Alumna solves health puzzles

April 2008

As a key account manager at pharmaceutical company sanofi-aventis, Gillian Swinnerton (BPharm 1975) works with Victorian hospital staff to improve health outcomes.

Ms Swinnerton shared her father’s interest in chemistry and, from an early age, enjoyed solving problems.

“I took the science and maths stream at school. It seemed to answer so many ‘Why is it so?’ questions,” said Ms Swinnerton.

“My dad’s business was in sintered metallurgy. To this day, we enjoy discussing how chemistry applies to health and other aspects of life such as food and wine,” she said.

Solving complex problems is what drives Ms Swinnerton. At sanofi-aventis, she is responsible for ensuring the company’s products are used wisely and effectively in the state’s hospitals.

“I love unearthing unforeseen opportunities. By understanding the goals and performance targets of hospitals, we can match how our services are tailored to meet their needs,” said Ms Swinnerton.

“I’ve also learnt that nothing successful occurs without good research.”

Before joining sanofi-aventis, Ms Swinnerton worked at pharmaceutical company Schering AG and The Royal Melbourne Hospital where she met her mentor, another Monash graduate.

“I was lucky enough to join a talented team led by Neil W Naismith (PhC 1958), a giant in the pharmaceutical practice in Australia,” said Ms Swinnerton.

Thirty years ago, Mr Naismith encouraged Ms Swinnerton to join the Victorian Hospitals’ Association (VHA) where she rose to be responsible for the VHA's pharmaceutical portfolio and run the tender for Victorian hospitals. There, she was exposed to the many aspects of hospital life, from purchasing to politics, human resources and hierarchy.

Ms Swinnerton is no longer at the VHA but is secretary of the Victorian branch of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia.