Julie Adams receives Eric Kirk Memorial Award 2020

PSWA is pleased to announce the recipient of the Eric Kirk Memorial Award 2020 is Julie Adams.

Julie is a passionate oncology pharmacist who has worked tirelessly over the last 30 years to advance the practice of oncology pharmacy in Western Australia. Julie’s initiative in providing chemotherapy to patients in their homes has provided a level of care and dignity not previously available to many patients in Western Australia.

 Julie achieved her Bachelor of Pharmacy from Curtin University in 1986. She went on to complete her Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy in 1995, and in 1999 she successfully obtained Board Certification in Oncology Pharmacy (US). Julie has worked in the area of oncology and haematology for over 25 years in a number of public and private hospitals in Western Australia. In 2000 Julie obtained funding to initiate and develop a service which enabled oncology and haematology patients to receive their chemotherapy and supportive care therapy at home. Julie managed this service for 12 years. In 2013 she co-founded her own health service which now administers cancer therapies to cancer patients and medical infusions to patients with chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease nationally.  Julie has won numerous prestigious business awards for innovation and disruption of the health service sector including the 2016 WA Telstra Entrepreneur and Business Woman of the Year. In 2018, Julie became a partner in Bayview Health – Matilda Bay Pharmacy, a community pharmacy specialising in the provision of oncology and complex chronic disease therapies and clinical trials.

 Julie has been a contributing member of various pharmacy and oncology committees and societies, both nationally and internationally. Julie co-ordinated the education programme for the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia's Committee of Specialty Practice in Cancer Services for 10 years and has been actively and extensively involved in the education and professional development of pharmacists and pharmacy students throughout her career. Julie has lectured pharmacy students at both Curtin University and the University of Western Australia.

 Julie was the recipient of various research grants for projects aiming to optimise patient outcomes including from the WA Health Department and the Leukaemia Foundation. She has authored numerous publications and presentations in the healthcare and pharmacy fields.

 Julie has become a leader in oncology pharmacy and has expanded the role of pharmacists through innovation, research and education. Julie’s passion for pharmacy throughout her career has resulted in her being an inspirational member of the profession and a worthy recipient of the Eric Kirk Memorial Award.