AWARD - Charles Sturt University€¦ · CSU award-winning graduates Five ways to success in small...

Charles sturt university Pharmacy Foundation | PaGe 1

charles Sturt university Pharmacy Foundation 2012/13 Edition

AWARD WINNING GRADUATES

INSIDE THIS ISSUECSU award-winning graduates

Five ways to success in small business

Robert’s gift to research

NAPSA CSU 2012 RUNDoWN

PaGe 2 | ScriPt maGaZinE Charles sturt university Pharmacy Foundation | PaGe 3

it is with great pleasure that i greet our graduates and supporters of the Bachelor of Pharmacy at Charles sturt university (Csu).

at the beginning of this year i moved to Csu from the position of senior Deputy vice-Chancellor at James Cook university. it is a privilege and an honour to be taking on the role of vice-Chancellor of Csu and i look forward to building on the enormous contribution Csu has made to rural and regional australia.

On joining Csu i have been really struck by the affection that staff, students and alumni have for the university and i have found it a very welcoming community. i have chosen to work in the university sector because education and research seem to me to be unquestioned areas of public good and, in particular, i really enjoy the strong contribution that regionally based universities make to their communities.

i am committed to advancing the university’s essential partnerships with our stakeholders and continuing to ensure our resources are targeted so that our facilities, curriculum and staff are all focussed on meeting the needs of students and our communities.

thank you for maintaining an interest in Charles sturt university and its Pharmacy program and i look forward to working in partnership with you all in the future.

Professor andrew Vann vice-Chancellor and President

introduction

contEntSWelcome 2

Introduction 3

Robert’s gift to research 4

Award-winning graduates 5

Hi, I’m a first-year 6

Research at CSU 7

NAPSA Congress 8

Going outback 10

The CSU international experience 13

What is your competitive 14 edge?

Staff profile 16

Spotlight on alumni 17

Five reasons to study 18 Small Business Management

Pharmacy Foundation 20 membership

Pharmacy committEE

WElcomE from associate Professor lyn angel, head of the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Mr Malcolm rosborough

email: [email protected]

Phone: 0412 727 092

Mr Paul Mahoney


Phone: 02 9638 7831

Mr Peter Gissing


Phone: 0419 358 063

associate Professor lyn angel

email: [email protected] Phone: 02 6933 2836

Mr Michael Flannery


Phone: 02 9248 2611

Professor Patrick Ball

email: [email protected] Phone: 02 6933 2445

Mrs Meagan Gunn (nee Doyle)

vice-Chair


Phone: 02 6862 2411

Mr Dick Marris

Chair


Phone: 0437 350 906

it is a privilege to head the school of Biomedical sciences at Csu. the school is a multidisciplinary school, where the students

engage with peers from across a range of health (animal and human) courses in a setting which gives full access to academics who have a wide range of expertise, from biochemistry to microbiology, to respiratory physiology, asthma management, pathology, neuroscience, genetics, ethics and of course those intimately part of the pharmacy profession and discipline, who bring their passion and lateral thinking to the course and student learning experience.

We have recently provided our pharmacy students with opportunities not seen in other pharmacy programs including vaccination, mental health with a focus on indigenous health, and business qualifications.

Csu has a huge commitment university-wide to workplace learning and hence our staff and students have a much greater understanding of workplace learning requirements, specific needs and related issues.

We ensure our pharmacy placement exposure is varied from rural or remote indigenous communities, to metropolitan community and hospital environments.

this type of experience, combined with state-of-the-art on campus facilities, such as the virtual pharmacy facilities in

Wagga Wagga, and those currently being developed at our Orange Campus, and regular engagement with guest lecturers through audiovisual technology across our two campuses, ensures our students enjoy a varied, rigorous and challenging learning environment.

the Csu Pharmacy Foundation is actively committed to supporting the school’s pharmacy program to ensure we continue to provide a unique learning experience for our students as they prepare to join the pharmacy profession, such a highly respected health profession.

“We have recently provided our pharmacy students with opportunities not seen in other pharmacy programs...”


Robert and Diane Lazzarini gifted $25,000 to the Charles Sturt University School of Biomedical Sciences for pharmaceutical research, leaving the specific use of the donation to Patrick Ball,

Foundation Professor of Rural Pharmacy.

“I have a research thread looking at the problems arising with medications in parenteral (IV) fluid systems or ‘drips’,” Professor Ball said.

“A lot of this work is looking for small particles trapped on filter membranes or changes to emulsified lipid droplets. For this work I previously had a 1962 vintage Leitz monocular microscope.

“After wide consultation within the Pharmacy group and the wider School of Biomedical Sciences it became apparent that the purchase of a new state-of-the-art microscope system with digital imaging would fit within the available resources and not only significantly facilitate my research, but also contribute to the needs of a number of other researchers,” he said.

After approval, an end-of-line microscope was purchased at a significant discount, making the donation stretch still further.

“We now have a current, fully integrated package from a top-line manufacturer (Nikon) capable of a range of additional techniques including fluorescence, compared

“We anticipate this will support research activities for at least another 10 to 15 years.”

to the previous instrument, and with a much more sophisticated, fully integrated digital imaging system.

“We anticipate this will support a range of research activities within the School for at least another 10 to 15 years. This will make existing projects much easier and quicker to do compared to the previous system and provide support in the wider school for a range of possible projects that the previous system could not.

“We are extremely grateful to Robert and Diane for this most generous gift. The overall research capability of the Pharmacy program and the School of Biomedical Sciences has been significantly enhanced.”

Associate Professor Lyn Angel, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences (left) unveils the new microscope gifted to the School of Biomedical Sciences with Robert and Diane Lazzarini.

aWard-WinninG GraduatESthe Pharmacy Guild of nsW has awarded its 2011 and 2012 awards for nsW intern of the year to graduates of Csu’s Pharmacy course.

Sally Whiting won the award in 2011 having graduated from Csu in Orange in 2010, with first-class honours. she then undertook her intern year in Mudgee before returning to Orange to commence work as a registered pharmacist in December 2010 at Blooms the Chemist in Orange.

an opportunity to enter the world of pharmacy ownership arose and on 16 December 2011, sally became a part-owner of two pharmacies, Blooms the Chemist Mudgee (formerly rozanna’s Pharmacy) and southside Pharmacy Mudgee. her business partner is alexandra Keipert, also a Csu graduate who was sally’s preceptor in 2010.

“My entry into the workforce has been very rewarding and fulfilling. Owning a pharmacy was something i had always dreamed to one day do, however i hadn’t anticipated it to occur so early in my career. i am very grateful for the fantastic opportunity which has presented me with a new array of challenges and many more learning opportunities.

roBErt’S GiFt to rESEarch

“i am very much enjoying my life as a pharmacist and pharmacy owner, despite the lack of sleep,” sally said.

“Completing my intern year in a rural setting provided me with a diverse range of opportunities to apply my knowledge, enthusiasm and to help improve people’s quality of life. in rural areas people have less access to health services which further emphasises the role the pharmacist plays within the community.

“i think my hard work and dedication at university, combined with my year practising in a rural pharmacy, helped me to win the nsW intern of the year. the award meant a lot to me, it was humbling to be acknowledged by my peers.

“Csu taught me to problem-solve and locate the information i require in a timely manner. these skills are invaluable in the pharmacy setting on a daily basis. Csu also taught me to be a self-starter and to take the initiative needed to reach my goals.

“have fun, enjoy your time at university. i can assure you that the sleep-ins and mid-week bar nights don’t continue on once you start practising as a pharmacist. time management is the key to success. Grab hold of any opportunity you are presented with and make the most of it. Challenge yourself. Who knows what you’re capable of achieving.”

Daniel Flavel - CSU graduate Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

“It has been a long and rewarding journey since I first moved to Orange as an uncertain 18-year-old in 2008. I have completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy with first-class Honours, been awarded the University Medal for outstanding academic excellence throughout my degree, married and started a family.

“Charles Sturt University maintains a high standard of education and this was one of the attractions of the Orange Campus. I preferred a rural university where I would be able to feel more at home. I found that the class sizes were smaller, which meant that I was able to get to know the lecturers and they were able to get to know me. The teaching staff were approachable, available to answer questions and were very willing to invest in us as students.

“Throughout my studies it has been really important for me to be able to connect with pharmacists practising in rural NSW. I was mentored throughout my degree by Ian Howle from Tamworth. I also had the opportunity to work at several CountryPharm pharmacies

during my studies. These influences have helped to shape the pharmacist that I am today and I am grateful for their time and efforts. I have also been greatly influenced by Kate Gray and all of the staff at Peter Smith Chemmart.

“To those budding pharmacists and pharmacy students out there, I would say that you should work as hard at university as possible to get the most out of the course because you are going to need every bit of it when you graduate.

“Try to get as much experience in pharmacies and talk to as many pharmacists as possible. Make sure that you take the time to enjoy your studies!”

Jane Smithard won the award in 2012 having graduated from Csu in 2011. Jane secured her internship in Wagga Wagga, split between the public and private hospitals at australian Pharmaceutical healthcare systems (aPhs) Pharmacy Wagga at Calvary hospital and Wagga Wagga Base hospital.

“i was soon offered a position as the sole pharmacist at the private hospital which i, of course, accepted, as an opportunity like that doesn’t present itself every day. My acceptance was not without a little fear of the new role of being a manager after only just becoming a fully-fledged pharmacist.”


Jack Buckley Bachelor of Pharmacy first-year student

“this year i was elected the first-year representative for the Orange Pharmacy students association (OPsa). this opportunity has broadened my perspective on all aspects of pharmacy, from what Csu offers to who’s who in the industry.

“OPsa is a great support network for students. they not only offer advice on the course itself, they supply support material such as discounted textbooks and also arrange social events across all universities so we can get to know our future colleagues.

“Our lecturers here in Orange offer great provision to all students. small class sizes are pivotal to developing good relations leading to success. Michael Flannery (pharmacist and entrepreneur) has been a great role model to me. he has offered me advice on why to choose pharmacy and the future that the industry may face. he has also given me the opportunity of continual work experience so i gather an understanding of the profession, in particular in a rural context.

“this has sculpted my goals and what i want to achieve in pharmacy, which is to stay in a rural context, as the role of a pharmacist is much greater and more challenging than that of a metropolitan pharmacist. this is often due to the pharmacist being the first port of call to consumers with limited availability of resources in the health care system in rural areas. i also hope to work with indigenous australians as it offers a complex and challenging opportunity to decrease the mortality rate of indigenous people, particularly in rural australia.

“Overall, my first six months at Csu has been a very rewarding and interesting journey. i look forward to what the future of Csu and the pharmaceutical industry has to offer!”

morgan Kennedy Bachelor of Pharmacy first-year student, year representative 2012 Pharmers’ Society for Pharmacy Students

“it has been quite an experience to be a first-year pharmacy student at Charles sturt university and being part of Pharmers has made that experience all the more worthwhile. Getting into the rhythm of being a university student trying to maintain a study pattern and complete all assessments has been a bit of a juggle, but it seems that most are settling in quite well.

“apart from studying we have come to realise that university can also be a constant party with events happening every other night. Being a part of Pharmers has also allowed a lot of first-years to settle in and has been a great way to allow us to make friends, receive advice from different years and has helped us to become even more enthused about becoming pharmacists.”

Photo: Morgan Kennedy receives her Csu Foundation scholarship from Csu Pharmacy committee representative Mr Peter Gissing, after whom the scholarship is named.

hi, i’m a FirSt-yEar

rESEarch at cSuHighlights of Pharmacy research at Charles Sturt University

Anti-mycobacterial drug discovery

Throughout the world, more than 2 billion people have been infected with the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), Mycobacterium tuberculosis. About 10% of that population will go on to develop active TB during their lifetime. The present multi-drug therapy for TB takes approximately six months of constant treatment to be effective in curing the disease.

Multi-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are now present in many countries and are extremely difficult to treat. The unusual, waxy cell wall of the bacterium and its slow growth rate makes this bacterium difficult to penetrate or attack.

The standard live vaccine, developed from Mycobacterium bovis, has a relatively low efficacy. There is a need to develop new anti-tuberculosis drugs to ensure that treatment remains available.

Researchers: Dr Gregg Maynard and Peter Anderson

Australian native plants under investigation for drug development

Under the direction of Dr Philip G. Kerr and Dr Ross Kennedy, researchers at CSU are studying Australian native plants as sources of effective medicines for a range of disease states. Specifically targeted are cancer, diabetes and neurological disorders. Also under the eye are antimicrobial effects of some of our desert flora. Dr Kennedy’s special focus is the development of controlled release formulations of drugs for internal use and external application.

Senior post-doctoral fellow, Dr Ashok K Balaraman, is working on a local member of the plant family Goodeniaceae with a view to identifying the antidiabetic properties found in the plant and related species.

Master of Pharmacy student, Sunil Varikuti, is investigating the release characteristics of compounds found in a paperbark species. This project is aimed at developing topical treatments for skin cancer, including melanoma.

Honours graduate, Tapash Sarker, has made the first forays into using thin layer chromatography as a way of investigating the antimicrobial properties of leaf extracts of a number of semi-arid plant species from the families Myoporaceae and Goodeniaceae.

One pharmacy town research

Most Australians will spend their last 30 years taking at least one medication and their last 10 years taking multiple medications (Medicare, 2009). Australians are living longer but the burden of chronic disease is increasing (Australian Bureau Statistics, 2005). The more the disease advances, the more expensive it becomes to manage. Medication adherence is reported to only be between 20% and 33% (World Health Organization, 2003). Patients with a chronic disease must collect prescription repeats every month, creating an opportunity for further regular intervention.

Rural and remote pharmacies provide more intensive support, clinical intervention and monitoring to selected elderly patients with chronic disease to assess whether the additional input by pharmacists is of specific benefit in small rural communities.

Researchers: Ms Hana Morrissey and Professor Patrick Ball

nEEd a PicK-mE-uP?

Apply online from 4 September 2012

Continuing students applications close 11 november 2012 accommodation applications close 16 January 2013 First-year students applications close 10 February 2013

Apply now: www.csu.edu.au/scholarships/foundation

Charles sturt university FOunDatiOn ScholarShiPSApplying is easy!


naPSa conGrESS cSu 22-28 January 2012by laura tomarchio Bachelor of Pharmacy third-year student cSu in Wagga Wagga President – Pharmers’ Society 2012.

the next 18 months of their lives consisted of meetings, debates and planning. Finally the week was approaching. the Wagga Wagga Congress was held from 22 to 28 January 2012 and jam-packed into these seven long days were some of the most amazing, inspirational and prominent speakers that shape our industry.

NAPSA Congress Wagga Wagga 2012 – Broadening Horizons

Pharmacy students all over Australia wait for one event every year and no, it’s not the High Distinction in our transcripts, celebratory drinks after a stressful exam week or the long-awaited graduation ceremony. It’s NAPSA’s annual Congress.

the national australian Pharmacy students association (naPsa) is a national body that represents approximately 3,500 of australia’s pharmacy students and their interests, and is shaping this ever-changing industry. this dedicated committee, comprised of 17 universities, begins each calendar year with what can only be described as the ultimate pharmacy student experience.

naPsa Congress is a week-long event where 250 pharmacy students from around the nation invade a single city for seven days, comprising educational sessions, networking and intellectual debate.

so what does this have to do with Wagga Wagga? Well, two years ago a group of very dedicated individuals (all pharmacy students) from the Pharmers’ society Wagga Wagga had a crazy idea, to host a naPsa Congress.

Many said it couldn’t be done and that no regional centre had ever hosted such an event. Despite all these remarks, a bid to host the 2012 naPsa Congress was submitted. all of their efforts paid off when Wagga Wagga was granted the honour of providing pharmacy with the ultimate rural experience, and the Wagga Wagga Congress Organising Committee (WWCOC) was formed.

the WWCOC consisted of sean Dodd (Congress Chair), Jaya Mohan (vice President), Pina O’hare (secretary), Bashar ikbarieh (treasurer), lauren ryan (registrations and volunteers Chair), laura Grasso (social Chair), Marion hyde Page (social Chair), thomas ewin (linguistics Chair), Chris hill (linguistics Chair) and sarah Glyde (education Chair).

Speakers who presented included:

• KeynoteSpeaker–JohnJackson

• Vice-ChancellorCharlesSturtUniversity– Professor andrew vann

• AssociateProfessorLynAngel–“Ethics:ethical reasoning and ethical practice as individuals, community members, researchers, health professionals and leaders”

• DrLisaNissen–“Pharmacistssansfrontiers”

• PatHoward–“Thedegreeisonlythebeginning”

• MattCane–ProjectCoordinatorathealth Workforce australia

• AMH2012

• Ruralsession

• FranVaughn–“Pharmacistsinremote–weneed‘em”

• LindySwainandLloydSmith–“Pushingthe boundaries in rural health”

• BenCrough–“Nationalruralhealthstudent’s network”

• WalterMikac-“Unlockingyourpotential”

• AndrewRewell-“Avibrantfutureforretailpharmacy… all it needs is you”

• Interactivesessions:wineandcheesetasting, interview skills, Cv planning, and ethics in health

• Compoundingchallenge

• NAPSAchairupdates

• DrScottAndrews–“Veterinarypharmacy”

• Panel–Discussiontopics: (Moderator: George John)

- Patrick Ball

- nick logan

- Chris Owen

• PharmacyStudentoftheYear-Finals

• GrantKadarchi–PSAPresident–“Current climate in pharmacy”

AUSTRALIAN MEDICINES HANDBOOK

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Pharmers’Society

CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

to make the most of the week for all participants, nightly social events profiling the best of rural lifestyle were run which really helped to cement long-lasting friendships.

the naPsa Congress in Wagga Wagga was hailed a success by all those involved in any aspect of the pharmacy students’ biggest event of the year. it was an enlightening experience that everyone should get involved in and be a part of.

Sponsors of naPSa congress


GoinG outBacK...

Mogila Station placement 15 to 21 April 2012 proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

On August 29 2011, the Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences Associate Professor Lyndall Angel, Hana Morrissey and Professor Patrick Ball, guided by John Nolan, conducted a visit to Mogila Station to determine suitability for fourth-year pharmacy students’ placement.

The bus destined for Orange left CSU’s Wagga Wagga Campus at 6am on 15 April with nine students, driven by Professor Ball. The group met up with an additional seven students from Orange and subject coordinator and lecturer, Hana Morrissey, at Mogila Station nine kilometres north-east of Goodooga, NSW.

The group was joined by John Nolan for the first culture brief over lunch in Dubbo before they arrived at Mogila Station and were hosted by Michael Anderson and his wife, Jutta. Michael (Nyoongar Ghurradjong Murri Ghillar) is the leader of the Euahlayi tribe, a trained lawyer, government advisor and international expert in the rights of Indigenous people. The students gained an understanding of the Aboriginal culture, the rural Australian way of living and pros and cons of the remote health system.

the information passed from the community elders to Csu students was priceless. We were welcomed as a group of people who were visiting the community with aims to form friendships, an understanding of aboriginal culture and to provide advice on quality and safe use of medicine.

Weweretoldthatmanyvisiting‘outsiders’were thought to have ulterior motives, with aims to use the people and their knowledge to serve their own agendas. the communities opened up to the students with a great deal of cultural and personal information. they allowed the students to visit sacred areas where few others have been allowed, including the traditional cemeteries, and old camps where people were forcibly removed and imprisoned in the protected missions.

Political issues that currently affect aboriginal people were discussed with the students while our host conducted a radio interview on the national indigenous radio service. Csu, the students, and the Pharmacy program, were formally introduced and acknowledged by the host, tiger.

land rights, the tent embassy and indigenous anzac Day representation was discussed during the interview. tiger also spoke about the treatment of indigenous australians in law and social policy over the years since settlement.

students were treated to a walk through bushland where they were given the opportunity to try a range of traditional medicinal plants and foods.

Participation in farming and rural activities was an eye-opening experience for students who took part in activities they never imagined existed and were able to gain an aboriginal perspective. they bottle-fed lambs and joeys and enjoyed barbecue lunches with aboriginal communities from Walgett, Weimoringle, Goodooga, Collarenebri and Brewarrina. the students also visited opal outlets in lightning ridge and were given a lesson in opal formation and how to determine opal quality. One group of students learned how to rescue a joey when they found a roadkill kangaroo.

the outback activities continued with catching mud crabs, where students learned how to preserve the breeding population and how to cast and retrieve the net. Fishing was also quite the experience with students given tips on which fish could be caught and eaten, and the fish that must never return to the water after being caught as they destroy the river system.

this was followed by a lesson in sheep shearing covering the entire process from how to pick up the sheep to immobilising, shearing then releasing it into the paddock through the shaft. students were also taught the difference between wool quality, how to fold and pick up the wool, throw it on the roller and the process of extracting lanolin.

riding quad bikes on unsealed road was a highlight for many of the students. students put their riding skills to the test when they went pig and emu hunting on the bikes with locals. as this activity was a first for all students involved, our host took the students hunting for the following two nights. it was an unforgettableexperienceforthemto‘hunttoeat’ rather than just hunt for sport.

We ate one of the pigs which was cooked on an outdoor spit roasted on a woodfire as well as an emu, which was another first for the students. they also became familiar with the stress of having brown snakes around the animals and how the locals kill them. Our hosts further shared their culture by providing a special home-cooked dinner for our Muslim and hindu students.

the aboriginal cemetery at Collarenebri with its fired glass decorated graves was amazing. each grave is a unique piece of art that reflects in the sunlight during the day.

Being at the camp sites was a very emotional experience, with the original eating and drinking utensils and bottles of aboriginal ancestors being used. this drew a powerful historical picture. the students also visited the famous natural fish traps and a display of traditional hunting tools at Brewarrina.

students became acquainted with the health system and local health facilities at Goodooga, Collarenebri and Brewarrina. they learned the different methods of patient evacuation and local ambulance capability, the difference between rotary and fixed wing evacuation,the‘goldenhour’forpatienttreatment and the limitations during flood seasons. they gained an understanding of the value of outreach programs, the royal Flying Doctor service and vtC-medicine stationary facility and mobile.

students became aware of the difficulties facing the health system in providing sufficient services including beds for maternity, mental health patients, drug and alcohol detoxification and hospital elderly residential beds allocation.

they also learned the advantages and disadvantages of having a permanent versus agency health staff and became aware of the higher disease prevalence and the difficulty of managing patients on renal dialysis when they visited the renal dialysis unit.

“Experience and appreciation of rural health and possibility to retain those students to serve in a rural post may be influenced positively by this placement”

by hana morrissey


students learned about schedule 100 supply arrangements for remote aboriginal communities and the Closing the Gap program. they saw medication rooms, medication supply to rural areas, imprest stock and pre-dispensed lines, access to medications, charges difference in hospital and in primary health services, residential medication management review versus home medication review, GP chronic disease management plan and collaboration with pharmacy. they learned about the different nursing classifications, including how they affect the authority to administer medication to patients.

they learned about australia’s reciprocal health care agreements with other countries, due to the large number of visiting seasonal backpackers working as farm hands, as well as prescriptions, medication orders and patients’ records security.

the students saw the advanced trauma trolley medications set up, spill kits and how vaccines and antivenoms are stored and the cold chain maintained. they saw how s8 disposal in rural areas is handled and developed an understanding of the importance of medication standing orders, nurse initiated medications and aboriginal health workers medication protocols.

the cultural awareness outcome was undoubtedly beneficial. a daily debriefing in the bus was an important element to prevent any emotional trauma from some of the strong messages that came across. experience and appreciation of rural health and possibility to retain those students to serve in rural posts may be influenced positively by this placement.

Pharmacy practice, pharmacy education and quality assurance systems for education differ from country to country. While developments in practice and education are reducing this diversity, current differences on a global scale are still considered to be fairly significant.

the World health Organization has concluded that in many countries health care targets cannot be realised until capacity is built in the health care system.

as part of the Csu degree initiative, internationalisation of the curriculum and incorporating an international theme into the undergraduate degree, global contexts have been promoted.

this includes practices that integrate international perspectives (knowledge, skills and attitudes) that students develop through courses and subjects studied. it also provides opportunities to investigate the similarities and differences of knowledge, traditions, ideas and practices, both within australia and between australia and other countries.

this assists students to develop as a global citizen in an increasingly international world and initiates an appreciation of social and

Global in orientation | National in focus | Local in action

cultural factors which may facilitate students’ employment both in australia and overseas.

in December 2010, George John led 10 Csu students to india as part of an in-depth rural and public health rotation for students to work with local doctors on mobile vans, hospitals, clinics and at aiDs / hiv interventions.

the program combined work on a mobile health van, small local hospitals and field trips to see leprosy projects and cataract surgeries.

a visit to an isO 9001 certified pharmaceutical plant and a traditional medicine manufacturing plant was also organised. this was an eye-opening and life changing experience for many students.

2011 saw a climb in student numbers for a trip to switzerland as part of an overview and gaining exposure to public health matters, pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory affairs, hospital pharmacy and community pharmacy practice, neutraceuticals, premier scientific laboratories and scientists.

students visited facilities including the World health Organization and Cern in Geneva, the Zurich school of life sciences and the Medi institute in Berne among others.

Globally, pharmacy practice and education are undergoing unprecedented change as the role of the pharmacist as a provider of health care services is increasingly recognised, valued, and expanded.

a european trip is planned for 2012, expanding on the earlier trip to switzerland, for visits to royal Barts hospital in london, the Pasteur institute in Paris, the Max Planck institute in Munich in addition to some of the swiss locations. as part of the Pharmacy program’s ongoing commitment to the internationalisation agenda, Csu will be conducting trips in the next few years to destinations such as america, China, Korea and south africa, among other countries.

Csu’s school of Biomedical sciences sees this program as pertinent in offering students a unique and market relevant experience rurally, nationally and globally.

the Pharmacy program would like to enhance its relationship internationally with its partners in flying the Csu flag high.

as part of our ongoing commitment to the alumni of the Pharmacy program, Csu will be opening up the trip to the Csu Pharmacy alumni. if you are interested in taking part, please contact George John by emailing: [email protected]

thE cSu intErnational ExPEriEncE

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Program Leader of Pharmacy at CSU, George John says that as the local and global financial upheaval continues apace, so does consumer retail spending uncertainty.

Businesses, including pharmacies, need to respond to shifts in consumer buying behaviour. During tough economic times customers shift to retailers offering ‘value’. This can only be done by separating yourselves from the pack and by being different.

To explain his point, George highlighted a quote by Lady Gaga, “You laugh at me because I’m different. I laugh at you because you’re all the same.” He further reinforced that these same trends apply to pharmacists as well.

“At a time when there is a perception of supply and demand issues with pharmacy graduates, the question is, are you going down the well-beaten path or discovering new uncharted territories?”

According to George, the CSU Pharmacy program is continuously ensuring that students and alumni are future-proof, cutting edge, unique and market relevant.

As a first phase of this strategy, a partnership between the Pharmacy program and the Faculty of Business was developed, where there is opportunity for Pharmacy students to gain an additional qualification, the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management.

This pathway will ensure CSU Pharmacy graduates are sought after due to their market readiness in many areas.

CSU Pharmacy alumni can also take advantage of this pathway by receiving credits for the management component of the subject (current version) Pharmacy Practice 2 (PHM315).

What iS your comPEtitiVE EdGE?

Courses Director, Associate Professor Jenny Wilkinson, has indicated that students wishing to enter the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management and study it concurrently with their Bachelor of Pharmacy should complete and submit an application form by 1 October at: www.csu.edu.au /apply

The application will be for entry to the course in Session 3 of the year in which they study Pharmacy Practice 2 (PHM315).

Students who have successfully completed PHM315 will be considered for entry to the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management with the final decision on entry being made by the Course Coordinator for this course in consultation with the Courses Director of the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Students accepted into this course will be granted transfer credit for Management Theory and Practice (MGT501).

Students may elect to enrol in Marketing for Small Business (MKT519) as their elective. Credit for this subject will be granted in the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management once students have successfully passed MKT519.

The remaining two subjects, Managing People in Small Business (HRM539) and Small Business Strategic Plan (MGT529) can be completed in Session 3 between third and fourth year, Session 3 of fourth year or in subsequent sessions.

For CSU graduated alumni the proposed enrolment pattern would be as follows:

• apply for recognition of prior learning in the third-year subject Pharmacy Practice 2 (PHM315) and gain credit for Management Theory and Practice (MGT501) in the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management

• complete all three subjects Marketing for Small Business (MKT519), Managing People in Small Business (HRM539) and Small Business Strategic Plan (MGT529).

George believes good pharmacists are not those who just have the most clinical knowledge. A lack of knowledge of how to manage resources and how the health care system works will only impede the pharmacist’s goal to provide pharmaceutical care.

In this modern world of pressure, pharmacists’ ability to manage their work environment can have a significant impact on their ability to cope with daily stressors of practice, increasing job satisfaction and diminishing likelihood of career burnout or impairment through substance abuse.

Good business and patient care are not mutually exclusive and are almost entirely mutually dependent. Superior patient care and implementation of clinical services are made possible by pharmacists who are skilled in management and business skills.

George encourages students to think differently and separate themselves from their peers. He also emphasises that the Pharmacy program looks forward to ensuring CSU’s Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management and Pharmacy program are engaging, enabling and exciting.

For further details, please refer to Dr Lan Snell’s article “Five reasons to study Small Business Management” in this edition of Script magazine, call 1800 334 733 or visit: www.csu.edu.au/smallbiz

a hEalthy doSE..


StaFF ProFilE

Born in Tasmania and educated in Hobart and Melbourne, Carl Cooper dedicated 10 years to enriching the lives of young people as a high school music teacher with the Tasmanian Education Department.

He moved to the ACT to continue his career in music and worked in ACT and NSW colleges and high schools. Carl pursued further study and completed a Master of Education at the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma in Music at the Australian National University.

Carl’s career headed in a different direction a decade ago when he made the decision to come to pharmacy as one of the new breed that responded to the extreme shortage in the profession in regional and remote NSW.

“My wife Mandy was already a pharmacist and to be a genuine partner in this enterprise the need was there to retrain and get involved,” Carl recalled.

“So we moved our three children to Wagga Wagga in 1999 and I started a pharmacy degree at CSU. On graduation we owned and were running three pharmacies in Wagga Wagga.”

From 2007-2011 Carl ran Lockhart Pharmacy on the outskirts of Wagga Wagga and as a sole

proprietor, re-established a viable business. He initiated many of the professional service offerings that were being established as part of the fourth Pharmacy Agreement with the Commonwealth Government.

“In hindsight, students like myself were the reason why the Pharmacy course was set up at CSU. Things have certainly changed in relation to the shortage of pharmacists in regional NSW today. However, there is no denying that ambitious, confident and proficient pharmacy professionals are in great demand, no matter what may be expressed in student forums and in the national pharmacy press.”

This year Carl accepted a position as Pharmacy Practice lecturer at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

“I have great memories of my time as a mature-age student at CSU and believe that I can offer some recent perspective to the students as they embark on their professional careers once they have graduated. What I know from experience is that to be a good teacher or a good pharmacist you need to like people.”

Carl believes the business of community pharmacy is about using what you know to help people to improve their health.

“With so much discussion about the national health agenda and giving large amounts of money for hospital reform, what has been lost in the debate is the regular requirement for people to maintain their relationships with community based health professionals so that, through our training, people can have improved outcomes, and live longer and healthier lives,” he said.

“The battle of chronic disease is going to be won in the community based activities and that is where the pharmacy professionals are ideally centred by their training and competencies to contribute meaningfully for health outcomes that are measurable.

“The future direction of the pharmacy profession will be made by the graduates of today. They will formulate the future landscape of the profession and should be involved in its development.

“As a pharmacy proprietor requiring a registered pharmacist to work in my community pharmacy, I want the best outcomes for our customers. This means I will employ the pharmacist who has the best skills, knowledge and acumen for the position. If that person can offer a better way to improve the health outcomes for my customers, then please, show me how!”

Carl Cooper took the road less travelled, coming from a background in teaching music where he made the shift to working in Pharmacy. Script caught up with Carl as he embarks on the next stage of this journey where he returns to teaching, but this time in Pharmacy Practice.

“The future direction of the Pharmacy profession will be made by the graduates of today.”

Pina o’hare Bachelor of Pharmacy fourth-year student, immediate Previous Past President 2011 (Pharmers’ Society)

“in my three years on the Pharmers’ committee, i have been privileged to be involved in so many different aspects of Pharmacy and university life. it has helped me to make many friends and network throughout the pharmacy world.

“the greatest thing about Pharmers’ would have to be its affiliation with the national australian Pharmacy students association (naPsa) and the naPsa Congress, which this year was held in Wagga Wagga and i along with some other very passionate students organised. that would definitely be a highlight of my time at university, as well as being Pharmers’ President, which although at times very stressful, was very rewarding and has definitely been worthwhile.

“Being involved in Pharmers’, the Pharmacy Foundation and other committees throughout my time at university has helped me to balance my university life and because i love getting involved and can’t say no, there is no doubt that you will see me somewhere in the future doing something similar!”

elise taylor has made her mark in her profession since graduating in 2010 and has a bright future ahead. after completing her Bachelor of Pharmacy, elise worked as an intern pharmacist for Capital Chemist for 12 months, registered as a pharmacist and now manages that same pharmacy with 30 team members.

“Capital Chemist and Csu always challenged me to think beyond my nine-to-five job and pursue further ventures. this enthusiasm has greatly shifted my focus, from originally being that of only a

pharmacist, to now having roles on committees that advocate for young pharmacists.”

elise has now completed studies to diversify her skill set in areas of management by completing a Diploma of Management, Certificate iv in training and assessment and Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice.

“My goal is to have the knowledge and education to positively influence my staff, patients and other people in the pharmacy industry in the aCt to improve health outcomes for all those that come in contact with our services,” elise said.

“Pharmacists are highly regarded in the community as a source of easily accessible advice, a friendly face and trustworthy partner in health. this role, as well as having the ability to help people with their problems, both great and small, attracted me to this profession and in my experience, pharmacy has certainly not disappointed me!

“i believe hard work and dedication will be rewarded in accordance with the amount of effort that is put into a task. also, having grown up with interactions with the health care system at different times in my life, i don’t remember any of my doctors, or nurses, but i remember my childhood pharmacist as being a supportive friendly face in a time of illness. i hope that i can be that same face to my patients when they are in bad health,” she said.

elise said her strongest influences are her father and the two female owners of the Pharmacy she is managing.

“My dad is my ultimate role model and his work ethic and determination are traits which i believe i have inherited and contribute strongly to the opportunities ahead of me today. the two female owners of Capital Chemist Wanniassa are also important influences for me. they have shown me that female pharmacists have the capability to manage a business and staff effectively, while providing exceptional care to their patients and having fulfilling family life outside of work.

“the profession of pharmacy is changing, and this is an exciting time to take advantage of the diverse range of roles available to pharmacists. i believe being unique is the key to success, and this will be particularly important to new graduates of pharmacy who may not slip into the traditional roles of hospital pharmacist or community pharmacist as graduates before them have.

“young graduates will be welcomed into a growing industry that has the capacity to evolve positions for pharmacists that haven’t even been thought of yet. the future of pharmacy is changing, and will ensure exciting opportunities for those brave enough to step outside the square!”

SPotliGht on alumni

“I am driven by my passion for the pharmacy profession and by being surrounded by such amazing Pharmacist mentors.”


Community pharmacy is undergoing a significant period of change throughout the world. Due in part to the need to develop a new competitive advantage as a result of alternative channels, such as supermarkets and discount pharmacies coming into their traditional markets, community pharmacy is moving to increase its professionalism to develop a position of clinical expertise and service differentiation in order to compete.

Approximately 85% of pharmacy graduates proceed to a career in retail pharmacy where business skills and management capabilities are essential in order to successfully run a small business. Findings from a study conducted by the University of Sydney suggest that pharmacy owners / managers expect pharmacy graduates to possess sufficient levels of management knowledge.

The study identified that the level of management competence was perceived as low from not only pharmacy owners / managers, but recent pharmacy graduates and current pharmacy students. This is due largely to the inadequate coverage of this area within traditional undergraduate Pharmacy courses.

These findings suggest that pharmacists should consider small business management studies as part of their professional training.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) understands the unique operating environment of the small business sector. CSU has worked closely with a number of small business associations including the NSW government, business enterprise centres, local councils, and small business operators to develop the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management, a new course delivered by distance education.

As CSU small business expert Dr Lan Snell explains, the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management provides industry focused, flexible studies for small business operators with the completion of three core subjects in marketing, human resources and strategy, and one elective subject.

“A key component of study is the linkage of theory with current issues in small business and the student’s own small business setting,” Dr Snell said.

There are five key reasons pharmacists should undertake small business management studies:

1. Dual qualifications create a competitive advantage

Pharmacists with a dual qualification in pharmacy and small business management have a competitive advantage over pharmacists with a single pharmacy qualification. Small business management skills allow pharmacy graduates leverage in their technical skills in an applied retail setting.

Management skills also offer pharmacy graduates opportunities to maximise their productivity and career prospects.

2. Develop working relationships and networks

Pharmacists have the ability to develop relationships with other pharmacists and retail operators. The course uses industry streaming techniques to foster a truly collaborative and network based learning platform. Students will be assigned to business cycle clusters (e.g. start-up or growth) within their industry sector which provides networking opportunities and direct application of knowledge.

The use of action learning processes means students can benchmark their current business processes and develop practical insights to create the desired future state of their business.

3. Study at your convenience

CSU’s Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management subjects are offered online, allowing business operators to complete the course without having to come on campus and with minimal disruption to their business.

4. Discounts for CSU Pharmacy alumni

All registered CSU alumni are entitled to a 10% discount off postgraduate course fees. To take advantage of this alumni offer, make sure you are registered as a CSU alumni

and simply note your alumni status on your application form to study the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management. For more information or to register as an alumni, visit: alumni.csu.edu.au

Alumni interested in studying the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management should contact George John on 02 6933 4435 or email: [email protected]

5. Pathways

CSU has developed a pathway for pharmacy students in their final year of study into the Graduate Certificate of Small Business Management.

“Approximately 85% of pharmacy graduates proceed to a career in retail pharmacy.”

From 2012, CSU Pharmacy students have the option of complementing their Bachelor of Pharmacy with the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management. CSU Pharmacy alumni can also take advantage of this pathway by receiving credit for the management component of the (current version) Pharmacy Practice 2 (PHM315).

Current Pharmacy students interested in pursuing the pathway can contact Dr Jenny Wilkinson on 02 6933 4019 or [email protected]

For more details on the pathway please refer to George John’s article “The power of dual outcomes. What is your competitive edge?” in this edition of Script magazine.

For further information on the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management call 1800 334 733 or visit: www.csu.edu.au/smallbiz

rEaSonS to Study Small BuSinESS manaGEmEnt...5

The icing on the cakethere are many layers to managing a small business. Csu’s Graduate Certificate in small Business Management offers small business operators an opportunity to enhance existing knowledge and experience with the latest thinking in small business management.

Csu can help you put the icing on the cake.

www.csu.edu.au/smallbiz

PaGe 20 | ScriPt maGaZinE

1800 334 733www.csu.edu.au

© Charles sturt university, 2012. JB F2358

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if you would like further information on how you can invest in the future generation of pharmacists, please visit: www.csu.edu.au/special/pharmacyfoundation

Contact usCsu script is produced by Charles sturt university. For further information contact the Charles sturt university advancement unit:

Phone: 02 6338 4680 Fax: 02 6338 4833 email: [email protected] Web: www.csu.edu.au/special/ pharmacyfoundation

Disclaimer: the opinions published in Csu script are not to be regarded as the official opinion of Charles sturt university. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, no guarantee is given, nor responsibility accepted by Charles sturt university for errors or omissions in the information presented. Before relying on any information in this publication, readers are responsible for independently verifying its accuracy, currency and completeness.

if you would like to receive Csu script by email just contact the Faculty advancement Officer at [email protected] and type ‘CSUScriptbyemail’inthesubjectfield,orcall 02 6338 4680.

if you would prefer not to receive Csu script in the future, please email the Faculty advancement Officer at [email protected] and type ‘unsubscribeCSUScriptmarketing’inthesubjectfield,or call 02 6338 4680.

the Commonwealth register of institutions and Courses for Overseas students (CriCOs) Provider numbers for Charles sturt university are 00005F (nsW), 01947G (viC) and 02960B (aCt).

Abbott Australasia

Aspen Australia

Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited

Blooms The Chemist Management Services

Capital Chemist

Coastal Capital Chemist

CountryPharm Group

Eli Lilly Australia

Charles sturt university Pharmacy Foundation wishes to thank the following for their support:

Hogan’s Pharmacy

I Nova Pharmaceuticals (Australia) Pty Limited

Karen Carter Chemist

Lawlers Family Pharmacies

Martin Phillips Pharmacy

Mr Malcolm Rosborough

Mr Marko Popovic

Mr Robert and Diane Lazzarini

Ms Elise Taylor

Ms Jeannine Delemare

Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (NSW)

Pharmacy Guild of Australia (NSW Branch)

Roche Diagnostics

Sanofi Pasteur

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