Pharmacy Daily | NAPSA: “Never a better time to get involved”

AS THE National Australian Pharmacy Students Association (NAPSA) plays an increasing role in advocacy that will shape the future of pharmacy, directors speaking at Pharmacy Careers Summit 2025 urged students to get involved in the organisation and make the most of their experience.

"With more initiatives, events, scholarships and advocacy efforts than ever before, students are well placed to get ahead in their career through NAPSA," said President Sebastian Harper (pictured).

Earlier this year, NAPSA 2030, the organisation's five-year vision, was launched.

Harper explained it informs the association's activities and direction, outlining a future "where students are at the heart of a changing profession".

"There's never been a better time to involved as we begin implementing this vision," he said.

Harper spoke of the importance of NAPSA's collaboration with decision makers, pointing out that health and politics are intertwined.

While he conceded this may be uncomfortable for some, he also pointed out that many of the new developments in pharmacy, such as full scope, come down to "politics, parliament and legislation", and it is important that student voices are amplified to government.

"In the last year, NAPSA has grown in leaps and bounds around how we advocate, not just for the profession, but to the people who really determine how we can practice as a future pharmacists."

Another core aspect of NAPSA 2030 is equity and inclusion in the profession, Harper continued, with NAPSA's inaugural Indigenous Chair, Shi-Anne Wallace, helping to set up an indigenous network to encourage more First Nations students into pharmacy, and ultimately serve their communities.

Comprising 19 branches through 19 universities, NAPSA gives students the opportunity to get involved at a local level.

Internal and External Affairs Director Shylee-Jade Hadar-Pagliari encouraged viewers to join up and "give it a go", where apart from learning valuable skills, it is a great opportunity to develop friendships and professional networks that will stay with them throughout their career.

In additional to local events and other opportunities, NAPSA also convenes and/or takes part in national and international congresses, as well as an exciting student exchange program that gives students around the world the opportunity to experience pharmacy in different countries.

Meanwhile, for those looking to kickstart their research career, NAPSA is responsible for the only peer-reviewed pharmacy student journal in the world, the Australian Pharmacy Students' Journal, which publishes high-quality research and reviews from students and interns, explained NAPSA Research Director Megan Potter.

Apart from students submitting their own work, they can also become a student reviewer for the journal to help build up their research skills.

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