mmg.com.au

According to Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) Victorian branch, Marsha Watson is the best in the business — and that fact was recognised at a special dinner held in Melbourne on Friday night.

Marsha was named the 2012 Victorian Pharmacist of the Year for her contribution to the health and wellbeing of Benalla residents.

Speaking with the Ensign on Monday morning, a humble Marsha said she still had no idea who nominated her.

‘‘The people I thought it was said it wasn’t them,’’ she said.

‘‘But it really is a team effort, I can’t go out and talk to hospitals, nursing homes and visit clients in their home if I didn’t have the team here to help me.’’

Marsha said the award didn’t come as a complete shock.

‘‘I had the heads-up from the PSA because they wanted to make sure I would be there, and I had to make a speech,’’ she said.

But there was one person who wasn’t there for the occasion — her friend and former business partner Jenny Milner, who died last year.

‘‘While I was speaking they bought a photo of Jenny and I up. I know she would be very proud of the award,’’ Marsha said.

PSA’s Victorian branch president Michelle Lynch said Marsha had always been among the very first group of pharmacy pioneers applying new practice concepts in pharmacy.

‘‘She was among the first to put into practice DMAS and the health destination pharmacy concept,’’ Ms Lynch said.

‘‘She also utilises a fully automated dispensary to facilitate patient counselling, and her nomination was strongly supported by her customers and her peers.’’

Marsha has also been involved in a number of research programs through the PSA, including the Diabetes Pilot Program and the Health Destination trial.