The 2024 MIMS / College Intern of the Year Award was announced during the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2025) Opening Plenary – Chloe Kappel from LiveLife Pharmacy Bowen Plaza in Queensland taking out the coveted award.
Chloe received multiple nominations from her employer, preceptor and clinical tutors who affirmed that Chloe not only excels within her role as an intern pharmacist but is always community minded in her provision of primary healthcare services.
Chloe has made significant and impactful contributions to her local Bowen community, including organising charity fundraisers, providing mental health awareness within schools and developing health education resources to assist with patient counselling.
A key stand out is that Chloe undertook James Cook University’s (JCU) Graduate Certificate of Advanced Practice and Prescribing for Pharmacists during her intern year. Thus, enabling Chloe to practice as a full scope pharmacist following the completion of her training in February 2025. Chloe undertook the training to better serve her local Bowen community and promote the importance of access to rural healthcare.
Chloe also has an interest in shaping future pharmacists and has been on the respective NAPSA and College Intern Training Program Advisory Committees, as well working as a mentor and tutor at JCU Townville. Chloe graciously accepted the Award at APP2025 in front of hundreds of her pharmacy peers.
“I am extremely honoured to receive this award. As someone who is incredibly passionate about rural health and diabetes awareness, I am very thankful to be able to showcase this,” Chloe said.
“I hope that my experiences can inspire other students and interns to pursue their passions, and to seize every opportunity that comes their way,” Chloe concluded.
As 2024 MIMS / College Intern of the Year, Chloe is provided the opportunity to experience APP2025 on the Gold Coast, which gives great exposure to the latest industry information, innovative products and services and networking with community pharmacy peers.
Chloe also receives a cash prize of $4,500 courtesy of MIMS Australia to further her pharmacy career and education. We thank MIMS Australia for their ongoing support of the Intern of the Year Award. Robert Best, CEO MIMS Group (ANZ-Pacific Region) congratulated Chloe on this achievement.
“For over 60 years, MIMS has been committed to supporting young healthcare professionals like Chloe across Australia from all parts of the healthcare ecosystem. Chloe’s passion for rural healthcare and around providing community minded health services like mental health awareness within schools and developing health education resources for patient counselling was very impressive – as was her drive to practice as a full scope pharmacist and to be involved at JCU to help the future pharmacists”, Mr. Best said.
“Chloe’s passion to help her community was evident – and the Intern of the Year Award will help her to further her pharmacy career and education. It is therefore with pleasure that we continue to support the MIMS/College Intern of the Year Award, as interns such as Chloe are the future of Pharmacy!” Mr. Best concluded.
