PSA24 social round up

Industry
By
Chloe Hava
-

Learning is just one part of PSA’s national conference. Networking, costumes and wellbeing also have an important part to play, provided by the wide range of social events on offer at PSA24.

Here, Australian Pharmacist recaps some of the highlights.

ECPs let their hair down

The renowned ECP party, held last night on 2 August, did not disappoint, said Raymond Truong MPS, who is on the board of PSA ECP Communities of Special Interest (CSI).

‘It was an eventful night, with a new venue, and a lot of opportunities to connect with ECPs from different states and territories,’ he said.

With the theme ‘Anything starting with a P’, ECPs let their imagination run wild – including ECP Board Director Ayomide Ogundipe MPS who came as Paddington Bear, and Erin Cooper MPS and Alicia Martin MPS, who dressed as ‘two peas in a pod’.

‘It’s a good starting point for networking for ECPs to go to events and social functions at the early start of their career,’ said Mr Truong, who dressed as a Pokémon Trainer alongside James Buckley MPS.

‘You never know, you might just find your next opportunity as well.’

Morning walks

In a tradition that began at CPC24, the Pharmacists’ Support Services and PSA have organised morning walks for early rising pharmacists around the glorious Sydney Harbour, each day at PSA24.

‘We meet at a water feature at 6.00 am,’ said Kay Dunkley FPS, PSS CEO. ‘And there is someone who leads the runners and fast walkers – then I lead the slow walkers. Whatever people’s capabilities are, they can still be part of it.’

The walkers/runners move through Darling Harbour, snake around the iconic Harbour Bridge through to Barangaroo Reserve, then back again.

‘It’s a time when you meet people who you might not meet in the business of the conference, so you can have conversations and build networks,’ Ms Dunkley said. 

‘You get to hear about what people are doing, and discuss what’s happening in pharmacy in a very informal fashion.’

Getting up early and exercising also boosts endorphins. 

‘When you’re sitting in lecture theatres all day, it’s really nice to be able to do something for your wellbeing,’ said Ms Dunkley.  ‘You can get your 10,000 steps before you even start the day.’

A breakfast with PSA’s national president

As has become tradition at PSA’s flagship conference, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS and Chris Campbell MPS, PSA General Manager Policy and Program Delivery, hosted an early morning breakfast where members can ask the questions that matter to them the most. 

The sold-out event provided a wonderful opportunity for members to put questions directly to PSA’s National President, said Peter Guthrey MPS, PSA Senior Pharmacist – strategic policy.

‘The breakfast has become a must-attend event on the social calendar where members can participate in candid conversations about the issues that are most important and relevant to them.’

The culmination of PSA24 will take place at the Gala Dinner tonight! Stay tuned to AP on Monday for a recap of the evening, and more.