Around 400 delegates across Australia gathered in Brisbane last Friday and Saturday for the 20th annual Pharmacy Assistant National Conference (PA2019).
The conference is the peak educational and networking event for pharmacy assistants across Australia and 2019 exceeded all expectations.
Held from the 11-13 October at Sofitel Brisbane Central, this new, central location provided easy access and convenience for all delegates attending.
The conference commenced on Friday with a fun and interactive QCPP Approved Refresher Training pre-conference workshop based on the international TV series ‘Embarrassing Bodies’, enabling pharmacy assistants to be more confident when dealing with uncomfortable situations.
2018 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY), Alice Vanderpol set the tone of the conference during the official welcome, encouraging pharmacy assistants to be solutions-based professionals and highlighted the importance of knowing their identity and worth as an individual.
Guild Queensland Vice President, Kos Sclavos AM provided a fascinating industry update with key points including major growth in the beauty and health departments, decreasing gross profit per dispensary script, the transition of QCPP to Quality Care 2020 and the impact of technology as the industry moves towards paperless scripts.
Delegates were treated to nearly 30 product update, management/operations, and motivational sessions throughout the two-day conference. Program highlights included Wound Management Expert, Associate Professor Geoff Sussman who had the audience fascinated with his world-class expertise in wound care best practices. Former Wallabies Captain, Stirling Mortlock AM was another favourite, sharing his career highlights and how his diagnosis with osteoporosis has affected his life and career.
Paralympian Jessica Gallagher also inspired delegates with the challenges she faced competing in skiing, athletics and cycling after being diagnosed with a rare, degenerative eye disease at 17, and encouraged delegates to have trust and master their fears. 2017 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Queensland Winner, Clare Stone provided practical tips on how pharmacies can extend out to the community and create meaningful relationships beyond the walls of pharmacy.
The Trade Exhibition was a buzzing success, allowing delegates to sample new products and learn practical tips and tricks to apply back in their pharmacies from the 30+ trade stands. The Trade Exhibition was also the location of the ever-popular Welcome Reception on Friday night.
The climax of the conference was the ‘At the Movies’ themed conference dinner on Saturday night which saw delegates strut the red carpet in their Hollywood costumes. The highlight of the night was the announcement of the 2019 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY), which was awarded to Brianne Lowe from HealthSAVE Pharmacy Charlestown in New South Wales. Kane Forbes from Casterton Pharmacy in Victoria was awarded the Runner Up. The National Winner of the Glucojel Super Star Award, which recognises a PATY Finalist with outstanding customer service, was also announced. Congratulations to Katie Godwin from Amcal Pharmacy Caboolture in Queensland who was awarded this title.
Mark your diaries for PA2020, which will be held from 23-24 October 2020 at Sofitel Brisbane Central.
Watch the full conference wrap video below.
