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Victoria’s leading pharmacists recognised

26 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) presented its 2024 Victorian Excellence Awards in Melbourne last night, recognising six outstanding pharmacists for their commitment to excellence in pharmacy practice.

 

The PSA Victorian branch presented the following awards:

 

  • Victorian Pharmacist of the Year awarded to Brian Meier MPS
  • Victorian Early Career Pharmacist of the Year awarded to Dr Kate Wang MPS
  • Victorian Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Professor Colin Chapman FPS

 

The PSA Victorian Gold Medal, acknowledging grass roots contributions of the profession’s quiet achievers, was also awarded to husband-and-wife duo Michael Khoo MPS and Kimberly Tran MPS who own and operate the Belgrave South Community Pharmacy in Melbourne’s east. Both are very active in their community, but it is their combined dedication to the health and welfare of their community that earned them the PSA Victorian Gold Medal.

 

Kimberly Tran needs 24-hour oxygen to assist her breathing with a rare, chronic degenerative lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). She works full-time supporting her husband Michael Khoo’s front-facing role in the pharmacy they have owned for 2 decades. Mostly working together and focusing on traditional services delivered as best practice, they can take more time to intervene and counsel, making a difference to the level of care for patients.

 

PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS congratulated the award winners, recognising their longstanding dedication to the pharmacy profession and their patients.

 

“Each of our award winners demonstrates an exceptional level of passion and professionalism in their roles, their contributions not only elevating the pharmacy practice but also enhancing the health of their patients. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for the positive impact they continue to make in the lives of so many.”

 

“The dedication and compassion shown by our award winners serve as a powerful reminder of the critical role pharmacists play in the health care system. They are truly the heart of our profession, and we celebrate their remarkable achievements today.”

 

Media notes

 

PSA Victorian Pharmacist of the Year Brian Meier MPS has an impact that spans across Victoria, from Melbourne to rural communities in Horsham. With decades of experience in providing Residential and Home Medication Reviews, Brian has successfully integrated into multidisciplinary care teams, improving patient outcomes. His work in education and clinical governance in aged care and disability, bridging gaps in health care, has been invaluable in promoting advanced clinical pharmacy practice to health professionals and patients, especially in under-serviced rural and remote regions.

 

PSA Victorian Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Dr Kate Wang MPS is a visionary pharmacist driving innovation and expansion of the pharmacy profession. A senior Lecturer in pharmacy at RMIT, Dr Wang is passionate about education future pharmacists and expanding the profession’s scope of practice. She is also the chief investigator and stakeholder liaison officer for a nation-wide project integrating pharmacists into aged care, while also investigating the utilisation of e-prescriptions from the perspectives of consumers as well as pharmacists. Kate’s influence extends beyond Australia. She is collaborating with international partners in New Zealand, Korea, and China to explore the impact of beliefs and adherence on medication use in older people and expand the roles of pharmacists in aged care.

 

Still providing locums in country Victorian areas, the former Dean of Monash University’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and veterinary surgeon, PSA Victorian Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Professor Colin Chapman FPS has been an outstanding mentor guiding students and practising pharmacists for decades. He has contributed significantly to the development of pharmacy, education, practice and research in Australia. Since retiring in 2010, he’s been involved in PSA’s Offshore Refresher Courses, medicine reviews and drug detection issues associated with the Australian horse racing industry.

 

 

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

Pharmacy Student of the Year finalists head to PSA24

5 July 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today announced the finalists for its annual Pharmacy Student of the Year competition who will compete for the top prize at PSA’s national conference PSA24 in August.

 

The final will test pharmacy students with a real-life clinical situation, where a patient will present with symptoms or a specific medicine or product request. Students are then required to use their clinical knowledge and communication skills to identify the most appropriate management, tailoring their response to provide the patient-centred advice.

 

A judging panel will assess all state finalists before selecting the national winner to be announced at PSA24’s Gala Dinner.

 

The 2024 PSA Viatris Pharmacy Student of the Year finalists are:

  • Blake Fraser, University of Technology Sydney (NSW finalist)
  • Emily Schrek, La Trobe University (Victorian finalist)
  • Bridget Cleary, University of Western Australia (WA finalist)
  • Tobey Adubasim, University of Tasmania (Tasmanian finalist)
  • Hayden Scott, University of Canberra (ACT finalist)
  • Shylee-Jade Hadar-Pagliari, James Cook University (Queensland finalist)
  • Callum Gunn, University of South Australia (SA finalist)
  • Lauren Murray, Charles Darwin University (NT finalist)
  • McKinley Nolan, University of Tasmania (NAPSA Wildcard finalist)

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the PSOTY competition finalists.

 

“The Pharmacy Student of the Year competition showcases the talents of the next generation of pharmacists, giving them the opportunity to develop and grow their skills,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“It’s exciting to see such enthusiastic students entering our profession and dedicating their futures to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.

 

“Award sponsor Viatris and PSA are proud to sponsor the finalists to attend the PSA24 conference where they will compete in the national finals.

 

“Congratulations to all the students who’ve participated in the competition this year for their dedication and commitment to pharmacy. Regardless of the outcome, you are already winners and should feel very proud for putting yourselves out of your comfort zone, for stepping up and taking on the challenge. This is exactly the ethos of our profession.”

 

PSA extends thanks to the PSOTY award sponsor, Viatris, for their ongoing support and wishes all finalists the best of luck at the national final.

 

Find out more about the PSA Pharmacy Student of the Year competition by visiting www.psa.org.au/psoty 

 

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

CPC24: Nation-leading advocate Brooke Shelly named Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year

3 May 2024

 

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the 2024 PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year, presented at the PSA’s Credentialed Pharmacist Conference (CPC) in Cairns today.

 

The PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year award recognises continuing excellence in the practice of credentialed pharmacy, dedication to enhancing the reputation of the profession, the development and implementation of innovative professional services, and the enduring commitment to advancing patient care and improved health outcomes.

 

The 2024 PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year is Brooke Shelly MPS.

 

Ms Brooke Shelly is a passionate advocate for the practice of consultant pharmacy, and in particular the role of pharmacists in rural general practice. She has a growing reputation as an engaging and passionate speaker at conferences, symposiums and other networking and education events, as well as demonstrating her own passion for life-long learning. Her excellence was recognised as a finalist in the 2023 Victorian Rural Health Awards.

 

Brooke conducts Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) and is a GP Pharmacist consulting at Ontario Medical Clinic and also has a role as a Clinical Pharmacist at Beyond Pain. She has developed and implemented new multidisciplinary models of care for aged care facilities and chronic disease cycle of care.

 

Brooke’s commitment to supporting the health of her community and all rural Australians is second to none. She is recognised as a leader in this space, being asked to present at the conferences as a role model for general practice pharmacists, especially in rural Australia. This commitment is evidenced by her leading a workshop at CPC24 to support other pharmacists in optimising outcomes from HMRs and embedded quality improvement activities. Brooke also serves the profession on a range of PSA committees, including on the Victorian Branch Committee and the Board of the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria.

 

Ms Shelly’s broad range of innovative services span across general practice, disability services, aboriginal health services, pain management, telehealth and multidisciplinary team-based care significantly enhances the reputation of credentialed pharmacists. She has a particular focus on rural areas of practice, raising awareness on the scope and work of credentialed pharmacist, within the pharmacist community and general practice. Brooke assists in the training of the GP registrars in the CDM space and enjoys overseeing the PIP QI program, making her an invaluable asset to GPs and general practice. She is incredibly generous in sharing her experiences, challenges and innovative solutions in various pharmacist groups, social media and educational events.

 

Brooke has provided a significant contribution to the development of consultant pharmacy in Australia through her practice in a general practice in a rural area. and as a champion for multidisciplinary care. Brooke is an outstanding role model for pharmacy students, and established and developing practitioners.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS presented the award to Ms Shelly at CPC24 this afternoon.

 

“Brooke is a trailblazer when it comes to highlighting the roles of credentialed pharmacists in medication management reviews wherever medicines are used. Brooke’s leadership and contribution has had widespread, systemic impact.,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Brooke is a leading national voice for this workforce, where she continues to make significant contributions to the development of credentialed pharmacy through her own practice and as a mentor and facilitator of discussions and support.

 

“Over the years, Brooke has been as a strong advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration. Brooke actively facilitates and demonstrates how pharmacists can and should form a critical part of a multidisciplinary team. It is also through her work in this space that she has been able to garner the support and recognition of other health professionals.

 

“On behalf of the PSA and the profession, I congratulate the 2024 PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year Brooke Shelly and thank her for her ongoing commitment to the development of credentialed pharmacists across Australia.”

 

PSA also acknowledges the ongoing support of MIMS Australia and New Zealand, and particularly their CEO and Board Director Robert Best, for sponsoring this award and their ongoing support of the PSA.

 

 

 

 

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

Top West Australian pharmacists recognised

Four outstanding pharmacists have been celebrated this evening as part of the annual Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Western Australia Excellence Awards held in Perth.

PSA’s Excellence Awards recognises local pharmacists involved in innovative practice, those who are striving to raise practice standards, and those who, through their professionalism, provide a model of practice which others strive to emulate.

Awards were presented to:

  • Susan Shipway, WA Pharmacist of the Year
  • Maria Luz Ciancia, WA Intern Pharmacist of the Year
  • Jade Swarbrick, WA Early Career Pharmacist of the Year
  • Liza Seubert, WA Lifetime Achievement Award

 

PSA Western Australia President Kristian Ray MPS congratulated the award recipients.

“Pharmacists are making significant contributions to the health sector, and Western Australia is home to some of the best,” Mr Ray said.

“The pharmacists recognised by the PSA Excellence Awards represent the dedication of great pharmacists. We are proud to recognise them for their ongoing contributions to the profession and to the health of their communities.

“On behalf of PSA and all West Australian pharmacists, congratulations to the 2024 award recipients,” Mr Ray concluded.

 

Media notes

The WA Pharmacist of the Year is Susan Shipway

Susan Shipway is a hospital pharmacist at Rockingham General Hospital, specialising in oncology and haematology. She recently established a unique pharmacist-led telehealth remote service to patients living in regional Western Australia as part of a PSA partnered non-dispensing pharmacists in general practice heart failure program with the WA Primary Health Alliance.

Sue has strengthened ties between Midwest Aero and Geraldton Hospital and local specialists, having met with the cardiology team at Geraldton Hospital to improve transitions of care. She has initiated heart failure medication optimisation and titration plans to support the GPs within Midwest Aero Medical to ensure patients with heart failure are receiving optimal treatment for their heart failure. She has also developed heart failure fluid balance plans for patients to self-manage their diuretics.

By utilising telehealth to provide heart failure reviews for patients newly discharged, diagnosed or that have previously been identified as living with heart failure, Sue proactively educate patients about the condition. Investigating how the patient is managing by explaining possible and current symptoms and why patients suffer these, is imperative to practising truly patient-centred care.

This is the first time a remote service has been offered to patients living in a regional area, keeping heart failure patients out of hospital by enabling them to manage their condition more effectively.

The WA Intern Pharmacist of the Year is Maria Luz Ciancia

Maria Luz Ciancia spent five years studying pharmacy in Argentina before making the move to Australia. After undertaking exams to revalidate her degree, Maria undertook her internship with Chemist Warehouse in Perth.

At the end of her intern year, Maria developed a mental health campaign to support people suffering from depression in Western Australia. The campaign focused on assessing risk factors, prevention of adverse medication event, and empowering patients to achieve the best practice in medicines management through the implementation of proven and sustainable strategies integrated across all healthcare settings.

 

The WA Early Career Pharmacist of the Year is Jade Swarbrick

Jade Swarbrick began her pharmacy career as a community pharmacist at Amcal Como after graduating with a Master of Pharmacy in 2018. In 2021 she became credentialed and in 2022 she completed a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy at Monash University. Wanting to discover where pharmacy could take her and gain experience in a variety of diverse roles Jade spent time working as a hospital pharmacist at Joondalup Hospital & Northam Hospital, tutoring compounding labs at Curtin University, completing HMRs in community, working in RACFs, and until it’s unfortunate end – working as an educational visitor with NPS MedicineWise.

Since early 2023 Jade has been a GP pharmacist at Mead Medical, as part of the WA Primary Health Alliance non-dispensing pharmacists in general practice program.

She quickly established a pharmacist role at Mead Medical conducting medication reviews as part of chronic disease management appointments; as well as leading several other projects to improve chronic disease management and quality use of medications.

Jade has been recognised in this role as consistently and significantly contributing to improved patient outcomes – and is a highly respected and valued member of the Mead Medical team. She has found her passion in this setting; and is dedicated to advocating for the role of pharmacists in general practice, contributing to the community of practice and helping to mentor pharmacists new to the position.

More recently, Jade has also joined the CoNeCT MHE (Complex Needs Coordination Team – Mental Health Expansion) team as a Care Coordinator. Working with the most frequent emergency department presenters across the Perth-wide hospital services.

Bringing her advanced clinical knowledge, and experience working across the spectrum of healthcare settings she has helped to demonstrate the invaluable role pharmacists can have in multidisciplinary care coordination roles within WA Health.

Between these roles Jade has found her pharmacist niche – providing holistic, patient centred care, optimizing management of patients physical and mental health and advocating for patients experiencing psychosocial barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare.

 

The WA Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Associate Professor Liza Seubert FPS

Associate Professor Liza Seubert is a respected figure in the pharmacy profession, earning recognition for her unwavering dedication and transformative contributions. With a career spanning several decades, Liza’s journey began in community pharmacy, moving to the Pharmaceutical Council of Western Australia and Ahpra, and finally to academia at the University of Western Australia.

Throughout her career, Liza’s journey has been marked by innovation and leadership. After establishing herself as a pharmacist, she ventured into ownership and introduced pioneering service delivery models at her pharmacy, setting a precedent for personalised care and medication reviews. Her innovative approach garnered praise, with prominent individuals like Premier Geoff Gallop acknowledging her endeavours.

Liza’s impact extends beyond community pharmacy. Recognizing the importance of education and mentorship, she founded Viva Voce tutoring service, fostering confidence and capability in interns for their final oral exams. Her commitment to education led her to roles at the Pharmaceutical Council of Western Australia with the intern training program and later at the University of Western Australia in the Master of Pharmacy program.

At UWA, Liza’s compassion and commitment to social accountability have distinguished her as a true leader. In her 40’s she embarked on a PhD which researched ways to enhance information exchange during over-the-counter consultations while working full time as an academic. Her research has informed curriculum development and accreditation standards nationwide, with further impact in the new PSA Professional Practice Standards and the updated FIP Global Competency Framework.

She has transformed the learning experience of students in the Master of Pharmacy at UWA with an innovative Courage, Connection and Resilience curriculum to graduate pharmacists with the human skills to thrive in the dynamic and evolving pharmacy profession.

Liza represents the Council of Pharmacy Schools of Australia and New Zealand on the steering committee of the Leaders in Indigenous Pharmacy Profession Education (LIPPE) Network. This network is developing pharmacist education to enable culturally safe pharmacy practice.

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

ACT pharmacists recognised with Excellence Awards

10 February 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has recognised the Australian Capital Territory’s top pharmacists as part of the 2024 PSA Excellence Awards tonight in Canberra.

The ACT Pharmacist of the Year is Kirstin Turner MPS

Canberra pharmacist Kirstin Turner is a Credentialed Pharmacist and Credentialed Diabetes Educator practising in both General and private practice in the ACT. Working with patients of all types of diabetes diagnoses, Kirstin specialises in medication optimisation for elderly patients experiencing diabetes related complications.

On top of maintaining her practice workload, Ms Turner continues to give back to the profession by mentoring and sharing more than a decade of clinical practice experience with recently credentialed pharmacists. Ms Turner’s commitment to sharing her accumulated wealth of experience with pharmacists, the multidisciplinary team, and patients that really stands out.

Ms Turner’s sustained and unwavering focus on the quality use of medicines and medicine safety, both as part of the multidisciplinary health care team and as a distinct health practitioner, exemplifies a true commitment to the pharmacy profession and the wider Canberra community.

The joint ACT Early Career Pharmacists of the Year are Alicia Martin MPS and Jaqueline Lockley MPS

Alicia Martin is a community pharmacist in Canberra’s south and is the founder of TaperMate, a mobile app to help patients safely taper their use of medications that cause withdrawal symptoms, particularly in the mental health space. TaperMate was born from Alicia’s clinical knowledge and passion for harm minimisation and improving consumer health literacy, working to bridge the gap between prescribers and consumers by centralising pharmacist advice and supporting true patient-centred care.

Ms Martin is involved in the Canberra Innovation Network and received YWCA Canberra’s Great Ydeas Grant in 2023 to support the development of TaperMate.

Through both TaperMate and her community pharmacy practice, Ms Martin demonstrates very strong professional leadership and an unwavering commitment to improving the use of mental health medicines and consumer health literacy more broadly.

Jacqueline Lockley is a community pharmacist in Canberra’s inner north, utilising pharmacogenomic testing to support specialised patient care. Ms Lockley promotes the use of pharmacogenomic testing to a range of health professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists, mental health nurses and general practitioners, aiming to reduce medication misadventure, and improve quality use of medicines by optimising therapy based on an individual’s genetic profile.

Ms Lockley volunteers with the Salvation Army in Braddon, providing free advice and services to Canberrans doing it tough. She provides these services without judgement in a safe, familiar environment, supporting members of the community experiencing substance abuse disorders who may not feel comfortable accessing care in a traditional community pharmacy setting.

Ms Lockley established Self-Harmers Anonymous Australia, a 12-step program to support individuals struggling with self-harm around the country. She also provides information and resources to the friends and families affected by self-harm, supporting them to respond with empathy and understanding.

Ms Lockley is also a pharmacist representation on the ACT’s Capital Health Network Advisory Council, working to improve access and the delivery of quality healthcare to all Canberrans.

 

The ACT Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Amanda Galbraith MPS

As the ACT’s Acting Chief Pharmacist, Amanda Galbraith has lead work to develop pharmacists’ scope of practice through the expansion of pharmacist administered vaccines and the opportunity for Canberra pharmacies to supply treatment for urinary tract infections, improving access to care for Canberra women.

Ms Galbraith has held a number of leadership positions across the pharmacy sector, including as President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (ACT Branch), a Pharmaceutical Defence Limited Director, and presently as Chair of the Australian Pharmacy Council’s FARM Committee.

Ms Galbraith’s passion for helping those around her extends to her work with the Pharmacists’ Support Service, offering support related to the many demands of being a pharmacist in Australia. Throughout her career, she has worked to promote First Nations Health, and importantly to promote the careers of First Nations pharmacists. Ms Galbraith is an asset to the ACT health system and the pharmacy profession more broadly.

 

On behalf of PSA, ACT President Olivia Collenette MPS congratulates the pharmacists recognised in this evening’s reception.

“Canberra pharmacists are embodying what it means to be a pharmacist, providing patient-centred care through innovation, excellence in practise, and commitment to our profession.

“A special congratulations to Kirstin, Alicia, Jacqueline and Amanda on your contributions not only to the pharmacy profession, but to the health of all Canberrans.”

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

Pharmacists recognised in Governor-General’s Honours

26 January 2024

 

On behalf of the pharmacy profession, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges and congratulates the Australian pharmacists recognised in today’s Governor-General’s honours.

 

The following pharmacists received Honours from the Governor-General today:

  • ​Dr Jennifer (Jenny) Gowan FPS, Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
  • Mr Desmond Lum MPS, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
  • Ms Julie Rose Adams, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

 

PSA National President A/Prof Fei Sim FPS congratulated the award recipients.

“The pharmacists recognised today have dedicated their lives to the health of their communities,” Dr Sim said.

“Congratulations to Dr Jenny Gowan, Mr Demond Lum, and Ms Julie Adams on your outstanding careers and your recognition as pillars of the community.

“On behalf of Australians, thank you for your contributions to our profession and our country,” A/Prof Sim said.

Dr Jennifer (Jenny) Gowan FPS

Dr Jenny Gowan FPS is a widely celebrated credentialed pharmacist, having been awarded PSA’s 2013 Pharmacist of the Year award as well as the AACP’s Consultant Pharmacist of the Year award in 2016.

Dr Gowan served on PSA’s Victorian Branch Committee for many years, and as the Branch’s Vice-President from 2021 to 2023. She has been a member of the PSA for 48 years.

Dr Gowan has been recognised by the Governor-General for her significant service to medicine as a pharmacist, to professional societies, and to community health.

Mr Desmond Lum MPS

Former community pharmacist Desmond Lum MPS has been recognised for his service to the communities of Holbrook and Thurgoona. Following a 30-year career as a pharmacist, Mr Lum has continued giving back to his communities through the Thurgoona Lions Club, the Thurgoona Men’s Shed, St Patrick’s School and various other organisations in the Albury-Wodonga region.

Mr Lum is a life member of the PSA, having been a member for 53 years.

Ms Julie Adams

Hospital Pharmacist Julie Adams was recognised for her service to pharmaceutical oncology.

Ms Adams has become a leader in oncology pharmacy and has expanded the role of pharmacists through innovation, research, and education. Ms Adam’s passion for pharmacy throughout her career has resulted in her being an inspirational member of the profession and a worthy recipient of the Pharmaceutical Society of Western Australia’s 2020 Eric Kirk Memorial Award.

PSA also congratulates former staff member Mr Peter Waterman, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to media and journalism.

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

Victoria’s outstanding pharmacists recognised

20 December 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2023 Victorian Annual Excellence Awards, presented to pharmacists who are making outstanding contributions to the pharmacist profession and the health of their communities.

Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Joshua Cooper MPS, Priceline Pharmacy Maryborough

Undertaking his intern year in the regional centre of Maryborough, Victoria, Joshua Cooper has become an integral part of the pharmacy team. Joshua quickly learnt just how valuable rural pharmacists are to their communities, with people travelling hours for health advice.

Engaging with the community via social media, in-store activations and through local sporting groups, Joshua is raising awareness of the services that pharmacists offer but patients don’t know they can access. Joshua has taken to driving pharmacy services including MedsChecks, Diabetes MedsChecks and DAAs, as well as minor ailment and triage interactions with patients, going above and beyond the role of an intern pharmacist.

 

Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Emily Griffin MPS

Driven by her deep-rooted passion for health care, Early Career Pharmacist Emily Griffin has already cemented her place amongst Victoria’s most influential pharmacists.

Ms Griffin co-built and developed the Australian-first Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Statewide Pharmacy Service in Victoria, leading to the successful implementation of the service in 2019. She is a co-author on various guidelines and processes in this area, also developing a Pharmacist Credentialing Program to ensure consistent education and training of pharmacists across the country and consequently, a cohesive service across Australia.

Emily is currently practising as a Senior Pharmacist in the Complex Care Service at a St Vincent’s Hospital, a Lecturer within the rural health school at Monash University, a Teaching Associate within the Master of Clinical Pharmacy at Monash University, and as a credentialed consultant pharmacist.

 

Victorian Pharmacist Medal – Natalie Kopas MPS

The Pharmacist Medal recognises the quiet achievement of Natalie Kopas, an independent community pharmacist in Bentleigh, Victoria. Ms Kopas lives and breathes the values and passion of pharmacy in everything she does, from the pharmacy to home visits with patients.

Ms Kopas is a cornerstone of her community, hosting community events at the pharmacy including her annual Christmas event bringing together all at her own expense.

Tucker Road Pharmacy is a true family owned and operated business, with the entire family being around the pharmacy from bookkeeping to home deliveries. Ms Kopas is known to work extended hours to ensure her community has access to the care and advice they need and is often the first point of call for her patients.

Ms Kopas is awarded the Victorian Pharmacist Medal for 2023, recognising her lifelong commitment to quality pharmacy practice and dedication to serving her community.

 

Pharmacist of the Year – Professor Simon Bell MPS

Victorian Pharmacist of the Year Professor Simon Bell FPS is leading the way for advanced practice pharmacists around Australia and the world. In his role as Professor and Director of Monash University’s Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Professor Bell is pioneering the role of pharmacists in residential aged care.

Professor Bell is the Clinical Chair of Australia’s new Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Psychotropic Medications in People Living with Dementia and in Residential Aged Care. He led an 18-member multidisciplinary expert group in the development of the Guideline and coordinated a wide range of stakeholder engagement and public consultation. He has developed a series of supplementary material to support the implementation of the Guideline into practice including a Guideline summary, 1-page fact sheets, a Consumer Companion Guide and QUM education sessions for pharmacists to deliver in aged care. The Guideline is also currently being translated into 5 different languages. This Guideline was developed in direct response to findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Professor Bell is also the Chief Investigator of two Medical Research Future Fund projects evaluating novel roles for pharmacists in residential aged care to support guideline translation and improve medication management. One of these projects, the EMBRACE project, currently involves on-site aged care pharmacists working at four aged care provider organisations across Australia to lead the implementation of the new Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Psychotropic Medications in People Living with Dementia and in Residential Aged Care. The second project, MEGA-MAC, is evaluating new roles for pharmacists working with Medication Advisory Committees to drive improvements in medication management. These studies are building new evidence for the system-level benefits a pharmacist can have in aged care and will directly inform the national roll-out of Onsite Aged Care Pharmacists in Australia.

 

 

Lifetime Achievement Award – Associate Professor Louis Roller FPS

Throughout a career spanning over 60 years, Honorary Associate Professor Louis Roller FPS has made sustained and significant contributions to the pharmacy profession, including in longstanding academic and leadership positions.

Until his retirement in 2008, Assoc. Prof. Roller was the Director of the Bachelor Pharmacy Program at Monash University, where he was a significant contributor to the development of the new integrated BPharm program, which commenced in 2009. He has taught in all areas of the pharmacy course over his long career including such diverse subjects as chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutics, clinical pharmacy, psychology, pharmaceutical microbiology and pharmacy practice.

In fact, Assoc. Prof. Roller has been directly involved in the education and training of more than 5000 pharmacists, imparting the principles of ethics, honesty, and compassion for patients onto all of his students.

Throughout his career Assoc. Prof. Roller has also authored of hundreds of scientific and professional articles and a number of book chapters across practice areas. He has served on the Pharmacy Board of Victoria for 22 years (1984-2005) and during that time chaired the Inspectorial (discipline) committee for 10 years and subsequently, the Education Committee (5 years). He continues as a Board examiner for the registration exams.

Assoc. Prof. Roller has served on the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (Vic Branch) Continuing Education Committee for over 42 years, also running PSA’s New Drugs Course annually for over 20 years. Assoc. Prof. Roller has also served as a longstanding member of the PSA Victorian branch committee, retiring at the end of 2022.

 

PSA Victorian President Dr Amy Page FPS congratulated the award winners, recognising their commitment to pharmacy practice.

“Each and every pharmacist recognised last night has made a significant contribution to the profession over the last year and throughout their careers and I congratulate them all on this worthy recognition.

“Congratulations to the award winners and nominees for your commitment to the health of all Victorians.”

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