SCGH’s Michael Cain Wins Pharmacist of the Year

A Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) oncology pharmacist, who is renowned for being an enthusiastic teacher and mentor, has been named Pharmacist of the Year in the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Excellence Awards.

Michael Cain, of the Cancer Clinical Service Unit at SCGH in Western Australia, was presented the award at PAC11 on October 7 by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.

The PSA Excellence Awards recognise individual achievement and the important contribution that the pharmacy profession makes to the whole of Australian society. 

They also acknowledge the achievers of the profession: those involved in innovative practice; those who are striving to raise practice standards; and pharmacists who, through their professionalism, provide a model of practice which others strive to emulate.

Mr Cain said after the presentation that he was both honoured and humbled to receive an award of this magnitude.

“My 20-year involvement in cancer chemotherapy delivery has been a source of personal satisfaction. This public recognition at a national level, by my peers, represents a very significant personal milestone, and inspiration for the future,” he said.

“Cancer medicine has proved a rich field of opportunity for pharmacist involvement and I consider myself privileged to be involved. Cancer management is very much about teams and as such I have many colleagues and mentors to thank. In many ways I accept this award recognising their support and guidance. 

“The award to me is also very much a celebration of how pharmacists are evolving in the health landscape. Health care is changing and I am heartened to see pharmacists very firmly demonstrating their capabilities in quality use of medicines.” 

Patrick Davies, CEO of Symbion who sponsor of the awards paid tribute to Mr Cain.

“Michael is widely recognised among his peers for his great work and for being an accomplished, knowledgeable pharmacist,” Mr Davies said.

“Over the past two decades he has become one of the most highly respected oncology pharmacists, and this award recognises his excellence in this very specialised field.

“Michael’s work epitomises all that is good in this profession and also demonstrates just what a huge difference pharmacists make to the wellbeing of Australians.”