FROM REFUGEE TO RECEIVING MULTIPLE ACCOLADES AS A COMMUNITY PHARMACIST
With
Sara Murdock MPS,
Lead Pharmacist,
Pharmacy 777 Pascoe Vale (Melbourne), Victoria
PEOPLE IN HEALTH CARE SEGMENT
Filmed in Melbourne | December 2025
Sara is an experienced pharmacist, community health advocate, and the Lead Pharmacist at Pharmacy 777 Pascoe Vale in Victoria. With over 20 years in the profession, Sara has played a significant role in advancing local healthcare delivery through clinical leadership, service development, and strong community partnerships.
In 2025, Sara was recognised as the VIC Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the National Winner of the Outstanding Community Pharmacist Award by Patients Australia. Recently, Sara also was awarded the 2025 International Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmacy Innovation Assembly, are acknowledgements that reflect her growing impact across pharmacy practice.
Sara is a passionate advocate for accessible healthcare, full scope pharmacy practice, and inclusive community services. She has led major health initiatives, including school-based immunisation programs, chronic disease prevention efforts, aged care outreach, and student mentoring programs. She also established the first pharmacist-led vaccination clinic at the local neighbourhood house, expanding care to vulnerable and underserved populations.
Beyond the dispensary, Sara is a key contributor to the national Pharmacy 777 Retail Services Pharmacy Owners Working Group. She collaborates on strategies for patient-centric care, retail innovation, and sustainable business models that support both pharmacists and consumers across Australia.
Her leadership also extends far beyond the pharmacy walls. Sara is an active Rotarian and Chair of Community Services for her local Rotary Club. She is a trusted speaker at Rotary events, parliamentary forums, health panels, universities, and grassroots community gatherings, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to the conversation.
As a solo mother of two and a dedicated health professional, Sara brings compassion, experience, and clarity of purpose to her work. She is especially committed to supporting the next generation of pharmacists and advocating for systems that deliver better outcomes for patients and communities alike.
Sara’s voice is one of resilience. At just 12 years old, she was smuggled from war-tom Iraq through mountains and borders, arriving in Australia as a child refugee. Her early experiences shaped her enduring belief in equitable healthcare and the power of service, Today, she continues to build a career and legacy rooted in care, contribution, and connection, proving that it’s possible to lead with strength while remaining grounded in humanity.
Source: Supplied and adapted
-
World-first clinical trial improves patient outcomes for kidney transplants
A world-first clinical trial conducted at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and at hospitals across Australia and New Zealand has identified the best fluid treatment to reduce the risk of patients requiring dialysis after a kidney transplant.
Australian Health Journal spoke with the lead-author of the study, RAH Nephrologist and University of Adelaide researcher, Dr Michael Collins.
-
Updated handbook on chronic kidney disease management in primary care
Kidney Health Australia’s latest kidney disease guide for primary care practitioners is expected to be pivotal in slowing down the rates of kidney failure, which have doubled in the past 20 years and if left unchecked will grow by a further 42% by 2030, according to the health charity.
With specific reference to new kidney treatments and culturally safe kidney care for First Nations Australians, the 5th edition of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management in Primary Care handbook, known as the ‘kidney bible’, is a significant step-up in enabling earlier diagnosis of kidney disease for GPs and other front-line healthcare professionals.
-
Awareness, diagnosis and treatment of Congenital Hypothyroidism
Australian Health Journal spoke to Associate Professor MIchelle Jack about congenital hypothyroidism and newborn screening and her concerns in the varying thresholds for across different states in Australia. Despite the existence of newborn screening programs since the 1970s, there is still controversy surrounding the appropriate screening levels. Congenital hypothyroidism, affecting about one in 3500 infants, can lead to severe intellectual and physical impairment if not diagnosed early. The condition is mainly caused by the thyroid gland’s failure to develop properly, resulting in insufficient thyroid hormone production.
