REFLECTIONS OF A PHARMACIST, ACADEMIC AND RESEARCHER IN A PIVOTAL YEAR OF CHANGE FOR THE PHARMACY PROFESSION
Dr Kate Wang, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy, RMIT University &
Adjunct Senior Lecturer, University of Western Australia
PEOPLE IN HEALTH CARE
Filmed in Melbourne, Victoria | December 2024
Dr. Kate Wang, a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy at RMIT University and Adjunct Senior Lecturer, University of Western Australia, has over a decade of experience in both hospital and community pharmacy settings.
Dr Wang spoke to Australian Health Journal on some of the key topics in 2024 that have been pivotal as a pharmacist, academic and researcher for the pharmacy profession.
With Australia’s ageing population projected to reach 21-23% of those over 65 by 2060, the need for effective medication management is crucial. Older adults often face multiple chronic conditions and take multiple medications, making pharmacists essential as medication experts.
Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals in Australia, allowing for regular patient interactions. This consistent contact enables them to provide ongoing monitoring and health management, highlighting the importance of expanding their scope of practice. Dr. Wang emphasises the trialing of structured prescribing for conditions like uncomplicated urinary tract infections and oral contraceptives, where timely access is vital.
Attending the PSA24 conference hosted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia in Sydney, she noted the collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals to address changes in scope of practice. The process requires thorough review and piloting, with a commitment to patient centred care. As the field evolves, pharmacists must adapt to new treatments and emerging health challenges, continuously striving to make a positive impact on individuals and the broader community.
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Brain cancer Professor mentors Tasmanian researchers
Rosemary Harrup trained in Victoria and Tasmania in Medical Oncology and Clinical Haematology, completing a dual Fellowship in 2001. She is the current Director of Cancer and Blood Services at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH), a role she has held since 2009.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Rosemary about her journey in medicine and specifically her work in Clinical Trials in Brain Cancer and the value she placed on her senior clinicians as mentors and how she now mentors others.
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Value of MedTech Report brings Industry and Government together
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Australian Healthcare Week
Held 27th-28th March at the ICC Sydney, the expo is one of the largest, if not the largest healthcare events in the regions. AHJ as media partner attended and met with delegates, exhibitors and leaders in the healthcare industry. Click the post to see footage.
