Adam Hort announced as 2026 Eric Kirk Memorial Award Recipient
The Pharmaceutical Society of Western Australia is pleased to announce Adam Hort as the recipient of the 2026 Eric Kirk Memorial Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the development of professional pharmacy practice in Western Australia.
Throughout his career, Adam has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes, advancing clinical pharmacy practice and addressing inequities in access to healthcare, particularly in rural and regional Western Australia.
Pioneering Cardiology Pharmacy Practice
Adam became Western Australia's first dedicated Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Pharmacist, initially at Royal Perth Hospital and subsequently at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
In this role, he established WA's first cardiology hospital outpatient pharmacist clinic and co-founded the WA Heart Failure Nurse and Pharmacist Network. He also developed specialist medicines information resources for cardiology patients and contributed to research into rheumatic heart disease in Australia.
Transforming Regional Pharmacy Services
As Chief Pharmacist for WA Country Health Service, Adam played a significant role in transforming pharmacy services across regional and remote Western Australia.
Recognising the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing specialist healthcare, he championed innovative service models and digital solutions to improve access to clinical pharmacy services.
Adam also recognised the importance of building a sustainable regional pharmacy workforce. His "grow your own" workforce strategy established intern and entry-level pharmacist positions at regional sites, creating new opportunities for pharmacists to begin their hospital pharmacy careers in country WA.
His leadership also contributed to the establishment of a central pharmacy team and a governance framework to support the safe and consistent use of medicines across regional health services.
A Lasting Contribution to the Profession
Beyond his clinical and leadership achievements, Adam is recognised for his commitment to mentoring colleagues, supporting pharmacy students and encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration.
Following an extensive career in pharmacy and health service leadership, Adam now serves as the Member for Kalamunda, representing the community he calls home.
The Eric Kirk Memorial Award honours Eric Kirk's legacy of leadership and commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession.
PSWA congratulates Adam Hort on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his significant contribution to pharmacy in Western Australia.
2026 Eric Kirk Memorial Award Recipient Adam Hort reflects on his pharmacy career, including his pioneering work in cardiology and leadership as Chief Pharmacist at WA Country Health Service.