The Pharmacy Guild of Australia's Annual Parliamentary Dinner, held last month, brought together nearly 400 politicians, stakeholders, and Guild members in a celebration of community pharmacy's vital role in Australia's healthcare system. The event provided a unique opportunity for networking, collaboration, and showcasing the achievements of the sector.
In his address, National President Trent Twomey emphasised the historic contributions of pharmacists in delivering accessible care to local communities. He also reiterated the importance of empowering pharmacists to work to their full scope to ensure patients can access timely and affordable health care. Read his full speech here.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced pharmacists will be able to earn the title Doctor of Pharmacy at the Pharmacy Guild Annual Parliamentary Dinner
One of the evening's highlights was the announcement from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler that pharmacy students who complete a Level 9 Extended Masters will soon earn the title Doctor of Pharmacy.
Specifically, the change means graduates of an approved Australian Qualifications Framework Level 9 Masters (Extended) of Pharmacy will earn the title of Doctor of Pharmacy. It elevates the pharmacy profession in line with the recognition given to other health professionals such as physiotherapists, podiatrists, optometrists and dentists. Study for the Masters (Extended) will include the intern year and graduates will be able to participate in the full scope of practice upon their registration.
As the formalities concluded, the evening took a delightful turn with a surprise performance by the band Left Right Out. Led by Labor MP and Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Tony Burke, the group featured politicians, staffers, and journalists. Their energetic and upbeat performance left an impression and marked a memorable end to the night.
Understanding the changes
On 9 December, nearly 600 student pharmacists signed up to attend a briefing session to understand more about what the changes mean for the profession. Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey was joined by Council of Pharmacy Schools ANZ President Professor Kevin Baty and NAPSA National President Sebastian Harper. The session outlined the rationale and importance of the title, earning and employment opportunities for pharmacy graduates, and detail of the transition as plans develop for courses that will earn graduates the title Doctor of Pharmacy.
"This is not the first time that our profession has transitioned. We have done this before, and we will do it again—organisations like the Guild and NAPSA will be with you every step of the way," said Professor Twomey.
"The title of doctor being bestowed on you is the recognition and respect that quite frankly you deserve. It reflects the level of trust and responsibility that you have and the extra range of services that you will be able to deliver to the Australian public."
The Guild is working closely with Uuniversities to encourage changes to the base registerable degree that will mean when Ppharmacy students graduate they are ready to practice to full scope.
"Universities are very good at training registerable-ready graduates, but as a profession we haven't asked our universities to do this until now, the incorporation of the intern year will mean you can register upon graduation."
Ultimately, the elevated standing gained from the enhanced training requirements and title will benefit patients and help drive the profession forward.
“If I want to give the best clinical service to my patients, I need to have the best clinicians working and running my pharmacy," Professor Twomey concluded.
The evening also featured fantastic exhibitors highlighting pharmacists' contributions to patient care, from sleep apnoea and asthma management to vaccinations and specialist health services. The Guild extends its gratitude to members and exhibitors who attended, engaged with guests, and showcased the critical role of community pharmacies in supporting health and wellbeing.
