2020 Pharmacy Student of the Year revealed

Pharma News: Kurtis Gray from The University of Western Australia has won the 2020 PSA Mylan Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) Award.

The strong field of students competing in the National Finals were presented with a patient via webcam acting out a variety of symptoms.

Following a consultation and the ability to ask follow up questions to find out more information, the finalists then recommended a course of treatment and advice to the panel of judges, with Mr Gray declared the winner.

“It truly is an honour to be recognised as Pharmacy Student of the Year and I still can’t believe that I won,” he said.

“It was a tough competition but a great opportunity for us to put into practice what we have learnt.

“I really enjoy providing advice about medication to people who are unwell and this competition enabled me to demonstrate this.”

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman congratulated Mr Gray on his achievement and praised the high level of clinical knowledge and communication skills in this year’s competition.

“We saw a very strong field line up this year and it is great to see such talented and passionate pharmacy students showcasing their skills and knowledge,” he said.

“This competition provides students with the opportunity to grow and learn with active listening, gaining patient insights and patient understanding important skills that support medicine safety and maximise patient outcomes.

“It is heartening to see the future of our profession in good hands and we were impressed with the overall level of knowledge from students during both the state and national finals.”

Thomas Duong from Monash University (VIC) was awarded the People’s Choice award with both Mr Gray and Mr Duong contacted by A/Prof Freeman to congratulate them on their awards.

This year’s competition was once again sponsored by Mylan, the winner to receive funding for pharmacy specific education.

Mylan Australia Product Manager David Lai said the standard of students competing at this year’s PSOTY was impressive again.

“It gives me great confidence to know the future of our pharmacy industry lies within the hands of these students, they have excelled beyond my expectations.”