In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training, host, Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist, and Founder at Locumate, is joined by Kevin Ou, Manager of Training Delivery, and Assessment at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA). Kevin is a practicing Pharmacist with a diverse background in clinical education, policy development, and program implementation, and in this episode, they talk about their journey in the industry, the learnings along the way, and what young and upcoming Pharmacists need so that they can better the profession as a whole. 
In their own words, Kevin is a proud practicing Pharmacist and what excites them about the industry is being able to bring science and evidence into education and training products to be able to upskill the industry as a whole. Kevin is also a mental health advocate and brings mental health-related training to the Pharmaceutical industry. Talking about their early days, Kevin shares how they started out thinking they would become a Hospital Pharmacist only to meet some really amazing people and fall in love with Community Pharmacy along the way. Kevin finds being able to impact people’s health in the community as being rewarding. 
Then Kevin went on to work at PSA. At PAS, combining their frontline experience as a Pharmacist with their deep understanding of the wider healthcare system, Kevin is able to design, develop and deliver training and assessment strategies. When asked about what their top pieces of advice would be for anyone wearing multiple hats at work as they do, Kevin shares the following:
1.	Be open-minded
Being a Pharmacist is an evolving profession. There are so many opportunities out there and one needs to be open-minded to explore those.

2.	Bite off more than you can chew, and then chew like mad
Kevin borrows this advice from PSA’s National President, Dr. Fei Sim. Positive affirmations and visualizing success can be helpful in leveraging opportunities and resources.

3.	Find a mentor
Kevin believes that mentors can be both official and unofficial and we can all benefit from having mentors in our careers. Mentors can help you master your craft, provide feedback and give you a new perspective, advocate for your cause, and be willing to collaborate with you, among many other things. 
And when asked about what they have learned along their journey, Kevin was quick to share the following:
1.	Trust yourself
2.	Celebrate your wins
And here’s what Kevin has for those looking to become Pharmacists after their year of internship:
1.	Be kind to yourself
2.	Give yourself time to settle into your new environment
3.	Get to know your colleagues
4.	Develop and follow a training plan
5.	Build a good support network
6.	Don’t be afraid to ask for help
7.	Seek feedback
8.	Invest in a comfy pair of shoes (quite literally!)
Drawing back to PSA, Kevin highlights how PSA exists for all Pharmacists, regardless of where they practice and what their roles are. PSA can help Pharmacists stay up to date with industry knowledge, what’s happening in the profession, and what opportunities are available. Adding to that, PSA also helps Pharmacists network with like-minded Pharmacists. 
Kevin says how these are exciting times to be a Pharmacist. Kevin elaborates how COVID has really helped bring attention to the positive impact that Pharmacists can make on healthcare. There are opportunities and in the coming days, Pharmacists will have much bigger roles to play in patients’ healthcare teams across a variety of settings: community, hospital, general practice, aged care, and aboriginal community-controlled health services. 
Kevin wants to keep the momentum going and sees their role flourishing in their new environment. They want to diversify their experiences and have the courage to keep trying new things in the days to come. In a time when change is the only constant, Kevin wants to continue being comfortable with change.

EP 68 It’s An Exciting Time to be a Pharmacist!

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast, host Scott Carpenter, EVBC, interviews Carolyn Rimmer, National Training Specialist at Sigma Healthcare. Listen to this episode to discover the secrets to thriving in the evolving world of pharmacy and the critical role of training, even amidst unprecedented challenges.

Carolyn is a seasoned Pharmacy professional with a rich history in the field. Carolyn's journey began in Community Pharmacy, where they honed their skills over two decades with a well-regarded pharmacy family in Brisbane, Queensland. After starting a family of their own, Carolyn decided to transition from retail Pharmacy into training within the Pharmacy industry. Their love for training and mentoring Pharmacy assistants drove their career shift, leading them to obtain a diploma and eventually join the Queensland Pharmacy Guild. There, they gained valuable insights into compliance and opportunities within the Pharmacy world.

Carolyn emphasizes the critical role of training in the Pharmacy industry, particularly in the context of the challenges brought on by COVID-19. They highlight how the pandemic disrupted traditional companion selling, which involves providing customers not only with the products they need but also valuable lifestyle tips. Due to the constraints of the pandemic, Pharmacies had limited interaction time with customers, resulting in a gap in the training of new Pharmacy professionals. Carolyn suggests that as the industry evolves, focusing on companion selling and upselling will be crucial for Pharmacies to maintain profitability and customer loyalty, especially with changes on the horizon.

Carolyn also discusses the impact of 60-day dispensing on patients and Community Pharmacies. They highlight that while patients on regular medications may benefit from the convenience of less frequent visits, there's a concern that some patients may misinterpret the option and skip Pharmacy visits entirely. Carolyn emphasizes the vital role of Community Pharmacies as a social link within the community and the importance of maintaining strong connections with patients. They also acknowledge that COVID-19 underscored the essential nature of Pharmacies in the community and the loyalty that patients have towards them, calling for Pharmacies to harness and build upon that loyalty.

Carolyn concludes by stressing the importance of continuous upskilling in the Pharmacy industry, highlighting that trained and upskilled staff lead to solid business, increased profit, customer loyalty, and staff retention. Their insights provide valuable guidance for aspiring Pharmacy professionals and established industry experts, emphasizing the significance of training and adaptability in today's evolving healthcare landscape.

Companion Selling Crucial for Pharmacies to Maintain Profitability and Customer Loyalty

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, interviews Kerri Barwick, GM of Education & Training at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA). Kerri shares their unique journey from business studies to Pharmacy, highlighting their innovative approach to training and the evolving role of Pharmacists. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on overcoming industry challenges and the exciting future of Pharmacy.

Kerri shares their inspiring journey into the Pharmacy profession, starting as a casual Pharmacy Assistant in high school. Initially pursuing a business degree, Kerri found themselves drawn back to Pharmacy roles, eventually deciding to study Pharmacy while raising young children. This blend of business acumen and Pharmacy skills has enabled Kerri to create innovative training programs at PSA, leading to rapid career advancement into their current leadership role.

Kerri discusses how their unique career path has influenced their approach to Pharmacy. Unlike many who transition from Pharmacy to business studies, Kerri's journey began with a business degree. This provided them with a distinct perspective on the importance of business skills in Pharmacy. Kerri underscores the support banner groups offer to Pharmacists in areas like marketing and business management, although they believe more can be done to enhance Pharmacists' understanding of customer relationships and long-term business value.

In their role at PSA, Kerri oversees a wide range of responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration. They manage the organization of major conferences like PSA-24, various educational workshops, and qualifications such as the Diploma of Leadership Management. Additionally, Kerri oversees CPD products and new credentials like Pharmacist Prescribing. Building relationships through meetings with partners, universities, and internal teams is crucial to achieving the department's goals, according to Kerri.

Kerri highlights the significant challenges faced by Pharmacists, including time constraints and workforce shortages, especially in rural and remote areas. They emphasize the need for flexible training programs that can be accessed anytime and anywhere to accommodate these challenges. Despite the increasing demand for Pharmacists due to expanded roles like immunization and aged care, the profession often struggles with recognition and respect. Nonetheless, Kerri remains optimistic about the positive changes and increased authority Pharmacists are beginning to experience.

Kerri further discusses the complexities of training Pharmacy professionals in a demanding work environment, stressing the importance of balancing work and continuing education. They note the debate over the necessary training for Pharmacists to prescribe medications, pointing out that many Pharmacists already possess the required competencies. The competency framework helps identify training gaps, and Kerri stresses the importance of professional judgment and CPD in addressing these gaps. While acknowledging the differing views on training requirements, Kerri is hopeful about the evolving role of Pharmacists and the exciting opportunities on the horizon. 

Note: This insightful discussion is part one of the episode, with the second part to be released next week.

EP 101 - Pharmacy View Podcast - Evolving Roles: How Pharmacists are Meeting New Challenges

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, interviews Kerri Barwick, GM of Education & Training at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA). In this episode, Kerri sheds light on the revolutionary AI-powered training simulation platform Audirie and its transformative impact on Pharmacy education. This episode delves into the journey of integrating AI into training, the challenges faced, and the remarkable benefits observed, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of Pharmacy training and education. Join us as we explore how Audirie is setting new standards in the industry and hear Kerri’s insights on the upcoming PSA National Conference and its focus on "Pathways to Progress."

Kerri delves into the innovative launch of Audirie, an AI-powered training simulation platform designed to enhance performance evidence in Community Pharmacy Training. This world-first initiative allows for realistic customer interactions, surpassing traditional methods like written evidence and phone simulations. It not only meets compliance requirements but also offers invaluable feedback for learners, marking a significant advancement in pharmacy education.

Kerri discusses the numerous advantages of the AI-powered training tool, Audirie, in enhancing Pharmacy education. They emphasize that the tool provides objective and constructive feedback, significantly improving Pharmacists' communication and counseling skills. While technical knowledge remains crucial, effective communication can greatly enhance patient interactions and overall professional satisfaction. The potential for Audirie to standardize training and boost confidence among Pharmacy interns is highlighted, leading to improved patient care and professional development.

Kerri also addresses the challenges and benefits of preceptor training in Pharmacy education. Despite PSA offering accredited preceptor training, it remains non-mandatory, resulting in many preceptors lacking formal teaching skills, which impacts the quality of intern training. Kerri underscores the value of AI-powered tools like Audirie in providing objective feedback, enhancing communication skills, and boosting confidence among pharmacy interns. They share personal experiences, noting the advantages of having clear, recorded assessments over subjective feedback, which can significantly enhance the learning experience.

Addressing the challenges and misconceptions surrounding AI in Pharmacy training, Kerri explains that some resistance stems from a lack of understanding of AI technology, particularly its ability to handle dynamic and natural conversations. Despite initial awkwardness, AI avatars have proven to be highly responsive and capable of managing complex scenarios and varied interactions. Kerri emphasizes the importance of continuous testing to fully understand AI’s capabilities and benefits in educational settings, encouraging organizations to embrace this technology.

In the final segment, Kerri offers advice to organizations considering AI-powered training solutions, stressing the importance of setting realistic timeframes and recognizing the technology's vast potential. They also preview the upcoming PSA conference, highlighting its theme "Pathways to Progress" and the exciting range of sessions and networking opportunities. Kerri emphasizes the value of connecting with peers and gaining inspiration from the event to rejuvenate one's passion for the Pharmacy profession, encouraging attendees to engage fully in this transformative experience.

EP 102 - Pharmacy View Podcast - AI in Action: Enhancing Pharmacy Training with Audirie

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 #PharmacyTraining