Neil Petrie named inaugural PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year

2 May 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce Neil Petrie MPS CredPharm (MMR, ACOP) as the inaugural recipient of the PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year Award presented at the Consultant Pharmacists Conference (CPC25) in Adelaide today.

 

Sponsored by the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH), an evidence-based, independent publisher of key national medicines references including the AMH Aged Care Companion, the Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year award recognises excellence, leadership, and innovation in aged care pharmacy.

 

Presenting the inaugural award PSA recognises the nation-wide impact of Melbourne pharmacist Neil Petrie, who has dedicated more than 30 years to patients through his specialisation in medication management and aged care.

 

As one of the first pharmacists accredited to conduct medication reviews in 1998, Neil has delivered thousands of comprehensive medication reviews in aged care facilities across metropolitan and rural Victoria, resolving medication problems, improving facility-wide medicine practices, and significantly improving the quality of life for his patients.

 

Mr Petrie’s influence extends beyond clinical practice, having played a key role in updating national guidelines for medication reviews, contributing to research and advisory panels, and pioneering on-site pharmacist roles in aged care facilities. His commitment to collaborative care models has strengthened connections between pharmacists, GPs, and aged care staff to better support residents’ health and safety.

 

In 2019, he contributed to revising guidelines for comprehensive medication reviews and quality use of medicines. Most recently, he became one of the first aged care on-site pharmacists (ACOP) at Donwood Community Care in Victoria, reinforcing his leadership in integrating pharmacists into aged care teams.

 

Through his contributions to advisory panels, research initiatives, and professional organisations, Neil champions the pharmacy profession, ensuring that pharmacists’ expertise is fully utilised to support older Australians.

 

For his lifelong dedication, innovative contributions, and unwavering commitment to aged care pharmacy, Neil is a highly deserving candidate for the inaugural PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist Award 2025. His generous mentorship and his profound impact on the profession and the lives of aged care residents makes him a standout nominee for this prestigious recognition.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said Mr Petrie was a most deserving recipient of the inaugural award.

 

“PSA is proud to honour Neil Petrie as the inaugural PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year, recognising a career dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of older Australians, leading the embedding of pharmacists in aged care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Recognising pharmacists like Neil reinforces the vital contribution our profession makes to the care of older Australians and inspires continued excellence in aged care pharmacy practice.”

 

AMH Chief Executive Officer David Dart congratulated Mr Petrie on his inspiring representation of the pharmacy profession.

 

“AMH is pleased to be associated with and a sponsor of this inaugural award in recognising outstanding contribution by a pharmacist to the practice of Aged Care Pharmacy. We congratulate the recipient and wish them continued success.”

 

Chair of PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) also paid tribute to Mr Petrie’s leadership.

 

“Anyone who has met Neil knows his passion for improving the care we provide older Australians,” Ms Hawthorne said.

 

“His work not only improves individual patient outcomes but has also contributes to the systemic improvements in medicine safety and quality use of medicines in residential aged care.

 

“We are proud to celebrate Neil’s achievements, which highlight the critical role consultant pharmacists play in driving better health outcomes and quality of life for older Australians.”

 

PSA congratulates Neil Petrie on this significant achievement and thanks the Australian Medicines Handbook for supporting the inaugural award, which will continue to spotlight excellence in aged care pharmacy practice in years to come.

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au