THE Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) hosted the 2025 Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom AO Distinguished Lecture on Mon, featuring Associate Professor Sue Kirsa, a leading voice in pharmacy practice and education.

Under the theme ‘Influencing and supporting workforce development and wellbeing – the importance of being in the room where it happens’, Assoc Prof Kirsa shared strategies to strengthen workforce readiness and resilience through workplace-based assessments (WBAs).

Drawing on Monash Health’s clinical educator program, Associate Professor Kirsa highlighted how structured support, training and assessment can accelerate pharmacists’ transition to independent practice, taking days instead of months, while improving confidence and capability.

She emphasised the importance of investing in clinical educators, with experienced mentors providing essential guidance and feedback to ensure pharmacists meet competency standards.

Associate Professor Kirsa also urged pharmacists to actively participate in shaping change through joining committees, groups and organisations that develop standards and support the profession.

“Being in the room where it happens is such an important thing,” she said.

“Don’t sit back to be invited – put your hand up, volunteer, start small, be involved, and keep an open mind.

“There are always good people around you that can help – that at-elbow support.”

As the former APC Chair and current Director of Pharmacy at Monash Health, Assoc Prof Kirsa has contributed to numerous standards, frameworks, and tools, including SHPA’s ClinCAT and the APC Intern Year Blueprint.

Her leadership continues to influence the integration of WBAs across pharmacy education and practice.

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