fbpx

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

More Victorians to access travel health and skin services from community pharmacists

28 February 2024

 

More Victorian pharmacists will soon be delivering expanded vaccination, travel health services and treatment for two common skin conditions as the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) launches a series of brand-new training programs.

PSA’s Travel Health training program provides pharmacists with an understanding of the key health risks associated with international travel, and outlines preventative strategies including travel vaccinations.

PSA’s Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Mild plaque psoriasis training programs provide pharmacists with a comprehensive clinical understanding the conditions, covering clinical features, treatment approach, management goals, and practical applications for pharmacists participating in prescribing pilots.

The successful completion of these programs enable Victorian pharmacists to offer new services under the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot.

PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS says that PSA is proud to build on existing support for Victorian pharmacists to deliver high quality care to patients as pharmacist scope continues to evolve.

“We’re excited to offer more support for Victorian pharmacists to grow the scope of their practice under the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot,” Dr Page says.

“More pharmacists will soon be providing treatment for common skin conditions herpes zoster and mild plaque psoriasis flare ups, as well as delivering travel health services. These services, embedded in our local communities means more accessible care for Victorians.

“Pharmacists can now complete training programs in both travel health and skin conditions and offer additional health services backed by nation-leading education and professional support.

“PSA is proudly committed to ensuring that pharmacists are supported with the knowledge and skills required to support Victorians with greater access to health advice in these key clinical areas.”

PSA’s Travel Health and Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Mild plaque psoriasis modules are available now, free for PSA members.

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

Victorian pharmacists to treat skin conditions from March

20 February 2024

 

Pharmacists across Victoria will soon be able to supply treatment for two skin conditions under the next phase of the Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot set to begin in March 2024.

Victorian pharmacies that opt for the skin clinical stream and undertake additional training can treat herpes zoster (shingles) and a flare-up of mild plaque psoriasis.

Management Protocols for the two skin conditions are now available.

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS welcomed the next phase of the Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot, and reaffirmed PSA’s support for pharmacists participating in the program.

“Pharmacists are playing an increasingly important role in managing minor ailments and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, to now include common skin conditions,” Dr Page said.

“This is about making sure that Victorians have access to safe care when and where they need it.

“It’s important that the pharmacists participating in the program are supported with the high-quality, best-practice knowledge and skills required to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Victorians while contributing to the success of the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot.

“PSA is building on our existing support for Victorian pharmacists, as we prepare to launch our new training program ahead of the pilot expansion.”

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

Victorian floods highlight urgent need for permanent continued dispensing

10 January 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s move to expand continued dispensing measures in response to widespread flooding in Central Victoria.

The introduction of Public Health Emergency Order 25 today aligns with the Commonwealth Government’s National Health (Continued Dispensing) Determination made in December 2023, and expands access to more than 750 PBS-listed molecules for people in emergencies who cannot access their prescription or get in touch with their regular prescriber. The Order is set to expire in February.

PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS welcomed the Emergency Order, saying that it allowed pharmacists to continue supporting patients with their health.

“Continued dispensing plays a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of care for patients, particularly in natural disasters where people can be separated from their medicines. We know that this only becoming more common with the effects of climate change.

“The temporary expansion of continued dispensing is vital in ensuring that Victorians can access their essential medications without unnecessary delays or interruptions during the current floods.

“We cannot wait for natural disasters to happen before we put measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of our communities. Making continued dispensing arrangements permanent for all medicines, for example, would allow pharmacists to take a proactive role in the post-disaster health of their communities.

“I urge anyone who cannot access their medication for whatever reason to speak to their local pharmacist. We are here to help,” Dr Page concluded.

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS again urged the Federal Government to work with state and territory governments to permanently protect emergency access to medicines.

“Regulations should be in place to support the safe and effective use of medicines, not hinder access to them,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Our nation’s fragmented approach is affecting the care we can provide patients, preventing continued access to essential medicines and disrupting care when people are already vulnerable to further illness.

 

“PSA firmly believes that all PBS General Schedule medicines should be permanently included in continued dispensing arrangements to avoid delays in emergency situations.

 

“I urge all state and territory leaders to implement permanent continued dispensing measures, giving all Australians equal access to the medicines they need in an emergency,” Dr Sim concluded.

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