Page 17 - Demo

FEATURE
MEET A
MEMBER
Stephenie Shea MPS
Discount Drug Stores Franchise Support Office, Brisbane QLD
A dedicated pharmacist and National Professional Services and Pharmaceuticals Manager, Stephenie Shea is passionate about building strong relationships with the members of her community. As a committed MPS, she relies on PSA training programs to ensure she provides her patients with cutting-edge healthcare.
BEING THE BEST YOU CAN BE
As pharmacists we face many challenges but it is one of the most rewarding jobs. I encourage every pharmacist out there, as well as anyone hoping to become a pharmacist, to be the best healthcare provider you can be and keep your customers as your number one priority.
STRONGER
I hope to see pharmacy continue as one of the most highly regarded professions by the public as we make a positive difference to the wellbeing of the community. I believe we will come out of this challenging time stronger and better than ever.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
I have been with Discount Drug Stores for 15 years and share their vision and drive for providing excellent healthcare for the people in our community. I am inspired knowing I can make a positive difference in someone’s health and wellbeing, whether by giving advice on how to stay compliant to medication, or detecting a possible drug interaction that could have severe consequences.
MORE THAN JUST DISPENSING
I enjoy the day to day interactions with my customers where I get to know them and build a relationship with them.
This drives me to provide them with
the best healthcare I can possibly offer
as a pharmacist. After all, pharmacy is about more than just filling prescriptions. We help promote health awareness and improve the wellbeing of the community. Working at the health clinics that Discount Drug Stores offers – such as diabetes management, hearing tests, sun awareness, and flu vaccinations – ensures I can contribute to the betterment
of the community, beyond simply dispensing drugs.
TRAINING WITH PSA
The information PSA provides to members each month is of great value
to me as a practitioner because it keeps me up-to-date with industry news.
The regular training programs and information on offer are great because they allow me to develop my skills and knowledge as a professional. At the end of the day, PSA is a great support network for all pharmacists.
CHALLENGES
The industry is currently facing many issues such as constrained budgets and industry reforms that mean we have to work more with less. Pharmacists also need to stay up-to-date with all the latest medication information and technology, which can be difficult when you’re time poor.
SKILL SET
In the next two years, I hope to continue expanding my knowledge of the industry and broadening my skill set as a healthcare provider. My plan is to get qualified to vaccinate in the pharmacy setting and become an accredited diabetes educator.
As told to JARRYD LUKE
Australian Pharmacist January 2017 I ©Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. 15