Vale Prof Gabrielle Cooper OAM
Media release: 24 April 2025
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Gabrielle Cooper OAM, who died yesterday (23 April) after a short illness.
Prof. Cooper was one of Australia’s most esteemed pharmacists, who demonstrated a relentless and career-long commitment to the pharmacy profession over many decades. Her career spanned a wide variety of practice settings, leadership roles and academia.
Prof. Cooper served on PSA’s ACT Branch Committee from 2009-2016, which included serving as PSA’s first ACT Branch President (twice) from 2009, and fulfilling the role of PSA National Board Director between 2011 and 2013. PSA’s ACT branch awarded her the ACT Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.
Prof. Cooper graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1983. She commenced her career as a clinical pharmacist in Hobart, before practising as a hospital pharmacist at Royal Canberra Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, Hospital for Sick Children in London and then University of Tasmania as a clinical educator.
Returning to Canberra in 1995, she served as Director of Pharmacy at John James Memorial Hospital, Poisons Information Pharmacist at The Canberra Hospital and Director of Pharmacy at Calvary Hospital between 2002 and 2003.
Her interest in drug overdose led her to undertake a PhD in clinical toxicology. Her seminal work has been widely cited and led to changes in clinical practice such that activated charcoal in drug overdose is now used in more restricted situations.
Following a critical shortage of pharmacists in Canberra and the surrounding region, Prof. Cooper established the Discipline of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra, where she remained the Head of Pharmacy and was elevated to Full Professor in 2010.
Her contribution to the profession also included serving on the ACT Pharmacy Board (2006-2010) and being appointed Chair of the Capital Health Network (CHN) in 2015. Her leadership at CHN led to the establishment of the Pharmacists in General Practice trial in the ACT, the first of its kind in Australia.
In 2017 Prof. Cooper was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for “service to the pharmacy sector and to tertiary education”.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim paid tribute to Professor Cooper and her substantial contribution to the practice of pharmacy in Australia:
‘All of us at PSA are deeply saddened to learn of Gabrielle’s passing’ she said.
‘A visionary ahead of her time, Gabrielle leaves a substantial legacy, which ranges from forging new practice pathways for pharmacists in general practice, to establishing the Discipline of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra and to research which altered clinical guidelines for activated charcoal in drug overdose.’
‘I extend my sincere condolences to Gabrielle’s family, friends and colleagues who are grieving the loss of such an inspirational and special woman,’ A/Prof Sim concluded.
PSA National Vice President and academic colleague Professor Mark Naunton paid tribute to Professor Cooper’s flair and aptitude for as an educator and change-maker in the profession:
‘Gabrielle was a motivating and inspirational teacher. Those who were privileged to have learnt from her attest to her aptitude for instilling clinical knowledge, passion for disease state management, and skills in problem solving, leadership and communication.
‘Her elegant ability to articulate logically made her a positive role model to students, pharmacists, healthcare workers, and policy makers alike.’
‘She will be deeply missed.’
Professor Cooper’s funeral will be held at 2.00 pm on 1 May 2025 at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra. In lieu of Flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Australia would be greatly appreciated.
Prof. Gabrielle Cooper (left) with Prof. Mark Naunton (right) in 2021
