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"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.
Gold Coast Health is shaping the future of specialist pharmacy practice by embracing the Advanced Pharmacy Australia Registrar Training Programs for Cancer Medicine and Clinical Trials.
The structured two-year, registrar level program supports pharmacists to develop advanced skills in highly specialised areas of practice, while strengthening workforce capability, career pathways and staff retention across the health service.
Assistant Director of Pharmacy, Cancer Production and Clinical Trials, Liam King, said the program fills an important gap between general rotational training and advanced specialist practice.
“Residency training provides broad exposure across multiple specialties,” Liam said.
“This program is different because it focuses on specialty practice in cancer medicine and clinical trials, with candidates spending the full two years immersed in that area”
At the conclusion of the program, pharmacists are recognised at registrar level within their specialty, aligned with the Australian and New Zealand College of Advanced Pharmacy practice framework.
While cancer medicine registrar programs already operate nationally, the clinical trials pharmacy stream marks a significant milestone.
“This is the first time any Queensland site has been approved for the clinical trials registrar program, and only the second site in Australia,” Liam said.
Liam is grateful for the strong collaboration across Gold Coast Health which was key to establishing the program.
“It’s been a real team effort,” he said.
“Our education team provided outstanding support with documentation and approvals because they see the value.”
The program is underpinned by experienced mentors, who support candidates throughout the two-year training period.
Senior Cancer Pharmacist and mentor Alex Kiefel, who has more than a decade of pharmacy experience, said the program addresses long standing challenges in specialist training.
“Cancer medicine is highly specialised, and it can be difficult to navigate learning without a clear framework,” Alex said.
Alex said the structured approach is a major step forward for both pharmacists and patient care.
“Consistent mentorship supports professional growth, confidence and patient safety, while helping pharmacists develop into advanced practitioners.”
Advanced training program candidate Alanah Wilson, who is completing the cancer medicine stream, said the program has provided focus and confidence in an inherently complex specialty.
“The structure gives clear focus points and allows me to build on existing knowledge under the guidance of experienced clinicians,” Alanah said.
She finds patient education is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role.
“Cancer patients are given an overwhelming amount of information at a difficult time.
“Helping them understand their medications and how they support treatment is incredibly rewarding.”
Advanced training program candidate Helen Phillips, who is undertaking the clinical trials stream, is most looking forward to the accelerated development through invaluable mentorship.
“The registrar program supports fast-tracked upskilling in my preferred specialty and encourages reflection on decision-making, ethics and professional judgement,” Helen said.
For Helen, contributing to research is a key motivator.
“It’s an inspirational privilege to work with investigational products that may become tomorrow’s standard of care,” Helen said.
With the program now underway, Liam said it reinforces Gold Coast Health’s commitment to workforce capability and patient centred care.
“By offering structured, specialty specific training, we’re investing in our pharmacists, supporting advanced practice and ultimately improving outcomes for patients,” Liam said.
