Southland Pharmacist Bernie McKone Receives Pharmaceutical Company’s Highest Honor

A Southland pharmacist says he is amazed to receive the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand’s highest honor this year.

Bernie McKone said receiving the gold was pretty special because it doesn’t happen that often.

Only 33 gold medals have been awarded in the company’s nearly 140-year history – the last was reportedly awarded in 2017.

The Pharmaceutical Company Gold Medal is awarded to a pharmacist who has made a significant and exceptional contribution to the profession at a level above that which deserves a scholarship.

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McKone admitted he’s still getting used to the idea of ​​receiving the award, but said he’s been pretty busy over the years.

“I am very honored to be recognized by my peers in this way.”

As a youngster, McKone was always interested in health and embarked on a career in medicine or pharmacy, he said.

The pharmacy won and he has been involved for over 40 years.

As the former owner of Quins Pharmacy in Gore for over 30 years, McKone pioneered several new services, which have been accepted as part of community pharmacy, including improving relationships with general practice. .

“Both [professional achievements] most rewarding for me are the presidency of the pharmaceutical company when we formed the company in 2003/2004 and the success of the professional organization at a time of great change. “

McKone is Managing Director of Waikiwi Pharmacy, Invercargill, as well as Chairman of the Board of Rugby Southland and a member of the Board of Directors of District Health Boards Alliance South.