A new award to recognise a role model from among young pharmacists undertaking the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Intern Training Program was launched at PAC14 in Canberra today.

Announcing the new award, National President of PSA, Grant Kardachi, said the role model sought will be a practising intern pharmacist who demonstrated exemplary performance in their development as a professional pharmacist.

“In addition, this intern pharmacist must be able to demonstrate a high level of communication and interpersonal skills, as well as showing leadership ability consistent with their future in the workplace,” Mr Kardachi said.

“Intern Pharmacists of the Year awarded in each state and territory will vie to take out the coveted title of the National Intern Pharmacist of the Year, who will be selected by an independent panel.”

Mr Kardachi said the development of an Intern Pharmacist of the Year meant the PSA awards system now covered all stages of a pharmacist’s career.

“This award complements the Pharmacy Student of the Year, the Young Pharmacist of the Year, the Pharmacist of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Awards, and highlights how PSA supports pharmacist at every stage of their career,” Mr Kardachi said.

MIMS Country Manager, Siobhan Murphy, said MIMS was very pleased to be able to partner with the PSA to sponsor the Intern of the Year Awards.

“Encouraging pharmacy interns to pursue excellence and supporting them through the provision of educational grants is something that has far reaching benefits to both the pharmacy profession but also the broader Australian community,” she said.

“This is in alignment with the ethos of MIMS where we look to support the healthcare communities we serve and, through them, the broader Australian community, by providing high quality, relevant knowledge and products.”

11 October, 2014

Further details of the new award are available at www.psa.org.au

Media contact:
Peter Waterman 
Public Affairs Director
0419 260 827