PSA Awards ACT's Top Pharmacy Students, Australia

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 04 Aug 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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PSA's ACT Branch presented awards to two of the top students graduating from the University of Canberra's Master of Pharmacy program at a ceremony in Canberra on July 29.

PSA ACT Branch President Gabrielle Cooper said the newly formed branch had instituted the awards to provide the same level of service for students in the ACT as they would receive in other jurisdictions.

"It's also a great way to encourage linkages between the newly graduated students and the Society," said Associate Professor Cooper, who is also the Head of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra.

Adam Walsh was awarded the Gold Medal for achieving the highest grade-point average across the two-year Masters program.

Professor Cooper said, "Adam is a very diligent student who balances his life with a high commitment to professional sport.

"Adam is the epitome of the type of graduate we would encourage to join the Masters program - he has high-level communication skills and a dedication to excellence in practice."

Adam said he was "excited and honoured" to receive the award.

"It was a great class so it was exciting to be at the top," Adam said.

Adam intends working in community pharmacy in NSW's Southern Highlands.

He entered the University of Canberra Masters course after completing a Bachelor of Science (Human Movement).

At the award ceremony PSA Chief Executive Officer Bryan Stevens presented Belinda Riley with the Certificate for Pharmacy Practice.

Professor Cooper said this award recognised the ability to take knowledge into an applied environment in pharmacy practice.

"It is assessed on both a student's written work and oral communication skills and takes into account feedback from external placement preceptors."

Professor Cooper said Belinda entered the Masters program with degrees in science and nursing.

"Belinda brought with her an extensive experience of clinical work before taking on her pharmacy degree."

Belinda said, "I'm pleased that all my years of hard work in pharmacy have been recognised, and honoured that the PSA ACT Branch Committee decided to choose me."

Belinda had worked for 10 years in community pharmacy while studying for her degrees.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the organisation that represents the professional interests of Australia's 18,000 pharmacists. It provides standards of practice, education, training and practice support for pharmacists and helps members of the profession to deliver quality health care to consumers.

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia