Two pharmacists were honoured at PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Conference (CPC26), held from 29–31 May 2026 on the Gold Coast.
Kelly Abbott MPS was awarded PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year for her outstanding contribution to consultant pharmacy practice and passion for improving patient care throughout her hometown of Gippsland, Victoria.
Tiernan McDonough MPS, based in South Australia, was named 2026 PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year for excellence, leadership, and innovation in aged care pharmacy.
Tireless HMR advocate
Highly regarded across the industry for her work in delivering Home Medicines Reviews, Residential Medication Management Reviews, and providing Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) services, Ms Abbott’s 15 years of service to consultant pharmacy make her a well-deserving winner of this year’s award.
PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said Ms Abbott epitomises many credentialed pharmacists as a passionate and relentless advocate for HMRs, her patients, and the greater credentialed pharmacist workforce.
‘Kelly has continued to be actively involved in grassroots advocacy, notably in recent months during the First Pharmacy Programs Agreement negotiations led by PSA, ensuring the voices of frontline pharmacists and patients were heard,’ he said.
‘Kelly is a loyal, responsive, and reliable contributor to PSA and the Consultant Pharmacist of Australia working groups, while balancing multiple professional roles and caring for her family.
‘Her contributions to PSA and the profession are honourable. We are proud to recognise Kelly as the PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year and celebrate her significant and ongoing impact.’
Aged care champion
Mr McDonough has been recognised for his ongoing dedication and commitment to aged care pharmacy practice through his support for residents and healthcare teams in delivering medication reviews and QUM services.
PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said Mr McDonough embodies the essential role pharmacists play in aged care.
‘Pharmacists working in aged care are critical to ensuring safe and effective medicines use, but Tiernan’s impact extends beyond the aged care sector in which he practices,’ he said.
‘Tiernan has led an important mentoring program that connects pharmacists within the residential aged care profession, to reduce professional isolation and support further workforce development.
‘His work demonstrates his compassion, leadership, and strong drive for improving care for older Australians.’
