Young Pharmacist Of The Year Named, Australia

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 19 Oct 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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A commitment to pharmacy practice improvement through the delivery of high-quality, relevant continuing professional development and practice support has seen Queensland community pharmacist Bruce Elliot named the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's Young Pharmacist of the Year Mr Elliot, who works as a community pharmacist in Yeppoon, was announced as the recipient of this year's prestigious award at the Pharmacy Australia Congress in Sydney today.

Announcing the award, National President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said Mr Elliot was an example that all young pharmacists could aspire to. "Bruce, who is Vice-President of the Queensland Branch of the PSA as well as a National Board member of the Society, is an outstanding role model for our next generation of pharmacists and a future leader of our profession," Mr Plunkett said.

Mr Elliot said he was very humbled to be the recipient of the award "particularly as I look back at previous winners who have been a personal inspiration to me and no doubt to many others in the profession. I can only hope that I will contribute as much to the profession as they have."

"I have been blessed over my career to work alongside many talented pharmacists who have inspired me to continually seek practice improvement. As I reflect on my career to date, I can now see what a tremendous influence their mentoring has provided and I am so grateful for this," he said.

"Pharmacy is a great profession to be a part of because of its increasing diversity. The scope of practice is constantly being extended and there is no doubting the integral role pharmacists play in primary health care in Australia. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the profession and working with pharmacists from across Australia to help shape our future role."

Mr Elliot said opportunities from living and working in regional areas had helped in creating a rewarding career for him "I am proud that my work in delivering quality continuing professional education has benefited other regional pharmacists whose tireless efforts in their communities should not be overlooked," He said.

Patrick Davies, CEO of Symbion, sponsors of the awards for the fifth consecutive year, paid tribute to Mr Elliot.

"The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Awards recognise and reward innovation and excellence in pharmacy and they also play a vital role in encouraging and developing young Australian pharmacists," Mr Davies said.

"Bruce's effort in winning the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's Young Pharmacist of the Year is a fantastic achievement and one that will continue to inspire all young pharmacists in the industry to strive for excellence in their profession."

Source
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia