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My last day in IJN and saying goodbyes to my amazing supervisors

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Ward Round and Clinical Teaching Session

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CT Scan and ICL

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Week 4 - Clinical Exposure and Skill Development in Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiology at Institut Jantung Negara

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Week 4 - Clinical Exposure and Skill Development in Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiology at Institut Jantung Negara

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Hani Sakinah binti Shaiful Azmi

A192250

25/8 - 29/8/2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, I believe the objectives of my elective posting at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) were successfully fulfilled. Over the course of four weeks, I gained valuable insights into the clinical presentation, investigation, and management of both common and complex cardiovascular conditions. In adult cardiology, I was exposed to a wide spectrum of cases through ward rounds, outpatient clinics, and advanced procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and electrophysiological interventions. In paediatric cardiology, I was introduced to congenital heart diseases, which expanded my understanding beyond the current scope of my medical school curriculum.

Through daily interactions with my supervisors and the healthcare team, I strengthened my clinical reasoning and communication skills. I became more confident in interpreting ECGs, appreciating echocardiographic findings, and observing how physicians effectively communicate with patients and their families. Being in a highly specialised cardiac centre also gave me the unique opportunity to witness the seamless functioning of a multidisciplinary team, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, professionalism, and mutual respect in patient care.

Another key objective I achieved was gaining a deeper understanding of the clinical workflow in both adult and paediatric cardiology. From ward rounds and outpatient clinics to departmental meetings and catheterisation lab procedures, I observed how each setting contributes to comprehensive and holistic patient management.

Finally, this posting encouraged me to reflect on the ethical, psychological, and social dimensions of cardiology. Observing doctors counsel families of children with congenital heart disease and witnessing how patients coped with life-altering diagnoses made me realise that medical care extends far beyond technical expertise. True patient care requires empathy, patience, and compassion.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed most about my elective posting at Institut Jantung Negara was the opportunity to immerse myself in a highly specialised cardiac centre and witness a wide spectrum of cardiology cases. In adult cardiology, I enjoyed observing advanced procedures such as PCI and TAVI, where I could connect theoretical knowledge to real-life practice. In paediatric cardiology, I found it especially fascinating to encounter congenital heart diseases. Seeing these conditions firsthand provided an early glimpse into the unique challenges of caring for younger patients.

Above all, I enjoyed the sense of growth and progress I experienced throughout the four weeks. From the nervousness of Week 1, to gradually gaining confidence in Weeks 2 and 3, and finally consolidating my learning in Week 4, I came to realise that this posting was not only about acquiring knowledge but also about developing the mindset and habits needed for clinical practice.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

One of the main challenges I faced during this elective was interpreting investigations, particularly ECGs and echocardiograms. At the beginning, I often struggled to keep up with the fast-paced ward discussions because my foundation in these areas was not strong. Another significant challenge arose during my paediatric cardiology posting, where I was introduced to congenital heart diseases. As these conditions had not yet been formally covered in my medical school, I initially felt overwhelmed by the complex anatomy and unfamiliar terminology. Despite these challenges, each became a valuable learning point. By overcoming them with consistent effort, guidance from supervisors, and self-directed study, I was able to turn difficulties into meaningful experiences that strengthened both my confidence and clinical skills.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

What worked well throughout this elective posting was the balance between structured teaching and hands-on exposure. The daily pre-operative discussions provided a strong foundation for understanding cases, while the clinics, ward rounds, and procedures offered the chance to immediately apply and reinforce what I had learned. This integration of theory and practice made the learning process far more meaningful.

Also, the opportunity to rotate between adult and paediatric cardiology worked extremely well. It exposed me to a broad spectrum of cardiovascular conditions and gave me a more holistic understanding of the field. Experiencing both sides of cardiology allowed me to appreciate the similarities and contrasts in clinical presentation, investigations, and management strategies across different age groups.

5. What can be improved in this project?

One area that could be improved in this elective posting is the inclusion of more structured teaching sessions specifically tailored for elective students. While I gained a great deal through observation and discussions, I sometimes felt overwhelmed by the complexity of cases. Having short, focused teaching sessions to summarise common conditions, key investigations, or essential procedures would make it easier for students to consolidate learning more effectively.

Another aspect that could be enhanced is the opportunity for greater hands-on involvement. Although I was able to clerk patients and perform examinations under supervision, most of the procedures I observed were from a distance due to the highly specialised nature of the centre. Incorporating simple tasks such as assisting with preparation, patient monitoring, or basic documentation would provide more practical learning opportunities and strengthen student engagement.

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives were fulfilled. I was able to learn and assist in the basic management of clinic operations such as preparing patients for the doctor, handling FOMEMA procedures, patient registration, and ensuring correct data entry. The posting also gave me exposure to how clinics manage workflow, teamwork, and patient safety.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

I enjoyed the hands-on involvement in patient registration and FOMEMA screening. For example, guiding patients through BMI, blood pressure, and eye tests gave me a sense of responsibility and allowed me to apply clinical skills in a real-world setting. I also enjoyed observing how the clinic staff coordinated smoothly with doctors to manage patient flow, which made me appreciate teamwork in healthcare.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

One of the main challenges was ensuring accuracy when handling patient data, especially during labeling of blood tubes. At first, I found it stressful because even a small mistake could cause serious problems. Another challenge was managing communication with patients who had language barriers, which required patience and sometimes assistance from other staff.

4. What has really worked?

What worked well was the structured workflow in the clinic. For example, patients moved step by step from registration, vital signs, eye test, to the doctor’s consultation. This smooth system made it easier for me to adapt and carry out my responsibilities. I also found that preparing equipment early in the morning helped me work more efficiently throughout the day.

5. What can be improved in this project?

The project could be improved by providing a short orientation or briefing at the beginning for new assistants like me. At the start, I was unsure of the sequence of FOMEMA procedures and patient flow, but I learned gradually by observing and asking questions. A simple guide or checklist could help new students adapt faster and avoid confusion.

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Week 4 - Clinic Assistant in a Private GP

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Week 4 - Clinic Assistant in a Private GP

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Name: Thaqif Bin Tabian

Matric No:

Date: 28/08/2025 (Last day of local EP)

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, I believe that I have mostly fulfilled the objectives for this elective posting. In my EP proposal, the objectives I wanted to achieve were the following:

i) Phase 1 and 2:

Introduction to clinic staff, daily workflow, and facility operations

Observation of outpatient consultations and basic clinical procedures

Familiarization with patient registration and physical medical records system

Shadowing medical assistants, nurses and medical lab technologists and understanding roles & responsibilities

ii) Phase 3 & 4: Pharmacy, Billing & Inventory Exposure (Week 3 & 4)

Assisting in dispensing medications under supervision

Learning basic billing procedures and patient invoicing

Exposure to stock management and clinic inventory tracking

Understanding the link between pharmacy services and patient care continuity

Phase 1-4 also include:

Strengthening organizational and time management skills

Reflecting on experience and identifying areas for improvement

Final discussion with supervisor/mentor for feedback and guidance

Throughout the 4 weeks of my elective posting, apart from achieving the following above, I have developed many significant skills which helped me adapt towards the clinical workplace environment. From improved critical thinking skills and time management skills, I believe this experience was also very beneficial in terms of understanding interprofessional communication between the different healthcare and clinic personnels.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed most about this project was being able to contribute a lot towards the clinic workflow, even as a student clinic assistant. From admin and billing work to assisting in procedures and patient consultations, I felt that I was useful in the clinic setting. It was also very nice to get to meet different kinds of people and patients, considering that the majority of our patients at this clinic were non-Malaysians and were expats. Getting to hear their stories and how they find living in Kuala Lumpur was a very interesting experience overall. I also liked having a routine going to work everyday, it felt super productive especially during our first long holiday period in medical school.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

What I found challenging during this project was the fact that my responsibility increased when becoming a clinic assistant. I was in charge of taking care of patients from the moment they registered in the clinic to when they received consultations and/or procedures to dispensing medication and invoice billings - it was very intimidating to be responsible for all of this in the beginning. What I found challenging was also dealing with difficult patients throughout the project. It would sometimes leave me overwhelmed when they lashed out their frustrations and anger towards healthcare personnel. However, this also helped me grow as a person and develop skills such as empathy and clear communication towards patients.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

What I thought worked well was the teamwork I had with my fellow colleagues, even throughout the very busy clinic days we had. I felt like everyone carried out the clinic workflow very efficiently, and there were barely any miscommunications among us. We established our own roles during busy clinics, thus everyone had their own duties to carry out with no issues. I also thought that I communicated well and confidently with patients over time that visited the clinic. It was very nice to get to know patients who came from different countries, pupils with different backgrounds and careers - it is definitely different when meeting people from the hospital in HUKM.

5. What can be improved in this project?

The one thing I feel like that can be improved in this project is the duration of the elective posting itself. One month of work felt sufficient, but not enough to fully establish relationships with my fellow colleagues and patients. By the time week 4 arrived, I only felt then that I was getting used to the entire clinic workflow and interacting with different patients. Another aspect I would like to improve is being more confident when speaking up about something or even asking questions to my colleagues and doctors. Even if I made mistakes, it would have been better to clarify it rather than staying silent about it entirely.

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Ending the fruitful elective posting as a proud Malaysian 🇲🇾❤️

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My Learning Journey in Online Business and Digital Marketing

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My Learning Journey in Online Business and Digital Marketing

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Name: Nur Afiqah Binti Anwar Iqbal

Matric no.:A194988

Date: 25/8-31/8/25

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, I managed to fulfill all four objectives!!

In Week 1, I learned the full workflow of online business from checking orders, preparing airwaybills, packing items safely (especially fragile ones), selecting suitable courier packs, and sending parcels to drop-off centers. This gave me hands-on experience in inventory management and logistics.

In Week 2, I improved my speed in preparing items and gained new skills in uploading products to Shopee. I learned how to take attractive photos, create clear titles, write detailed descriptions, set variations and stock, and chat with customers. This strengthened my order processing, documentation, and communication skills.

In Week 3, I created Shopee ads to attract buyers, learning about budgets, keywords, product selection, and bidding. At the same time, I continued uploading items and shipping tasks. This gave me exposure to decision-making and digital marketing strategies.

In Week 4, I checked and organized warehouse stock by variations, sizes, and colours, ensuring enough items were available. I ended the week by joining the National Independence Day celebration with my colleagues, which was a proud and memorable moment.

Overall, I successfully achieved all my objectives: inventory management, order processing, logistics, and communication.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

The part I enjoyed most about this project was being able to work in an organized system where tasks were clear and structured. I also appreciated the pace of the work where it was fast-moving, which kept me alert and motivated. Most importantly, I liked developing good communication skills, especially when chatting with customers and working alongside colleagues. These interactions improved my confidence and taught me how to express myself more effectively in a work environment.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

One of the most challenging parts of the project was creating ads and uploading products. These tasks required careful attention to detail, creativity, and decision-making. For example, I needed to take high-quality product photos, write attractive titles and descriptions, and select the right keywords for ads. At first, it was difficult to master these skills, but with practice and guidance from my supervisor, I gradually improved and became more confident.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

What worked really well in this project was ensuring that customers’ items arrived safely and on time. By being careful in the packaging process and double-checking details before shipping, I helped maintain the shop’s good reputation. This not only built trust with customers but also contributed to improving the store’s rating on Shopee. I realized how crucial it is to prioritize customer satisfaction, as it directly affects business growth and long-term success.

5. What can be improved in this project?

One area that can be improved is the marketing strategy. Although I managed to learn about creating ads and promotions, I believe there is still room for improvement in designing more creative campaigns, such as bundle deals, seasonal promotions, or interactive advertisements to attract more buyers. Additionally, time management in handling peak orders can also be refined to ensure a smoother workflow.

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Cleaning and sterilization of dental instrument after usage. 

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Cleaning and sterilization of dental instrument after usage. 

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The last procedure I got to observe on my final day of elective: Tooth extraction

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The last procedure I got to observe on my final day of elective: Tooth extraction

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p/s: I still traumatised by my childhood memory of getting a tooth pulled

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I'm baking a banana chocolate cake as a token of appreciation 

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I'm baking a banana chocolate cake as a token of appreciation 

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Wrapping up my elective at a private dental clinic: Week 4

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Wrapping up my elective at a private dental clinic: Week 4

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
Yes, the objectives of my project were fulfilled. I managed to cover both the administrative and clinical parts of the clinic. Learning about the patient registration system, record keeping, appointment booking, and medication billing was really important to understand how the workflow runs smoothly.

For the clinical part, observing how the doctor interacts with patients of all ages made me reflect on how I should approach patients in the future. And of course, hands-on experience is the best teacher—I was really happy to get the chance to assist the dental surgeon with scaling and fillings.

Throughout the four weeks, this elective also helped me with personal growth. I improved my interpersonal and communication skills by working closely with the staff and doctor. I realised that in a clinic, you can’t work alone—teamwork makes everything flow better.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?
I really enjoyed being part of the clinic’s daily rhythm—especially when I gained the trust to assist in procedures like scaling, fillings, and even RCT. It felt great moving from just observing in the corner to actually participating. It made me feel more involved and responsible.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?
Adjusting to a new environment, new people, and new tools was quite challenging. Learning the instruments was tricky —different teeth (based on their position and number) need different tools, so I had to adapt quickly to keep up with the clinical flow.

To cope, I tried to be proactive by asking questions and reviewing after clinic hours. Gradually, I built up my confidence.

Another challenge is that everyday I went home with feeling tired working 8am-5pm so this made me realize the importance of time management.

4. What has really worked?
For me, the shift from being “an observer in the corner” to actually being a chairside assistant worked really well. That transition boosted both my confidence and skills.

Watching the doctor handle patients was also eye-opening, especially with kids. I admired how the doctor tried to win children’s trust so they’d feel comfortable enough for an exam. (I can relate—I was also scared of dentists as a kid!) This is something I’ll definitely keep in mind for my paediatric posting later.

Overall, I think resilience, patience, and the willingness to learn were the keys that helped me through this project.

5. What can be improved in this project?

On a personal note, I think I could improve my ability to speak up more confidently. There were times when I hesitated to ask the doctor out of fear that I'll be disturbing her workflow so I just signaling for help using my eyes to the staff. I think I also need to learn to be kinder to myself. In the early phase of the posting, I felt dumb & useless whenever I made mistakes. But then I reflected—since I had no dentistry background, it was actually okay to make mistakes at first, as long as I learned from them. I told myself not to be too hard and just take it one step at a time. Then I realised… that’s exactly how I would survive in clinical year too.”

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Name : Muhammad Arif Hannan Bin Mohamed

Matric No : A191986

Date : 25-29 august 2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the elective posting were successfully fulfilled. Over the four weeks, I was able to gain comprehensive exposure to the three main scopes of dietetics: food service management, clinical dietetics, and enteral nutrition. Each week provided structured learning opportunities that progressively deepened my understanding of the dietitian’s role in patient care. From attachment in the ward rounds and understanding enteral nutrition, to learning about hospital food service logistics, and finally participating in outpatient clinics and community outreach, the posting offered a well-rounded, practical learning experience aligned with its intended objectives.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed the most was the hands-on involvement during the third week, especially in the obesity clinic and the community outreach program at IPG Cheras. Observing real patient consultations and the process of dietary planning based on individual assessments made the theoretical knowledge I’ve learned in medical school come alive. It was rewarding to see how nutritional counseling is personalized and how rapport-building plays a crucial role in patient compliance. Additionally, the outreach program gave me a glimpse into public health initiatives and preventive nutrition, which added another layer to my understanding of a dietitian’s impact beyond the hospital setting.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

One of the more challenging aspects of the posting was learning how to conduct nutritional screenings and communicate effectively with patients during ward visits. It required sensitivity, especially when addressing topics such as weight, food habits, and compliance with dietary plans. As a medical student, I’m still developing my communication skills, so navigating these conversations without sounding intrusive or judgmental was a learning curve. Another challenge was grasping the technical calculations involved in determining individual calorie needs, especially during the early stages of the posting.

4. What has really worked?

The structured weekly exposure to each core area of dietetics worked particularly well. Each week had a specific focus, which allowed for in depth learning without feeling overwhelming. Shadowing dietitians during ward rounds, patient consultations, and meal preparations gave a realistic picture of their day to day responsibilities. Additionally, the use of tools like color coded diet cards and taste testing in the kitchen helped me better understand how dietary plans are practically implemented. These hands on experiences significantly enhanced my engagement and learning.

5. What can be improved in this project?

There's nothing much for improvement, everything is nearly perfect. After all, one area of improvement could be the more guided, interactive sessions during the initial days. For example, workshops on how to calculate calorie needs, interpret food labels, or conduct mock patient interviews would have better prepared us for the later weeks.

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This week we went to SMS Mad Jiwa, Taman Jubli and a farewell lunch with the team

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Name: Muhammad Adam bin Romzi

Matric No: A194734

Date: 20th to 24th July 2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, my initial objective of the project was mainly to contribute to the wellness of my local community. Throughout my one month period of posting here, I was able to participate in helping people in adopting a healthier lifestyle. That is, encouraging them to exercise, promote a balanced diet, and health awareness. However, I was quite disappointed with myself, not being able to help the team due to my injury. Despite that, my supervisors were very helpful and supportive by including me in their activities so I wouldn’t feel left out. Because of that, I was very grateful to have them as I still tried my best to ensure the success of each activities.

Other than that, I believe that my communication skills have improved significantly. Before starting this posting, I always avoid engaging in conversations/social activities especially with strangers. However, due to the nature of this work, whereby I am met with new people everyday, I have put myself in a position in which I have to talk with strangers. Thanks to this experience, I am more confident with myself and believe that this will greatly impact my career as a future doctor.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

My favourite part of this posting was definitely Kelas Warga Emas. The participants of this activity were so friendly, I never felt awkward being around them. Because of that, the programme felt easier to handle since they were also cooperative. Not only that, they were also very caring because a lot of them have asked about my injury, and some were giving advice for speedy recovery. I honestly appreciate their concern. Plus, the day we went to Merbok for their potluck was also very fun. I ate so much of their food yet they still packed us extras to bring back to the office. Their hospitality made this internship especially memorable and fun.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

Because this internship is physically demanding, I had to hold myself back a lot from a lot of opportunities. For example, had I been perfectly healthy and abled, I could have joined my supervisors as instructor during senamrobik. Yet, I was glad that there were still supportive tasks for me to perform which lessen the responsibility of my supervisors.

Besides that, the survey was also another challenging part of the project especially with the older generations. Sometimes, I had to repeat myself multiple times and rephrase my words to make them understandable. I believe this was due to my lack of communication ability since I am not good with words, so hopefully in the future I can make improvements in terms of making things easy to understand if the situation comes by.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

I think the community engagement worked really well. For example, the Kelas Warga Emas always had good participation and the elderly seemed to really enjoy the exercises. Their friendliness and willingness to join made the programme successful. The IFitEr programme also worked well whenever participants were consistent, like the MPSP staff who showed higher attendance when the location was convenient. Another thing that worked well was teamwork among the Wellness Hub staff and Unit Promosi Kesihatan. Even though the team was small, everyone knew their roles and supported each other, which made every programme run smoothly.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I think one area to improve is participant commitment, especially in IFitEr where many people drop out halfway. Maybe adding more follow-up, small incentives, or group support could help them stay motivated. Another improvement is making the surveys shorter or easier to answer, especially for elderly participants, because nobody wants to answer a long list of surveys voluntarily. Lastly, since there are only two staff running the Wellness Hub, having more manpower or volunteers would reduce the workload and make the programmes even more effective.

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Completing the Journey: My Last Week as a Clinic Assistant

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Completing the Journey: My Last Week as a Clinic Assistant

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Name: Zara Khan Binti Zainal

Matric nu: A194600

Date: 3rd August 2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the project were fulfilled. I was able to observe, assist, and perform various clinical tasks, which helped me gain real-world experience, improve my practical skills, and understand the workflow of a clinic. It also exposed me to the importance of teamwork and communication in healthcare settings.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

I enjoyed the hands-on experience the most especially assisting in procedures . It was fulfilling to be directly involved in patient care . I also appreciated the chance to rotate between different roles, which kept the experience dynamic and educational.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

The most challenging part was adjusting to the fast-paced environment, especially during peak clinic hours. Balancing tasks like patient registration, dispensing, and assisting in procedures required quick thinking and multitasking

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

What worked really well was the opportunity to rotate across different roles from admin to pharmacy to hands-on procedures. This variety gave me a clearer picture of how a clinic functions and helped me adapt to different responsibilities. The support from the clinic staff and the structured supervision also made the learning process smoother and more effective.