Olympic pharmacists among award winners at BCPhA conference

VANCOUVER, June 29 /CNW/ - Dan Klingspon and Sebastian Denison, the two pharmacists in charge of setting up and running pharmacies in Vancouver and Whistler for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, have been given an Award of Excellence by the BC Pharmacy Association.

Klingspon and Denison were recognized for their work to organize medications, equipment and volunteer staffing, produce a comprehensive drug formulary and work out prescription protocols. Their tireless efforts in setting up (and breaking down) two pharmacies from nothing in the space of four months earned praise from BCPhA CEO Marnie Mitchell:

"The work Dan and Sebastian put into this and the success of their efforts is truly exceptional," said Mitchell. "They are a credit to their profession and their recognition is fully deserved."

The Award of Excellence provides recognition for exemplary and outstanding work and/or achievement by a group, organization, or individual(s) for their professional dedication and humanitarian distinction in support of bettering the lives of others. It was one of eight honours presented to pharmacists at the BCPhA Annual Conference in Kelowna:

    
    -   The Nycomed Magnum Opus Award recognizes professional achievement
        through advanced learning. Winner: Annette Robinson (Chilliwack)
    -   Certificates of Recognition are presented to BCPhA members who have
        served either on a committee or on the Board of Directors for more
        than five years. Winners: Larry Thome and Mona Kwong (Victoria,
        Vancouver)
    -   The Future Leaders Award recognizes undergrad students for their
        leadership and contribution to the profession while maintaining
        strong academic standings. Winners: Mandy Yang and Herb Wong (UBC)
    -   The Wyeth Consumer Healthcare Bowl of Hygeia Award recognizes
        outstanding community service by a B.C. pharmacist. Winner: Tracie
        Der (Gabriola Island)
    -   The Ben Gant Innovative Practice Award recognizes exemplary service
        within the member's practice by the development of a program(s) that
        has enhanced not only the individual practice, but the entire
        profession. Winner: Rosemin Kassam (Vancouver)
    -   The Achievement Award recognizes a member who has attained a high
        profile in the profession and the community at large through pharmacy
        practice. Winner: Carmen Pallot (Lillooet)
    -   The Murray Dykeman Mentorship Award is given to a pharmacist who has
        exhibited outstanding leadership in their community and to the
        profession by guiding and supporting other pharmacists, especially
        those in the early stages of their career. Winner: Shakeel Bhatti
        (Langley)
    

Notes to editors:

The British Columbia Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) is a not-for-profit, voluntary, professional association of pharmacists and pharmacies. It represents more than 2,200 pharmacists and 640 pharmacies throughout British Columbia. More information about the BCPhA Conference - Shaping the Future: Pharmacy on the Front Line in 2010 - can be found on our website at www.bcpharmacy.ca. Photos of the award winners available on request.

For further information: Kate Hunter, Director, Communications: 604.269.2863, [email protected]; Simon Briault Manager, Communications: 604.269.2866, [email protected]