Pharmacist has a ‘gift’

Marlin Coast chemist in run for best in Australia

l SMITHFIELD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A NORTHERN beaches pharmacist and Thai immigrant has been nominated for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) 2023

Symbion excellence pharmacist of the year award.

The winners will be announced in Sydney at the PSA23 conference on July 28.

Marlin Coast Amcal pharmacist Gift Ladarat has been nominated for the national accolade for her specialist compounding skills which have provided innovative pharmaceutical solutions for patients in the region.

“I love my job. I love our customers, and it’s my dream to make a difference to others’ health. Being recognised with this nomination is just a bonus,” she said.

Ms Ladarat has supported the community through an antibiotic crisis in the region. By compounding, she has supplied medication that patients could not acquire.

“Compounding requires more time, more skill, and it’s more complicated, so I always have to keep on top of my studies,” she said.

“There are a lot of medications in shortage now, so compounding is another channel to give medicine to our customers.

“Back in 2016, at the Marlin Coast Amcal, we had a huge shortage of antibiotic ointment, I had only been with them for five months, and I said, ‘Maybe I can just make them’. Back in the day we didn’t even have a compounding lab, but we thought it was a good idea and we managed to help our customers. We were the first pharmacy in FNQ to do this.”

A passion for regional health and community has led Ms Ladarat to go above and beyond for her patients, performing home medication reviews to ensure patients are taking their medication right and supporting members of the Thai community by providing education and guidance in her native tongue.

“I’m not a health professional, but I prefer to be a pharmacist because I’m easily accessible to the community.”

Trinity Beach resident Donna Cope said Ms Ladarat was the only health professional who solved her father’s complex medication dilemma.

“I believe Gift should win this recognition. My Dad couldn’t swallow capsules or thin liquids because of his severe Parkinson’s disease. She was the only person who managed to find a solution,” Ms Cope said.