In this episode of PAGCAST, a stream of Pharmacy View Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Platform Alliance Group, host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Platform Alliance Group is joined by Fellicia Hambali, Head of Chemist Discount Centre, The Platform Alliance Group. Fellicia shares her inspiring journey of becoming a Pharmacist, her innovative approach to Pharmacy business, and her passion for data-driven decision-making. Join us as we delve into the world of Pharmacy and learn from Fellicia's experiences and expertise.

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training stream, host Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist and Founder at Locumate is joined by Kevin Walker, President and Co-Owner of RPhAlly. Join us as Kevin discusses their diverse career in healthcare, the establishment of RPhAlly, and the importance of finding focus and passion in the pharmacy profession.

Kevin talks about their humble approach to life and attributes it to their faith and family values. They reflect on their Native American background and the strong influence of inspirational female leaders within their community. Kevin highlights the profound impact of their grandparents, particularly their grandmother's resilience in overcoming hardships as a first-generation immigrant in the United States. Growing up on a cattle ranch also shaped their perspective on labor, responsibility, and animal husbandry. Ultimately, their faith has provided them with a profound sense of gratitude and an appreciation for the blessings in their life.

Kevin discusses the challenges of managing their various roles and responsibilities when asked about wearing many hats and how they balance it all. They prioritize their roles as a husband and father, striving to be present in those spaces as much as possible. As a passionate professional in the Pharmacy field, they seamlessly interweave their work with projects such as the ACP components, Native American healers’ cohort, and collaboration with a digital health company, all contributing to the future of healthcare and Pharmacy. Kevin acknowledges the importance of effective time management, which remains a work in progress for them.

Kevin emphasizes the importance of two key skill sets for success: delegation and monetization. They discuss the significance of delegating tasks to others with complementary skill sets, fostering collaboration and efficiency. Kevin also reflects on the value of monetizing services to create sustainable growth and provide even greater value to others. They acknowledge the challenge of balancing personal values while recognizing the need for monetization to scale their impact effectively.

Kevin discusses the establishment of RPhAlly, a community that addresses major issues facing the pharmacy profession, including burnout, suicide rates, and the need for education and specialization. RPhAlly focuses on empowering pharmacists to play a significant role in patient care, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve outcomes. The long-term vision of RPhAlly is to ensure pharmacists are recognized as leaders in healthcare, making critical decisions to advance patient care and drive positive change in the profession.

Ep 76 - Finding Balance: Navigating Burnout in Pharmacy Practice by Pharmacy View Podcast

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.

Ep 75 Chantelle Marissa by Pharmacy View Podcast

EP 74 The Most Important of the 4Ps is Purpose by Pharmacy View Podcast

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.

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training stream, host Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist and Founder at Locumate, talks to her mentor, Michael Gray, Manager of Prime Pharmacy Group. In addition to being an experienced director and manager with a demonstrated history of working in the retail Pharmacy industry, Michael also holds a law degree. Listen to the episode as Michael talks about the changing trends in the Australian Pharmaceutical Industry, independent contractors and their superannuation, the shift in pharmacy ownership, and their drive to help budding entrepreneurs.

Having learned the value of a strong work ethic from their parents at an early age, Michael started work at 15—sold photographic equipment, had a short career as a photographer at a local newspaper, traveled overseas, went to Pharmacy College at 25, interned at a children’s hospital, answered an ad for a job—the rest as they say, is history. The job ad led Michael to their current business partners, with whom they founded Advantage Pharmacy, which is now a part of the Platform Alliance Group. When asked about their support network, Michael talks about their mother, family, and existing business partners, Steve and John. A strong support network at home and work has been pivotal for their growth.

Furthering the conversation, Kavita and Michael delve into the shifts in the Pharmacy Industry. Michael talks about the following:

i. Rise of the Discounters

ii. The decline in wanting to take Pharmacy Ownership because of perceived barriers

iii. Push for more flexible hours for Pharmacists

iv. Shift from supply-based model to professional services

v. More Pharmacies are joining groups to get better support in running their business

vi. Rise of the digital age

Even though Michael doesn’t practice law, they hold a law degree and are interested in labor law. In that context, they reference the following during the conversation:

i. Hollis Vs Vabu

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollis_v_Vabu

ii. CFMMEU v Personnel Contracting https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CFMMEU_v_Personnel_Contracting

iii. Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 - SECT 12 http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/sga1992430/s12.html

Michael iterates the two cases to say that contracts are important and that a clear contract with independent contractors can save Pharmacy owners from running risks. There is a pull towards flexible working hours, and while this can hold its advantages, both parties need to be clear as to the terms of the engagement.

In addition to the aforementioned, Michael outlines the challenges in the industry as being:

i. Labor shortages

ii. Slow upskilling of Pharmacists to provide extra services

Talking further on how fewer students are drawn to Pharmacy Ownership recently, Michael reminisces how earlier that used to be what 90% of Pharmacy students would aspire for. They say that the perceived barriers stop the students from wanting to take up ownership. However, as someone who has spent decades for the betterment of the industry and has learned from experiences, Michael believes that they (more experienced Pharmacists) owe it to the students to help and facilitate their roles in the industry.

And here is a list of Michael’s advice for budding entrepreneurs:

1. Find a problem that needs a solution

2. Say yes and back yourself

3. Surround yourself with people who are more intelligent than you and who complement your skills

4. Great Ideas are just that until you execute them

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 70 There's No Middle Ground when Facing Challenges in Pharmacy by Pharmacy View Podcast