27 January 2010

The role of new prescribers, pharmacogenetics, and new technologies are just some of the major topics affecting pharmacists that will be covered at this year’s National Medicines Symposium.

Hosted by the National Prescribing Service, the Symposium brings together everyone working in the medicines space from health professionals to academics, consumer groups and policy makers.

“The medicines environment is constantly changing and the National Medicines Symposium presents pharmacists with a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about the latest developments in clinical practice and interventions,” NPS CEO Dr Lynn Weekes said.

“NMS is the only event which brings together all professions and industry groups involved with medicines. It provides those working at the coalface with an opportunity to share expertise and experience, and contribute and benefit from stimulating discussions.”

“National and international speakers headline an exciting scientific program examining medicine in people’s lives, safe and judicious medicines use, and the changing role of prescribers,” Dr Weekes said.

The international guest speakers are:

• Dr Eva Ombaka,recipient of the 2007 Olle Hansson award for her work in rational use of medicines, has been an international advocate for access to medicines and a pharmacist for 34 years. She will talk about her experiences in Africa and with the Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network (EPN)
• Professor Munir Pirmohamed, NHS Chair of Pharmacogenetics in the UK, who will look at the role of pharmacogenetics in individualising medication therapy
• Dr Victor Montori, a diabetologist and clinical epidemiologist and Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in the US, will explore the treatment burden in complex chronic illness and the role of decision aids in clinical practice.

Among the many key national industry speakers will be:

• Prof Andrew McLachlan, Chair of Australia’s National Medicines Policy Committee
• Prof Andrew Gilbert, Director Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, University of South Australia
• Prof Michael Dooley, Director of Pharmacy, Alfred Health.

Health professionals are invited to submit abstracts for oral presentation or poster display during the Symposium. Topics may cover clinical practice, education, research, complementary medicines, leadership, policy, innovations or future directions for quality use of medicines and must address the theme, Medicine in people’s lives.

Abstracts close 17 February 2010. The Symposium runs from 26-28 May at the Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Centre. For further information including how to register visit www.nms2010.org.au.

ENDS

The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation for quality use of medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.