As part of World Pharmacists Week, two exceptional Tasmanian pharmacists have been recognised for their professionalism and commitment to the profession in the 2020 Tasmanian Pharmacist Awards hosted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), Pharmacy Guild, Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia and the University of Tasmania.
Despite the Tasmanian Pharmacy Dinner being cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, Dianne Brown received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Tasmania Minister for Health Sarah Courtney with Ilwoo Park claiming the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Award, presented by PSA Tasmania Branch President Dr Ella van Tienen.
Dr van Tienen congratulated both winners who are grassroots pharmacists that have played key roles in serving their communities.
"This year more than ever we need to celebrate pharmacists on the frontline who have kept their doors open, provided essential medicines, PPE and advice," she said.
"Dianne's commitment to community pharmacy and in particular the community of Ravenswood where she has owned the pharmacy and practiced for the past 35 years is to be commended.
"Dianne began her pharmacy career 45 years ago and her unconditional devotion to the healthcare of the people in the communities that she has served is undeniably a true testament to a loyal, hard-working, honest, reliable grassroots professional."
Dr van Tienen also paid tribute to Ilwoo Park, a highly motivated Early Career Pharmacist who is committed to her practice, patients and giving back to the profession.
"Ilwoo brings her enthusiasm and professionalism to every task and has become involved within the local community as a volunteer Ambulance Officer and a member of the local Rotary Club," she said.
"Having worked in a number of pharmacies in Western Australia and Tasmania, Ilwoo is often sent in to help get pharmacies back on track and the future is in very safe hands with early career pharmacists like her coming through the ranks."
Tasmanian Pharmacy Guild President John Dowling also paid tribute to the award winners.
"It's fantastic to recognise hard working community pharmacists who turn up every day and serve their local communities, ensuring medication safety and adherence for patients and making in some cases lifelong connections," he said.
"We find that when community pharmacists are nominated for this award they often state 'but I haven't done anything special-just my job', we know however that without community pharmacists doing 'their job' the health of thousands of Tasmanians would suffer."
The 2021 awards will be held 20 February as part of the Tasmanian Pharmacy Conference Hosted by the Pharmacy Guild.
