Victorian College of Pharmacy news

2006 Pharmacy Student of the Year

September 2006

Ashlea Siacci has been named the Victorian winner of the PSA Pharmacy Student of the Year competition. Aimed at final year pharmacy students, the award recognises the importance of communication and counselling skills in best pharmacy practice.

“The competition provided a valuable opportunity to practise my counselling skills and receive feedback,” said Ashlea.

As Victorian state finalist, Ashlea received a $1400 Alphapharm State Travel Prize to attend the Pharmacy Australia Congress in Cairns, including attendance at the President’s cocktail party and the gala dinner. The 2006 national award winner, to be announced at the Congress, receives an Alphapharm National Travel Prize valued at $6500 for pharmacy-specific education.

“Ashlea did very well, showing great communication skills and knowledge of medication and other health advice,” said Jaclyn Baker, Professional Development Officer at the PSA (Victorian branch).

PSA National President, Brian Grogan (PhC 1960), highlighted the fact that the Pharmacy Student of the Year award is very popular.

“This competition provides an ideal opportunity for students to demonstrate to our profession the high level of counselling skills they posses,” he said.

Ashlea is a final year Bachelor of Pharmacy student at the college and will be taking her counselling skills to the Northern Hospital as a pre-registrant in 2007.