equips locum pharmacists with a broad range of skills. You'll adapt to different systems, procedures, and patient demographics, which will enhance your resume and your adaptability as a healthcare professional.

2. Flexibility and Freedom: Locum work offers the flexibility to choose when and where you work. This autonomy can be particularly appealing to individuals who enjoy traveling and want to balance work with exploration and personal time.

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2. hi 3. Networking Opportunities: Traveling as a locum pharmacist enables you to meet a variety of professionals in the field. These connections can lead to future job opportunities, mentorships, and collaborations.

4. Professional Development: Taking on locum roles often requires quickly learning new skills and systems. This constant learning curve is a great way to stay updated with the latest practices and technologies in pharmacy.

5. Financial Benefits: Locum pharmacists often receive competitive pay, and in some cases, may receive additional benefits such as travel allowances and accommodation. This can be a financially savvy way to work while experiencing different parts of the country.

For pharmacy students and new pharmacists, the world is your oyster, and locum work can be the ship that sails you to a myriad of opportunities. It's more than a job; it's a lifestyle choice that fosters professional development, personal growth, and an adventurous spirit. So, pack your bags and your knowledge, and set out on an exciting journey that will expand your horizons within the pharmacy profession.

Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with diverse experiences and opportunities? Consider locum work as a stepping stone to achieving your career goals while satisfying your wanderlust. Contact LocumCo to find out how you can start your adventure in locum pharmacy work today.

Written by Sue Muller

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Connecting Tomorrow's www.napsa.org.au

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DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT WITH CYBERCRIME THIS FESTIVE SEASON During pharmacy’s busiest time, it is important to be extra vigilant as cyber criminals also up their activity. Traditionally Christmas and the New Year period sees an uptick in phishing emails, particularly shopping and shipping scams. Phishing emails account for close to 90% of all successful cyber attacks we see in pharmacies. Often this results in a ransomware attack where your pharmacy’s data and/or PCs are encrypted, and a ransom demanded to unlock your valuable data. Such an interruption at this time of the year would be disastrous.

With not only pharmacies seeing an uptick in stock received many staff members also are shopping online and expecting deliveries, either to home or sometimes the pharmacy. It’s the perfect storm that sees someone click on that malicious link.

With that in mind please take a few minutes to view highlights from the Cyber Security presentation made recently at Pharmacy Connect by Andrew McManus, Fred IT Group. This covers your pharmacy’s obligations in keeping customer data safe; emerging threats that are evolving, understanding who has access to your data; and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your pharmacy.

Cyber security refresher for pharmacy Who has access to your data? Supply chain attack (3 mins) Emerging threats - Artificial Intelligence (6.5 mins) Impact of a data breach on a small business (5 mins) Common cyber attacks in pharmacies (6 mins) Watch the videos at https://vimeo.com/showcase/10731105

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SELF-CARE IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON While the holidays can be a wonderful time for relaxation and quality time with loved ones, it can also be a busy, stressful and overwhelming time. Whether you are travelling this season, working through the holidays, visiting friends or family, or just attending many holiday events, it’s important to prioritise self-care during this time.

How can you care for yourself during the holiday season?

Set some boundaries around your time, even if that means saying ‘no’. It’s okay to have some time to yourself and it can be stressful having too many commitments.

Set aside some time for activities that may help you to relax: e.g., meditation, mindfulness techniques, yoga, or reading. Fantastic free videos are available online that can guide you through some beginner’s yoga stretches if this is new for you.

Prioritise rest and sleep, especially if you are travelling or have many events to attend.

Plan ahead to reduce stress wherever possible.

Eat well and stay hydrated – if travelling, bring some healthy snacks and water with you for the journey.

If you are flying, try to get up and move about occasionally during the flight.

Upon arrival at your destination, take some time to adjust to the new surroundings (and time zone if applicable). This might mean taking a nap or going for a walk in the fresh air.

While away on holiday, try to set aside times to relax, take a breather, and enjoy some good food. Sightseeing and other activities can be draining and it can help to balance it out with lots of rest time in between.

Connect with loved ones – it’s a wonderful time to catch up with those in your circle. Don’t be afraid to seek support if needed.

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An extra recommendation from us at PSS is to always try to have another break, holiday, or trip planned, so that you have something to look forward to. Perhaps you may like to look ahead into the new year and see when and where you can plan your next break.

Taking care of yourself will allow you to be present and really enjoy the holidays, however you have chosen to celebrate this year.

Travelling and celebrating can be tiring, so focus on prioritising your well-being along the way and make the most of the break from the day-to-day stressors of work, study, and life. Give yourself a real rest, and aim to return in the new year feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The Pharmacists’ Support Service is available for free and confidential support on 1300 244 910, 8am–11pm AEDT every day of the year. Our volunteers provide a listening ear and non-judgmental support to pharmacists, interns, and pharmacy students, so please utilise the service if you would like to speak to someone who understands, especially during the holiday season.

Remember to take care of yourself for a safe and happy start to the new year!

Bethany Alley, PSS Communications Coordinator

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PSA Upcoming Events For more information on any of the PSA’s Upcoming Events, check out their website https://www.psa.org.au/networking-events/all-events/

February 2024

Canberra 10 February - ACT Pharmacist Awards Cocktail Reception NSW 16-18 February - NSW Annual Therapeutic Update (NSW Central Coast) Online 21 February - Live Webinar: Mastering Shingles Vaccination

Edited by Mia Avram NAPSA Publications Chair 2023/2024 email: publications@napsa.org.au

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