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, engages in a dynamic conversation with Maria Cooper, a Community Pharmacist and a PhD Candidate at the University of South Australia. Maria advocates for enhancing the mental health of the Pharmacy workforce through peer support, reflecting on their journey and the need for support during unprecedented challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation spans topics from the transition of early-career Pharmacists to mid-career professionals to Cooper's serendipitous entry into research, leading to a Ph.D. focusing on peer support in community Pharmacies.

Maria delves into their ongoing research addressing the historical stigma towards Community Pharmacy, the challenges young Pharmacists face, and the unique role community Pharmacies play during crises. They stress the importance of recognizing the value of Community Pharmacy, especially in providing crucial in-person support during emergencies. The survey data presented highlights the job satisfaction of Community Pharmacists, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment, remuneration, and public awareness regarding the complexity of their work.

The conversation unfolds to encompass the necessity of substantial organizational and legislative changes within the Pharmacy profession, including a shift in workplace cultures. Maria advocates for equipping Pharmacists, especially recent graduates in leadership roles, with conflict resolution and leadership skills. The discussion underscores the importance of peer support among employee Pharmacists, drawing attention to the unique challenges those in Community Pharmacies face.

Maria provides historical context to peer support, tracing its presence in various forms for centuries. They highlight the feasibility study on peer support in early career Pharmacists, encouraging an open-minded and calm approach to maximize its benefits. The episode concludes with Cooper emphasizing the significance of longitudinal data in understanding changes in the Community Pharmacy climate and inviting participation in the survey, offering five $100 Visa gift cards as an incentive.

Maria's survey for ECPs: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maria-cooper-130275253_hi-all-me-again-i-hope-youve-all-had-activity-7157920591243530240-Z8c8?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Dose of Insight: Maria Cooper's Prescription for Thriving in Pharmacy

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, welcomes Shaylee Mills. A Rural Pharmacist, Pharmacy Help Karratha, who is also the National PSA Intern Pharmacist of the Year 2022. Shaylee shares their unique journey into Pharmacy, their dedication to rural healthcare, and insights on mentoring future Pharmacists. Tune in to discover the challenges and rewards of a fulfilling career in Rural Pharmacy.

Shaylee shares their unexpected journey into Pharmacy, inspired by a love for organic chemistry found in university course books. They recount their diverse experiences across metropolitan, rural, and hospital Pharmacies, as well as their involvement in student advocacy and research. Shaylee’s passion for Rural Pharmacy was solidified during a placement in Karratha, leading them to return and continue their impactful work in the community.

Shaylee discusses their deep commitment to Rural Pharmacy, shaped by their upbringing in a rural area and professional experiences in rural healthcare. They emphasize critical challenges such as workforce shortages and limited access to doctors, highlighting Pharmacists' vital role in these communities. Shaylee advocates for increasing the rural healthcare workforce and shifting the Pharmacy model towards primary care to better support patients.

Shaylee shares insights on the distinct advantages of pursuing a career in Rural Community Pharmacy, highlighting the immense professional satisfaction and rapid career progression it offers. They address the misconception that Community Pharmacy lacks clinical opportunities, illustrating how rural settings provide a rich, clinical work environment. Additionally, Shaylee emphasizes the work-life balance and rewarding community connections that come with living and working in rural areas.

Chantelle and Shaylee discuss the importance of self-care and preventing burnout in early career Pharmacists. Shaylee emphasizes three key leadership skills: self-awareness, adaptability, and determination. They explain that self-awareness involves understanding one's emotions and reflecting on personal capacity and stress levels. Adaptability is crucial, especially in rural settings where circumstances can change rapidly. Determination helps push through challenging times until conditions improve, maintaining a sustainable and fulfilling career in Pharmacy.

Shaylee also discusses their role in nurturing early career Pharmacists within the Karratha community, emphasizing the importance of mentoring Pharmacy students. This mentorship leads to successful recruitment and retention of future Pharmacists. Shaylee shares their passion for providing students with positive experiences, inspired by their own journey and impactful mentors. They highlight the gratifying nature of this work, noting that about 50% of their current staff were once students who interned with them, underscoring the effectiveness of their mentorship and community-building efforts.

Additionally, Shaylee addresses the misconceptions and pain points that deter Pharmacists from pursuing rural positions, such as isolation, workload, and relocation challenges. They counter these concerns with their own positive experiences and the support systems available, including financial aid and unique professional opportunities. Shaylee emphasizes the importance of early conversations about rural healthcare careers at the university level to inspire and inform future Pharmacists, advocating for greater awareness and discussion about the benefits and unique experiences of Rural Pharmacy practice.

EP 99 - Pharmacy View Podcast - Championing Rural Pharmacy: The Shaylee Mills Story

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.

New tracks tagged #LeadershipToolkit