In a bustling rural pharmacy nestled in the heart of Queensland, pharmacist Emma reflects on her journey through uncharted territories of expanded practice. Balancing patient care and team leadership amidst evolving healthcare challenges, she embodies the resilience and adaptability the profession demands. Emma’s story resonates with many community pharmacists across Australia, and it’s at the heart of the 2025 Rural Pharmacy Forum at the APP Conference.
This highly anticipated session, themed "Adapt, Embrace, Succeed", promises to be a cornerstone for pharmacists navigating the complexities of healthcare in regional, rural, and remote settings. Scheduled for Thursday, 20 March 2025, from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm, it is an unmissable opportunity for rural pharmacists looking to thrive in a dynamic landscape.
Key Themes and Insights
The Rural Pharmacy Forum aims to equip participants with actionable insights and practical strategies to meet the demands of modern healthcare. Here’s a glimpse of the session’s highlights:
Understanding Change in Rural Pharmacy
Gain insights into current practices and the trajectory for future developments in rural pharmacy. With patient access and healthcare equity at the forefront, these insights will help pharmacists align their services to community needs.Adaptive Strategies
Practical approaches for integrating expanded scope practices will be explored. These include pharmacist prescribing, vaccination programs, and minor ailment treatments, ensuring attendees leave with tangible tools to apply in their pharmacies.Leadership in Times of Change
Leading a pharmacy team during transformation requires more than clinical acumen—it demands strategic leadership. This session will delve into fostering resilience, collaboration, and innovation within your team.
Adding to the depth of this session, Heidi Dariz, General Manager of Raven’s Recruitment, will present during the forum. Heidi brings unparalleled expertise in pharmacy recruitment and workforce strategy, making her insights invaluable for rural pharmacists tackling workforce challenges. Her presentation will highlight innovative strategies for attracting and retaining skilled pharmacy professionals in regional settings.
Spotlight on Creativity: “I Love Rural Pharmacy” Video Competition
A key feature of the forum is the 2025 “I Love Rural Pharmacy” Video Competition, themed "Rural Pharmacy – Our People, Our Strength." Entrants are invited to showcase their innovative workforce strategies that address the recruitment and retention challenges in rural and remote pharmacies.
The competition culminates in the awarding of two significant prizes:
Best Video Winner: A $4,500 prize package, proudly sponsored by
Raven’s Recruitment, designed to support the implementation of full scope of practice.
People’s Choice Winner: A full registration to APP2026, including a coveted Street Party ticket.
The competition celebrates the creativity and resilience of rural pharmacy professionals while shining a spotlight on the critical work they do for their communities.
Why This Matters to You
For pharmacists like Emma, who balance the dual roles of caregiver and innovator, the Rural Pharmacy Forum offers an invaluable platform to learn, connect, and grow. Whether you’re looking to expand your scope of practice, implement innovative services, or lead your team through healthcare’s evolving challenges, this session is tailored to provide the tools and inspiration you need.
Join Us at APP 2025
The APP Conference is the pharmacy event of the year, offering diverse sessions that span leadership, clinical updates, and rural practice. With Heidi Dariz representing Raven’s Recruitment and presenting at the forum, the session underscores our commitment to empowering rural pharmacists.
Raven’s Recruitment is proud to sponsor the Rural Pharmacy Video Competition, supporting innovation and excellence in workforce strategies. Together, let’s pave the way for a future where rural pharmacies thrive as the backbone of Australian healthcare.
Are you ready to adapt, embrace, and succeed in 2025 and beyond?
