Leading Queensland pharmacists honoured

Outstanding Queensland pharmacists Gary West of Mermaid Waters (Lifetime Achievement Gold Medal), Vivien Hsu from Surfers’ Paradise (Bowl of Hygeia Pharmacist of the Year), Brisbane’sNicolette Ellis (Early Career Pharmacist of the Year) and Emma Dall’Alba, from Malanda outside of Cairns (James Dare Graduate of the Year) have been recognised for their exceptional contribution to the health of Queenslanders in the Queensland PSA President’s Awards presented at the Queensland Annual Therapeutic Update in Brisbane last night.

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland President, Chris Campbell was delighted tocongratulate this year’s award winners.

‘These awards highlight the impact pharmacists have through the various roles and career pathways pharmacists can take in supporting safe, quality and effective use of medicines in the community,’ hesaid. ‘These winners demonstrate not only their commitment to the profession and innovative practice,but their dedication to improving the health of Queenslanders.’

PSA awarded Life Membership to Mr William (Bill) Newman, Mr James Delahunty, and Ms Dinah Fraser in recognition of 50 continuous years of PSA membership and contribution to the community in services to the profession.

Mr Campbell congratulated all the award nominees and winners on their outstanding work and contribution to the profession. Nominations for the 2020 President’s Awards will open in July next year.

Quotes attributable to Mr Chris Campbell regarding award recipients:

‘Gary West has always been a leader in education and mentoring, including through his roles as aProfessional Officer with Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL). His drive to give back and developfuture pharmacists is a testament to his ongoing commitment to the profession.’

‘Viv Hsu’s role as a credentialled diabetes educator pharmacist on the Gold Coast exemplifies the important role that a pharmacist plays as part of a multi-disciplinary team in patient care.’

‘Nicolette Ellis’ online presence and engagement as the ‘Rainbow Pharmacist’ shines a light on theroles of pharmacists across multiple practice settings and clearly demonstrates the importance of embedding pharmacists wherever medicines are.’

‘Emma Dall’Alba is a role model for her peers through her leadership as the JCUPSA president andas an ambassador for the profession and James Cook University’.

Interviews with award winners and additional photos are available through Mark Lock. Profiles of award winners in attached PDF media releas

Media contact: Mark Lock, PSA Queensland – 0406 609 671, mark.lock@psa.org.au