10 November 2005
The Monash University Victorian College of Pharmacy and Melbourne community pharmacist Mr Mark Feldschuh have created a scholarship to help trainee pharmacists fast-track their careers by developing their management skills.
Students awarded the scholarship have their tuition paid when they undertake professional development training at the college or other pharmacy training organisation.
Mr Bill Suen, course director of the Pharmacy Management Program at the college, said the scholarship meant employers could retain highly motivated staff, and that those staff could develop relevant job skills with full financial and professional support.
He said employers who invested in ongoing staff training gained enormously in the highly competitive community pharmacy environment. " Monash University recognises the need for young pharmacists to develop these skills which are important in the current challenging healthcare environment." Mr Suen said.
The scholarship, which is offered to pre-registration trainee pharmacists, was proposed and funded by Mr Feldschuh.
"As the chairman of the Pharmacy Society of Australia Continuing Education Committee I feel that this initiative should be supported by the profession," Mr Feldschuh said. "I am pleased and proud to be the first sponsor."
The first recipient is Ms Jo Nguyen, a trainee pharmacist at Mr Feldschuh's retail pharmacy at Belvedere Park in Seaford , Victoria .
Under the program, Ms Nguyen will receive full financial support for course fees while she studies next year to obtain her Home Medicine Review accreditation and Wound Care certification.
Mr Suen said the scholarship provided extra opportunities for high achievers to further develop their management skills. "Once her clinical training is completed, Jo will join the Monash Pharmacy MBA program in 2007," he said.
Ms Nguyen said the scholarship would allow her to gain clinical, hands-on experience. "I will be able to apply what I learn in my work in the community," she said.
For more information contact Ms Robyn Anns, Media Communications, on +613 9905 9317 or 0417 568 781 or Mr Bill Suen on +61 3 9903 9054.
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