6 May 2010

Following the signing of the Fifth Pharmacy Agreement, pharmacists are strongly encouraged to attend the National Medicines Symposium to join national discussion about the safe and judicious use of medicines, and the latest developments in clinical practice and interventions.

Hosted by the National Prescribing Service, the Symposium will be held in Melbourne May 27-28 and 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.

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.

International guest speakers will also be presenting on the role of pharmacogenetics in individualising medication therapy, the treatment burden in complex chronic illness and the role of decision aids in clinical practice.

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.