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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Strengthening Evidence Through Health Research Where Most People Access Healthcare
In February 2025, the Australian Government committed over $22 million for primary care research, including $5.2m awarded to Professor Michael Kidd, Director of the International Centre for Future Health Systems at UNSW and recently appointed Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, to lead the establishment of one of the largest research collaborations in Australia focused on improving primary care.
The Royal Australian College of GPs says a new national multidisciplinary consortium for primary care research is a positive step forward to improve patient care.
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New Generative AI and machine learning frontier on unused patient care data
Drawing from GE’s 125-year legacy in healthcare, Amit Yadav, CEO GE HealthCare ANZ is leading efforts to integrate AI into medical imaging devices and optimise workflow efficiencies. He stresses the importance of leveraging the vast amount of untapped healthcare data, with an emphasis on automating manual processes to enhance productivity. Additionally, his focus extends to utilising AI for workflow optimisation and ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards to prioritise safety.
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Research funded to investigate early-onset bowel cancer progression
Bowel Cancer Australia recently announced a team led by Professor Michael Samuel as the successful applicant for a three-year $600k early-onset bowel cancer research project through the 2023 round of Cancer Australia’s Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme (PdCCRS).
