Three of Tasmania’s finest pharmacists have been recognised as recipients of the 2024 Tasmanian Pharmacist of the Year awards earlier this month.
The awards, announced during the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Annual Therapeutic Update in Hobart over the weekend, recognise the efforts of Tasmanian pharmacists in three categories, being Early Career Pharmacist, Lifetime Achievement and Pharmacist of the Year.
The Early Career Pharmacist Award names a young pharmacist displaying leadership qualities in their practice.This is certainly true of Monique Licht who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and has improved the health and wellbeing of countless patients through innovative practice in the area of medicinal cannabis.
In presenting the Award, Tasmanian PSA President David Peachey said that “Monique has upskilled herself to become a leading practitioner in this emerging field not only providing tailored care and therapies to patients but also educating pharmacists, prescribers, students and other allied health professionals in this field.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to a pharmacist who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the pharmacy profession over the course of their career.
This year’s Award recipient is longtime community pharmacist, Guild Member, and owner of Deloraine Amcal Pharmacy, Ian Huett. Ian has provided medications, support and advice to generations of families living in and around Deloraine for over 52 years.
Ian is a highly respected and dedicated professional, mentor, teacher, advocate and leader who has made an outstanding contribution to the pharmacy profession both in Tasmania and nationally.
Widely recognised as a trailblazer and an inspiring role model, and as the Chair of the then Tasmanian Pharmacy Board, Ian played an active role in the development of the Pharmacy Board of Australia Board structure when national registration of health professionals was introduced in 2010. Ian was instrumental in preparing submissions, raising concerns, providing input and advocating on behalf of Tasmanian pharmacists.
The Tasmanian Pharmacist of the Year Award acknowledges and celebrates local achievers within the pharmacy profession. Nominees must demonstrate excellence in their chosen field of practice.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Tasmanian Senior Vice President Katie Hayes said that this year’s winner, community pharmacy owner and Guild Member Kristina Fox, through her passion and dedication to delivering professional pharmacy services, has seen her vision come to life in a purpose-built environment.
“Kristina relocated and rebuilt her pharmacy, including five purpose-built clinical consultation rooms, and has brought her pharmacists out of the dispensary to the medicines counter to triage prescriptions in via bespoke software she designed herself.”
“In developing and implementing her vision for her pharmacy, Kristina has shown true leadership and demonstrated to the broader community the benefits of a pharmacy practice working to full scope of practice, providing patients with access to a wide range of healthcare services”, Ms Hayes said.
The annual Tasmanian Pharmacist of the Year Awards are a joint initiative of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia, and the University of Tasmania.
Symbion General Manager Andrew Crawley, PSA National President Dr Fei Sim, Kristina Fox, Ian Huett, Monique Licht, and David Peachey.
