PSA recognises Australia’s leading pharmacists at 2026 Excellence Awards
31 July 2026
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has tonight announced the recipients of the 2026 PSA Symbion Excellence Awards, celebrating outstanding pharmacy leadership, innovation, research, and patient care across the profession.
The PSA Symbion Excellence Awards recognise pharmacists who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving the health of the patients and communities they serve.
The 2026 PSA Symbion Excellence Award winners are:
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Carlene Smith AM MPS, was recognised for her extensive contribution to Australian pharmacy and her ongoing commitment to advancing the profession.
Paul Tait FPS, Pharmacist of the Year, was recognised for his excellence in pharmacy practice research and his contribution to advancing pharmacy practice.
Early Career Pharmacist of the Year, Pooja Sharma MPS, was recognised for delivering innovative pharmacist-led care models, improving access to medicines services for underserved communities, and demonstrating exceptional leadership early in her career.
PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, congratulated the awardees on their well-deserved national recognition, commending them for their dedication to the PSA and the broader pharmacy profession over a substantial period.
“As the name suggests, this year’s recipients represent the very best of our profession, encompassing pharmacists across different stages of their careers and working across a range of practice settings,” Professor Naunton said.
“On behalf of the PSA and the pharmacy profession, I commend Carlene, Paul, and Pooja for their excellent service and contributions.”
Media contact: Leah Jacobsen
E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au or media@psa.org.au
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.
