The Future of Pharmacy Celebrate

Wednesday, 19 August 2009 15:28

Just 24 hours after logging on to eagerly search for their examination results, pre-registration pharmacists throughout Northern Ireland were studiously applying lipstick and straightening their bow ties for an unforgettable night of partying and celebration. The inaugural Summer Charity Ball, hosted by the Ulster Chemists' Association (UCA) and Profile Publishing, gave guests the perfect opportunity to celebrate passing their pre-registration exam and over 100 young pharmacists and pharmacy students gathered at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast for a night of lavish dining, celebration and entertainment on Saturday 27 June. The night also incorporated the very first Pharmacy in Focus Pre-reg Awards, recognising excellence and dedication already shown by the future's pharmacists. Congratulations to this yearís winners who fought off outstanding levels of competition to be crowned at the event. Amanda Brady from McKay Pharmacy scooped the title of Pre-reg of the Year, while Steven O'Hara from Maguires Chemists in Millisle triumphed in an essay competition with his views of what the healthcare sector will look like in 2030. Frazer McFadden from Harrison Healthcare, Belfast won the Pre-reg Initiative of the Year Award for his work with ethnic minorities in Belfast. Hosted by Cool FM's Sonya Mac, the ball raised over £4200 for Cystic Fibrosis Trust NI, which included sponsorship for a team of pharmacy students who bravely abseiled from the Europa Hotel. The night also featured a very popular karaoke competition, prize draws and a late night DJ that kept revellers up until the early hours. The event organisers also included two young pharmacists who were known for creating a memorable social scene among pharmacy students and pre-registrants. Chris Maguire and Niall McPartland worked extremely hard to ensure the night was a great success. ìWe got some great feedback from friends and guests,î Niall said. ìMany said that it was a fantastic night and that they would have another next week if it was possible!î Paul McCague, the talented winner of the Accu-Chek Factor at the Summer Charity Ball Singing Star competition, said: ìA good night really was had by all and for an excellent cause. It was a great way to wind up the pre-reg year and to celebrate the exam results. The meal and entertainment were first class and winning a bottle of champagne in the singing competition was the icing on the cake!î UCA president James McKay added: "We were delighted with the success of the event. It was with great pride that we were able to witness tomorrowís pharmacists receive acknowledgement, for their contribution to Pharmacy, at this wonderful new event. Coming the day after they received their exam results meant that the evening was a double celebration! ìThe independently judged awards are not only a reward for pharmacy students but also a reflection of the high standard of tuition provided across Northern Ireland. The UCA are very appreciative of the support from sponsors Sangers (NI) Ltd, Danone Baby Nutrition, PG and Reckitt Benckiser Roche Diagnostics."