November 15, 2021

PTCB Director of Professional Affairs Ryan Burke, PharmD, and Associate Director of Partnership Development Zack Green, CPhT, moderated forums at the 2021 International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Pharmacy Technician Symposium on Leadership and Workforce Development. 

Burke led the session on digital health, featuring speakers from Australia, Canada, France, and Kenya who discussed trends in digital health technology, including online apps, remote monitoring technology, digital therapeutics, and automated dispensing systems. “There was consensus among the speakers that it's important for pharmacy technicians to stay up to date on new technology and how it impacts patient care,” he said. “Technicians have a real opportunity to be leaders in this space.”

During the session facilitated by Green, technicians discussed research data on the experiences of health professionals involved in cross-cultural health partnerships, and how the data informed the design of an online learning program. Green said FIP’s workforce development goals regarding pharmacy technician career pathways advocate more leadership positions for technicians. 

“The entire room was excited to hear employers talk about leadership styles for technicians and encourage technicians to be leaders in their profession,” Green said. “Session participants agreed that recognizing technicians and allowing them to step into leadership roles is essential, and that employers can make this happen by empowering their motivated technicians to advance.”

PTCB became an official observer organization at FIP in 2015. As an observer organization, PTCB participates in FIP communications and dialogue, and also contributes to calls for nominations to working groups and other FIP initiatives.