Sam Wong departs TGA

Sam Wong, TGA's long time Information Officer,
has moved on to pursue his career as Chief Pharmacist
in the ACT Department of Health and Community Services

During his time with TGA, Sam was well known throughout the industry, both within Australia and overseas, as a key source of knowledge on a wide range of subjects.

After a distinguished academic career, Sam joined the Commonwealth Public Service through the National Biological Standards Laboratory and worked in a number of science and pharmacy-related positions before taking on the role of TGA Information Officer in 1990.

In this position, Sam was the main point of contact for many TGAclients and he developed not only a thorough knowledge of TGA's operational areas, but a valuable working relationship with an extremely diverse client base. Sam was often called upon by work areas throughout TGA for his special expertise, particularly in the area of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Sam was the editor of TGA News from its inception until his recent move from the Information Officer role to the Chemicals and Non-Prescription Drugs Branch.

Sam will be greatly missed by the organisation, and a measure of the respect of his colleagues was demonstrated by the large number of well-wishers at his special farewell function.

The thanks and best wishes of all TGA staff go with Sam as he takes on his challenging new position.

Retirement of Bob Munro

Mr Bob Munro, Scientific Secretary to the Therapeutic Goods Committee, recently retired after 24 years service with the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services. Bob was well known to the therapeutic goods industry and well respected for his scientific expertise and knowledge of the esoteric aspects of medicines and medical devices.

John Cable (left) making a farewell presentation
to Bob Munro (right) on the occasion of Bob's retirement

Bob obtained his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Glasgow University and worked in the pharmaceutical industry in the United Kingdom for 6 years, becoming a Member of the British Institute of Management and Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, before migrating to Australia where he continued to work in the pharmaceutical industry for a further 4 years.

Bob then joined the National Biological Standards Laboratory (NBSL), one of the areas incorporated into the Therapeutic Goods Administration when it was established in 1989. During this time, he became a Member of the Australian Institute of Chemical Management and Member of the Australian Chemical Institute.

He represented the Therapeutic Goods Administration at numerous industry meetings and seminars, particularly concerning labelling issues, on which he was an acknowledged expert.

In his retirement, Bob plans to undertake voluntary community work for his church. He and his wife, Anne, also intend to indulge their interests in art, the theatre and travelling.