MEDIA RELEASE
5 February 2025
Chairman’s Top 20: APP2025
Each year, APP Chairman Kos Sclavos AM is asked to share his top program highlights for the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP) – a challenging task given the calibre of sessions and speakers at APP2025.
Reflecting on the APP2025 theme “Unlock Your Opportunities”, Mr Sclavos has shared his top 20 sessions for this year (in conference date and time order).
1) Full Scope of Practice Workshop
Wednesday PM.
Moderated by Nader Mitri, General Manager for PharmaPrograms, this two-part workshop will include a 90-minute refresher on the administration of injectable medicines, followed by an update on Full Scope updates from across Australia. With pharmacists now able to administer many injectable medicines, the first part of this workshop will act as a refresher for pharmacist administration of seven common injectable medicines. The second half of the workshop will focus on the scope of practice for pharmacists, which is constantly changing across states and territories. This workshop is ideal for those wanting to be brought up to speed on all things scope of practice in a hands-on environment.
Speakers for the workshop include Lauren Baker (Patient Experience Liaison, Arrotex), Jeffery Chu (Pharmacist and Educator), and Simranjit ‘Simmy’ Kaur (Registered Nurse, DBG Health).
2) Opening Plenary and Pharmacy of The Year winners
Thursday AM
Hear from Guild National President, Professor Trent Twomey, about the Guild’s direction for community pharmacy. The last 12 months saw significant change and Trent will reflect on the key issues, as well as the future direction of the profession. You’ll also have the chance to be inspired by the Pharmacy of the Year winners, who showcase best practice in action. A terrific way to kick off the conference program!
3) The world community pharmacy scene: why are some global giants failing – what is the key to success?
Thursday AM
We are honoured to welcome US-based pharmacist Doug Hoey, President of the World Pharmacy Council and CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association (USA), back to the APP stage. Prescription medicines should not be seen as commoditised items – the markets that have gone down this track are seeing community pharmacy decimated. In some countries, there is evidence that large format pharmacies which have commoditised prescription medicines are struggling for viability. I look forward to Doug’s keynote where he will highlight why independent community pharmacies are uniquely positioned to thrive by focusing on patient care and professional services.
4) How community pharmacy can strengthen their primary care role through precision health
Thursday AM
Diagnostic devices ideally suited for the pharmacy setting are becoming more accurate, and price affordability is increasing. With the emergence of the Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilots commencing across Australia, tools to support differential diagnosis are key. This panel session will showcase examples of diagnostic devices supporting pharmacists to play an enhanced role in primary care. The panel will include special guest, US-based pharmacist Jeff Harrell, National President of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). As a global leader in community pharmacy, Jeff will bring invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping our industry.
5) Alan Russell Oration | Pharmacist full scope of practice
Thursday PM
I was delighted to invite Georgina Twomey, credentialed Full Scope Pharmacist and CEO of Alive Pharmacy Group, to present this session. In years to come we will note that the past 24 months, with the development of scope of practice, have been pivotal for the pharmacy profession taking a great leap forward. The session will reflect on this significant part of our profession’s history, delivered by one of the first practitioners in the field. The Alive Pharmacy Group have been at the centre of embracing this change.
6) Digital Health: The next 5 years for pharmacy
Thursday PM
The May 2023 federal budget revealed a $1.1 billion investment to update the digital health infrastructure and to transform My Health Record into a more data-rich platform. With pharmacists expanding their roles, this session, moderated by Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fred IT Group, Paul Naismith, will outline how this digital investment can enhance health outcomes for Australians. It will explore the implications for pharmacists with an upgraded My Health Record, and how the evolving digital medication platforms seek to further improve medication safety.
Panellists for this session include Daniel McCabe (First Assistant Secretary Medicate Benefits and Digital Health, Australian Government Department of Health), Amanda Cattermole (Chief Executive Officer, Australian Digital Health Agency), and Regina Cowie (Partnerships Manager eHealth, Fred IT Group).
7) Unlocking Opportunities: Is ‘Full Scope of Practice’ a viable service offering for community pharmacy?
Thursday PM
While there are multiple sessions on full scope at APP2025, this one takes a look from a different angle. Amongst other issues, it will evaluate the viability of pharmacist prescribing and what it means for your bottom line. Moderator, Amanda Seeto (Chief Executive Officer, Australasian College of Pharmacy), will lead this panel discussion featuring speakers John Bell (Community Pharmacist and Practitioner/Teacher for the Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney), Cate Whalan (National Councillor, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia), and Sylvain Vigneault (Country Manager, Viatris).
8) Guild member (Proprietor) only breakfast: Industry update
Friday AM
For Guild members, this is a must-attend event. This member-only event will provide a confidential update on the Guild’s 2025 Federal Election strategy and advocacy work. All Guild members are encouraged to attend. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A session.
9) The Panel: State of the Industry
Friday AM
Facilitated by Executive Director for The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Gerard Benedet, the State of the Industry Panel is one of my favourite sessions, always. During the panel, you’ll hear from leaders of Consumer Healthcare Products Australia, Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association, National Pharmaceutical Services Association, and The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. How do they view the industry? What are they seeking, in terms of election commitments? Where does pharmacy and pharmaceuticals sit in the political landscape?
10) The Patient Doctor
Friday AM
You will be inspired after attending this session. Originally a zoologist and science communicator, Ben Bravery became a doctor in 2018 after a stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis and is now undertaking speciality training in psychiatry. Ben volunteers, advocates, writes, and speaks about colorectal cancer, living with cancer, and medicine and medical education, and is committed to advocating for change in Australia’s health care system.
11) Ann Dalton Address | Fearless: finding the power to thrive
Friday AM
Former world number 4 tennis player, Jelena Dokic embodies resilience and triumph. Her awe-inspiring journey on the court includes making the semifinals of Wimbledon at 17 years of age. Yet, beyond the spotlight, she endured adversity, including abuse from her father for 15 years. This trauma shadowed her success, affecting her mental health. At 22, she faced a breaking point but chose resilience. Find out how Jelena emerged as a survivor, determined not just to survive but to thrive.
12) Harm minimisation stream
Friday PM
Harm minimisation is gaining momentum in the pharmacy landscape, with methadone and buprenorphine now funded PBS drugs and the administration of Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB) from pharmacy consult rooms expanding. But the illicit drug trade is still a growing market, with synthetic opioids beginning to surface in Australia. Many topics will be covered in this intensive 90-minute session – please refer to the online program for more details.
13) Pharmacy lessons from the USA
Saturday AM
US-based pharmacist Jeff Harrell is the National President of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and a leading authority on technology and innovations in pharmacy practice in the USA. In this not-to-be-missed keynote address, Jeff will disclose the challenges faced by pharmacy in his country and lessons for Australian community pharmacy. How can Australian pharmacists adapt to ensure their pharmacies thrive in this competitive industry?
14) Inspiring lifesaving communities: Greg Page’s story
Saturday AM
Greg Page, better known as the original Yellow Wiggle, survived a cardiac arrest on stage in January 2020. His life was saved by quick-thinking bystanders who performed CPR and used an AED to restore his heart rhythm. Greg later learned his chances of survival were just 1 in 20, a statistic that deeply affected him. Determined to make a difference, he founded Heart of the Nation, a charity focused on increasing survival rates by educating about CPR and making AEDs more visible, accessible, and actionable in communities.
15) Finding power when you feel flat, tired and uninspired
Saturday AM
Business Communication Expert, Chris Helder is an APP regular, with delegate feedback calling for Chris to come back again! Let’s face it – at certain times all teams need to be re-ignited. Everyone can feel flat, tired, and a little uninspired at times. Sometimes businesses go through challenging times. There are times that the business needs to relight that inner spark again. This presentation outlines the steps to re-ignition.
16) Pharmacy market insights and a financial update in the light of 60DD and 8CPA: A deep dive into the economics and business perspectives of pharmacy professional services
Saturday PM
During this session, Frank Sirianni, Managing Director for Medici Capital, will update attendees on the current market capitalisation rates highlighting the differences between market prices and valuations. It will also cover the current pharmacy market climate and factors driving market sentiment. In addition, insight will be provided on pharmacy valuation trends and issues arising from the new pharmacy economic climate.
17) People, prosperity, and the planet: The power of superannuation
Saturday PM
There is a quiet revolution going on in the super industry. Executive Director of Investments, People, and Sustainability for GuildSuper will teach you how the muscle of superannuation capital is being used to move money away from harmful activities and invested in positive outcomes. A super fund that takes a leadership position and advocates for change (sometimes a little bit noisily), needs to keep its own backyard pretty tidy – it needs to be authentic and transparent.
18) Practical guide to diabetes-specific nutritional formulas: Implementation strategies for Pharmacy Practice
Saturday PM
Less than half of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) successfully adhere to dietary recommendations, creating significant challenges in achieving optimal glycaemic control. This presentation, delivered by Dr Shannon Lin, Diabetes Course Director for the University of Technology Sydney, introduces pivotal insights from the new Consensus Statement on Diabetes-Specific Nutritional Formulas (DSNFs) and the RACGP Management of Type 2 Diabetes Guidelines, providing pharmacy professionals with practical guidance for supporting individuals with T2D.
19) Top 10 tips from PDL
Saturday PM
Join the PDL Professional Officers, Kylie Neville and Simone Henriksen, as they reflect on areas of risk for pharmacists identified through call and incident reports to PDL. This session will reference the most common areas of incident and complaint and offer risk management guidance to pharmacists in all areas of practice.
20) Finding success with QCPP
Saturday PM
Join the Quality Care Pharmacy Program’s session to learn more about how to set your pharmacy up for success and uncover the future of the Program, including the next release of Quality Care Requirements.
Details and information about these sessions can be found in the full APP2025 program here: https://appconference.com/program/
APP2025’s three-day education program offers a comprehensive mix of industry updates, clinical insights, business strategies, and motivational talks delivered by over 120 experts and thought leaders. APP2025 will be held on the Gold Coast on 20-22 March 2025.
Please note that the announcement of the 2025 Federal Election date at any time may impact the final APP program, with reference to Federal politicians presenting at APP2025.