Pattie Beerens began her career as a commercial solicitor and in 1991, became general manager and company secretary for McEwans. In 1998, Ms Beerens established and launched Australia’s first health pharmacy franchise. As executive director of the National Pharmaceutical Services Association in 2005, she led the establishment by the Federal Government of the Community Service Obligation which recognises the importance of timely patient access to medicines across Australia. As chief executive of the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association, Ms Beerens led negotiations with the Federal Government on the plan for access to affordable diagnostic imaging for all Australians.