New ECP Director to focus on the future

WA-based hospital pharmacist Lauren Burton has been appointed as the new Early Career Pharmacist (ECP) Director of PSA, effective from 1 July 2018.

PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson said he was delighted to welcome Ms Burton to the National Board, and sincerely thanked outgoing ECP Director Taren Gill for her service.

‘Taren’s appointment as the first ECP Director two years ago was an historic milestone for PSA. She has worked tirelessly to support ECPs across the country, and led PSA’s strategy to meet the future needs of the profession with ground-breaking initiatives such as the ECP White Paper,’ Dr Jackson said.

‘PSA recognises the importance of diversity on our Board and Lauren will continue to lead our strong focus on ECPs.

‘Lauren is a talented and deeply passionate pharmacist and I am confident she will make a fantastic contribution to the Board. Her extensive experience in a range of pharmacy roles will help ensure PSA’s strategy meets the needs of Australia’s ECPs so they can be confident in the bright future ahead.’

Ms Burton has significant experience in community and hospital pharmacy, more recently in roles involving project-based work, clinical pharmacy and dispensary services as a member of the Pharmacy Department at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth WA. She also has experience in reviewing and informing legislation as well as government and hospital policies.

‘I am passionate about improving awareness of the role of the pharmacist as part of a healthcare team and believe this will enable the progression of key initiatives for expanding our role as medicines management experts,’ Ms Burton said.

Ms Burton also said that as part of PSA’s White Paper Working Group, she has developed an in-depth understanding of the key issues facing ECPs.

‘I intend to ensure the issues discussed and recommendations put forward in the ECP White Paper continue to frame conversations around how PSA and its networks can best support pharmacists now and into the future.’

Read more about ECPs in pharmacy in our feature.