Alumni

Classnotes - 1980's

After substantial experience as a clinical pharmacist at Western Hospital Footscray and in community pharmacy, David Ford (BPharm 1984) held Director of Pharmacy positions at Sunshine Hospital, Western Hospital and North Western Health between 1990 and 1999. He then took up the role of Director of Pharmacy and Chairman of the Drugs and Therapeutics Committee at Melbourne Health. Since 2003, David has also held the additional roles of Executive Director of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, and most recently, General Manager Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, also at Melbourne Health. David is a special lecturer and principle associate of the faculty’s Department of Pharmacy Practice. October 2008

Since she left the college, Annette Kerr (BPharm 1988) has worked in the pharmaceutical industry. Now Associate Director – Regulatory Affairs and Market Access at Biota Holdings, responsible for the development of compounds for treatment of respiratory syncytial virus, she has studied Intellectual Property Law and Pharmaceutical Economics, travelled the world and become mum to two boys.  October 2008

Sue Kirsa (BPharm 1983, GradDipHospPharm 1995) moved to Traralgon and worked in a busy community pharmacy after graduation. In 1985, Sue returned to Melbourne to marry and commence a position at the Friendly Society Pharmacies in Wantirna and Mount Waverley before returning to hospital practice at Monash Medical Centre in 1989. After six months as a base grade pharmacist, she began what has become an enduring interest in oncology pharmacy practice. Between 1999 and 2005, she worked in drug usage evaluation and the Clinical Governance Unit at Austin Health. In 2005, Sue was appointed Director of Pharmacy at Peter Mac, a role she holds today. She maintains an active interest in the profession, taking on various roles within professional organisations. October 2008

Fiona Landgren (BPharm 1981) Fiona chose an unusual career path, pursing interests in preventative health care and health communications. She currently runs a consulting business, Communicating for Health, which specialises in health promotion as well as writing and communications for health professionals and consumers. Fiona enjoys getting people together and hopes to see a big crowd at the 25 year reunion in June. October 2008

David Manallack (BPharm 1982) this year celebrates 25 years since receiving his pharmacy degree. David went on to complete his Masters at the college and a PhD at the University of Melbourne. He gained international research experience when he worked at Smith Kline and French in the UK, a two-year position stretched to 15 years after he met his wife Anna and had two children. Returning to Australia in 2004, David worked in hospital pharmacy at the Dandenong Hospital and the Monash Medical Centre. Since 2006 he has been a senior lecturer in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the college and greatly enjoys having the opportunity to pass on his skills to students. October 2008

Elizabeth Manias (BPharm 1982, MPharm 1984) is Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and Social Work at the University of Melbourne. After undertaking pharmacy studies, she completed nursing qualifications including a Certificate of Critical Care and a Master of Nursing. In her PhD work, she examined how health professionals communicate with each other in the critical care environment, and determined enablers and barriers for effective collaboration. In her current role, she undertakes multidisciplinary research in patient safety and risk management, medication adherence, and links between complex communication processes and medication incidents. October 2008

Li Ling Ng (BPharm 1987) completed her traineeship at Prince Henry’s Hospital before embarking on a trip to Singapore in 1990, where she worked for a year at the Kandang Kerbau Hospital for Women. In late 1991, Li Ling joined Western Hospital and was appointed senior oncology pharmacist in 1994. She was married later that year and has two sons, Michael (8) and James (5). October 2008

Peter Ryan (BPharm 1981) Peter moved to South Australia, then Broken Hill before embarking on a ‘sea change’ to the Gold Coast (after a working holiday in Oxford) to seek a bit of balance and sunshine. Peter lives in Main Beach with his wife Annette and is a keen traveller. He has an avid interest in photography and is putting together the photo extravaganza for the class of 1981’s 25 year reunion in June. October 2008

Jennifer Semmler (nee Lewis) (BPharm 1983) worked as a community and hospital relief pharmacist after graduation. In 1988 she commenced a winemaking degree part time while raising her children and completed her honours in 1997 while tutoring chemistry at Victoria University of Technology and microbiology at Charles Sturt University. She tutored in pharmaceutics at the college and lectured in winemaking at Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE until 2000, when she relocated to South Australia. Jenny now works for Hardy Wine Company as quality systems manager for Berri Estates, the largest winery in Australia. She has been responsible for ISO 9000 and HACCP risk management systems at the site and is cooperatively developing and trialling new wine soft packaging. October 2008