It is the most prestigious award the Alberta College of Pharmacy can bestow upon a present or past regulated member: an Honorary Life Membership.
The award is presented at ACP Council’s Celebration of Leadership each June to a person who is or has been a clinical pharmacist or pharmacy technician and has, in the opinion of Council, rendered distinguished service to the pharmacy profession.
Recent recipients of the award have been overwhelmed simply by being nominated, let alone winning the award.
Retired pharmacist Mike Bain was recognized in 2017 for not only his distinguished career in serving the community of Castor, but for his creating and curating the Castor Pharmacy Museum, which he started with his wife, Wendy, in 2010. The museum is located in the town’s original pharmacy and includes artifacts dating back to the 1800s.
When he got the call that he was to receive the Honorary Life Membership, he was blown away.
“That was just a complete shock to me,” said Mike. “While I have a lot of pride in what I do here, I didn’t feel it was maybe as important and you wonder if people recognized the effort that you put into it. I was overwhelmed.”
2018 Honorary Life Membership recipient George Doherty had a long career as a pharmacist in Calgary and is best known for his invention, George’s Special Dry Skin Cream. George’s best friend, business partner, and University of Alberta classmate Skip Gibson helped present the award to George. It was a touching tribute, and there were few dry eyes in the room.
“He gave a glowing testimonial on my behalf which was almost too flattering,” said George. “In my response to it, I got quite emotional and had to quit talking. There were a few more people I wanted to thank, but I got caught up in emotions.”
If you know someone who fits the criteria for the Honorary Life Membership Award, nominate them!
Your written nomination must detail your nominee’s contributions to the profession of pharmacy, the value they provided/provide to patients, co-workers, their community, and/or other health professionals (testimonials will make your nomination stronger), how your nominee implemented and executed their initiatives, any unique strategies your nominee used, and anything else you’d like Council to know about them.
Nominations must be received by February 8, 2019.
For more information, visit the ACP Awards page on the ACP website, or email executiveassistant@abpharmacy.ca.
