The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has announced the return of the Dr Erica Sainsbury Awards. The awards recognises and rewards leaders in pharmacy education and practice who have demonstrated a commitment to investing in the pharmacists of the future.
The award is named after Dr Erica Sainsbury who taught for over 30 years at the Sydney School of Pharmacy and who sadly passed away in December of 2021. Dr Sainsbury also worked closely with the APC to develop accreditation standards, complete and publish several expansive literature reviews including for improving Indigenous health, write examination questions and produce intern workplace-based assessment tools.
Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Clark says the APC has established this award to honour Dr Sainsbury for the legacy she left in pharmacy education.
“Erica was a dear friend, extraordinary mentor, and life-long learner whose legacy will not be forgotten.
“We are delighted to announce the return of the awards in 2024. They recognise individuals who exemplify passion, innovation, dedication, and enthusiasm in shaping the next generation of pharmacists,” Ms Clark said.
The awards include:
- Dr Erica Sainsbury Early Career Pharmacy Educator Award, which recognises and rewards an individual who demonstrates innovation and passion in teaching and who places students first and foremost.
- Dr Erica Sainsbury Pharmacist Supervisor Award, which recognises and rewards pharmacists who display the attributes and skills considered invaluable in the training of pharmacy interns during the period of supervised practice.
“The Pharmacist Supervisor Award is by nomination only. Last year, it was wonderful to see so many people nominate their supervisors and hear about the breadth of leadership across pharmacy,” she said.
“We encourage interns to consider nominating their exceptional preceptors, and early career educators to apply themselves for the awards to receive recognition for their commitment to education.”
The 2023 awards were presented to:
- Dr Chiao Xin Lim, Lecturer in Pharmacy at RMIT, Dr Erica Sainsbury Early Career Pharmacy Educator Award.
- Cathryn Carlisle, Mount Isa Pharmacy First, Queensland, Dr Erica Sainsbury Pharmacist Supervisor Award.
- Gillian Oates, Peninsula Health, Victoria, Dr Erica Sainsbury Pharmacist Supervisor Award.
The presentation of the awards will be made at the APC’s annual Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom AO Distinguished Lecture series held in Canberra in November each year. Submissions close 30 August.
For more information about nominating and to apply for the awards, visit pharmacycouncil.org.au/Erica-Sainsbury-Awards.
