New Brunswick pharmacists gathered in Fredericton on Saturday to pay tribute to the best and brightest in their profession.
The New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association, the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists and the New Brunswick Pharmaceutical Society honoured both long-time pharmacists and new practitioners at their Past President’s Dinner and Awards Banquet held as part of the 2013 New Brunswick Pharmacy Conference.
The Scott Knowles Memorial New Practitioner Service Award was presented to Kassandra Campbell of Moncton and Shawn Cormier of Fredericton.
This award is presented to a new pharmacist (five years or less since graduation) for exceptional service through innovation or contributions to his/her community. The award has been named honour of former New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association president Scott Knowles of Miramichi who died in 2011.
In the short time she has been a registered pharmacist, Kassandra Campbell of Moncton has proven her ability to provide outstanding patient care and a strong commitment to lifelong learning. She was one of the first pharmacists at Lawton’s Drugs to take the injection course offered by Dalhousie University and has taken a special interest in the company’s methadone program. She is currently in the process of obtaining a certificate in opioid dependence offered by the Center for Addiction and Mental Health. Known for her strong research skills, her professional approach and positive attitude, Kassandra is continuously looking for ways to further her knowledge, which she shares with her peers.
“The pharmacists honoured have made outstanding contributions to their communities and to their profession,” says Alistair Bursey, President of the New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association. “We are proud of the work done by our award winners, who range from long-time community volunteers, to lifelong learners to young professionals who are already enhancing our profession.”
Approximately 200 New Brunswick pharmacists attended the annual conference held over the weekend at the Delta Hotel in Fredericton. The conference included the annual general meetings of the New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association, New Brunswick Pharmaceutical Society and the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists as well as professional development sessions and a keynote address by New Brunswick Health Minister Hugh J. Flemming.