The Pharmacists’ Defence Association’s (PDA) has appointed senior pharmacist Mark DasGupta as its new director of professional development, it announced last week.
The PDA said DasGupta, who is currently an honorary professor of primary care pharmacy at Aston University, brings “extensive experience across clinical professional practice, leadership and education”.
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The association said he will deliver the PDA’s professional development strategy through “key projects” so members can work “confidently and competently” in a “rapidly changing pharmacy landscape”.
DasGupta previously worked as NHS Birmingham and Solihull’s clinical director for medicines management, and also held several manager roles at Boots earlier in his career.
“An excellent fit”
DasGupta said he is “delighted” to join the PDA “at such an important time for the profession”, adding that pharmacists “are facing unprecedented pressures, but also exciting opportunities”.
“I look forward to working with members to support their professional development and to help ensure they feel confident, valued and well-prepared for the future,” he said.
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PDA chair Mark Koziol said DasGupta’s “experience and passion for professional development make him an excellent fit for the PDA”.
“His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to build meaningful support for our members,” he added.
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The PDA told C+D DasGupta’s role is a new one “reflecting the evolving strategic priorities of the organisation”, but is “not a direct replacement” for the pharmacy director role that Jay Badenhorst left last month.
It said “some elements of the former position are covered”, and it will make any further recruitment plans for senior roles “known in due course”.
It comes after the PDA updating its constitution to fill the gap left by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s transition to the Royal College of Pharmacy and “safeguard, maintain the honour and promote the interests of pharmacists in the exercise of their profession”.
