PHARMACY peak bodies came together alongside the University of Canberra Pharmacy School to host the inaugural Professor Gabrielle Cooper OAM Address in Canberra last night.
Pharmacists from across the ACT joined the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the Pharmacy Guild of Australia ACT branch and Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) to celebrate Professor Cooper's extraordinary contributions to pharmacy and encourage collaboration among professionals from all practice settings and organisations.
The address was delivered by Dr David Caldicott, who spoke about the journey towards implementing pill testing services in Australia - a topic close to Professor Cooper's passion for harm minimisation and toxicology.
Alongside the keynote, reflections on Professor Cooper's life and influence were shared by University of Canberra Vice Chancellor Bill Shorten, Professor Mark Naunton, and Professor Cooper's husband, Dr Bill Burke, who spoke of the profound impact she had on pharmacists, her colleagues, and the Australian community.
Shorten announced that the university would establish the "Professor Gabrielle Cooper OAM Integrated Clinical Practice Suite" in honour of her profound impact on pharmacy and enduring legacy within the UC community.
Professor Cooper, described as "a visionary ahead of her time", passed away earlier this year after a short illness (PD 28 Apr).
"PSA was proud to collaborate with leading organisations to honour the contributions Professor Cooper made to the profession," said PSA's National Vice-President, Professor Mark Naunton.
"Gabrielle's ambition was not about personal glory - Gabrielle was the mother who nurtured the future generation.
"People always came first.
"Her mentorship and influence continue through the generations of pharmacists and health professionals she educated and inspired," he continued.
"It is clear to see, by the abundance of people celebrating her life and legacy, that she was a positive role model to students, pharmacists, healthcare workers, and policymakers alike," Professor Naunton concluded. KB
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