Pharmacists recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates the seven pharmacists recognised in today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours announcement – from New South Wales: Mr Warwick Plunkett, Mrs Carlene Smith, Ms Juliet Seifert, Mr David North and Mrs Dianne North; and from Queensland: Emeritus Professor Maree Therese Smith and Ms Catherine Reid.

Professor Smith has been honoured as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to science through pioneering research and innovation in the treatment of neuropathic pain, to gender equity, and as a role model.

PSA National President Dr Chris Freeman said the award acknowledges Professor Smith’s lifetime of service.

“Maree has been a member of PSA for 43 years and during this time has made countless contributions to the fields of pharmacy and pain research.

“Being bestowed the highest level of honour within the Order of Australia is recognition of the impact her work has had on Australia’s healthcare system.”

Mr Plunkett and Mrs Smith have been honoured as Members of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to pharmacy, and to professional organisations.

Dr Freeman said Mr Plunkett and Mrs Smith’s dedication and commitment to pharmacy practice and the health of their communities makes them highly deserving recipients.

“It is pleasing to see Warwick and Carlene’s service to the pharmacy profession and the broader healthcare system recognised at a national level, and for that PSA extends its congratulations.”

Mr Plunkett has served as PSA National President, is a current Board Member (since 2007) and a Lifetime Fellow.

“Warwick has committed his professional life to pharmacy and advancing the role of pharmacists to maximise patient care.

“Whether it be related to policy, education, practice support or advocacy, Warwick has been instrumental in establishing contemporary pharmacy practice ensuring Australians have better access to health and medicines,” Dr Freeman said.

Mrs Smith, a Life Member of PSA, provides comprehensive medication reviews for patients, accredited by the Australian Association of Consultancy Pharmacy, and is a Community Pharmacy Consultant. She has also held positions within The Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch and the University of Sydney.

PSA Member Ms Reid is also recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to healthcare delivery, and to philanthropy. She is a current co-owner of Epic Pharmacy and co-founder of the Epic Good Foundation. Ms Reid was featured in Australian Pharmacist in December 2018.

Ms Seifert has been recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the pharmaceutical and therapeutic goods industries. She was an Inaugural Member of the Australian Therapeutic Goods Advisory Council and Executive Director of the Australian Self-Medication Industry from 1989-2010.

Mr and Mrs North are recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of the Illawarra. They have been honoured for their extensive volunteer work with local service and sporting organisations. Mr North, a PSA member, has worked with PSA to enable professional development opportunities for pharmacists in the Illawarra area. Mrs North has presented at PSA conferences, and is a former recipient of PSA’s Jack Thomas Perpetual Trophy and Excellence in Pharmacy Practice Medal.

“I sincerely congratulate all of today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients and thank them for their ongoing service to the pharmacy profession and their local communities,” Dr Freeman said.

A full list of the Queen’s Birthday Honours is available on the Governor-General’s website.

/Public Release.