Pharmacy Gold Medal and Neil Naismith Award

This medal recognises the student who has achieved the highest score across all units of their pharmacy degree. The Pharmacy Gold Medal winner also receives the Neil Naismith Award. The Gold Medal award is proudly supported by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (Victorian Branch), the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Neil Naismith award is proudly supported by the Therapeutic Guidelines Limited.

Perri Kar Mei Teoh

Perri Teoh is currently undertaking her internship with Monash Health, where she enjoys the challenge of supporting diverse patient populations across a large tertiary health service. Her journey into pharmacy began unexpectedly, sparked by little more than an online “What career is right for me?” quiz, and has continued to surprise her ever since.

Inspired by the educators and pharmacists around her, Perri has embraced the breadth of pharmacy throughout her degree, seeking out opportunities across hospital and community practice, research, and education. A highlight was attending the Global Alliance for Medical Excellence Future Leaders Summit in Prato, Italy, where she connected with other young health professional students and explored shared challenges shaping the global healthcare landscape.

Through these experiences, Perri has developed a strong passion for patient advocacy and autonomy in medicines use. She finds the greatest fulfilment in working closely with patients to understand their perspectives and support more informed, confident decision-making around their medications. She is particularly motivated by the power of pharmacist education in helping patients build the knowledge and skills to advocate for their own health. Looking ahead, Perri hopes to pursue a career in clinical pharmacy, focusing on equitable medicine use and stewardship initiatives.

"I’m honoured to receive this award. I owe gratitude to my loved ones for giving me the courage to take risks and embrace who I am, and to my teaching staff for their continued guidance and encouragement. I hope to give back to this community in the years to come."