Jeremy Sparks, Pharmacist in Charge of 
Lachlan Menouhos, Pharmacist Manager of 
Mohamed Bassuny MPS, former Pharmacist Manager 
L-R: Col (Rtd) Bill Kelly FPS, Dr Ross Holland AM FPS, Warwick Plunkett FPS and Peter Carroll FPS[/caption]
Karen Brown MPS[/caption]
Children after receiving their vaccinations at TerryWhite Chemmart Arana Hills, Brisbane. (Image: Karen Brown MPS)[/caption]
Certainly, no surprise; the same successful format initiated at the first Offshore Refresher Course in 1977 has been continued – education each day from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm, then cultural activities, tours and social events.
The Vietnam safari began in Hạ Long Bay, then to Hanoi, Hoi An and on to Ho Chi Min City. There were ‘Hs’ in abundance, although most of the locals still call Ho Chi Min City Saigon.
This year, there were 37 hours of lectures and workshops in six locations – including the post-conference tour to Cambodia. Our four principal speakers were all experienced and popular Offshore Refresher Course presenters: Bruce Annabel (business management), Dr Phillip Artemi (dermatology), Dr Terri Foran (women’s health) and Dr Sepehr Shakib (pharmacology).
And what social events! A highlight this year was the Vietnamese-themed dinner with apparently no time or expense spared by delegates to dress for the occasion. Of course, there was no shortage of tailor shops around town that could run up traditional men’s and women’s outfits in less than 24 hours.
This kind of learning sure can be fun, but there’s plenty of hard work for the delegates as well. Many continue to deliberate long after the education sessions are over for the day – just to ensure they get correct answers to the questions in the ‘Jack Thomas Quiz’. The winner’s name engraved on the perpetual trophy is an incentive; and so is maximising your CPD points for the year.
This year saw one of the closest Jack Thomas Quiz contests in Refresher Course history. Of
the over 150 responses to the 75-question quiz, six delegates finished with a score of 97% – and placegetters were separated only by assessment of the written case study. First prize
went to Johanna Bou-Samra, who works as Indigenous Outcomes Pharmacist with
Queensland Health. Meredith Bell and former Jack Thomas Quiz winner Louise Braddock were joint runners-up.
Skin has been a big thing at the conference this year – well, it is our biggest organ. Dermatology is a major part of our extended practice, so expertise in this area will help us take advantage of new opportunities. However, don’t despair if you missed out on the Offshore Refresher Course this year. Dr Phillip Artemi will also have a cameo role as part of the speaking faculty next year.
Planning to attend the next Offshore Refresher Course? You should, and you should act now.
Next year we celebrate the 50th Offshore Refresher Course in a very special way. The main conference in Japan will be on the luxury cruise ship Crystal Symphony. Bookings are filling fast, and we can’t take more than our cabin allocation will allow.
So, it’s sayonara Saigon; Tokyo here we come.
Find out more about what’s instore for 50th Offshore Refresher Course in Tokyo 
How 24/7 pharmacies help to fill after-hours health gaps
On 1 June 2025, Adelaide’s fourth 24/7 pharmacy opened to provide around-the-clock access to pharmacist care for the community.
Victorian pharmacists leading innovation and excellence
Five pharmacists have been recognised in the 2025 PSA Victorian Pharmacy Awards, presented on Saturday night as part of the Victoria and Tasmania Annual...
Vale Dr Ross William Holland AM FPS
Pharmacy has lost one of its true servants and innovators with the passing of Dr Ross Holland (6 May 1938 – 16 May 2025).
‘Get the flu vaccine for your kids as soon as you can’ warns paediatrician
Why this paediatrician is speaking out about low childhood vaccination rates as more kids become hospitalised.
PSA’s Offshore Refresher wraps with style, and tailor-made outfits
Clothes, culture and clinical learnings were in abundance at at the 49th PSA Offshore Refresher Course, held in Vietnam from 14–22 May 2025.
How 24/7 pharmacies help to fill after-hours health gaps
On 1 June 2025, Adelaide’s fourth 24/7 pharmacy opened to provide around-the-clock access to pharmacist care for the community.
Victorian pharmacists leading innovation and excellence
Five pharmacists have been recognised in the 2025 PSA Victorian Pharmacy Awards, presented on Saturday night as part of the Victoria and Tasmania Annual...
Vale Dr Ross William Holland AM FPS
Pharmacy has lost one of its true servants and innovators with the passing of Dr Ross Holland (6 May 1938 – 16 May 2025).
‘Get the flu vaccine for your kids as soon as you...
Why this paediatrician is speaking out about low childhood vaccination rates as more kids become hospitalised.
PSA’s Offshore Refresher wraps with style, and tailor-made outfits
Clothes, culture and clinical learnings were in abundance at at the 49th PSA Offshore Refresher Course, held in Vietnam from 14–22 May 2025.
POPULAR
A cup of tea, a Bex and a good lie down
Immortalised in Australian slang, the analgesic phenacetin (used in Bex powder) is wrapped up in the development of the modern pharmaceutical industry and has...
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine health hubs announced
The Federal Government is calling on community pharmacists to help vaccinate millions of Australians against COVID-19.
Landmark Australian study on oxycodone prescribing
Oxycodone is the most prescribed strong opioid in Australia. Yet little was known about its use and prescribing patterns – until now.
Triptans downscheduled to S3 medicines
Last year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration announced that certain triptans will be available over the counter in 2021.
New CAL D instruction for antibiotics
A new cautionary advisory label for antibiotics that will replace decades of advice to take the medicines ‘until all used’ or ‘until all taken’ will be released next year.
Pharmacists help patients as Ozempic shortage gets even worse
Late last week, the TGA announced there would be no semaglutide stock from mid-November 2022 until the end of March next year.
