Meet Toby, a Lecturer in Remote Pharmacy based in Alice Springs, NT. Committed to enhancing healthcare in remote Australia, he coordinates and teaches in the Remote Health Practice program. Toby’s online course empowers Remote Area Nurses with skills for safe medicine use, while his PhD explores improving Aboriginal medicine access. With a background spanning clinical pharmacy globally and across Australia, Toby’s journey is driven by a passion for equity.

What is your role and what does your work focus on? 

I am Lecturer- Remote Pharmacy based in Alice Springs NT. The role focuses on improving the delivery of health care in remote Australia. I coordinate topics and teach into the Remote Health Practice program and deliver an online course in safe medicine use for Remote Area Nurses, that upskills the workforce to delivery care in remote settings. I am also completing a PhD aiming to improve the understanding of how Aboriginal people may be better supported to understand and access their medicines through a focus on the medicine communication process.

Where did you work and/or study before joining CMPH / FHMRI? 

I am originally from North Queensland, and after working as a clinical pharmacist overseas and around Australia, I relocated to Alice Springs and the position with Flinders.

What journey brought you to this point in your career? 

I have always had an interest in health and a passion to address the inequities that exist in our society, which I think comes from my parents who were doctors with strong social consciouses. They worked in under resourced settings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, remote Australia, and internationally, which influenced my interests and career path.

What is something you love most about your work? 

I love the feeling that what we are doing matters and that our work is effecting change for some of the people most in need of assistance- remote Aboriginal communities. It is extremely satisfying when a nurse takes up a position in a remote clinic because of the education we deliver, or when students tell me that they now feel more confident to practice safely.

How do you like to relax or spend your spare time?

I am a keen gardener and get a lot of pleasure out of being able to cook a meal from the veggie patch.