PSA Congratulates Emeritus Professor Andrew Gilbert on Australia Day Honour

Former PSA Pharmacist of the Year and recipient of the PSA Lifetime Achievement Award, Emeritus Professor Andrew Gilbert, has been made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day honours awards in recognition of his significant service to pharmacy as an educator, researcher and administrator, and for his service to professional organisations.

National President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, said Emeritus Professor Gilbert was a most worthy recipient of the award.

“Andrew is an inspiration to the profession and his work on medication management is at the cutting edge of developing sustainable pathways for the future,” he said.

“His commitment to the profession and to all pharmacists is something that sets an example for all young pharmacists.”

Mr Kardachi said Emeritus Professor Gilbert was renowned for his establishment of the Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre at the University of SA

“This centre is a world leader on medication safety and it continues to identify the extent of problems with medicine use and developing successful strategies for improving medication management,” Mr Kardachi said.

“Andrew has also driven improved health outcomes for Australia’s veterans through the Veterans’ Medicines Advice and Therapeutics Education Services Project (Veterans’ MATES), which for many years has provided interventions to improve use of medicines for veterans.”

Mr Kardachi said, Emeritus Professor Gilbert has an international reputation for his research and consultancy work in areas of medicines policy and health practice change. He led three major research programs in recent years.

“One attracted funding in excess of $12 million involved for an analysis of medication-related problems in the community, including a health economic analysis,” Mr Kardachi said.

“His work led to Federal funding of Home Medication Reviews for at-risk people in the community and to further research on medication management issues in the Veteran community and 36 refereed papers, presentations, and reports.

“A second $1.7 million research program, led to the development and implementation of professional practice standards for the provision of non-prescription medicines through pharmacies. The research led to the publication and national distribution of the Professional Practice Standards.

“A third program of research enhanced outcomes for residents of aged-care facilities through the development and implementation of guidelines for improving medication use in aged-care facilities.

“On behalf of the PSA, our Board and all our Members, I would like to congratulate Andrew on this great award.”