TOP pharmacists from New South Wales were recognised by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) at its 2024 Excellence Awards on Sat on the NSW Central Coast (PD Sat breaking news).
The NSW Pharmacist of the Year is Margaret Ruhnau from Western Sydney, and one of the first pharmacists to practice in an Aboriginal Health Service and continues to build a diverse and culturally aware team at Emerton Amcal Pharmacy.
Every member of her team has undertaken Deadly Pharmacists Foundation training as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence to support the services in partnership with Marrin Weejali, a local Aboriginal-Controlled Health Organisation.
As a credentialed pharmacist Ruhnau was one of the first to work in general practice, supporting future roles and recognition for GP pharmacists.
The NSW Early Career Pharmacist of the Year is Angus Koerstz.
After completing his intern year in Canberra, community pharmacist Angus Koerstz opened Men's Health Downunder Dubbo, supporting men with complex urological health issues, particularly post-prostate cancer.
Working closely with urologists, allied health professionals, and prostate cancer support nurses, his expertise saw men travel four to five hours from remote communities for consultation and access to his vital service.
The NSW Intern Pharmacist of the Year is Shannon Leglise.
Leglise has shown dedication and worked hard to introduce new services to the pharmacy in Callala Bay, expanding his scope of practice beyond what would be expected of an intern pharmacist.
The NSW Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Professor Peter Carroll.
Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Sydney pharmacist Carroll has made an immense contribution to pharmacy professional bodies, changes to pharmacy practice, government committees, the education of students, and the continuing professional development of practising pharmacists.
On top of serving the profession as a PSA National Board Director, President of the NSW Branch and the Offshore Refresher Course's Education Director, Carroll was responsible for the development and introduction of the Asthma Card in NSW.
The card allowed pharmacists to counsel patients about their asthma, and the overuse of reliever medicines.
He was involved in the initial training of pharmacists to conduct Medication Reviews and had played a significant role in developing an accredited vaccination training course for final-year pharmacy students. JG
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