Young Canberra pharmacist Ms Elise Taylor is sharing her passion for drug education in the lead-up to Drug Awareness Week in the hope of encouraging more young people to understand the effects of drugs and medicines on the body and mind.

 

A graduate of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, 23 year old Ms Taylor believes pharmacists have an important role to play in drug education.

 

“Generally speaking, I think there is a limited knowledge of drugs – legal and illegal,” Ms Taylor said. “Schools seem to be increasing their involvement in the education process but there’s a gap in education. There also needs to be more education for older people who struggle with drug addiction. It’s good to know that education and help is easily accessible at your local pharmacy.”

 

Having worked at Wanniassa’s Capital Chemist in South Canberra for six years, Ms Taylor has seen the change in role of the pharmacist in the community.

 

“In the past few years I’ve noticed that customers are increasingly interested in discussing their health with us instead of just purchasing medication over the counter. There is a shortage of GPs in Canberra, so pharmacies are a great place for treatment of minor ailments and provision of advice about common medical conditions and any medicines that are being taken. A pharmacist can give you advice for free and, with their high level of training, can either recommend treatment or refer customers to specialists for advice.”

 

Born and bred in Canberra, Ms Taylor studied her degree at CSU in Wagga Wagga and has completed two postgraduate courses, a Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice and a Diploma of Pharmacy Management. In addition, she has begun studying to gain her accreditation as a Home Medicines Review Pharmacist.

 

“Having grown up in Canberra, Wagga Wagga was only a short distance from my home town, and my family. Through three years of employment in local pharmacies around Canberra, I had always considered the pharmacists who studied at Charles Sturt University to be of impeccable standard. In addition, Charles Sturt University had a relatively low cohort size, and opportunities to expose me to the rural and remote sectors of health, which I would have never otherwise known about due to my metropolitan upbringing.”

 

“When it comes to drugs, pharmacies definitely have a role in education and prevention. We’re here to inform people of what the drugs really are, what effects they can have and potential harm they can cause.

 

“For those who are in contact with drugs, we are here to suggest support local services with drug and alcohol programs. Pharmacists can’t offer treatment but we are bound by confidentiality making us a great in-between step for those seeking information and help.”