Rub shoulders with Kerri Barwick MPS (centre) and other members of team PSA at CPC24[/caption]
The use of insulin, considered a high-risk medication with APINCHs classification,5 Ms Barwick notes, provides justification for a Home Medicines Review (HMR). ‘There’s an advantage to going into the home to observe the patient’s diet, consider potential interactions, and educate patients on the best effects and outcomes,’ she says.
Advice around cleaning blood glucose level (BGL) monitors to ensure accuracy can also be provided. ‘Pharmacists can explain how to put test drops through and clean blood spills on the monitor, common in pregnancy due to higher blood volume,’ says Ms Barwick.
With only 50% of women diagnosed with GDM receiving tests for heart disease and type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy,6 HMRs can be beneficial at this stage of the journey, too.
‘Along with conversations around diet choices, exercise regimes and sleep, I also explain how often testing is required over the next 5–10 years, and how to monitor for signs of the development of diabetes,’ Ms Barwick advises.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
The presence of iron in pregnancy multivitamins may exacerbate symptoms of nausea and vomiting in some pregnancies, according to Ms Barwick.
‘Pharmacists can recommend a trial cessation of the iron component of pregnancy vitamins, often unnecessary in pregnancy,’ she says.
In 2020, photographer Bobbi Lockyer created a Birthing on Country project to highlight and create awareness around birthing issues and outcomes in Aboriginal women. For more, see 
Suzanne Nielsen MPS[/caption]
The PSA gives kudos to Victorian pharmacists who are making impressive contributions to the pharmacy profession and the health of their communities.
Public health awareness campaigns, innovative services and four decades of clinical research and practice were celebrated at the 2022 PSA Victorian Pharmacist Awards.
The awards included the Victoria-only Pharmacist Medal. Congratulating the five winners at the celebratory dinner on Thursday 8 December in Melbourne, PSA Victorian President John Jackson thanked them for their dedication to improving Australian healthcare.
‘Each and every pharmacist recognised … has made a significant contribution to the profession over the last year and throughout their careers and I congratulate them all on this worthy recognition.
‘Congratulations to the award winners and all the nominees for your commitment to better health.’
Here is the winning line-up.
Intern of the Year – Heba Ali, Mickleham
An Intern at Chemist Warehouse Merrifield City Pharmacy in Mickleham, Heba Ali has demonstrated a commitment to patient-centred care and professional practice and earned consistently high grades in her PSA Intern Training Program assessments.
She also contributed to a public health awareness campaign on blood pressure, highlighting the role of pharmacists in the community, which was instituted at her pharmacy this year.
Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Lauren Haworth MPS, Maddingley
With a reputation as a passionate community pharmacist in rural practice and a commitment to ECP and PSA activities, Lauren Haworth Pharmacist in Charge at TerryWhite Chemmart Maddingley, is the Victorian ECP of the Year.
She opened a pharmacy as the COVID-19 pandemic began (see AP Career Pathways September 2021), and thrived due to her hard work, commitment and leadership.
Pharmacist Medal – Paul Gysslink MPS, Balwyn
The Pharmacist Medal recognises the quiet achievement of Paul Gysslink who has consistently contributed to PSA’s Intern Training Program through workshop facilitation, assessment, marking and content advice.
Throughout his long career he has worked for the pharmacy profession through union representation, PSA branch committee membership and delivered a strong voice for pharmacists, technicians and assistants.
Pharmacist of the Year – Yvette Anderson MPS, Bendigo
The Victorian Pharmacist of the Year Yvette Anderson is a rural pharmacist in Bendigo who launched the Spectrum Pharmacist service, an online consultation and telehealth clinic tailored to patients with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Through the Spectrum Pharmacist service, Ms Anderson helps individuals, families and carers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia and co-occurring conditions such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder understand their conditions and treatment options and everyday life with expert support.
She also won the PSA22 Pharmacy Shark Tank competition and the People’s Choice Award for the Spectrum Pharmacist service.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Professor Geoff Sussman OAM JP FPS, Melbourne
Associate Professor of Wound Care at Monash University Professor Geoff Sussman OAM JP FPS – Olympian, cantor at his local synagogue, TV writer, director and performer, researcher and sports administrator – has made a significant contribution to the profession.
As a Clinical Lecturer in Medical Education at the University of Melbourne, he lectures in pharmacology, sports medicine, and wound care. His Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an extensive international career and reputation in wound care including 4 decades in clinical research and practice and more than 100 publications.
