One big Pharm-ily

Congratulations!

Firstly, to all those students and pre-reg's who pestered their mentors enough to vote (and vote for inclusion!)

and secondly, Congratulations to all the RPS members who are now the proud loco-parentis to dozens of students across the country.

Obviously the inclusion of students into the Society is a good thing and will give students an excellent base of support during their studies, particularly the LPF aspect. I just hope this college of the RPS will be attractive enough for students.

Although it may seem very informative, to give students news about drug shortages and changes to MUR targets, at the university level students will need much less day to day pharmacy information. They will however still need the same level and intensity of support, but this must be tuned in to suit their needs. They will need packages of learning, guides, modules, tips and things that will primarily make them feel confident about passing their exams but more covertly give them a solid, if basic root in pharmacy knowledge. 

It also needs to be attractive enough to seem like a better investment than beer/vodka/martini and any other type of tipple which may be popular. Which brings us nicely onto the dreaded topic of finances.

I sincerely hope that the RPS members will not begrudge students having access to the same level of support full members have (even if tuned quite differently) for a much reduced price. I'll say it now (to save someone having to do an audit) students won't pay £200 a year, nor even £100. You may get some of the better off students paying £50 a year but still I think it may be a stretch. I'd say start at £10 and throw in a free spatula during freshers week and we'd be sorted.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to remind readers of the recent student protests over finance (just incase you think they'll take what they're given lying down).

As for pre-reg membership: will Bradford pharmacy students drop in and out of different categories as they progress? Sounds like an administration nightmare. I've also heard rumours that within the next three years more universities will be switching to the apptly names 'Bradford Method' which naturally will cause even more paper cuts.