Ep 72 Helping Professional Pharmacists Deliver Professional Services

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training stream, host Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist and Founder at Locumate, talks to her mentor, Michael Gray, Manager of Prime Pharmacy Group. In addition to being an experienced director and manager with a demonstrated history of working in the retail Pharmacy industry, Michael also holds a law degree. Listen to the episode as Michael talks about the changing trends in the Australian Pharmaceutical Industry, independent contractors and their superannuation, the shift in pharmacy ownership, and their drive to help budding entrepreneurs. Having learned the value of a strong work ethic from their parents at an early age, Michael started work at 15—sold photographic equipment, had a short career as a photographer at a local newspaper, traveled overseas, went to Pharmacy College at 25, interned at a children’s hospital, answered an ad for a job—the rest as they say, is history. The job ad led Michael to their current business partners, with whom they founded Advantage Pharmacy, which is now a part of the Platform Alliance Group. When asked about their support network, Michael talks about their mother, family, and existing business partners, Steve and John. A strong support network at home and work has been pivotal for their growth. Furthering the conversation, Kavita and Michael delve into the shifts in the Pharmacy Industry. Michael talks about the following: i. Rise of the Discounters ii. The decline in wanting to take Pharmacy Ownership because of perceived barriers iii. Push for more flexible hours for Pharmacists iv. Shift from supply-based model to professional services v. More Pharmacies are joining groups to get better support in running their business vi. Rise of the digital age Even though Michael doesn’t practice law, they hold a law degree and are interested in labor law. In that context, they reference the following during the conversation: i. Hollis Vs Vabu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollis_v_Vabu ii. CFMMEU v Personnel Contracting https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CFMMEU_v_Personnel_Contracting iii. Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 - SECT 12 http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/sga1992430/s12.html Michael iterates the two cases to say that contracts are important and that a clear contract with independent contractors can save Pharmacy owners from running risks. There is a pull towards flexible working hours, and while this can hold its advantages, both parties need to be clear as to the terms of the engagement. In addition to the aforementioned, Michael outlines the challenges in the industry as being: i. Labor shortages ii. Slow upskilling of Pharmacists to provide extra services Talking further on how fewer students are drawn to Pharmacy Ownership recently, Michael reminisces how earlier that used to be what 90% of Pharmacy students would aspire for. They say that the perceived barriers stop the students from wanting to take up ownership. However, as someone who has spent decades for the betterment of the industry and has learned from experiences, Michael believes that they (more experienced Pharmacists) owe it to the students to help and facilitate their roles in the industry. And here is a list of Michael’s advice for budding entrepreneurs: 1. Find a problem that needs a solution 2. Say yes and back yourself 3. Surround yourself with people who are more intelligent than you and who complement your skills 4. Great Ideas are just that until you execute them