The PharmXcel Blog

The Pharmacist’s Diary got a refresh!

PharmXcel is the new name 😀 

After much contemplation on the content and purpose of this blog, I decided to relaunch it with a new design and purpose!

I am cognizant of the disruptive environment that pharmacy is operating in worldwide.

Our colleagues in Australia are facing pressure with the enforcement of a 60-day dispensing rule in a few months.

While in New Zealand, pharmacies are operating with literally skeleton staff.

Then you look at the US; they seem to have never-ending battles with PBMs and gaining provider status. It’s beyond my understanding why a pharmacist would not be classified as a healthcare provider—that is just a little absurd! (*sense the sarcasm*)

As the depth of winter approaches New Zealand, pressures on the healthcare system will mount, and so I am incredibly delighted with the announcement made by our Minister of Health yesterday that specific regions will be funded for telepharmacy services. It is disappointing that it is not across the board, but hey, you've got to be thankful; it is a brilliant start for recognition of the value of virtual healthcare in the pharmacy space.

Undeniably, pharmacy faces so many challenges around the globe.

And sometimes I wonder whether a single country is content with the state of pharmacy practice and how their services are reimbursed.

But I’ve come back to realize that, this is healthcare, and that’s how it has always been.

Healthcare is challenging. period.

We must come to accept that we will never have it our way. So we must look at the opportunities that come out of the challenges.

There is a better future for pharmacy. Don’t believe the naysayers who tell you pharmacists won’t exist or will be replaced by AI.

In fact, did you know that the World Health Organization has recently classified polypharmacy as a major public health crisis?

That’s right!

Logically, that means that there has never been a more pressing need for pharmacists.

Who else sees patients more frequently than their pharmacist?

Who else has outstanding expertise in the pharmacology of medicines?

Who else understands drug interactions and actively addresses them?

I could go on.

PHARMACISTS!

We are in the best position to address inappropriate polypharmacy and tackle this public health crisis.

Out of adversity and uncertainty, innovation is born.

And sometimes, when we don’t adopt change willingly, we are forced to do so out of necessity.

As the saying goes “necessity is the mother of all invention”.

With this in mind, I will be changing my content from a focus on careers alone to

‘‘Unlocking Excellence in Pharmacy, One Insight at a Time”

Hence the rebranding to PharmXcel

I will focus on delivering content that promotes excellence in pharmacy practice, such as:

• up-to-date pharmacy news and trends

• up-to-date pharmacy practice insights and industry innovations

• opportunities pharmacists and pharmacies can leverage for growth

• pharmacogenomics and virtual healthcare insights

• courses and projects I am working on to support pharmacists

• valuable insights and resources for pharmacists to excel in their careers

While the current global pharmacy landscape is undoubtedly challenging, it is also an opportunity for pharmacists to embrace innovation and new ways of thinking.

By focusing on what we excel at, staying informed, and being open to change, we can not only survive but thrive in these changing times.

So, let’s stay connected, informed, and continue to learn and grow as we navigate these evolving times. (*notice I didn’t call them challenging times because they are an opportunity, not a challenge. Mindset matters!*)

Here's to an exciting future ahead of us,

Katrina