This year’s Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award (PATY) winner, Colby Diek has told Forefront that Pharmacy Assistants are more than just assistants and hearing her name read out as the winner was “surreal.”
The Queenslander was one of eight finalists for the Pharmacy Guild/Maxigesic award which was presented at the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference in Sydney earlier this month.
“I was shocked to say the least, all of the finalists this year were amazing and capable in their own right, so it could've been anybody's name called out and I was shocked it was my name called,” Mrs Diek said.
Colby Diek announced winner of the Pharmacy Assistant of the Year
One of the first things she did after receiving the award was to ring her boss.
“He screamed down the phone and told me he was really proud of me and he knew I could do it.”
She also said the support of her colleagues at Craignish Pharmacy at Hervey Bay was invaluable.
“When I got back to work on Monday, all my teammates were super excited for me and couldn't wait to hear all about it and see the photos.
“It was very humbling to know they were behind me and that makes it worthwhile.”
For Mrs Diek, winning PATY is just the start.
“I'm going to do some more training to expand my skillset, and hopefully if I keep putting the effort in, some doors will open for me.
“I hope to become a trainer one day and represent pharmacy assistants and the Guild in some way, shape or form.
“That's my goal!”
And any advice for other Pharmacy Assistants wanting to win the award?
Mrs Diek says just be yourself.
“Be confident and have fun.
“It's an amazing opportunity and if you love what you do and you’re good at it, you're already there.”
Colby Diek winner of the Pharmacy Assistant of the Year
