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Four outstanding pharmacists have been recognised at the Emeritus Lloyd Sansom AO Distinguished Lecture Series in Canberra on Monday 18 November 2024.
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has announced the recipients of the Dr Erica Sainsbury Awards, which were established to recognise and reward leaders in pharmacy education and practice.
Awards were presented to:
The Dr Erica Sainsbury Early Career Pharmacy Educator Award recognises and rewards an individual who demonstrates innovation and passion in teaching and who places students first and foremost.
The Dr Erica Sainsbury Pharmacist Supervisor Award recognises and rewards pharmacists who display the attributes and skills considered invaluable in the training of pharmacy interns during the period of supervised practice. Interns submit nominations for their preceptor or supervising pharmacists. New categories for the supervisor award were introduced this year recognising preceptors in hospital, community, and for those supporting overseas-trained pharmacists.
APC Chair, Professor Sarah Roberts-Thomson, commends this year’s award recipients for their inspiring commitment to advancing pharmacy education and for their dedication to cultivating the future leaders of the profession.
"If we could train our future pharmacists from disadvantaged communities to be pharmacists within these communities... this would be an important step to achieving equitable access to healthcare and better health outcomes for all and hopefully help us close the gap" - Mr Branko Radojkovic
"I try and create an environment that is open and supportive, where my interns can ask questions and make mistakes, where I challenge them to think critically and to help them grow not only as professionals but also as individuals." - Dr Hilai Ahmadzai
"I love the responsibility of helping the students transform [their university and KAPS knowledge] into a fantastic problem solving and operational execution, and all of this is to help our patients." - Ms Taren Gill
"What truly drives me in this role is the ability to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Every single day, I have the opportunity to educate and to empower those around me." - Ms Shanae Draffen
CEO, Bronwyn Clark says Erica Sainsbury shifted the dial in our thinking about accreditation and social accountability and these awards recognise both early career educators and intern supervisors.
"We saw an outstanding selection of applications this year and I pass on my congratulations to this year's winners. I know Erica would have loved to hear their stories," Ms Clark expressed.
Watch videos from the award recipients to hear their stories.
(Pictured left to right: Dr Hilai Ahmadzai, Mr Branko Radojkovic, Ms Taren Gill, Mrs Shanae Draffen)
Applications for the 2025 round of the Dr Erica Sainsbury Awards will open between 1 July 2025 and 30 August 2025. Next year's interns are encouraged to nominate an outstanding supervisor or preceptor. The early career pharmacy educator award is by application only.