In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast, host Scott Carpenter, EVBC talks to Jenny Kirschner, Founder of Pharmacy Addressing Loneliness and Social-isolation (PALS) and National Health Services Pharmacist with a major Australian Pharmacy Group. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and pharmacy sector, Jenny brings much-needed insight into the overarching problem that loneliness has become, especially in the post Pandemic world, and talks about PALS, the first international network of individuals and organizations across the pharmacy industry that are passionate about addressing loneliness and social isolation to further improve the health outcomes of their patients and the wider community.
Jenny has had a colorful career in Pharmacy, having started off in Retail Pharmacy and then moving on to working in Hospital Pharmacy and as a Clinical Pharmacist. Jenny has also worked as a health coach for lifestyle modification programs and is also a National Health Services Pharmacist delivering impactful and innovative health programs. All of this, in addition to being the founder of PALS. Jenny strongly believes that as Pharmacists, there is a need to develop skills to engage with people in a way that they are understood and helped, and motivated to change. 
If working across various roles in Pharmaceutical Industry wasn’t enough, Jenny also ventured into selling raw organic chocolates and organizing day dance parties for mothers. Jenny says that bringing people together in various ways has helped emphasize the importance of how social connections can help improve people’s health and well-being. 
Having researched the topic of loneliness for over a decade with an interest that really stemmed from Jenny’s personal experience, and then having lived through the Covid pandemic, they realized that there wasn’t enough understanding of what impact loneliness could have on the well-being of individuals and communities. What they realized was that Pharmacies, be it Hospital Pharmacies or Community Pharmacies, are critical access points to patients and it is Pharmacists’ professional responsibility to start to upskill themselves and learn about the signs of loneliness so they can start to recognize it in our patients and respond. So, Jenny formed PALS to:
1.	Make the whole Pharmacy Industry understand what loneliness is 
2.	Ensure that Pharmacists understand that this is their responsibility as part of being a lifestyle Pharmacist
Backed by research, Jenny says how loneliness can increase the risk of premature deaths by 26% and how a third of Australians report suffering from loneliness. In fact, Vivek Murthy compares loneliness to the Opioid Epidemic and the Obesity Crisis in the US. Jenny says that we aren’t talking about loneliness enough and that is exactly the problem PALS looks forward to solving. 
Further, Jenny adds how loneliness doesn’t just affect the elderly and that there is a loneliness to be experienced even in the workplace. Jenny hopes that PALS can serve as an educational tool in the first instance to make people look at the evidence and research to understand what loneliness is and start to embed screening tools and get referral pathways to different initiatives. When talking about technology, Jenny highlights the evolving nature of technology and how with that will change the ways in which people connect with one another.

Note: Loneliness is a crisis and if you want to understand what it is, how it will impact your well-being, or simply want to help someone who is lonely, connect with Jenny. (The links are provided at the end of the show notes)

Ep 67 Jenny Kirschner

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 Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training, host, Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist, and Founder at Locumate, is joined by  Max Mito, the Co-Founder / CEO at StrongRoom AI and Dr Craig Nossel, Chief Executive Officer, Carenomix & Co-founder, Evia Health. Listen in as the conversation takes us through how both Max and Craig met to how, along with their team, they have changed the game with innovative tech and medication management to a future that holds much more promise. 
Max talks about being with StrongRoom AI their whole professional life, having co-founded it with Christopher Durre. Craig, on the other hand, started with a dream to specialize in paediatrics to ending up as the head of Vitality Wellness, an incentive-based global wellness company. Craig who strongly believes that no meeting should be turned down met Max and the rest, as they say, is history. 
When asked about what has made StrongRoom AI successful, Max attributes it to:
1.	Having started young and having had the patience to work through the problems
2.	Working with different mentors
3.	Being supported by the wider community
4.	Finding and working with the right people
Answering the same question, Craig credits the success to 
1.	People
2.	Purpose
3.	Process
Talking about how StrongRoom AI works to support Pharmacists to strengthen the Health Care System, both Max and Craig emphasise the need for data literacy among the Pharmacists so that people are active and not reactive participants in the change process. Their tool is designed to provide additional data in an easy to understand way so that it then aids the understanding of trends. In simple term, their tool analyses all the data within any Pharmacy; it is a dynamic solution so that Pharmacists understand what they have and where the opportunities lie. The tool is also customer centric as it makes more services readily available to the community and helps access the otherwise underserved client base.
Furthering how users can access it, Max explains the pretty straight-forward system:
1.	An existing StrongRoom customer can simply activate the module then and there. They will also get a trainer.
2.	If you are not using StrongRoom AI already, a desktop version of the module can be installed in your Pharmacy. Additionally, there is a cloud version that can be accessed.
3.	If you have branch offices, there’s a head office view that allows you to consolidate all data and set some benchmarks across your branch offices.
Essentially the module draws data from all relevant sources and helps identify what areas need more focus and why, among endless other uses. So long as the users are open to learning and improving, they would be empowered and proactive in dealing with problems much more efficiently than done currently.
Craig says how it is an exciting time for the Pharmaceutical industry and they are thrilled to be playing in the space. They believe that technology providers and companies can play a critical role in bringing about a lot of positive change so long as they understand their clients’ needs. They emphasize the need for data literacy and customer engagement as being key to making the needed impact.
When asked about their advice for new entrants to the industry, Max says
1.	Be tenacious and disciplined 
2.	Be creative and open-minded
3.	Always stay humble
Answering the same question, Craig adds:
1.	Age should not be a barrier, on either extreme
2.	Be passionate about whatever you do
3.	Surround yourself with the right people
4.	Do your homework; there is no short-cut to success

Episode 69 Managing Health Outcomes with StrongRoom AI

Ep 70 There's No Middle Ground when Facing Challenges in Pharmacy

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training stream, host Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist and Founder at Locumate, is joined by Kay Dunkley, Executive Officer (Part-time), Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) and Doctor Wellbeing Consultant (Part-time), AMA Victoria. Kay, also an accredited Pharmacist, received the PSA Symbion Pharmacist of the Year 2020 and PSA Victorian Pharmacist Excellence Award 2019 and is passionate about the health and well-being of healthcare professionals. Listen to this podcast episode as Kavita and Kay take you through Kay’s fantastic career in the industry, the changes that have come about in the years since their early days, and how they keep their passion alive while keeping up with demanding work.
It was the final year of college, and Kay wasn’t sure of the career they wanted to pursue. A career in Pharmacy was their last-minute choice, they say. And aren’t we all glad that the choice was made? In Pharmacy, they saw a perfect blend of science and health, and after having worked with inspiring people through their initial days in Hospital Pharmacy, Kay came to realize the immense love they had for the profession. Kay loved being a part of the healthcare team and enjoyed interacting with patients, doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals. Over the decades, Kay moved up the ladder in the industry and worked with various hospitals and healthcare professionals. Now, Kay works with the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) and AMA Victoria.
When asked what prompted them to work in the mental health and well-being space for health professionals, Kay says the impetus comes through their own experiences and exposure in the industry. They emphasize that there is a real need for support for health professionals. Pharmacy is a busy space where professionals are often required to do multiple things simultaneously while ensuring everything is done right. Many professionals, especially those new to the profession, struggle to keep up with the demands and undergo immense distress. As someone who has experienced this themselves and has seen/heard stories of other professionals, Kay is passionate about ensuring their well-being by giving them the skills to manage and get through difficult situations. 
Furthering, Kay adds that owners can help their staff members by building healthy relationships and communicating with them—by making them feel that they are being listened to and cared for. Being able to look after the staff makes them feel valued, and when people feel valued, it makes a massive difference in how people feel about coming to work. And Kay believes that addressing systemic workplace issues is essential.
Kay also underlines how it is vital for everyone to check in with themselves and know how they are feeling. Everyone must acknowledge that we are all humans and have emotions. To quote Kay, “We are human. We need to recognize and show our emotions and be willing to address those emotions, acknowledge that we're feeling sad or angry or grieving. It's really important to be tuned into ourselves. And, some evidence shows that emotional intelligence reduces the likelihood of burnout.” What happens in our personal life affects our work, and if we want to do better work, we need to address the underlying issues that cause us discomfort.
Talking about their work with PSS, Kay doesn’t shy away from crediting volunteers for all their fantastic work nationwide. The focus of the service is that PSS provides support, empowerment & information provision rather than advice.  In supporting pharmacists, PSS aims to benefit the public by ensuring that Pharmacists maintain their health and well-being to provide an appropriate level of service to the Australian community.

Ep 71 Importance of Ensuring the Mental Well-being of Health Professionals

In the first episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Full Scope Pharmacy Leadership stream, host Chantelle Turner, a Pharmacist Leadership and Business Coach at TURN Pharmacy Leadership is joined by Elise Apolloni, Pharmacist and Co-Owner, Capital Chemist Wanniassa. Elise was also the Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year in 2017. Listen to this episode if you want to understand what it means to be the Owner of a Community Pharmacy as someone who wants to impact the physical and mental health of the community positively and also to understand how empathic care and awareness are vital in realizing that dream.

Elise started their Pharmacy journey at the age of 14 when nudged in the direction by their Career Counselor; they begrudgingly went and worked for a week at their local Capital Chemist. The rest as they say is history as this year Elise completes 20 years of working in the Capital Chemist Group. Elise talks about how they always wanted to own a Community Pharmacy because they found it to be a lovely and respectful way to spend their time while also making a real difference in the lives of community people.

When asked about taking up a leadership role in Pharmacy, Elise emphasizes how they remember watching a former colleague owning a Pharmacy and that position allowing them to create an environment where people would want to work. At that point in time, Elise imagined owning a Pharmacy one day and creating an environment or an ecosystem that Pharmacists would love going into and that community people would like coming into as well. Also, they add how being an owner allows you to implement things the way you want them done.

Furthering on the leadership role at the Pharmacy, Elise talks about being aware of the enormous responsibility they shoulder when it comes to early career Pharmacists and Pharmacy interns. These people entrust the most critical year of their Pharmacy career to the mentor, so Elise doesn’t take this lightly. Elise then talks about how Community Pharmacies are places people often visit on their worst day. Emphatic care and awareness are important for Pharmacists and patients that walk into the Pharmacy.

To Elise, healthcare services are more than just treating health ailments. They are also about being able to provide preventive services. Having had lost a 16-year-old colleague to suicide in 2015, Elise’s passion for mental health only intensified. Because being a Pharmacist is primarily about working with people who are often on their worst day or worst month, Elise wants to bring a smile to the faces of those having a tough time. They talk about how being able to look outward can come in handy in this regard.

Supporting young Pharmacists to realize their full potential to help positively impact people’s lives stands at the core of Elise’s work. They want to do all they can and believe that trusting young entrants to the team and delegating responsibilities to them, provided they are given the right training and skill, can make the much-needed impact in bettering community health. And their favorite tool—empathy, of course! Empathy for the patients and empathy for the staff is needed. Only by seeing their real needs can the right help and service be given.

Disclaimer: This episode discusses suicide, and listener discretion is advised. Seek professional help if you or someone you know is in distress.

Ep 73 Creating a Great Work Environment Every Single Day

Putting the Community Back into Community Pharmacy
In the first episode of PAGCAST, host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Platform Alliance Group is joined by Michael Flannery, Pharmacist, CEO of Life Pharmacy Group, and Executive Director of The Platform Alliance Group. In this inaugural episode, Melody and Michael dive into an insightful discussion about the future of Pharmacy, the challenges faced by Pharmacy leaders, and the role of The Platform Alliance Group in helping the industry prosper. 
Michael is a man who wears many hats. When asked how he manages it all, he describes himself as a flexible person and as someone who can handle multiple tasks efficiently. He believes passion is crucial, as it helps him prioritize and make time for the things he loves, bringing him a sense of satisfaction and balancing various aspects of life. While occasionally reflecting on possibly needing more downtime, he finds joy in his dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle. 
Michael then discusses his upbringing in Forbes, a town where his father worked as a Pharmacist. Growing up in a community where his father was the local Pharmacist provided him with insights into the role of a Pharmacist beyond dispensing medications. He was inspired by his father's giving nature and the importance of patient-centered care. This helped shape his understanding of Community Pharmacy. While initially uncertain about his career path, he eventually found his passion in Community Pharmacy. He embraced the management challenges it presented, leading him to focus his career in that field.
Michael emphasizes the importance of Community Pharmacists as individuals who can establish meaningful connections with patients. He highlights the value of conversations and listening to understand patients' needs beyond their immediate medication concerns. Michael believes that Community Pharmacists have a crucial role in addressing the diverse socio-economic needs of their patient community, offering holistic care and intangible benefits beyond prescriptions and products. He also expresses concern that government policies (like 60-day dispense) may overlook these aspects of care. He says there is a need to recognize the vital role of the entire Pharmacy team in promoting patient well-being.
Michael describes the initial shock and panic felt by Pharmacy owners in response to the government's announcement. He highlights the importance of staying calm and analyzing the details of the policy before taking action. Michael underlines the role of the Platform Alliance Group team in providing support, offering financial planning strategies, and organizing webinars to help Pharmacy owners navigate the challenges brought about by the government's changes. He also expresses concerns about the potential negative impact on patient well-being and stresses the significance of Community Pharmacists in providing holistic care and access to health services.
Michael expresses hope and excitement about the future of Pharmacy. He emphasizes the importance of professional environments, clinic rooms, and expanded scope of practice for Pharmacists. He also mentions the need for collaboration and teamwork within the Community Pharmacies to overcome challenges and explore opportunities.
Summing it all down, Michael reminisces about his experiences building and expanding his Pharmacy business over the years. He purchased his first store in 1990 and faced challenges and unexpected events. With the support of mentors, dedicated staff, and a focus on community engagement, Michael successfully merged and expanded stores, implemented new initiatives, and fostered a culture of care and innovation within the pharmacies in the Life Pharmacy Group.

Pagcast EP-1 Putting the Community Back into Community Pharmacy

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, first-time host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audrie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health is joined by Dr. Alex Barker, Pharmacist, Founder at The Happy PharmD and Co-Founder of The Task Fox. Dr. Alex is also the author of “Indispensable: The prescription for a fulfilling pharmacy career.” Listen to this episode to discover the transformative journey through the world of Pharmacy, from burnout to brilliance, as Dr. Alex shares insights on fostering innovation, finding advocates, and aligning your work with your true strengths. Also, learn how to navigate the challenges and opportunities within Pharmacy to craft a fulfilling and joyful career.

Dr. Alex opens up about their early career experiences, revealing their initial adherence to the conventional wisdom of pursuing residency for a thriving Pharmacy career. However, they soon found themselves grappling with burnout and frustration in a clinical Pharmacy role, prompting a reevaluation of their path. This pivotal moment led Dr. Alex to establish a business dedicated to coaching and empowering fellow Pharmacists to rediscover fulfillment within the profession. The episode sheds light on the diverse career trajectories Pharmacists can undertake, with Dr. Alex's coaching guiding individuals toward roles as diverse as real estate agents, financial advisors, and comedians.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Alex’s experiences serve as an inspirational narrative for Pharmacists seeking purpose and growth within their careers. The discussion embodies the essence of transformation and resilience, proving that with the proper guidance and perspective, individuals can carve out their meaningful journey within the realm of Pharmacy.

Innovate Your Pharmacy Career with Insights from Dr. Alex Barker - EP - 79

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training stream, host Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist and Founder at Locumate is joined by Vinit Kewal, Director of The Infinity Group. Listen to the episode as the two explore Vinit’s remarkable Pharmacy journey, share industry insights, and delve into the evolving landscape of Pharmacy.
Vinit begins the conversation by reminiscing about their remarkable journey. Originally from Fiji, Vinit's path led them to the University of Queensland, where they pursued a Pharmacy degree. Their focus on Community Pharmacy, particularly in regional Australia, has been a driving force throughout their career. Notably, Vinit became a Pharmacy owner in regional New South Wales and has found great joy and strength in their family, spouse, and two kids who offer unwavering support. Vinit's evolution from a Pharmacist in a single store to a leader within a vast organization has sparked their interest in leadership and the training Pharmacists receive. 
Vinit also opens up about the significant hurdles and challenges they've faced in their journey. They explore internal and external obstacles, delving into their initial self-doubts and fears of branching out into new ventures. Vinit emphasizes that internal hurdles, like self-belief and courage, can be the most daunting, yet overcoming them can make anything seem achievable. They also discuss the importance of promoting women's entry into leadership positions in Pharmacy, acknowledging the unique challenges they may face. Vinit reflects on the resilient nature of the Pharmacy industry and its ability to thrive despite ever-changing landscapes.
When asked about changing perceptions on Pharmacy ownership amongst the youth, Vinit emphasizes that despite the challenges, ownership remains a key part of career progression. Vinit specifically highlights their involvement with The Infinity Group and how they encourage partnership as a natural step forward for Pharmacists. They acknowledge the changing ownership landscape with higher barriers to entry but also stress that opportunities for young Pharmacists to achieve ownership have never been more feasible. 
Vinit reflects on their 15-year journey with The Infinity Group, highlighting its remarkable growth in terms of both store numbers and the people that constitute the organization. The Infinity Group's adaptability and agility are key strengths facilitating its growth, albeit presenting challenges and opportunities. Vinit also talks about the ever-present lesson of humility that the industry imparts, driven by the consistent change it faces. Vinit touches upon the ongoing shifts within the industry, including the introduction of 60-day dispensing and the need for Pharmacists to adapt to new challenges. They emphasize the Pharmacy profession's transformative journey, from a focus on dispensing to an exciting era of expanded scope of practice. Vinit explores the importance of the human element in healthcare, noting that while automation advances, the personal connection and expertise Pharmacists provide remain irreplaceable.
Vinit discusses various aspects of mental health, work-life balance, and professional growth within the Pharmacy industry. They emphasize the significance of openly addressing mental health concerns, destigmatizing the topic, and creating a supportive environment. Vinit touches on the challenge of striking a work-life balance, particularly in an industry where accessibility and healthcare provision are crucial. They also highlight the need to reevaluate Pharmacist pay, advocating for a minimum baseline that values all Pharmacists' contributions.
Vinit envisions the future of the Pharmacy industry, emphasizing the role of automation and technology in shaping interactions between Pharmacists and patients.

EP 80 Leading with Heart: Vinit Kewal’s Pharmacy Journey

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

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 #pharmacytechnology