EDITORIAL

In this June edition, we report on the passing of George Eckert, the well-known and extremely popular pharmacy/medical educator, attached to Sydney University circa 1957.

The saviour of many a pharmacy student, George established a coaching college and provided a learning experience that has had no equal since. Members of his family have kindly provided recollections of their experiences with George.

The end of the financial year is fast approaching, and with it comes actual or promised housekeeping, in order to face a new financial year.
i2P will be occupying a site in its own right from July 1st, with a new and more modern format designed to streamline production and readability. We would appreciate any input you would like to contribute now, or after launching.

We have some interesting subjects this month discussing the advent of Pharmeasy and its potential impact on community pharmacy once it becomes established.

I would also like to take the opportunity to introduce a new writer, Chris Arblaster, from the Australian Self Medication Industry group, of which he is the marketing and development director.
Chris is about the responsible selling of medication through the industry, suitable for consumer self medication.
This also encompasses complementary medicines.

Rollo Manning is back with his no-holds-barred Pharmagoss column - always worth a read.

Peter Sayers makes a welcome reappearance to discuss pharmacy practice initiatives.
This time it's about encryption, and how this will become a new and necessary tool in pharmacy/medical communications.

Con Berbatis finishes part two of his study in the war against obesity and explains the implications of the marketing of obesity services within pharmacy. Given that every second advertisement on television is about weight management, this must represent a great professional opportunity for community pharmacists to become part of.

Les Brener is back with us again. This retired South African pharmacist is one of the movers and shakers in the digital image processing industry, and he is endeavouring to alert pharmacists to the changes in the imaging market and the opportunities becoming available to the pharmacy marketplace.

Patrick Gallagher is back with his IT knowledge and wit, always keeping pharmacists informed of the latest IT developments. He is looking for some feedback - can you help him out?

Heather Pym and Val Johanson also weigh in with their contribution to round out another very solid edition of i2P to end the financial year on.

Neil Johnston
June 2003