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The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) proudly hosted the 2025 Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom AO Distinguished Lecture, featuring Associate Professor Sue Kirsa - a respected leader 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”, Sue explored how building capability through workplace-based assessments (WBAs) can transform workforce readiness and resilience.
Drawing on her experience with Monash Health's clinical educator program, Sue highlighted its pioneering approach to workplace support, training, and assessment. These initiatives have accelerated transitions into hospital pharmacy, reducing time to independent practice from months to days, while strengthening skills for pharmacists.
Sue emphasised that tackling workforce shortages requires a deliberate focus on capability building. Drawing on examples from other professions, she highlighted the value of structured ‘at-elbow support’ - practical, on-the-job mentoring from more experienced staff - to lift skills and capability to the required standard.
Central to this approach is investment in clinical educators who guide and develop less experienced pharmacists, with feedback against WBAs proving pivotal in supporting independent practice.
Sue 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. Don’t sit back to be invited. Put your hand up, volunteer, start small. Be involved. Keep an open mind. There are always good people around you that can help - that elbow support,' Sue stated.
As the former APC Chair and current Director of Pharmacy at Monash Health, Sue 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.
The evening also celebrated excellence in pharmacy education and leadership with the presentation of the 2025 APC Dr Erica Sainsbury Awards.