Published by Computachem Services

P.O Box 297.
Alstonville. 2477
NSW Australia

Phone:
61 2 66285138

Editor's Note: Introducing a new writer, Lachlan Rose.
Lachlan is entering his fourth and final year of the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Sydney. He currently holds the position of President of the pharmacy student society, the Sydney University Pharmacy Association (SUPA).
In a deliberate policy move by i2P, future pharmacy leaders are being recruited from student ranks as writers.
We are attempting to expose these young writers to a range of ideas, and have them think about pharmacy solutions from the earliest point in their careers.
Previous student recruits have been Jon Aldous, Simon Rudderham, Andrew Snow and now Lachlan Rose.
All are progressing well in their career paths, and you will note that their articles reflect their individualism and direction.
In this article, Lachlan challenges all pharmacists to help in shaping the learning of a student.
i2P is playing its part-how about you?

For the uninitiated, NAPSA is the National Australian Pharmacy Students Association. After 15 years in the wilderness, NAPSA has surged back into the limelight to assume its role in "protecting and promoting the just rights and responsibilities of pharmacy students and pre-registrant pharmacists in Australia", according to NAPSA President Adam Phillips. The recent Adelaide congress (Jan 25-31) was a prime example of the enthusiasm manifest in pharmacy students - a trait believed only to be evident in the Arts faculty! During 5 days of presentations, workshops and general assemblies, the 155 strong congregation addressed pertinent issues such as rural health, curriculum, industrial affairs and student exchange. Personally, I left Sydney looking just for a good time, cynical about what this association could realistically achieve. I returned to Sydney a little sick, infected by a positive and vigorous NAPSA!

The resounding opinion of the congress was that in order to secure a strong next generation, it can't be left up to the students alone. Universities work hard at instilling knowledge and skill into its graduates. There's no doubt the Pharmacy course is one of the most stringent and comprehensive degrees available. What is still lacking, is hands-on practical training and an understanding of pharmacy affairs.

Organisations assume that when students become registered pharmacists, they instantly develop an opinion, a point of view, on a broad range of topics. Newsflash - they don't. These issues need to be aired from day one of the degree, so that when a decision has to be made, it can be guaranteed that it will be an informed one. NAPSA is in a unique position to fuel this fire amongst students with the support of pharmacy associations such as the Guild and PSA. Its good to see that the heads of these associations were already heavily involved at the congress. The congress, together with the AGMs, will facilitate discussion and provide scope for the development of a solid policy platform. I urge the involvement of any or all pharmaceutical associations, companies, and organisations at the heart of pharmacy learning - the humble lecture theatre at uni. Isn't it by knowing all the angles that you are able to make a truly educated decision?

I challenge all individual pharmacists to take an active role in shaping the learning of a student. Employ a student on your staff. Talk to them, test them, push their limits. Enquire with local universities about enrolling in possible pharmacist/student mentor programs. Pass on all that experience and know-how - why waste it?

Let's empower the next generation of pharmacists to become more professional, more patient-orientated and more community-minded so that by 2010 we will still be in demand and highly respected.

Lachlan Rose