Suite support

Bronwyn Flanagan and Andrew Rewell

Report: Shaunnagh O’Loughlin
Photo: Greg Ford

A common bond between two alumni has led to a unique and evolving partnership between the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API).

Pharmacy graduates Andrew Rewell (BPharm 1980, MBA 2000) and Bronwyn Flanagan (BPharm 2003) have worked together at API - the parent company of health and beauty retailer Priceline Pharmacy - for four years. Although they graduated in different years, like many pharmacy alumni they share a strong affinity with the Parkville campus and the University.

It was no surprise then, that when an opportunity arose for API to work with Monash, Mr Rewell and Ms Flanagan were the ones to champion the collaboration. Together with the Victorian College of Pharmacy Foundation they developed a proposal that led to a donation from API to support the Professional Practice Suite (PPS) - an innovative environment of purpose-built teaching spaces to support hands-on learning of contemporary dispensing, primary care and patient communication skills.

“The faculty and API share a similar vision for what community pharmacy may look like in the future,” Ms Flanagan said.

“The PPS sets up students for the real world, preparing them to take a greater leadership role in their careers, the businesses they will work in and the pharmacy profession as a whole. I believe graduates will leave the University with sharper knowledge and skills. This will help them translate their learning into practise at a faster rate and with greater success than trying to learn these skills ‘on the job’.” 

“The rate and breadth of change in pharmacy is probably greater than ever before,” Mr Rewell added. Monash has revolutionised pharmacy education with the PPS. It’s now a technology-driven experience that is much closer to the actual work you do as a pharmacist. It is world-leading – a cutting-edge way of educating and training pharmacists.”

The proposal also allows for the creation of new teaching models, opportunities for joint research and the development of unique professional training programs for Priceline Pharmacy staff.

“We want to ensure Priceline Pharmacy offers a broad range of unique health services to our customers,” Mr Rewell said. “By working with Monash we believe we can better support the needs of the community. In doing so, we hope to encourage likeminded pharmacy graduates to consider joining the Priceline Pharmacy team.”

Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Bill Charman (BPharm 1981) said establishing strong connections with industry organisations such as API was vital to the overall educational experience offered by Monash.

“API’s support for the PPS will enhance our ability to produce graduates who can better contribute to the future of community pharmacy. We are very thankful for their support.”