local pharmacist receives top honour from society
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President Ms. Ann Bowen presenting Dr. Kate McClelland with her Fellowship medal, looking on are Mr. Raymond Anderson and Mr. Jim Wells MLA, Chair of the Northern Ireland Assembly's Health Committee. |
MAGHABERRY Pharmacist Dr. Kate McClelland has been made a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.
The local woman said she was "delighted" to receive the honour, and thanked the team at Maghaberry Pharmacy.
In a citation given by Mr. Raymond Anderson, Past President of the Pharmaceutical Society of NI, Kate's enormous contribution to pharmacy, both as a community practitioner and as an active advocate for the pharmacy profession was highlighted.
"Kate is first and foremost a community pharmacist, yet a community pharmacist with a passion for the profession. In her 25 years on the register, Kate has been the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of NI, a council member, has served as Head of the British Delegation to PGEU, (pharmaceutical group of the European Union), been a Council member of CHRE (Council for health care regulatory Excellence) and has served on a myriad of boards and panels at the local level. Her passion and drive is incredible and a shining example to all."
In handing over the official certificate and medal the President of the Society, Ms Ann Bowen, warmly congratulated Kate on being awarded her fellowship and thanked her for her ongoing contribution to pharmacy in Northern Ireland.
In reply Dr. McClelland thanked the President and Mr. Anderson for their kind words and paid a warm tribute to the support of her family, particularly her husband Tom, her mother and late father.
"I became for a while the pharmacist who couldn't say 'no' to anything that sounded interesting Practice pharmacist, locum pharmacist, training assistants, teaching for NICPLD, training technicians, then council, the presidency, PGEU, the lot but now I'm where I actually wanted to be - running a village pharmacy. Though I cant take credit for all that - I have an enthusiastic team who pull together and look after their 'half a job director' and are teaching her to say 'No'"
"I never expected this. I was speechless when I was told. I have had so
much help from the team
here in Maghaberry; Amanda, Sandra and Leigh, who have kept the business
going for me. This has all been achieved by various teams of people, I've
been very fortunate with the people I have
worked with."
In conclusion Kate spoke of her enthusiasm and support for the new Professional Forum and gave a word of encouragement to young pharmacists; "I would strongly advise all the young pharmacists to say yes - you just never know where a 'yes' will take you and it will probably be outside any box you imagined you might live or work in."
Ulster Star
17/12/2010
