World Pharmacists Day: Supporting Student Experiences in the South West

Thursday 25 September marks World Pharmacists Day, a celebration of the vital role pharmacists play in keeping our communities healthy. This year’s theme, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” highlights the expanding scope of pharmacy practice and the essential role pharmacists have in ensuring accessible healthcare, particularly in rural and regional areas like WA’s South West.

We are proud to recognise the outstanding contribution of Beth Hastie, Discipline Advisor for Pharmacy in the South West. Until recently, Beth was proprietor pharmacist of a South West rural pharmacy for nearly 20 years and continues to provide medication reviews in her community.  Having experienced first-hand the difficulties and challenges of finding and maintaining professional staff, she is passionate about supporting and encouraging the next generation of allied health professionals to our rural regions. Ultimately improving the wellbeing and health outcomes of our rural and remote communities.

Western Australia is leading the way with expanded opportunities for pharmacists to support community health. Through initiatives such as pharmacist-administered vaccinations, treatment for simple urinary tract infections, resupply of the contraceptive pill, and the recent announcement of the WA Pharmacy Pilot, pharmacists are now able to prescribe treatment for 17 common conditions after specialised training. These reforms mean better access to care for patients and reduced pressure on GPs and hospitals, which is especially important in rural and remote areas where it can be harder to see a doctor.

In the South West, community pharmacies are often the most accessible health service. They act as trusted healthcare hubs, providing advice, treatment, and continuity of care. For pharmacy students on rural placement, this means first-hand experience in seeing how their future profession directly impacts the health and wellbeing of regional communities.

For Pharmacy students supported by the UDRH SW, placements consistently highlight the personal and professional value of their rural experiences. Placements in Bunbury, Margaret River and between give students the chance to strengthen their skills, build confidence, and connect with both their colleagues and the community. One student reflected:

“I was definitely able to develop strong positive relationships whilst on placement. In the workplace everyone was extremely welcoming and interested in helping my learning. By the end of my placement they felt more like friends than work colleagues. I was also able to strengthen my friendships with my peers also on placement in Bunbury. Living together and attending UDRH SW events was lots of fun and allowed us to learn more about one another.”

Another highlighted the professional growth that comes from being immersed in a new environment, saying:

“There were lots of meaningful takeaways. I learnt what I would like (and not like) in a future place of employment. It was also a good opportunity for me to be independent away from home. Probably the most meaningful takeaway is that I need to be more confident in my abilities and speak up when I would like more feedback. Having the opportunity to put my Uni learning into practice in real life has been so valuable and helped to develop my knowledge much more than I could have imagined.”

Students also shared their gratitude for the warm welcome they received. “It’s been an amazing time in the Margaret River region, I cannot ask for more.” “I learned a lot from my supervisor and everyone in the pharmacy and it’s really sad to say goodbye. I will definitely be back to the region, if not somewhere in the South West, for my internship and more.”

Through these placements, UDRH SW is helping to build a stronger, more confident rural health workforce. By supporting pharmacy students to live, learn, and work in regional WA, we are preparing the next generation of pharmacists to play a vital role in expanding access to healthcare and strengthening the resilience of our communities. On World Pharmacists Day, we celebrate the important role of pharmacists, and the students who will continue to grow this profession in the years ahead.