National Medicines Symposium 2024 speakers (L to R): Steve Waller, Professor Jennifer Martin, Professor Libby Roughead, Tegan Taylor[/caption]
This CPD activity is sponsored by Reckitt. All content is the true, accurate and independent opinion of the speakers and the views expressed are entirely their own.[/caption]
University of Canberra’s Ben Coghlan has won the 2018 PSA Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) Award, announced at the PSA18 gala dinner last night in Sydney.
Mr Coghlan, who also won the PSOTY People’s Choice Award, is soon to begin a hospital pharmacy internship and he said he was still exploring where his career path lay.
‘It’s the continuity of care that I’m interested in, and being able to engage with patients,’ he said.
‘The appeal of community pharmacy is being able to counsel and talk to the patients.’
PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson congratulated Mr Coghlan, and all of the finalists, on their exceptional achievements.
‘We saw many rising stars of pharmacy apply their clinical knowledge and communication skills in this year’s competition,’ said Dr Jackson.
The state finalists for PSOTY were:
Gabrielle Wilson from Latrobe University
Vanessa Koumi from University of South Australia
Rhiannon Froude from Monash University
Irini Moustastos from University of Tasmania
Stephanie Figgins from Griffith University
Charlotte ‘Rosie’ Earl Curtin University
Katherine Pollard from University of New England
PSOTY contestants were put to the test with a simulated in-store consultation, with a patient seeking advice for constipation.
Recently appointed PSA ECP Director Lauren Burton also used the session to welcome the pharmacy students and their supporters into the PSA fold, introducing her vision for ECP leadership within her new role and volunteering her services as an advocate for ECPs within the organisation.
As part of his prize, Mr Coghlan will receive an expenses-paid trip to an international pharmacy conference, compliments of competition sponsor Mylan.
Mylan Strategic Program Lead Charbel Azzi said, ‘Mylan would like to congratulate Mr Coghlan on his outstanding achievement. All the finalists displayed well-rounded knowledge and the ability to apply it in a tightly fought competition.’
‘It fills me with confidence and reassurance to know the future of the profession and the industry will be in great hands. As a company whose mission is focused on creating better health, Mylan is deeply committed to supporting programs that inspire future scientists, pharmacists and physicians.’
