THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) honoured the achievements of leading community pharmacists at the 2024 South Australia and Northern Territory Excellence Awards on the weekend.
The ceremony held in Adelaide, highlighted the innovative practices and professional standards of local pharmacists who have significantly contributed to the industry.
Among the awardees was Natasha Downing, who was named the SA/NT Pharmacist of the Year for her extensive community work in the mid-north of South Australia.
Downing, originally from Jamestown, has been pivotal in integrating pharmacists across various service deliveries in the region, enhancing patient health outcomes through personalised care, especially in palliative roles.
The Intern Pharmacist of the Year was awarded to Chloe Hall, who distinguished herself by embracing challenging roles during her internship, improving her professional skills markedly and becoming a go-to pharmacist for both patients and peers by the end of her tenure.
Raymond Truong was recognised as the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year.
Truong has been an active member of the PSA since 2016, taking leadership roles to advocate for Early Career Pharmacists and enhance professional pharmacy services, including vaccinations and medication management in community settings.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Peter Halstead, acknowledging his 40-year career, which has significantly influenced Australian pharmacy practice.
Halstead's contributions span from community service to regulatory roles, where he has been a mentor and an advisor to many, shaping the future of pharmacy with a focus on aged care and education.
Amelia Thompson received the prestigious and rarely awarded PSA Gold Medal, which goes to the University of South Australia student with the highest GPA in the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) program, highlighting the exceptional nature of Thompson's academic achievements.
"The passion and dedication of pharmacists across South Australia and the Northern Territory is clear.
"It is our pleasure to recognise some of them tonight on behalf of the PSA," said Dr Manya Angley, President of the PSA South Australia and Northern Territory.
"I'm proud to present these awards tonight, and congratulate each of the recipients on their awards," Angley commented. JG
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