Monash researcher appointed to distinguished advisory sub-committee
Associate Professor Zanfina Ademi, a researcher at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Centre for Medicine Use and Safety (CMUS), has been appointed to the influential Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee: Economics Sub-Committee for a four-year term.
The respected researcher and health economist was hand-picked to join the sub-committee, which assesses clinical and economic evaluations of medicines submitted to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) for listing.
Associate Professor Ademi will join other highly-experienced health economists and clinicians from around the country, helping arm the federal government with the knowledge it needs to ultimately decide which new drugs are worth subsidising.
“This committee advises PBAC on the technical aspects of evaluation regarding which medications are reimbursed through Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme,” said Associate Professor Ademi.
The Monash academic has developed a professional focus in the field of health services research, including economic evaluations, chronic disease modelling, health technology assessments, prevention and translational research.
She said it was an honour to be appointed to the Economic Sub-Committee and provide this level of decision-making.
Dean of Monash’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Arthur Christopoulos FAA FAHMS, congratulated Associate Professor Ademi on her appointment.
“Associate Professor Ademi has been at the cutting-edge of research and health economics for many years, and it’s exciting to see her vast academic experience being translated in this way.”
Professor Simon Bell, Director of CMUS, congratulated his colleague, noting Associate Professor Ademi’s technical expertise would be an important asset to the Economic Sub-Committee.
“It demonstrates that our Faculty’s researchers are valued at the highest levels of healthcare policy.”
After growing up in Kosovo, Associate Professor Ademi studied pharmacy in Albania, before completing a Master of Public Health in Finland, and a PhD in epidemiology and health economics at Monash University.
Zanfina has also worked at the University of Basel in Switzerland, and the University of Eastern Finland.
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