Pharmacy assistants across the nation are preparing for their time to shine with nominations for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award (PATY) now open.
Pharmacy assistants can self-nominate or be nominated by a third party, such as an employer, colleague or industry representative.
As the premier award for pharmacy assistants, PATY assesses nominees against the criteria of skills, knowledge, leadership and customer services across a 12-month period.
Nominees will be short-listed to take part in a virtual State workshop where a State winner will be selected to represent their State at a face-to-face National Judging Workshop to be held in Brisbane in October.
The national winner will be announced at the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference 2022 on 29 October, an event that is sure to be keenly attended following postponements in 2020 and 2021 due to the on-going impact of COVID-19.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President, Professor Trent Twomey, said the award gave deserved recognition to those members of pharmacy teams whose contributions can be understated.
“Pharmacy assistants are a vital component of any successful pharmacy team,” Professor Twomey said.
“It is fantastic to see an award that acknowledges the contribution of pharmacy assistants and will reward the winner with professional development opportunities that will take their pharmacy career to the next level.”
Aside from holding the prestigious title of Pharmacy Assistant Of The Year, the national winner will receive a prize package that includes a custom glass trophy, $5,000 cash, a training package provided by The Pharmacy Guild, return flights and accommodation to APP2023 and PA2023 conferences, and an invitation to participate as a judge in the 2023 PATY National Judging Workshop.
“Last year Ashleigh Hutson from Barden’s Amcal Pharmacy in the Northern Territory was awarded the Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award (PATY), taking home more than $10,000 worth of cash and prizes,” Professor Twomey said.
“Given Ashleigh received this prestigious title against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, which presented community pharmacy with numerous additional challenges and considerations, her award was even more meritorious.”
Professor Twomey encouraged those pharmacy assistants thinking about nomination to get involved and said it had already been another extraordinary year for pharmacies supporting Australians.
“If you think you or someone you know could be a deserving winner of the Pharmacy Assistant Of The Year (PATY), now would be a great time to visit pharmacyassistants.com/paty and complete a nomination.
“I look forward to seeing who will receive the top honour in 2022 and like Ashleigh, take a giant leap forward in their own pharmacy career.”
In addition to the main award, PATY will feature the Glucojel Super Star Award, which recognises outstanding customer service.
