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Risk factors for child poisoning
Communication: Effective communication between pharmacists and patients, parents and carers is vital to ensure the safe use of medicines and an awareness of the potential risks that may come with a medicine. Communication should be tailored to account for the socioeconomic, cultural, or educational background of the patient or carer. Counselling should include not only the dose, frequency and duration of therapy for medicines prescribed to children, but also information about safe storage, accessibility and disposal of that medicine. Accessibility and disposal are relevant in any situation where a child might be present.12 Pharmacists should promote the return of unused or unwanted medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal, helping to reduce the risk of poisoning exposure.
Viknesh 
Alfred 
Eric Khek[/caption]
Krysti-Lee Patterson MPS[/caption]
Alan Polack[/caption]
As PSA’s 2025 Symbion Early Career Pharmacist of the Year, Dr Kate Wang is shaping pharmacy education and aged care policy through a unique blend of academic rigour and real-world compassion.
As an intern pharmacist preparing dose administration aids, Dr Wang was struck by just how many medicines went into each pack. This sparked an interest that has grown to become the focus of her research career: improving the quality use of medicines.
Dr Wang entered the pharmacy profession almost by chance. Initially uncertain about her career path, Dr Wang applied to study pharmacy in Queensland, commerce in New South Wales and law in Victoria – ultimately choosing pharmacy as it kept her closest to her family in Toowoomba. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2014 and completed her internship at a community pharmacy in Bulleen, Victoria, after her family relocated to Melbourne.
While at university, she developed a passion for research, which she was eager to pursue after her intern year. Unsure where to start in a new city, she turned to a facilitator from the PSA Intern Training Program, who connected her with colleagues at Monash University. There, she started a PhD and her research journey officially began.
Today, she is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at RMIT University, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of WA and a pharmacist at Alfred Health.
‘I find it incredibly rewarding when something I’ve discovered becomes a relevant and engaging example in the classroom,’ Dr Wang says. ‘When analysing data, you never quite know what the results will reveal. Sometimes the findings are completely unexpected, prompting you to think critically about why they occurred. It’s that sense of curiosity and excitement that I enjoy most.’
Aged care advocacy
Dr Wang’s research is particularly focused on medicine safety in aged care – an area she views as vital given the world’s rapidly ageing population. She is currently working alongside experts including Dr Amy Page and Dr Kenny Lee from the University of WA to advocate for pharmacists to be embedded within aged care settings.
’Over 50% of aged care residents are exposed to at least one potentially inappropriate medication,’ she says. ‘We are committed to addressing this pressing issue and improving medication safety and the quality of care for older Australians.
‘Pharmacists can initiate necessary therapies, deprescribe harmful or unnecessary medications, and tailor ongoing medication management through timely reviews and follow-up based on individual needs. They play a critical role in ensuring residents receive safe, appropriate, and effective treatment.’
Support and success
A recurring theme throughout Dr Wang’s career is a desire to collaborate and connect with her peers. She encourages other early career pharmacists to explore opportunities beyond their regular roles.
‘Pharmacy is such a diverse and dynamic field, offering countless pathways. Attend events run by professional organisations such as PSA, whether it’s a conference, webinar, or a social gathering. These experiences allow you to connect with professionals from diverse areas of pharmacy, broaden your perspective, and make your career journey more enjoyable and rewarding. You’ll also meet inspiring individuals and make friends with like-minded pharmacists.’
She attributes her successes so far not just to her work, but to the support and encouragement of those around her. ‘My achievements are not mine alone. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been supported by many amazing people across different stages of my career.’
Q&A
1. What is the one scope of practice change you’d most like to see?
I would like to see pharmacists embedded in every aged care facility across Australia. Hopefully we will have increased and sustained funding to support the integration of pharmacists as a standard part of aged care teams in all facilities nationwide.
2. What advice would you give your younger self?
Be curious, stay open minded, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Say yes to new opportunities as you never know where they might lead. And most importantly, don’t fear failure. Every experience, even the difficult ones, can help you grow and shape the person you become.
3. What pharmacist role do you see yourself performing in 2030?
By 2030, I hope to be actively contributing to the education and training of the next generation of pharmacists. Hopefully I will be delivering curricula that reflect an even further expanded scope of practice. I also aspire to become a professor and continue advocating for progressive, evidence-based changes in pharmacy practice.
