Pharmacists, doctors and other health professionals are invited to gain a better understanding of the Complementary Medicine industry in the post Pan Pharmaceuticals era at a series of information evenings to be held next month.
The information evenings, titled “Complementary Medicine: the Facts, the Fiction and the Future” are organised by The Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education and Research (ACCMER). They will feature representatives from complementary medicine and conventional health professions of pharmacy and medicine. Sessions will be held in Brisbane, Mercure Hotel (4 August), Melbourne, Novotel on Collins (5 August) and Sydney, Crowne Plaza (6 August).
ACCMER Director, Professor Stephen Myers, said the forums were aimed at providing factual information and a forum for important dialogue on the role, relevance, safety and future of complementary medicines in Australian health care.
“In the post-Pan environment, pharmacists need to know more about complementary medicine products to provide enhanced customer service and to continue to enjoy the opportunities offered by this emerging market,” Prof Myers said.
He said ACCMER’s position as “an independent reference point between complementary and conventional medicine provides a unique opportunity for the centre to facilitate the information sessions”.
The sessions will be held from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. For more information and to register, go to www.accmer.edu.auor telephone ACCMER on 07 3840 6120.
The sessions have been supported by the complementary medicines industry with Mayne Health acting as principal sponsor and Blackmores as a major sponsor. Additional sponsors include Inner Health Plus, TP Health, Swisse, Journal of Complementary Medicine and the Complementary Healthcare Council.
Issues to be discussed include:
• Government regulation and responsibility
• Industry recovery
• Restoring consumer confidence
• Latest clinical research and safety evidence
• The future for complementary medicine in Australian health care
A discussion panel including representatives from the complementary medicine industry, pharmacy, and complementary medicine education will answer questions and concerns.
ACCMER is a joint venture between the mainstream conventional health disciplines represented by the Faculty of Health Sciences (University of Queensland) and the field of complementary medicine represented by the School of Natural and Complementary Medicine (Southern Cross University). Both universities have a strong and internationally recognised profile in their respective areas of expertise. Their partnership is unique in Australia and is also a world first for university collaboration between complementary and conventional medicine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT FACULTY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER MARLENE MCKENDRY ON (07) 3346 4713 OR 0401 996 847.
