Page 33 - Retail Pharmacy Assistants - November 2020

Benjamin King, Northern Territory – Alice Springs Pharmacy What have you learnt about yourself and the profession throughout the 2020 PATY process? Through PATY 2020 I’ve learnt that all pharmacy assistants should be celebrated, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s been incredible to see all the support available to pharmacy assistants over the last few weeks, and I’ve learned that a little bit of support, provides immense motivation and passion. What are you looking forward to most over the next 12 months and what are you hoping to achieve? I’m honoured to have the chance to represent the Northern Territory and pharmacy assistants Australia wide and I want to be a voice for all assistants across Australia for the next year. I want to ensure no assistant gets complacent in their role and motivate them to strive for greatness. My motto this year is: ‘Pharmacy assistants get it done’. How will you promote the industry and pharmacy assistants to the wider community over the next 12 months? To promote the industry, firstly I’d initiate a new pharmacy campaign: ‘Ask your pharmacy assistant’. The goal of the campaign is to encourage the community to visit their pharmacy and get to know the local faces. Pharmacy assistants possess a wealth of knowledge and can use their knowledge to support the community, ensuring that customers leave the store with all support provided. I’d also like to interview a pharmacy assistant from PATY STATE/TERRITORY WINNERS 31 a different pharmacy each week, to showcase all the skills and stories from other perspectives within the industry. Kenya Broad, Tasmania – Penguin Pharmacy What have you learnt about yourself and the profession throughout the 2020 PATY process? Throughout the 2020 PATY process I have gained confidence in myself while engaging with customers within our pharmacy and community. Over the past few months I have learnt that we are on the front line as pharmacy assistants. Achieving the Tasmanian Pharmacy Assistant of the Year has opened up multiple opportunities within the career TO PAGE 32 “ I have gained confidence in myself while engaging with customers within our pharmacy and community.” RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • NOV 2020