Canberra Intern Pharmacist, Erin Cooper, named MIMS Intern Pharmacist of the Year!

Talented Canberra-based intern pharmacist, Erin Cooper, has won the 2021 PSA MIMS Intern Pharmacist of the Year Award.

 

Announced during the PSA Viatris Award Ceremony online this evening, the award recognises intern pharmacists who demonstrate outstanding performance in their development as professional pharmacists.

 

Erin has been an exemplar intern pharmacist at Capital Chemist Wanniassa and in the role of National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) President simultaneously. She also contributed to the NSW Early Career Pharmacist Group during her studies, as well as her pharmacy school student body, the Orange Pharmacy Students Association (OPSA). 

 

Whist grappling with her own stressors as a result of working throughout the bushfire season, from almost choking on smoke, to dealing with COVID-19 and the disruption of normal workflows and study expectations – Erin took it upon herself to develop a NAPSA Intern Guide to help all interns, not just herself, break through this critical year of their careers. 

 

She consistently exceeds the expectations of her role at the pharmacy, implementing various professional services, supporting other pharmacists, and above all, supporting the health of her local community. 

 

“It’s pretty exciting to know that what I’ve done, not only in my workplace, but through all my leadership activities during my intern year, has not only improved my role as a pharmacist, but obviously had an impact on others around me – and it’s really lovely to be acknowledged for that. 

 

“I’m excited for where our role as pharmacists is expanding to, particularly with the increase in vaccinations we can provide – and professional services and the way they’re building in pharmacy, and I’m excited to see what new things we’ll be able to achieve in those roles in the future,” Ms Cooper said.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said: “Erin has demonstrated aptitude in patient medication management and professional leadership well beyond her years of experience. I can’t think of a more worthy recipient and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Erin’s career.”

 

Robert Best, CEO and Executive Director of MIMS Australia & MIMS New Zealand, said: “MIMS is delighted to again sponsor the PSA Intern of the Year Award. The calibre of interns, such as Erin, is phenomenal, and the future of Pharmacy in Australia is strong. 

 

“On the eve of World Pharmacist Day, the theme of ’trust’ couldn’t be more important. It’s trust, that clinicians and pharmacist place in MIMS, so when we look at the depth, breadth and quality of Interns coming through, Erin’s achievements and building of her patient and colleague’s trust is a standout. As the role of pharmacy truly expands, this focus on trust will continue to grow. We congratulate Erin and wish her all the best for the future.”

 

MIMS Business Development Director, Kumar Singh, also congratulated Erin on the award and her achievements during her intern year.

 

Congratulations to Erin, the 2021 MIMS Intern Pharmacist of the Year!

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463