We would like to congratulate our Kolling Institute researcher Professor Sarah Hilmer who’s been awarded an AM for her service to clinical and geriatric pharmacology as part of the Queen’s birthday honours.
Professor Hilmer has worked as the Head of Clinical Pharmacology and as a geriatrician at Royal North Shore Hospital since 2005. Her research and clinical expertise is respected both nationally and internationally.
Sarah leads a research program in ageing and pharmacology at the Kolling Institute and has contributed widely to the management of medication across the community. She chairs the Royal North Shore/Ryde Hospital Drug and Therapeutics Committee, the NSW Therapeutic Advisory Group, and initiated the NSW Health COVID-19 Drug and Therapeutic Advisory Community of Practice.
Her research focuses on understanding and optimising medication use and improving outcomes in older people, particularly those living with multiple conditions. She developed the Drug Burden Index, a tool to measure the overall risk of a person's medicines to their physical and cognitive function. This tool is being used widely across the Northern Sydney and Central Coast local health districts, supporting thousands of people.
Professor Hilmer has welcomed her award.
“I am lucky to have worked in clinical practice, research and policy, with a wonderful network of mentors, colleagues and mentees,” she said.
“I am particularly glad that I have helped train clinicians and researchers with backgrounds in medicine, pharmacy, nursing and basic science in geriatric pharmacology, who can help build this emerging field.
“I hope that our work improves medicines use and outcomes for older people, whether they’re at home, in a residential aged care facility or in hospital.”