The Victorian Department of Health has renewed its partnership with the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) for the Victorian Hospital Pharmacy Intern Program. The three-year extension, backed by the 2017/18 Victorian Budget, allows 100 placements for 2021, which is 20 slots higher than its previous limit, giving more pharmacy students a chance for optimal learning in the hospital settings across the state.

SHPA Chief Executive Kristin Michaels welcomes the investment to provide more opportunities for young pharmacists. She said:

“Recent research tells us that, across Australia, almost half of all pharmacy students would like to progress to the challenging and complex hospital setting, despite hospitals being home to one-fifth of the country’s overall pharmacy workforce.

With demand strong, and the government’s Allied Health Report recommending renewed commitment to experiential learning via rigorous intern matching programs, SHPA is pleased to continue facilitating these opportunities through our Victorian Branch.

Through the program SHPA will continue to efficiently, transparently and fairly manage the intake process and match candidates for internship to hospitals with intern positions, allowing students to make the most of their pivotal intern year.

Hospital pharmacy training sharpens essential skills that are applicable to any final practice setting, ensuring this welcome funding commitment benefits our next generation of pharmacists regardless of where and how they provide patient care.”

Photo credit: vic xia on Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-ND

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