Record number of intern pharmacists to country WA in 2024

WA Country Health Service will welcome 10 intern pharmacists in 2024 – a record high.

The interns will join country health as part of the organisation’s pharmacy internship program that is focused on growing the next generation of rural and remote pharmacists.

The program offers university graduates the opportunity to undertake specialist training and development right across country WA.

To make their transition as smooth as possible, WA Country Health Service supports them through accommodation subsidies, travel allowances and equipment.

WA Country Health Service’s Acting Chief Pharmacist Jonathan Nugent said the interns will gain once-in-a-lifetime experience living and working in the bush.

“Country WA offers intern pharmacists unique opportunities they wouldn’t get in the metro area,” Jonathan said.

“Our intern pharmacists have the opportunity to able to apply themselves to many situations – whether that’s community, hospital or retail-based, and will be supported throughout the process,” he added.

Broome Resident Pharmacist Kane Suchenia, who commenced as an intern in 2022, said the program was valuable to his development as a pharmacist and prepared him to undertake his new role.

“The pharmacy team is very supportive and has helped facilitate my growth as an early career pharmacist,” Kane said.

“My transition to Resident Pharmacist in Broome has been really fulfilling.

“And the program has given me a lots of development opportunity.

“I’ve been working with the surgical team which has been great exposure for appropriate antibiotic use, acute pain management, and perioperative medication management,” he added.

As well as gaining invaluable experience, Kane said working as a country pharmacist has other benefits.

“I’ve really enjoyed living in Broome – it’s always warm, everything is close and there’s plenty to do with friends,” he said.

WA Country Health Service’s one-year pharmacy internship program is specially designed to equip pharmacy graduates with the skills and experience needed to register as a pharmacist.

In return, country communities are benefiting from great access to regional pharmacists in both hospital and community settings.

The record number of pharmacy interns for 2024 builds on WA Country Health Service’s work in growing a sustainable rural and remote workforce.

The organisation is also set to welcome a record number of graduate nurses and midwives and medical interns in the New Year.