2010 Young Pharmacist of the Year: Vivienne Mak

South Australian pharmacist Vivienne Mak graduated in 2006 and worked as a full-time community pharmacist before returning to the University of South Australia in 2009 to complete her PhD, focusing on pharmacy practice.

She was awarded the Australian Postgraduate Award and Sansom Pharmacy Fund Research Scholarship to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy.

‘I am passionate about the future of the pharmacy profession and have an immense interest in improving the direction of pharmacy and the way pharmacists practice. This has sparked my interest to pursue a career in research to promote re-professionalisation,’ she said.

‘With the current changes in the health system and within the pharmacy profession, it is an exciting time as a young pharmacist to be a part of the pharmacy profession.’

She actively contributes to the pharmacy profession as a council member of PSA South Australia Branch and as chair of PSA’s SA Early Career Pharmacist Working Group.

‘I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this award. It provides a unique opportunity for me to reach for a higher level of professionalism and innovation within the pharmacy profession. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the profession and to pursue research excellence.’