DESPITE having given so much to the pharmacy sector in Australia, retiring Pharmacy Guild Executive Director David Quilty (pictured) has written his last Forefront editorial in his typically humble style, with the title "A parting observation".
Quilty used the opportunity to thank and acknowledge other contributors to his fortnightly column, those who have written in valued feedback and the broader media for amplifying his audience.
The central theme of his farewell comments is embodied in several of his statements such as, "If I were to make a parting observation, it would be that we should be incredibly proud of the role that pharmacies and pharmacists play in the health system and we have a collective responsibility to positively demonstrate and promote our value."
Also acknowledging the challenges that the sector continues to face, Quilty remains very bullish about pharmacy's future.
"The pharmacist profession is incredibly trusted and community pharmacies are the most accessible and frequently accessed part of the health system.
"Every day, there are examples of pharmacists and pharmacies inspiring us by making a genuine difference in people's lives, often without recognition or remuneration."
Unmet needs in the community, the high level of skill of the pharmacist profession, the potential for broader scope of practice to utilise those skills, and the need for a voice to lobby future action are all constant respected themes of Quilty's wisdom.
He concludes by saying, "From this point on, I will be an interested onlooker cheering on the sector's successes from the sidelines.
"Pam Price has been appointed Interim Executive Director and, as a Guild executive since 2016 working in various key roles, she will ensure there is a seamless transition."
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