Pharmacy Daily | Gongs for leaders in pharmacy education

THE Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has announced the four recipients of the 2025 APC Dr Erica Sainsbury awards, which were presented at the Emeritus Lloyd Sansom AO Distinguished Lecture Series in Canberra last night.

Dr Joon Soo Park, Senior Research Fellow in Pharmacy at the University of Western Australia, was recognised with the Early Career Pharmacy Educator Award for his innovation and passion in teaching.

The Pharmacist Supervisor Awards, which recognise and reward pharmacists who display the attributes and skills considered invaluable in the training of interns, were presented for community, hospital, and regional health service pharmacy.

Sophie Jahnecke, a regional health service pharmacist with Barwon Health, was nominated by three of her interns, with one noting Jahnecke showed commitment to the pharmacy profession "through passionate teaching, empowering them to evolve professionally".

The hospital pharmacist supervisor award was presented to Hala Musa of the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Hospital.

Musa was lauded by the nominating intern for motivating them by consistently "exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism, practising ethically, legally, and with deep compassion".

The community pharmacy winner, Ramy Sourial of Chemist Warehouse, was nominated by three of his interns, one of whom highlighted the welcoming and inclusive environment Sourial created.

APC Chair, Professor Sarah Roberts-Thomson, said she was pleased to honour the recipients of the Dr Erica Sainsbury Awards.

"These individuals reflect the spirit of Dr Sainsbury's legacy - innovative in their teaching, committed to their interns and unwavering in their focus on supporting competent, confident pharmacists," said Professor Roberts-Thomson.

"Their contribution enhances the quality and integrity of pharmacist training across Australia."

Pictured: Sophie Jahnecke, Ramy Sourial, Hala Musa, and Joon Soo Park.