Australian Pharmacist wins media award 
                                   August 2004

Australian Pharmacist won the Media Award at the inaugural National Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) Awards following the introduction of the magazine’s dedicated continuing professional development & practice improvement (CPD&PI) section in late 2003.

The National QUM Awards was an initiative of the National Prescribing Service (NPS) and the Pharmaceutical Health and Rational Use of Medicines Committee in recognition of the achievements of a variety of projects, programs and activities within the QUM sector.

Australian Pharmacist's CPD&PI section provides pharmacists with practical examples of how to deal with situations in their workplace to maximise best use and understanding of medicines. Online access is being developed.

PSA past National President Jay Hooper said the win could be attributed to the efforts of PSA staff and collaborators.

“This is a very important award – a very high recognition of the great effort by all of our staff and contributors. It is a real team effort,” Mr Hooper said.

“The collaborative efforts of the PSA National Office and the Branches in bringing the content to such a high standard has now been recognised at a national level.

“Continuing professional development is the future and core business for PSA. It is very gratifying for the Australian Pharmacist to be recognised in this way by the peak QUM bodies.”

The CPD&PI section promotes PSA’s broader strategies to develop a comprehensive education and development framework for the profession.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the organisation that represents the interests of Australia’s 14,000 professional pharmacists. One of its roles is competence enhancement and expanded delivery of health services by the pharmacy profession.