Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) in NSW’s Orana region have been trying to bolster the future of the profession by talking to high school students about the benefits of the industry at the Orana 2023 Careers in Health Expo. More than 500 students from schools across western NSW attended the event at St John’s College in Dubbo on Tue. Owner and pharmacist-incharge of Orana Mall Pharmacy, Lisa Gibson said the expo was an opportunity for students to hear industry insights firsthand. “We’re really excited to try and encourage students to consider a career in health,” said Gibson. “Our region is crying out for people to come back and work in our community, to provide necessary healthcare services.” Born and raised in Dubbo, Gibson has spent almost two decades working in the local community and is a diabetes educator and founder of the in-store Sleep Apnoea clinic. “Early in my career, we were quite limited in what services and advice we could provide, but now the likes of diabetes education and sleep apnoea are offered. “Before most patients had to travel to Sydney for any diagnosis and treatment, so a real focus of our business has been the different areas we can benefit and support the region,” Gibson explained. “I think being a pharmacist is a very rewarding career, there’s so much we can do, and of late there’s been an increase in the scope of practice such as re-training to become prescribing and vaccinating pharmacists which is of significant benefit in regional areas.” JG Pictured: Community engagement coordinator Alex Wood and Gibson.