Classnotes - 1970's
After graduating, Grahame Beecroft (BPharm 1976) purchased pharmacies in Wentworth and Dareton, NSW. Returning to Melbourne in 1985, he became a partner in Noble Park Pharmacy. He married Janette Bain (BPharm 1976) in 1987. Grahame was a Director of Guardian Chemists Australia and Chairman for five years. In 2000 he left community pharmacy to work for an online health information business for two years. In 2005 he was appointed to the Victorian Pharmacy Board and later to the Victorian Pharmacy Authority, as Deputy Chair. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Australian College of Pharmacy Practice and has completed an MBA. Janette and Grahame are still partners in a number of pharmacies. January 2013
Sally Dean (BPharm 1973) undertook her traineeship at the Queen Victoria Hospital and then worked at the Austin Hospital. In 1977 she travelled to Texas, where she volunteered as a hospital pharmacist and moved to the UK where she worked as a paid pharmacist. During her time abroad, Sally gained valuable insights into pharmacy practices overseas. She returned to Australia in 1980 and worked as a pharmacist, senior pharmacist and ultimately Deputy Director of Pharmacy at PANCH for 15 years, working closely with students and trainees. Sally subsequently worked in community pharmacy, where she enjoyed counselling and interacting with clients. She currently works as a pharmacist in St Vincent’s Private Hospital, a role she has been in for the past 11 years. January 2013
Joe Demarte (BPharm 1973) Joe has retired from his post as President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (Victorian branch). Joe served a two year term and has now handed the reins over to John Jackson (BPharm 1974). October 2008
Caroline Fisher (formerly Padbury, nee Siekmann) (BPharm 1974) is living in New York and is a clinical editor for Medscape. If you would like to contact Caroline, email cmfisher@medscape.net October 2008
Since graduation, David Hosking (BPharm 1978) has found a very rewarding pharmacy practice niche in dermatology compounding. David has worked with many clients over the last 20 years, developing both practical diagnostic skills and a range of effective formulations. He was the reviewer of the first publication of Therapeutic Guidelines: Dermatology, and contributor of information on head lice treatment. David and wife Roslyn (BPharm 1979) have developed an online health advice site where people can seek advice on skin conditions through pictures and emails. The Hosking family tradition continues, with daughter Brinley currently undertaking studies at the faculty. May 2009
After completing his traineeship at Frankston Hospital, Roger Kilpatrick (BPharm 1977) worked for four years at the Latrobe Valley Regional Hospital in Moe. He commenced work at Wonthaggi Hospital in 1983. In 1986, Roger went into a community pharmacy at Wonthaggi and has been there ever since. The Wonthaggi Amcal is a franchise in partnership with fellow graduates Everett (BPharm 2002) and Louise O'Keeffe (nee Munnnink) (BPharm 2002) from Melbourne. Roger and his wife, who live in Wonthaggi, have three adult daughters. Roger is a member of many pharmacy peak bodies, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and is also a member of the Australian Chemists' Golf Club. December 2010
Following the completion of an MPharm (Pharmacology) in 1977, Anne O’Shea (BPharm 1975) joined Glaxo Australia Pty Ltd and worked in the areas of Medical Information, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Trials before transferring to the Marketing Department as Product Licensing Manager. In 1986, she established O’Shea & Associates, a regulatory consultancy for Australian and international pharmaceutical companies that facilitates the registration and subsequent licensing of prescription medicines in Australia. She also provides consultancy services relating to the approval and management of clinical trials, the preparation of PBAC submissions, orphan drug registration, assessment of product opportunities in the biotechnology area and medical information. She has published in many scientific journals and has been a member of ARCS (Association for Regulatory and Clinical Scientists) since its establishment. June 2013
Shirley Proctor (nee Kirby) (BPharm 1974) moved to Canada and completed a Master of Science majoring in biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics at the University of Manitoba. Returning to Australia, she worked with the Poisons Information Centre at the Royal Children's Hospital, cycled around Europe and completed a Graduate Diploma of Education before teaching chemistry and science. After having three children, Shirley returned to rural hospital pharmacy part time and is now also a NPS facilitator with the Central Highlands General Practice Network. October 2008
Since graduating, Toni Riley (BPharm 1976, GradDipCommunPharm 1986) has worked in pharmacy settings in Melbourne, rural Queensland and now rural Victoria. A major focus in her current pharmacy is providing pharmacy services to residential care facilities and involvement in pharmacotherapy programs, as well as delivering primary healthcare services in the pharmacy. In 2003, Toni was elected to the National Council of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and is also Chair of the Guild's Health Economics Committee. She was actively involved in negotiating the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement with the Federal Government and is currently involved in preparation of the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement. Toni is a strong advocate for women in pharmacy and improving services to rural pharmacies. October 2008
Bill Scott (BPharm 1970) In September 2005, Bill stepped down from his position as President of the Pharmacy Guild (Victorian branch), succeeded by Dipak Sanghvi. But life hasn't quietened down for Bill – he is Chairman of Healthlinks and is working on the electronic Consumer Medicines Information for pharmacists. He is also the Guild's representative on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as a board member of the Victorian College of Pharmacy Foundation. Bill also spends time working in his pharmacies at Whittlesea and Mill Park. October 2008
Peter Stuchbery (BPharm 1973, MPharm 1977) returned to the college to complete his masters before undertaking a career in hospital pharmacy administration. Previous appointments have been at Latrobe Valley Hospital, Moe and at PANCH, and he is currently director of pharmacy at Northern Health. Peter and his wife Jenny live in Templestowe and are keen travellers who enjoy long-distance walking and exploring new places. October 2008
Gillian Swinnerton (nee Whitelaw) (BPharm 1975) joined the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Monash, in October 2012 as Director, Foundation Projects athe Victorian College of Pharmacy Foundation, helping the faculty raise funds for education and research initiatives. Gilly's experience includes 13 years with Sanofi's pharma division in Melbourne, where she joined as a hospital specialist representative before working as a business development associate and most recently as a key account manager with hospitals to achieve relevant optimal health outcomes in patients. On graduation, she undertook an internship at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, and was on the PSA(Vic) Legislation, Ethics and Membership Committee. She worked in Queensland for a year before returning to Melbourne where she held roles with Schering AG (now a Bayer company), and Peter MacCallum Hospital as well as several roles at the Victorian Hospitals Association. This career path culminated in management of the VHA Pharmaceutical Division in the 1980’s before stepping away to look after her children. She remained in the pharmacy workforce part-time, jointly working with her husband in their joinery business as estimator, before accepting a role at Hoechst (now Sanofi) in 1999. Gillian re-accredited through AACP in September 2011. She was a member of the SHPA Vic branch committee for seven years, stepping down in November 2012. Gilly and her husband Gerald live in Kew, and have two adult children. January 2013
After graduating, Penny Thornton (BPharm 1971) was state relieving pharmacist for the Hospitals and Charities Commission and held senior positions at Woden Valley Hospital, ACT. In 1983 she became Deputy Director of Pharmacy at Sydney's Westmead Hospital and, after 20 years, Pharmacy Services Manager at The Children's Hospital, Westmead, before being appointed Principal Advisor in Medication Safety, NSW Department of Health. In 2011 she became Principal Consultant for Quality Assurance in Medication Safety Pty Ltd. Penny served on medication working parties, and advisory and review committees, and lectures in medication safety. She was Australian liaison pharmacist for the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, USA, and represented Australia at the International Network for Safe Medication Practice Centres in Spain in 2006.