In this episode of Pharmacy Podcast, a stream of Pharmacy View Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA), host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group (IPA) is joined by Steven Kastriaskis, Managing Director, Pharmacist, and Partner of the Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group (IPA). Listen to the episode for an insightful discussion on innovation, empowerment, and the future of independent Pharmacies.

Pharmacy Podcast - Ep 1 Supporting Independence: The Evolution of Independent Pharmacies of Australian Group

Pharmacy Podcast - Ep 1 Supporting Independence: The Evolution of Independent Pharmacies

In this captivating second part of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audirie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, continues his insightful conversation with Erin Fawcett, the Executive Director of Education and Professional Development at NAPSA, and Sebastian Harper, the National President of NAPSA. Together, they explore how NAPSA is driving innovation in Pharmacy education and empowering students to excel in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. From AI-driven tools to fostering interprofessional collaboration, this episode sheds light on the transformative initiatives shaping the future of Pharmacy practice.

The discussion delves into the rising prominence of Pharmacist-led prescribing and other advanced roles within the healthcare system. Erin highlights NAPSA's use of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-powered counselling simulations, to prepare students for the complexities of modern patient care. Sebastian adds that NAPSA’s initiatives encourage students to expand their skills beyond traditional degrees, focusing on enhancing patient care through continuous learning and innovation. Together, they underscore the importance of education and teamwork in addressing challenges like disease management and medication accessibility.

The episode also explores the integration of AI into Pharmacy education and its impact on team training. Michael introduces Audirie’s AI-driven simulations for NAPSA members, enabling students to practise patient interactions with precision and confidence. Erin and Sebastian discuss how AI complements traditional training, helping all Pharmacy team members—from Pharmacists to assistants—perform at the top of their scope. This holistic approach aims to bridge skill gaps and elevate the overall standard of patient care, highlighting the critical balance between technology and human expertise in healthcare.

Addressing the barriers in Pharmacy education, the conversation turns to placement opportunities and financial challenges. Erin advocates for reforms to ensure students have access to earlier and paid placements, improving experiential learning. Sebastian emphasises the value of rural placements for interprofessional collaboration and community impact, while Michael calls on universities and governments to ease the financial burdens that deter students from pursuing careers in underserved areas. These measures are seen as vital to building a robust and sustainable Pharmacy workforce.

The episode concludes with excitement about the upcoming NAPSA Congress, the pinnacle event for Pharmacy students in Australia. Hosted at the University of Queensland, this week-long conference offers educational sessions, workshops, a trade expo, and vibrant social events. Sebastian shares their hopes for record-breaking attendance, while Erin highlights the benefits of NAPSA membership, including networking, scholarships, and mentoring opportunities. Together, they celebrate the Congress’s enduring legacy and its role in shaping the future of Pharmacy in Australia and New Zealand.

EP 107 - Pharmacy View Podcast-Bridging Gaps in Healthcare: NAPSA’s Vision for a New Era of Pharmacy

In this episode of Pharmacy Ownership & Economics, a stream of the Pharmacy View Podcast, host Natalie Sirianni, Director of Attain Business Brokers, speaks with Mark Churchill, Managing Director of Allfin. Mark shares his unique journey into pharmacy finance, starting with a background in asset finance and auctioneering before transitioning into banking and ultimately founding his own broking firm specialising in pharmacy finance. Throughout the episode, Mark provides invaluable advice for pharmacists considering ownership, from navigating the complexities of financing to assembling the right advisory team.

Mark highlights the financial realities of Pharmacy ownership, noting that average valuations typically fall between $2-3 million. He recommends prospective buyers focus on acquiring Pharmacies where they already work, as familiarity with the operations, customer base, and financials can ease the transition. Mark also emphasises the importance of due diligence, demographic analysis, and cultural alignment, particularly for community-focused Pharmacies, as key factors in ensuring long-term success. 

Navigating financing can be one of the most challenging aspects of purchasing a Pharmacy, especially for first-time buyers. Mark explains the options available, from traditional bank loans, which typically cover 75-80% of the purchase price, to alternative funding sources such as parental support or secondary lenders. He underscores the importance of structuring loans properly to maintain cash flow viability and meet banks’ requirements. Mark also advises buyers to work within the Pharmacy they plan to purchase, as this familiarity reduces risks and improves financial sustainability.

Partnerships in Pharmacy ownership present their own set of challenges and opportunities. Mark stresses the importance of clear partnership agreements to prevent conflicts and facilitate smooth exits when necessary. He advises new owners to focus on long-term growth, often committing at least five years to stabilise operations and realise returns. By working with experienced partners, new owners can mitigate risks, gain valuable insights, and grow equity.

Finally, Mark underscores the critical role of trusted advisors in the ownership journey. He advises first-time buyers to work with industry-specific brokers, accountants, lawyers, and lease negotiators who understand the nuances of Pharmacy transactions. Delegating tasks like bookkeeping to professionals, he suggests, allows owners to focus on their customers and maintain a work-life balance. Ultimately, Mark advocates for strategic planning, professional guidance, and a focus on equity growth to ensure a successful and rewarding Pharmacy ownership experience.

EP 108 - Pharmacy View Podcast - Pharmacy Ownership Made Easy: Expert Advice on Financing & Growth

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audirie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, speaks with Angela Stathopoulos, Group Manager of Education and Development at Chemist Warehouse. With nearly 30 years of experience across community, regulatory, and hospital Pharmacy sectors, Angela discusses her dedication to fostering the next generation of Pharmacy professionals. She elaborates on Chemist Warehouse’s dynamic approach to training, highlighting initiatives aimed at advancing Pharmacy practice, developing new services, and supporting early-career Pharmacists. Angela’s journey reflects a passion for embracing opportunities, which she encourages in those looking to grow within the field.

Angela dives into the extensive training programs offered by Chemist Warehouse, ranging from an internally developed internship program to advanced CPD courses. Key initiatives like "Leading for the Future" and "Step Up" were designed to meet the evolving demands of the Pharmacy industry, and Angela explains that these programs were developed in consultation with stakeholders, providing both leadership training and support for early-career Pharmacists. Her approach emphasises Chemist Warehouse’s commitment to equipping Pharmacists with essential skills to navigate the ever-changing Pharmacy landscape while ensuring consistent, high-quality training across all locations.

To achieve this consistency, Angela describes a hybrid model of in-person and online training, made possible through platforms like Zoom and AI-driven tools for Pharmacy assistant training. The integration of AI, she explains, is pivotal for maintaining scalable and standardised training, especially across Australia’s remote areas. However, Angela stresses that AI tools are only as effective as the team managing them, ensuring that quality standards are met. This combination of technology and human oversight allows Chemist Warehouse to meet the educational needs of Pharmacists in varied geographic regions while maintaining flexibility and adaptability.

Internationally, Angela shares the challenges and successes of adapting Chemist Warehouse’s Australian training models for different regions, such as New Zealand, Ireland, and the UAE. Each region brings unique regulatory and cultural needs, requiring collaboration with local experts to ensure training aligns with local standards. Angela emphasises the importance of collecting feedback from both trainees and regional authorities, which informs improvements and adjustments to training programs. This feedback loop is essential for refining programs in a way that balances the needs of learners and the organisation, ensuring a strong return on investment.

The conversation then shifts to the evolving skill requirements for Pharmacists, which have expanded from purely clinical skills to include critical soft skills like empathy, communication, and problem-solving. Angela explains that while technical expertise remains foundational, handling complex patient interactions and regulatory issues requires a broader skill set.

Closing on a light-hearted note, Michael humorously offers Angela "magic powers" to enhance Chemist Warehouse's training program, to which Angela replies that she would clone her dedicated team to better address training demands. They discuss upcoming programs, such as the "Step Up" initiative for student Pharmacists and a Managing Partner pathway aimed at guiding Pharmacists from entry-level roles to ownership opportunities within the company. Angela's insights reveal Chemist Warehouse’s focus on career development and innovation, underscoring their commitment to expanding Pharmacists' clinical responsibilities and supporting a holistic approach to patient care.

EP 109 - Pharmacy View Podcast - Building a Better Pharmacy Workforce: The Chemist Warehouse Way

In this episode of Pharmacy Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA), host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA)  is joined by Vanessa Lontos, Head of Member Capability at The Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA). Together, they delve into the transformative role of holistic health care in Pharmacy, an approach that considers not just the medical needs of patients, but also their social, emotional, and mental well-being. Vanessa draws on her own experiences, both as a Pharmacy owner and a life coach, to share her passion for personalised, patient-centred care. She reflects on two pivotal moments in her life that have shaped her perspective: caring for her grandmother during her childhood, which highlighted the importance of accessible and empathetic health care, and overcoming her own health challenges through a combination of medication, yoga, and mindfulness. These experiences have driven her commitment to a holistic approach, which she believes is essential for improving patient outcomes.

#PharmacyTraining #BlendedLearning #LMS #PharmacyEducation #IPA #PharmacistLife #HealthcareInnovation

Pharmacy Podcast - Ep 8 -22 Minutes to Transform Your Pharmacy Team: Microlearning Tips from Vanessa

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Full Scope Pharmacy Leadership stream, host, Chantelle Turner, a Pharmacist Leadership and Business Coach at TURN Pharmacy Leadership, speaks with Kristina Fox, a Community Pharmacist and Pharmacy owner of Complete Care Pharmacy, Rosny Park. Kristina shares their transformative journey in reshaping Complete Care Pharmacy in Rosny Park. Kristina’s passion for implementing innovative healthcare services led to the creation of a scalable Pharmacy model, one that expanded far beyond their initial intentions. They reflect on the challenges of managing change, addressing staff burnout, and overcoming operational inefficiencies that hindered patient care. The conversation highlights how leadership and innovation in community Pharmacy can drive meaningful change.

Kristina describes their approach to innovation as one of problem-solving rather than entrepreneurship. They focus on identifying inefficiencies and seeking practical solutions, which led to a complete overhaul of systems, processes, and Pharmacy layouts. The success of this transformation was due to the collective effort of the team, including Pharmacists, Pharmacy assistants, and front-of-shop staff. Kristina credits their support network, both professionally and personally, as a major factor in the success of the model.

A major turning point for Kristina’s team was realising that merely adding more staff was not enough to improve operations. Facing operational chaos and the growing complexity of prescriptions, Kristina introduced a "digital basket" system to balance digital, paper, and vaccination requests. This idea prompted a shift from reactive problem-solving to a more visionary approach. Kristina sought the expertise of industry professionals to identify the right technology partners, and while initially facing resistance from developers, achieving even partial success was seen as a significant victory.

Kristina advocates for starting rather than waiting for a perfect plan. They believe that large corporations often become paralysed by decision-making, whereas their Pharmacy embraced an iterative approach, launching a version one and refining it based on real-world feedback. Kristina also discusses how this approach applied to the development of the Complete Care Pharmacy model, emphasising the importance of risk-taking, continuous improvement, and teamwork in driving innovation within Pharmacy practice.

Effective communication is another key theme Kristina explores in leadership. By engaging all team members in the process of change, from delivery drivers to senior partners, they facilitated a smoother transition to the new Pharmacy model. Activities such as fun team events, open discussions, and regular check-ins helped ensure ongoing feedback and fostered team morale. Kristina’s approach to communication included structured input from staff, such as "Shark Tank"-style pitch sessions, which allowed for innovation-driven decisions within the team.

Kristina’s passion for reshaping community Pharmacy extends to their vision for a patient-centred approach that moves away from a volume-driven model. They believe that providing accessible, affordable healthcare and fostering happier Pharmacists are integral to improving patient outcomes. With the rise of automation and AI in Pharmacy practice, Kristina highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and effective communication in maintaining strong relationships within Pharmacy teams and with patients. By sharing their insights and offering support to others, Kristina hopes to inspire further industry-wide change.

#CommunityPharmacy #HealthcareInnovation #PatientCare #Complete Care #EmotionalIntelligence #PharmacyAutomation #AIinPharmacy #FutureOfPharmacy #HealthcareLeadership #PharmacistRoles

EP 110 -Pharmacy View Podcast -Innovating Pharmacy Practice: A Bold Approach to Staff & Patient Care

In this episode of Pharmacy Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA), host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA)  sits down with Keely Paul, National Professional Services Manager at Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA). With over 23 years of experience in the industry, Keely offers valuable insights into her journey, challenges faced by Pharmacists, and the evolving role of Pharmacies in healthcare. As she nears the completion of her Full Scope of Practice training, Keely discusses her passion for mentoring, her commitment to professional growth, and her belief in the power of strong professional connections within the Pharmacy sector.

#PharmacyLeadership #PharmacySuccess #Teamwork #PharmacyCareers #HealthcareInnovation #PharmacistDevelopment #PharmacyPodcast

Pharmacy Podcast  - Ep 9 - Thinking about Full Scope of Practice Training? Here's Everything You Need to Know!

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audirie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, speaks with Surge Singh, Co-Founder of Locumate and Locumate.ai. Surge shares how their platform is transforming the way Pharmacists connect with locum opportunities, addressing inefficiencies that have long plagued the industry. What started as a personal frustration—when Surge’s wife received an unexpectedly high invoice for a locum Pharmacist—led to the creation of a holistic talent orchestration platform. By leveraging high-tech solutions and combining technology with human interaction, Locumate has grown from a simple marketplace into an end-to-end staffing solution, making it easier for Pharmacies to find the right professionals quickly and efficiently.

Over the past 2 years, Locumate has evolved significantly, expanding from a transactional marketplace into a comprehensive workforce management system. Initially, Pharmacies sought locums through external agencies, but Surge and their team recognised a broader issue: many Pharmacies first search within their internal networks before turning to external sources. To address this, Locumate developed a seamless solution that integrates internal talent pools, personal networks, agencies, and marketplaces, allowing Pharmacies to access the best professionals at the click of a button. This shift positions Locumate as a true orchestration engine for healthcare staffing, ensuring that the right professionals are matched with the right opportunities.

Finding a suitable locum has often been compared to a blind date—uncertain and sometimes mismatched. Locumate is solving this by incorporating shift feedback data to identify workforce gaps and partnering with training providers like Audirie and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. By integrating AI-driven talent matching, the platform now ensures that the best-suited locum is placed in each Pharmacy, rather than just filling shifts. Demand from industry professionals has also led to Locumate’s expansion into other healthcare sectors, including physiotherapy and podiatry, further cementing its role as a scalable, multi-sector solution.

Surge shares the journey of expanding into the U.S. market, a process that began with a chance conversation at an accelerator program and led to a pivotal meeting at the NCPA conference in Kansas City. Despite initial scepticism, a simple chat over a pumpkin spice latte with the CEO of the California Pharmacy Association resulted in a strategic partnership with the American Pharmacists Association, opening doors for Locumate in the U.S. However, breaking into the market required board approvals, legal navigation, and compliance with strict regulations, particularly in California.

Looking ahead, Locumate is positioning itself as Australia’s first AI-enabled job board for Pharmacy, with plans to expand into the U.S. and other allied health sectors. The platform is broadening its scope to include Pharmacy technicians, retail staff, and students, while also focusing on workforce skill development through collaborations with organisations like the American Pharmacy Association. In the next five years, AI-driven recommendations will help Pharmacy professionals identify ideal career paths based on their skills and personalities, removing guesswork from job matching. Surge highlights the need for a mindset shift in the Australian Pharmacy industry, urging professionals to embrace technology-driven workforce solutions rather than resisting change. Ultimately, Locumate aims to revolutionise Pharmacy workforce management, ensuring that both professionals and employers benefit from a more structured, data-driven approach.

EP 111 - Pharmacy View Podcast - From Prototype to Global Disruption

In this episode of Pharmacy Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA), host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA)  sits down with Sally Panton, Executive General Manager - Precision Health & Wellness at DBG Health and Director, Pantonic Health Pty Ltd. Sally shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a pharmacy-focused family to pioneering advancements in preventative healthcare, functional pathology, and point-of-care testing. She reflects on her early career at SEEK, where she developed a passion for innovation, and how that ultimately led her back to healthcare entrepreneurship. Throughout the conversation, Sally highlights the transformative impact of technology and innovation in the healthcare industry, particularly in making diagnostics more accessible and efficient.

#PharmacyPodcast #PointOfCareTesting #PharmacyInnovation #HealthcareTech #PreventativeHealth #POCT #IndependentPharmaciesAustralia #PharmacyLeadership #HealthcareRevolution #IPA

Pharmacy Podcast  - Ep 10 - How ‘RAT girl’ Sally Panton is Pioneering POCT in Australian Pharmacies

In this episode of Pharmacy Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA), host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA)  sits down with Nader Mitri, General Manager of PharmaPrograms, to explore how innovation, strategic thinking, and patient-first models are reshaping the Pharmacy landscape. With over two decades of experience, including owning three community pharmacies and holding a Master’s in Health Economics, Nader brings deep industry insight into how Pharmacists can expand their impact beyond the dispensary. Together, Melody and Nader unpack the challenges, opportunities, and future pathways for Pharmacists looking to create meaningful, lasting change in healthcare delivery.


Pharmacy Podcast  - Ep 11 - How to Increase your Pharmacy’s Revenue while Achieving Better Patient Outcomes

Welcome to Pharmacy View – Technology in Pharmacy Business Podcast Series where we provide regular interviews with Pharmacists and key industry people within the Australian Pharmacy and associated industry. In each podcast we look to discuss aspects of Pharmacy operation and how technology is improving or interacting with each guest’s current role or Pharmacy related business.

Pharmacy Podcast - Ep 1 Supporting Independence: The Evolution of Independent Pharmacies

Pharmacy View Podcast

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