‘Exceptional initiative in pharmacy delivery’

A pharmacist at the Royal Hobart Hospital and a recently graduated PSA intern, Ms Dowling has demonstrated exceptional initiative in pharmacy delivery.

Her work in medicines governance and access included vaccine prescribing and distribution, leading to updates in the Tasmanian Medication Formulary and guiding pharmacy supply decisions.

Ms Dowling has also played a key role in improving vancomycin level monitoring in the neurosurgery ward, identifying administration errors, and developing targeted education for nursing staff to enhance patient safety.

Beyond her clinical contributions, Ms Dowling has been a leader among her peers — mentoring new pharmacy interns, supervising University of Tasmania pharmacy students, and facilitating education sessions for fellow interns.

‘An incredible example of what it means to be a pharmacist’

PSA Tasmania President Mark Kirschbaum FPS praised Ms Dowling for her dedication to advancing pharmacy practice.

“Lucinda has set an incredible example of what it means to be a pharmacist — demonstrating leadership, initiative, and a dedication to medicines safety that will serve her well throughout her career,” he said.

‘On behalf of PSA, I congratulate Lucinda on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to continuing to support her throughout her undoubtedly bright pharmacy career ahead.”

The award was presented at the PSA Intern of the Year and Welcome to the Profession event on 21 February 2025 at T42 Hobart.

The post Lucinda Dowling wins 2025 Tasmanian Intern Pharmacist award appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

Ben Lumsden from Pharmacy First, Mount Isa and Georgina Morris from LiveLife Pharmacy Bowen Healthcare are the finalists representing Queensland.

The Tasmanian finalists for the prestigious award include Melanie Cheong from Longford Discount Pharmacy, Tasmania and Joelynn Lim from Priceline Pharmacy Kingston Channel Court, Tasmania.

The highly regarded national award supports the next generation of Community Pharmacists and Pharmacy owners to build a strong foundation for their professional careers.

The winner receives a cash prize of $4,500 to support their education, courtesy of MIMS Australia, plus flights, accommodation and full registration to attend APP2023 on the Gold Coast in March.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, National President Professor Trent Twomey thanked the four finalists saying the award recognises the dedicated and innovative intern pharmacists working in the profession.

“Congratulations to our interns for being nominated as finalists in the 2022 Intern of the Year Award. Being a finalist shows your commitment to your patients and the community, and I hope that the accolades that come with the Award provide a wonderful platform for you to help launch your pharmacy career.

“You all have very bright futures ahead of you as early career community pharmacists,” says Professor Twomey.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/MIMS Intern of the Year Award winner will be announced during the Opening Plenary at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2023), on the Gold Coast next month, held between 23-26 March 2023 appconference.com

Text by: The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. 

The post Tasmania & Queensland dominate with finalists announced for Intern of the Year Award 2022 appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

Being the core pharmacy in their suburb, the pharmacy team have leapt at the opportunity to participate in community events, including engaging with local primary schools, high schools and GP clinics and producing a 3-day Wizard Mentoring program for year 11 and 12 students interested in studying pharmacy.

The pharmacy has only been trading for a year, but in that time, they have achieved a 100% Mystery Shopper score, have 500 scripts on file and are sitting well above the group average in Rewards transaction rates.

Franchisee Frank Napoli, whose other pharmacy, Joondalup Upper, was in the top 25 of Arrotex’s 2022 Community Pharmacy of the Year awards, says that the team is very grateful and truly honoured to be crowned Pharmacy of the Year, especially with the strong competition.

“For a pharmacy that’s only been open just over a year, we’re all so thankful for how warmly the community has welcomed us and for the amazing opportunities to engage with and enrich the local community.

“I am so proud of my team, the culture they have created and how hard they have worked to serve their customers and patients in such an authentic and personalised way, despite the challenging conditions the healthcare industry has experienced,” said Mr Napoli.

Maxwin Chong from Wizard Pharmacy Cannington was crowned Pharmacist of the Year for his dedication and passion for his patients and the growth of his team.

He is consistently looking for new ways to engage with his community- supporting local high schools and universities by taking an active role in their student’s work experience and even making home medication deliveries to his patients.

Mr Chong has delivered over 2800 COVID-19 vaccinations and over 800 flu vaccinations in the last 12 months.

“I was astounded when my name was called during the Awards night as so many pharmacists have worked so hard and given so much to their communities- beyond what they are required to do.

“I have to say a huge thank you to my team, who have all played such a significant part in serving the community with me during times of unprecedented crisis.

“I am proud to say we have not shut our doors once to the community since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr Chong.

Alice Muge of Wizard Pharmacy Kelmscott Stargate was awarded the group’s first Intern of the Year award after participating in the group’s 2022 Pharmacist Intern Program.

Other awards presented on the night include:

• Team Member of the Year – Emma Ewers from Wizard Pharmacy Girrawheen.
• Leader of the Year – Breannah Board-Smith from Wizard Pharmacy Riverton POD.
• Wizard Pharmacy Services Team Member of the Year – Amelia Tuttleby (Marketing Coordinator).
• Supplier Representative of the Year – Jade Keppell from Metagenics.

Text and images: Wizard Pharmacy. 

The post Wizard Mount Pleasant wins Pharmacy of the Year appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

“I congratulate Raymond on this significant achievement and thank him for his contribution to the College and pharmacist’s education,” Ms Bou-Samra said.

“Being awarded a Fellowship not only demonstrates a contribution to the profession but also being recognised by your peers for your achievements as a pharmacist,” said Ms Bou-Samra.

Raymond has been a member of the College since 2013 and is currently working as a medical advisor in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Becoming a Fellow of the College provides important recognition for all the contributions I have made to the pharmacy profession,” Raymond said.

He completed his Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney in 2009 and went on to complete a Master’s in Clinical Pharmacy. This year Raymond completed his PhD.

Raymond was awarded Associate Fellow of the College in 2018. As Associate Fellow, he contributed to the continuing professional development activities of the College by publishing an article on “The importance of pharmacovigilance and reporting of adverse drug reactions” for the Australian Journal of Pharmacy.

He has extensive experience in medical affairs and pharmacovigilance in the areas of cardiology, nephrology, haematology, women’s health, and oncology.

Raymond is an experienced speaker, has published in peer-reviewed journals, and is the recipient of several industry awards.

“It was a rewarding experience to document my achievements in the application process which was easy and transparent.”

“I encourage all pharmacists to build their portfolio and showcase their contributions in an application to the College,” Raymond said.

College members interested in the pathway to Fellowship are encouraged to contact the College via email at info@acp.edu.au.

The post Pharmacist Raymond Li awarded Fellow of the College appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

Recognising Ms Ding as a “recognisable force in her Coffs community” – someone who is always assessing the needs of her community and providing support – pharmacy pioneer Rhonda White announced the award during TWC Live Masterclass event.

“I’m truly honoured to be awarding Sarah with the Pharmacist of the Year for 2022,” Ms White said.

TWC Executive General Manager, Nick Munroe says Ms Ding is a pillar in her community and a driving force in raising awareness of health conditions among her patients.

Mr Munroe says one of Ms Ding’s most successful campaigns is the palliative care initiative, which involved working with doctors, nurses, and other community organisations to provide local patients and their families the best level of care.

Ms Ding has also led a pain management community program, helping, and supporting those suffering from acute and chronic pain.

Accepting the award at TWC’s Masterclass Gala Dinner, alongside her mentor and TWC Coffs Harbour pharmacy owner Tanya Molony, Ms Ding says it is an incredible honour and privilege to win the award.

Acknowledging her fellow colleagues, Ms Ding says that while the award means a lot to her, “it’s more about every pharmacist and team member has survived and managed to thrive over the last two challenging years”.

“Thank you to TWC and my peers for the acknowledgement,” she said.

As winner of the TWC Pharmacist of the Year award, Sarah receives funding towards furthering her education to ensure she can continue the great work she is already doing for the Coffs community.

The post 2022 TWC Pharmacist of the Year announced appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

Blooms The Chemist retail managers who are committed to delivering exceptional customer service and contributing to growth have been recognised at an awards ceremony on 23 May, which was held as part of the pharmacy group’s three-day Retail Managers Conference.

This year, Blooms The Chemist Forestville’s Retail Manager, Kim Spencer, has been crowned 2022 Retail Manager of the Year, recognising her ability to consistently deliver outstanding results and nurture growth, while also providing extraordinary customer service.

“I’m very proud to be named this year’s Retail Manager of the Year and to be recognised for the achievements of our store,” she said.

“It’s an honour to be part of the Blooms The Chemist network and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally within such a progressive community pharmacy network.”

Accepting the award Ms Spencer took the moment to recognise the other retail managers at Blooms The Chemist, who have played “a pivotal role in providing the best advice and support to our customers during what has been a difficult period”.

The Retail Manager of the Year Award was graded across all areas in front of shop. The award recipient best optimised retail space, met customer needs, supported promotions, and demonstrated brand values.

The Awards night also announced:

• Retail Manager of the Year Award Runner Up: Jodie Morris – Blooms The Chemist Kenmore.
• Shining Light Awards:
  • Yolandi Bester, Blooms The Chemist Dianella.
  • Donna Lowry, Blooms The Chemist Lithgow.
  • Jamie Khan – Blooms The Chemist Cranbourne.
  • Rommel Mendoza – Blooms The Chemist Northbridge.
  • Erin Long – Blooms The Chemist Orange.
  • Toni Smith – Blooms The Chemist Bundaberg.
• Training Champion of the Year Award: Lorena Bravo – Blooms The Chemist Burwood.
• Training Champion of the Year Award Runner Up: Erin Long – Blooms The Chemist Orange.

Now in its 14th year, the conference places great emphasis on upskilling retail managers, with additional training and knowledge across retail excellence and people management to ensure they continue providing the best service and advice in their respective local communities.

“Building a strong internal culture with the right people across our network is a key priority for Blooms The Chemist,” said Blooms The Chemist’s CEO Emmanuel Vavoulas.

“Through our conferences and internal training programs, we’re continuing to place a strong focus on our customers, our pharmacists, store teams, and our exceptional Retail Managers.

“After a few years of disruption, we are delighted to again host the conference in person and acknowledge together the enormous contribution our retail managers bring to the business and their communities.

“The three days are packed with expert sessions to ensure our retail managers get the best training and professional development to continue delivering excellent customer service and advice,” he said.

Read More

The post Blooms The Chemist 2022 Retail Manager of the Year announced appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

The Award, valued at $20,000, will support Dr Johansen’s study into the development of a potential new treatment for Covid-19, aimed at reducing excessive inflammation in the lungs.

Dr Johansen says, “There’s an urgent need to identify effective therapies that can be used to treat Covid-19 and significantly reduce mortality.”

“Excessive lung inflammation is often the cause of severe disease and death in Covid-19,” he adds.

In his study, Dr Johansen will reportedly be targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, a master regulator of inflammation, which drives a cascade of downstream inflammatory processes in severely affected Covid-19 patients.

A known inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome – a molecule known as MCC950 – will be investigated for its efficacy as a potential COVID-19 treatment.

“MCC950 has already been shown to mitigate lung inflammation associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” says Dr Johansen.

“It’s also been shown to be highly effective in alleviating virally-driven inflammation in influenza, suggesting it may also be an effective treatment for Covid-19.”

Dr Johansen’s study will be carried out at the Centenary Institute’s high-containment PC3 facility, of which there are only four in Australia that are properly equipped to complete this form of specialised SARS-CoV-2 medical research.

“I am incredibly humbled to have been selected for this Award, which will financially assist our efforts to identify the most effective therapies for Covid-19,” says Dr Johansen.

“As governmental funding becomes increasingly difficult to acquire, philanthropic support from organisations such as the Kenyon Foundation are a significant boost that can promote fundamental scientific research that benefits us all.”

David Kenyon, Trustee of the Kenyon Foundation says, “We’re thrilled to be able to support Dr Johansen’s research that could form the basis for new therapies for the treatment of Covid-19 that has the potential to change lives.”

The post New study investigating lung treatment for Covid-19 appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

Currently working at Tim Koerstz Pharmacy in Dubbo NSW, Mr Koerstz receives a travel and educational scholarship to the value of $4500 courtesy of MIMS Australia.

Mr Koerstz completed his intern year in ACT at Cooleman Court Pharmacy.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Adjunct Professor Trent Twomey says, “As always, it’s heartening to see a close contest for this award, and that’s the measure of the top finalists and nominees.

“Angus should be very proud of his achievements, and we congratulate him for being awarded 2020 Intern of the Year. His work in taking the Men’s Health Initiative to Dubbo and setting up a satellite clinic is inspirational and was dedicated to taking monthly trips to Dubbo to continue the initiative’s important work.”

Mr Koerstz says, “I am extremely grateful and honoured to have been recognised as the MIMS/Guild Intern of the Year for 2020. Whilst 2020 was a uniquely challenging year for us all, to be recognised in this way is very humbling.”

He continues by noting that his experience at Cooleman Court Pharmacy, “heightened my passion for community pharmacy and improving men’s health outcomes”.

CEO and Executive Director of MIMS Australia and New Zealand Robert Best congratulates Mr Koerstz, and is pleased to still be supporting the award.

“The team at MIMS would like to congratulate Angus on his achievements within his Intern year – with his focus on men’s health, specialising in post prostatectomy rehabilitation for patients who have suffered from prostate cancer, and setting up a satellite men’s health clinic in his hometown of Dubbo NSW.”

Additionally, Mr Koerstz champions the Bins4Blokes campaign, an initiative of the Continence Foundation of Australia and has established a clinic at Dubbo Private Hospital.

The post Dubbo local wins 2020 MIMS/Guild Intern of the Year appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

Around one million Australians live with an eating disorder. They are extremely complex illnesses and have one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric condition.

The two projects funded under the initiative include a specific focus on using digital solutions to prevent the onset of eating disorders, and transforming the health system to enable earlier intervention so that individuals have the best chance of recovery.

The first project, ‘The Mainstream Centre for Health System Research & Translation in Eating Disorders: Detection and intervention system-focused knowledge to drive better outcomes in mainstream care for eating disorders’, will receive $3.67 million. This is led by Dr Sarah Maguire from the University of Sydney InsideOut Institute.

The second is the Deakin University project, ‘Leveraging digital technology to reduce the prevalence and severity of eating disorders in Australia’, which will receive $1.34 million. This is led by Associate Professor Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz.

The two projects are among the first initiatives of the Morrison government’s $125 million ‘Million Minds Mission’, which aims to enrol one million additional people in new mental health trials and programs.

“We’re investing $110 million to extend Medicare coverage for eating disorders, and $70.2 million to establish residential treatment centres around the country as part of our record $736.6 million investment in mental health,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

“Only the Coalition has delivered a comprehensive mental health plan which expands youth headspace sites, establishes new adult health centres, and backs research with annual mental health funding of $4.8 billion.”

The post $5m funds for eating disorders research appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

The award will recognise the increasingly important contribution of community pharmacists in helping improve patient health outcomes and will be announced at the APA’s third annual National Patients Awards for Excellence in July this year.

APA Chief Executive Stephen Mason said feedback from its members and supporters had led to the creation of a new award to recognise the role community pharmacists play in educating patients about medication use, providing basic health checks and ensuring patient continuity of care, especially for the elderly and chronically ill.

“Over the past 12 months, calls to our feedback line and surveys undertaken with our members and supporters have indicated a greater day-to-day role being played by community pharmacists in providing timely and cost-effective health advice,” Mr Mason said.

“The role of the community pharmacist has become increasingly important in an age where patients are time poor and health costs are increasing.

“Many patients tell us they like the convenience of being able to drop into their local pharmacy and get basic health advice and would like to see a greater role for pharmacists in providing basic health checks such as immunisations, blood pressure monitoring and advice.”

The APA has recognised that a broadening of services that community pharmacists provide would not only suit many patients who are time poor, it would also take pressure off overworked GPs and potentially save the health system millions of dollars a year, given many visits to GPs are for basic health checks or repeat prescriptions for medications.

As a result, the APA Board decided it was important to highlight and recognise pharmacists that are providing the benchmark level of care and service that patients and the community expect.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President George Tambassis welcomed the inclusion of the Most Outstanding Community Pharmacist award and said it was important that community pharmacists are recognised for the service they provide to patients beyond filling scripts and selling healthcare and retail products.

“At a time when the traditional role of community pharmacy is under threat from retail and online models, we are keen for patients and the community to understand the important role and level of service and advice provided by community pharmacists that are members of Pharmacy Guild of Australia,” Mr Tambassis said.

“The Pharmacy Guild is delighted to sponsor this new award and encourages patients and the community to vote for the community pharmacist they recognise as providing a level of service and care that epitomises their role in helping improve patient health outcomes.”

The award is one of a slew of awards announced by APA this week, including:

• Most Outstanding GP in Australia
• Most Outstanding Carer in Australia
• Most Outstanding Hospital in Australia
• Most Outstanding Community Pharmacist/ Chemist in Australia
• Best Health Reporter

Voting for the APA awards can be done via this link.

The post Guild embrace new APA pharmacist award appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.