PROFESSOR Gabrielle Cooper, one of Australia's most esteemed pharmacists, has passed away after a short illness on 23 Apr.
She demonstrated a relentless and career-long commitment to the pharmacy profession over many decades, with a career spanning a wide variety of practice settings, leadership roles and academia.
After graduating from the University of Tasmania, she started her career as a clinical pharmacist in Hobart before taking roles in Canberra, Sydney and London.
An interest in drug overdose led her to undertake a PhD in clinical toxicology, with her seminal work being widely cited and leading to changes in clinical practice.
Following a critical shortage of pharmacists in Canberra and the surrounding region, Prof. Cooper established the Discipline of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra, where she remained the Head of Pharmacy and was elevated to Full Professor in 2010.
Professor Cooper served on PSA's ACT Branch Committee from 2009-2016 and was also on the ACT Pharmacy Board.
In 2017, Prof Cooper was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for "service to the pharmacy sector and to tertiary education".
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim paid tribute to Professor Cooper and her substantial contribution to the practice of pharmacy in Australia.
"All of us at PSA are deeply saddened to learn of Gabrielle's passing," she said.
"A visionary ahead of her time, Gabrielle leaves a substantial legacy, which ranges from forging new practice pathways for pharmacists in general practice, to establishing the Discipline of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra and to research that altered clinical guidelines for activated charcoal in drug overdose."
"I extend my sincere condolences to Gabrielle's family, friends and colleagues who are grieving the loss of such an inspirational and special woman," A/Prof Sim concluded. KB
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