Robyn Saunders, a pharmacist known for her work in aged care who has mentored hundreds of young pharmacists was presented with the Victorian Pharmacist Medal at the 2018 Victorian Pharmacists Dinner.
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Victoria President Benjamin Marchant presented Ms Saunders with the medal at the Cossar Hall ceremony in Melbourne last week.
Ms Saunders spent 15 years of her early career in hospital pharmacy and established the drug information centre at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. She later moved across to the private hospital sector and implemented ward pharmacy services at Epworth Hospital.
In 2002, she partnered with fellow pharmacist Jenny Gowan to establish MediCom Medication Services, providing clinical services to residential care facilities and partners in medication education.
In partnership with software developers, Ms Saunders created QUMulus, a cloud-based tool for consultant pharmacists providing medication guides, clinical auditing tools and drug information.
As a practitioner researcher, she has been involved in pharmacy practice research projects in quality use of medicines and medication management.
Presenting the medal, Mr Marchant said: “Robyn is a strong advocate for evidence-based practice and has personally mentored hundreds of pharmacists.
“She has provided countless education sessions through PSA and other professional organisations and government agencies, supporting them via best practice for the sole purpose of better health outcomes through quality use of medicines. She is no doubt a role model for us all.”
Also recognised at the dinner were pharmacists Angela Lawrence, Dimitra Tsucalas and Christine Bellamy for their significant contributions in rural hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy and the primary healthcare network, respectively. PSA past Victorian president David Newgreen received his Lifetime Service Award to mark his recent retirement from the Victorian Pharmacy Authority.
