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Outstanding clinical leader named Tasmania’s Intern Pharmacist of the Year

24 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to present the 2025 Tasmanian Intern Pharmacist of the Year award to Lucinda Dowling, recognising her outstanding leadership, commitment to patient care, and contributions to medicine safety.

 

A recently graduated PSA intern and pharmacist at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Lucinda is recognised for her exceptional initiative in pharmacy service delivery and professional engagement throughout her intern year.

 

Her work in medicines governance and access included auditing vaccine prescribing and distribution, with findings contributing to updates to the Tasmanian Medication Formulary and guiding pharmacy supply decisions. She also took the lead in improving vancomycin level monitoring on the neurosurgery ward, identifying errors in administration timing and developing targeted education sessions for nursing staff to enhance patient safety.

 

Lucinda is a leader among her peers, supporting fellow interns with education sessions, mentoring new pharmacy interns, and supervising University of Tasmania pharmacy students on placement.

 

PSA Tasmania President Mark Kirschbaum FPS congratulated Lucinda on her achievement, praising her commitment to advancing pharmacy practice.

 

“Lucinda has set an incredible example of what it means to be a pharmacist—demonstrating leadership, initiative, and a dedication to medicines safety that will serve her well throughout her career,” Mr Kirschbaum said.

 

“Her work in improving medicine governance and patient safety, particularly her education initiatives for healthcare professionals, highlights the vital role pharmacists play in optimising patient outcomes.

 

“On behalf of PSA, I congratulate Lucinda on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to continuing to support her throughout her undoubtedly bright pharmacy career ahead.”

 

The Tasmanian Intern Pharmacist of the Year Award was presented by PSA at the Intern of the Year and Welcome to the Profession event on Friday 21 February 2025 at T42 Hobart.

 

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

Pharmacists back proposal to make interstate prescriptions easier to access in Tasmania

18 October 2024

 

Tasmanian Health Minister Guy Barnett MP has today announced a proposal to amend the Poisons Act 1971 to allow prescriptions issued interstate to be filled by Tasmanian pharmacists.

 

The proposal is welcomed by Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Tasmania President Mark Kirschbaum FPS.

 

“The proposed changes to the Poisons Act will have a widespread positive impact, providing greater access to medicines for conditions like ADHD,” Mr Kirschbaum said.

 

“PSA has a long history of advocating for harmonisation of regulations and legislation across the country. We’re glad to see Tasmania take action to ensure medicines are accessible and safe when and where they’re needed.”

 

The Minister also announced that the Tasmanian Department of Health will also undertake a comprehensive review of the Poisons Act. PSA will continue to engage with the Minister’s office and Department to ensure that any legislative changes support the role of pharmacists in the safe and effective use of medicines.

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

Experienced pharmacy leader elected as PSA Tasmania President

3 July 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the election of experienced pharmacy leader Mark Kirschbaum FPS to lead the Tasmanian branch.

 

Mr Kirschbaum is the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s practitioner member from Tasmania, a locum community pharmacist and academic at the University of Tasmania in Launceston.

 

Mr Kirschbaum is experienced in regulation, policy and advocacy, and has worked collaboratively with PSA over many years to improve patient access to care and quality use of medicines. Recently, Mr Kirschbaum has been involved in the redevelopment of Professional Practice Standards and the Tasmanian Government’s Scope of Practice Review for Pharmacists.

 

Outgoing Tasmanian Branch President David Peachey will continue to serve as Vice-President, alongside Joanne Gross MPS, with Dr Shane Jackson FPS continuing as National Board Director.

 

Mr Kirschbaum thanked outgoing President David Peachey MPS for his service to the profession and the Tasmanian Branch.

 

“I sincerely thank David Peachey for his leadership as President of our branch since 2021. I look forward to continuing to work with Vice-Presidents Dave and Joanne, and the Branch Committee to represent and support Tasmanian pharmacists.”

 

 

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

Tasmania expands access to oral contraception from today

1 July 2024

 

From today, Tasmanian pharmacists can extend prescriptions for oral contraceptive pills in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

Following a consultation with a pharmacist, Tasmanian patients aged 16 to 50 who have been stable on an oral contraceptive pill for two years will be able to access an additional 12 month supply of their pill. Patients must return to their GP every two years for assessment.

Joining Tasmanian Health Minister Guy Barnett MP and Minister for Women Jo Palmer MLC yesterday, PSA Tasmanian Branch President Mark Kirschbaum FPS welcomed the announcement.

“PSA has proudly advocated for expanded access to the oral contraceptive pill for some time, and we are particularly welcoming of the measure as a permanent part of our health system,” Mr Kirschbaum said.

“Improving safe access to contraception is essential to improving Tasmanians’ access to health care. As pharmacists, we are proud to be playing our part in making accessible when and where they are needed.

“PSA continues to support pharmacists across the state, with training available to all Tasmanian pharmacists participating in the program.

“We are encouraged to see the Tasmanian Government take action on the recommendations of the Pharmacist Scope of Practice Review, and look forward to supporting the government in their work to implement the remaining recommendations,” Mr Kirschbaum concluded.

Training is now available for Tasmanian pharmacists here.

 

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