Pharmacist Leadership Program Applications Open

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has opened applications for its ignite Pharmacist Leadership Program 2014.
The PSA developed the program to meet the ongoing leadership and career development needs of early career pharmacists (ECPs).
National President of PSA, Grant Kardachi, said ignite was an elite program which aimed to develop high-performing ECPs into future health leaders who would drive strategy, change and innovation.
“The program offers a unique development experience that broadens the understanding of leadership and develops the participants’ skills; taking into account the personal leadership goals of those taking part in the program,” he said. “The program combines interactive workshops, experiential and distance learning, inspirational speakers, mentoring, networking opportunities and a practical workplace project to develop participants as future leaders. “ECPs will also obtain recognition towards a Diploma of Management.”
Mr Kardachi said an interesting aspect of the ignite program was the innovative use of horses for greater personal development.
“To be a great communicator and leader requires great people skills, and great people skills stem from self-awareness and sound interpersonal behaviours and one tool the ignite program uses is interaction with horses to intensify participant’s awareness of self,” he said.
“The inclusion of motivational speakers and mentors in the program gives participants practical perspectives of leading in various health care roles, as well as motivating them for their future careers.”
Places for ignite are limited to 12 ECPs in 2014. Applications are open to those who: are PSA members; are early career pharmacists (maximum 10 years post-registration); have a minimum of two years’ management experience.
Visit http://www.psa.org.au/education/leadership-program for an information booklet and application form.  Applications close November 15 2013.