A University of Aberdeen researcher has been recognised for her work in the field of drug misuse.
Dr Catriona Matheson has been announced as winner of the Pharmacy Practice Research Trust (PPRT) 2012 Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Conference Practice Research Award.
The award will be presented at the conference on Monday, September 10, when Dr Matheson will deliver a plenary lecture entitled Drug misuse treatment and services: pharmacy and beyond.
The RPS Conference Practice Research Award is presented by the PPRT to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of pharmacy practice research and has the potential to become a leader in the field.
Dr Matheson, Senior Research Fellow in the Centre of Academic General Practice and Primary Care at the University, will receive the award in recognition of her research in the area of drugs misuse and pharmacy based drug misuse services.
Dr Matheson, who first became interested in the issue of drug misuse while working as a Saturday girl in a Glasgow pharmacy in the 80s, said: “I’m very honoured to receive this research award as it endorses my commitment to developing this particular area of research.
“My lecture will recognise how pharmacy as a profession has taken on this very difficult client group where other health professionals have been reluctant.
“I have witnessed, through my research, how community pharmacy has embraced this patient group and is now providing effective services that help drug users engage with treatment and as a consequence reduce the associated harm.”
PPRT Chairman, Marshall Davies, who will be presenting the award at the RPS Conference said: “Dr Matheson has built up a national and international profile in this important area.
“Her work is now regularly referred to in the development of policy for drug and addiction services making her a deserving recipient of this award. Her background in public health and links with primary care has led to an interest beyond pharmacy practice and enabled a much wider spread of research and contact with clinical colleagues.
“Dr Matheson’s lecture will provide a positive platform for considering how pharmacy can take a leading role in this difficult area and deliver wider benefits to society.”