UWA takes out PSOTY Wildcard 2021 at NAPSA Congress

Friday 29 January 2021; Ma Christel Joyce Manuel from University of Western Australia (UWA) has won the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) Wildcard for the 2021 PSA Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) Award.

 

The PSOTY Wildcard final took place online as part of the NAPSA congress, with a talented field of students showcasing their clinical knowledge and implementing their counselling skills using real life pharmacy scenarios.

 

The PSOTY Wildcard final was fiercely contested amongst a group of talented students across Australia with the finalists being Samantha King (University of Queensland, QLD), Ma Christel Joyce Manuel (University of WA, WA) and Amirreza Zobdeh (Monash University, VIC)

 

Christel was judged the winner, displaying a high level of knowledge and ability.

 

“I am thrilled and honoured for this amazing opportunity. I want to congratulate the other students and look forward to the final at PSA21,” Christel said.

 

“This opportunity allows you to use your clinical and counselling skills to support patients in achieving better outcomes.”

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman, congratulated Christel on her achievement and highlighted the strong field of students competing for the wildcard spot.

 

“It is heartening to see the future of our profession on show, demonstrating a high level of clinical knowledge and passion,” he said.

 

“This competition provides students the opportunity to learn important skills such as gaining patient insights and patient understanding, active listening and skills that support positive patient outcomes.

 

“I commend all participants and finalists at this year’s competition and the future of pharmacy looks very bright going forward.”

 

PSOTY Wildcard Judge and Chief Executive Officer of the PSA, Mr Mark Kinsela, congratulated all the finalists in what was a difficult decision for the judging panel. Mr Kinsela thanked the other judges who included early career pharmacist Bridgette Mackley and NAPSA President Mr Ethan Kreutzer.

 

“The judges had a really difficult decision, all the finalists did a fantastic job. We commend each finalist for the way they professionally communicated with the patient, took a good patient history, excluded serious medical conditions and then arrived at an appropriate clinical recommendation,” Mr Kinsela said.

 

“The future of pharmacy looks very bright with these exceptional health professionals just starting out in their careers.”

 

Christel as the PSOTY Wildcard winner, and supported by Viatris, will travel to the PSA21 National Conference held in Sydney from 30 July – 1 August 2021, to compete for the national title of Pharmacy Student of the Year 2021.

 

Media contact: PSA media 0487 922 176