2013 Young Pharmacist of the Year, Katie Hayes

A commitment to the pharmacy profession and to ensuring pharmacists make a noticeable difference in the community has seen Tasmanian pharmacist Katie Hayes being named PSA’s Young Pharmacist of the Year for 2013.

Ms Hayes has demonstrated an intense commitment to seeing pharmacies transition from being traditional places of medication supply to destinations where customers are provided with a whole range of pharmacy experiences and as well as a broad scope of health solutions.

She practises what she preaches and has shifted the role of the pharmacist at the pharmacy she works in to include more interaction with customers.

Ms Hayes said the award recognised the influence that others have had in her career.

“I have a very supportive family who have encouraged me and have been extremely patient throughout my career,” she said.

“Without my wonderful staff at our community pharmacy in Risdon Vale, we could not have achieved half of what I had hoped.”

Patrick Davies, CEO of Symbion, sponsors of the awards for the ninth consecutive year, said Ms Hayes was one of the new generation of pharmacist leading changes and innovation.

“These young pharmacists are our future and Katie stands out amongst them for her forward-thinking, her commitment and her willingness to put into action what she believes will improve the profession and the experience for her customers.

“She is helping to shape the pharmacy of the future, a pharmacy which will be able to grow and remain viable in the face of changes to health systems and economic fluctuations.”