2009 Young Pharmacist of the Year: Bruce Elliot

A commitment to improving pharmacy practice through high-quality continuing professional development and practice support has seen Queensland community pharmacist Bruce Elliot named the 2009 PSA Young Pharmacist of the Year.

‘I love health and have always had an interest in health. When I started at university I really fell in love with the profession and the role it plays in the community,’ Mr Elliot said.

Announcing the award at PAC, National President Warwick Plunkett said Mr Elliot, who works as a community pharmacist in Yeppoon, was an example that all young pharmacists could aspire to.

‘Bruce, who is Vice-President of the Queensland Branch of the PSA and a National Board member of the Society, is an outstanding role model for our next generation of pharmacists and a future leader of our profession,’ Mr Plunkett said.

Mr Elliot said he was humbled to be the recipient of the award ‘particularly as I look back at previous winners who have been a personal inspiration to me and no doubt to many others in the profession.’

‘I have been blessed over my career to work alongside many talented pharmacists who have inspired me to continually seek practice improvement.

‘As I reflect on my career to date, I can now see what a tremendous influence their mentoring has provided and I am so grateful for this. Pharmacy is a great profession to be a part of because of its increasing diversity.

‘The scope of practice is constantly being extended and there is no doubting the integral role pharmacists play in primary health care in Australia. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the profession and working with pharmacists from across  Australia to help shape our future role.’

Mr Elliot said opportunities from living and working in regional areas had helped in creating a rewarding career.

– from Australian Pharmacist November 2009

‘I am proud that my work in delivering quality continuing professional education has benefited other regional pharmacists whose tireless efforts in their communities should not be overlooked,’ he said.