I couldn’t have done
this without the support
I’ve had from my wife.
A meeting with a persuasive family
friend was the deciding factor in John
Ware OAM switching from studying
law at The University of Melbourne
to pursuing a career in pharmacy.
And what an outstanding choice he
made, and a career he has enjoyed.
John was presented with the Distinguished
Service Award at the 2014 FIP annual congress
in Bangkok, in recognition of his long-term
dedication and service to FIP – a commitment
that has spanned more than 60 years.
John began his career as a community pharmacist
with pharmacies in both country Victoria and
Melbourne, and he has played an active role
in professional associations for many years.
He served as the national president of the
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and helped
establish the FIP/World Health Organisation
(WHO) Western Pacific Pharmaceutical Forum,
before serving as the inaugural president.
John said he was humbled by this award and
grateful to FIP for recognising his contribution.
“My experience with FIP has been professionally
fulfilling and has allowed me to develop
international friendships with a wonderful
range of people,” he said.
John’s wife Nariel Ware has had her own
significant career in Australian pharmacy,
working at the Pharmaceutical Society of
22
Australia (Victorian branch) for 14 years and
becoming active with FIP as Executive Secretary
of the Western Pacific Pharmaceutical Forum
in retirement.
Nariel was in Bangkok to see John presented
with the award and he was quick to recognise
the important role she has played over the years.
“I couldn’t have done this without the support
I’ve had from my wife,” he noted. She is my
greatest critical encourager.”
The couple spend considerable time each year
travelling for regional meetings and arranging
and developing conferences in the Western
Pacific region to support the work of FIP and
WHO in the development of the practice of
pharmacy as part of their voluntary duties.
One of their most recent projects was to Vietnam
to create guidelines and legislation relating to
the manufacture and distribution of medicines.
In making the presentation, the President of FIP
said it was this kind of ongoing contribution that
set the Wares apart.
“Their teamwork and dedication is an inspiration
to the pharmacy community,” he stated.
Throughout his extensive career John has been
a dedicated supporter of the development of
pharmacy education and believes the focus
must be on more than just science.
“The scientific basis that underpins pharmacy
education must be maintained and I believe in
highly qualified pharmacists advancing their
practice for improved public health outcomes”
he said.
“But I also believe strong communication
skills are critical to be a successful pharmacist,”
he said.
John’s association with FIP is set to continue
after being invited to join the board of the FIP
Foundation, which aims to provide research
scholarships and assist the development of
pharmacy practice globally.
“I am honoured to be given this opportunity,”
John added.
“This role will allow me to combine my
experience and knowledge to work towards
ensuring pharmaceutical education is well
placed for the future.”
Dean of the Faculty, Professor Bill Charman
said the Wares’ long-term dedication to the
profession has been significant and deserved
to be recognised and celebrated.
“John and Nariel Ware are part of Australian
‘pharmacy royalty’. They have worked tirelessly
at both a national and international level to
assist pharmacists improves health outcomes.”
“They are renowned by their peers for their
industry commitment as well as their genuine
warmth and interest in people.”
Originally from Melbourne, John and Nariel
now live in Seymour, Victoria where they enjoy
local fame as olive growers. At some point in
the future they would like to permanently make
the move back to Melbourne.