Three outstanding pharmacists have been honoured for their high standards of commitment and professionalism in the 2019 PSA Excellence Awards.
The Early Career Pharmacist of the Year, Pharmacist of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award were announced at PSA's flagship conference PSA19 in Sydney today.
PSA National President Dr Chris Freeman said he was delighted to congratulate this year's award winners.
"The Excellence Awards show the impact pharmacists have throughout the various stages of their careers," he said.
"What unites today's winners is not only their commitment to the profession and innovative practice, but their dedication to improving patient outcomes."
The 2019 PSA Excellence Awards winners are:
• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Dr Fei Sim, WA
• Pharmacist of the Year – Peter Crothers, NSW
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Col. (Rtd) Bill Kelly, ACT
In accepting her award, Dr Sim spoke of her many influencers and mentors who have helped shape her career. She said not only was the award very meaningful to her, but it was also recognition that she was on the right path.
"I see it also as an acknowledgement of the great mentorships I have received from my mentors and the amazing team I work with every day, at Curtin University, Caring Pharmacy, PSA and the communities," she said.
Mr Crothers said his award was recognition of the work of rural community pharmacists and highlighted the unique career opportunities to be gained in rural pharmacy.
"One of the best ways to become highly clinically competent is by combining formal learning with rural practice – especially remote rural practice – where you'll be exposed to more patient-intimate and collaborative models of care and a wider range of clinical, logistical and other situations that you must 'own' and deal with," he said.
Lifetime Achievement Award winner Col. (Rtd) Bill Kelly
