Pharmacist Academic Lindy Swain from the University Centre for Rural Health North Coast (UCRH) has received the Pharmacist of the Year award from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australian (PSA).
The award is in recognition of Lindy Swain’s leadership and advocacy in rural pharmacy and Aboriginal Health.
Her academic involvements have included supervising pharmacy students undertaking Aboriginal health and medication tutorials, pharmacy assistant placements for local Aboriginal students at TAFE, and coordinating multidisciplinary placements for pharmacy undergraduates in various clinical settings.
She works one day a week at Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service in Ballina where she counsels patients about their medicines and conducts medication reviews.
“We are proud and delighted that Lindy’s outstanding leadership has been recognised nationally by her pharmacy profession,” said UCRH Director Professor Lesley Barclay AM.
“We benefit greatly from her strong well informed leadership locally, and it is wonderful that others see how this contribution is so significant.”
PSA’s National President Grant Kardachi said Lindy Swain was a pharmacy leader who inspired others.
“She is driven, committed and innovative and her leadership has helped countless pharmacists expand their knowledge and skills, and through this improve the health outcomes of members of the community.”
Brett Barons, General Manager – Pharmacy of Symbion, the award sponsors, congratulated Ms Swain on her award.
“Lindy is a tireless advocate for rural health, and in particular for indigenous health,” Mr Barons said.
“This award is due recognition for the extraordinary work she performs not only at a clinical level but also in policy development to improve the health outcomes for people in rural areas.”
Recently Lindy Swain was appointed to the board of the National Rural Health Alliance, Australia’s peak non-government organisation for rural and remote health. She joined Professor Barclay who is the Alliance’s Deputy Chairperson.
Lindy Swain said, “It is a huge honour to receive the 2014 Pharmaceutical Society’s Pharmacist of the Year award. Every day many pharmacists do amazing things and make a huge difference to people’s lives. They all deserve awards.
“I am very lucky as I love the work I do and am constantly inspired by the students, young pharmacists and Aboriginal patients I meet.
“I hope the receipt of this award will assist me to raise awareness of the need for clinical pharmacists in Aboriginal Health Services. Medications are complicated and difficult for patients to manage. Interventions by clinical pharmacists could improve health outcomes and reduce hospitalisations for many patients,” she said.
