Wed 28 May 2025

Celebrating Professor Ian Coombes

Paying tribute to one of the most decorated leaders in Australian hospital pharmacy, upon his professional retirement.

We're honored to pay tribute to the remarkable and influential career of Professor Ian Coombes FANZCAP (Edu. MedSafety), who retires today as Director of Pharmacy at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

A former Vice President of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia, Professor Coombes is one of only two members to receive all three of AdPha’s most prestigious awards.

Former President Professor Michael Dooley says Professor Coombes’ dedication to developing the pharmacy workforce has been instrumental in the growth of the profession.

‘Ian was, and will always be a visionary. He saw professional development as part of everyday pharmacy practice, completely integrated into patient care over every stage of a pharmacist’s career.
 

‘He has led many innovations in practice that have resulted in the introduction of impactful, nationwide initiatives and has been instrumental in Australia now recognising advancing practice of pharmacists.
 

‘While his research has been extensive and wide-ranging, his PhD investigating the cause and prevention of prescribing errors saw the adoption of a National Inpatient Medication chart which led to standardising practice across Australia with long term impacts in  improving prescribing and administration of medications.
 

‘It has always been a pleasure to learn from Ian’s expertise and experience, often delivered with wit and a memorable story and always with a focus on improving care.
 

'His legacy will be enduring and I’m sure those of us lucky enough to have worked alongside Ian will channel his wisdom and insight for years to come.'

Professor Coombes was the recipient of AdPha’s Fred J Boyd Award in 2018, Medal of Merit in 2010 and Australian Clinical Pharmacy Award in 2003.