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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From refugee to receiving multiple accolades as a community pharmacist
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Significant funding announced for NSW biomedical researchers
The Snow Medical Research Foundation (Snow Medical) has announced a new $24 million investment in three outstanding Australian biomedical researchers through its prestigious Snow Fellowships.
These Fellows will tackle major global health challenges spanning autoimmune disease, neurological disorders, and genetic disease. Their work addresses conditions that disproportionately affect vulnerable and underserved populations, including First Nations communities, while advancing precision medicine and translational care. Collectively, their research aims to deliver safer vaccines, better diagnostics, and more equitable genomic and neurological healthcare.
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Clinical entrepreneur addresses needle-phobia
Australian entrepreneur, Lauren Barber, turned her nursing background into the role of an inventor and launched a medical device into the Australian healthcare industry.
No journey is linear for an entrepreneur, but Lauren has travelled considerable distance from a nursing student to a successful entrepreneur illustration her determination and passion to help those with needle phobias. Lauren’s work with NeedleCalm is making a positive impact in the healthcare industry and improving the experiences of patients and clinicians alike.
