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Left something for the colleague ❤️

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Local Elective Posting : Al Arif harmacy

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Local Elective Posting : Al Arif harmacy

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes. I have listed 3 objectives

Enhance Pharmacological Knowledge

Throughout this 1 month at Farmasi Al Arif, I gained significant insight about various aspects of medication, from understanding dosages and how often to administer them, to recognizing potential drug interactions. Previously, my knowledge was mostly academic focused on memorizing for exams. However, dealing with real life situations, such as when patients ask, "can I take this medication if I have diabetes or I am on dialysis?", pushed me to apply my knowledge more critically.

Typically, doctors prescribe the medication, and pharmacists are responsible for dispensing it, which means they know the dosages and other details. But in this pharmacy, there are no doctors, so I found myself needing to step up. I realized the importance of not just knowing the medication but also being confident in calculating the appropriate dosages. After almost three months of break, some of my knowledge had faded, and this attachment has truly helped me stay on track.

Developing effective communication skill

When customers walk into the store, it's essential to greet them with a “Hi, selamat datang,” and to apply marketing skills, like building rapport. Initially, I found this challenging, but over time, it has shaped me into a better person. As an introverted person, I rarely start conversations. However, in this job, I knew I needed to overcome my shyness. So, I started pushing myself to engage more with customers.

For instance, when they’re paying for their medication, I will engage in a short chit chat. I will ask how their day has been, whether they’re regular customers, or if they have any questions about their medication. These small interactions have made a big difference, not just for the customers, but for me as well. I have noticed that the more I communicate, the more confident I become.

Exposure to retail pharmacy operation

Before this, I had never worked in my life, so I had absolutely no idea what it was like to be a retail worker. Working here has been full of firsts for me. For instance, it was my first time punching in for a job, my first time handling a cashier, and my first time doing stock taking. This week, I also learned how to receive goods from other branches. Honestly, I am amazed at how a franchise pharmacy operates.

Ms. Afiqah who works as the outlet manager, has so many responsibilities. She has to think about how to attract customers, decide what kind of campaigns and sales to run each month, and manage the day-to-day operations of the store. Seeing her juggle all these tasks made me realize how much goes into running a pharmacy. It is not just about selling medicine, it is about understanding the business side of things too.

If I had not chosen pharmacy for my elective posting, I don’t think I would have gotten this kind of exposure anywhere else. I have been so focused on my studies that I never considered how a retail store actually works. This experience has opened my eyes to the challenges of the retail side of pharmacy. I am grateful for this opportunity because it has taught me so much more than I expected.

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

I really enjoyed interacting with both customers and colleagues. The customers I have dealt with are usually between 25 and 60 years old, so they are older than me. Through these interactions, I have learned how to be respectful and not dismiss their thoughts or beliefs about certain medications. I have met many customers who are hesitant to visit Klinik Kesihatan for checkups. Instead of judging them, I offer advice without being rude.

Occasionally, I encounter patients who are grateful for my hard work, and others who just bluntly ask why it is taking so long. After all, to them, it might seem like all I am doing is putting some pills in a plastic bag. One of the moments that truly made me happy was when some customers asked about my study background. When I revealed that I am currently in medical school, they rooted for me and prayed for my success. It’s small gestures like these that mean a lot to me.

I am also blessed with thoughtful colleagues. Since I am the youngest, they really look out for me. They always make sure I don’t feel left out and quick to lend a hand during busy shifts. We come from different backgrounds, so we teach and learn from each other a lot. As someone who naturally loves teaching, I have enjoyed explaining various medical conditions like anemia, bronchial asthma to my colleagues when they ask. This mutual respect with my colleagues has made the experience even more fulfilling.

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

One of the most challenging aspects of this project has been dealing with prescription medications, especially those classified as "poison" medications. When customers purchase over the counter medications (OTC) they often know exactly what they want. However, for example when someone complains of muscle aches, I sometimes find it perplexing to determine the best medications for that.

As a 22 year old medical student with limited real world experience in consulting patients, I often feel unsure about what to prescribe. My knowledge is based mainly on what I have learned academically, and I find myself overthinking and worrying about making mistakes. I am anxious about the possibility of giving incorrect medication or misrecording dosage instructions.

These concerns are overwhelming, especially when I know that providing the wrong advice could have serious consequences. However, I recognize that these challenges are experiences that are essential for shaping me into a safe doctor.

The responsibility of ensuring customers receive the correct medication, despite my lack of experience, adds to the difficulty but also teaches me valuable lessons in precision. Despite these challenges, I am committed to improving and learning from each experience to become a better doctor.

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

I have not struggled with health screening activities at all. This pharmacy offers a range of tests, including blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, and, more recently, hemoglobin. Thanks to my experience in hospitals and volunteering at health screening booths, I can handle these tasks smoothly. I am quick at performing them and customers have even praised my skills, but I owe this to my experience before joining the pharmacy. I am also good at explaining why their blood pressure might be high, why their blood glucose levels are off, and how to manage serum uric acid through diet. Legend has it that practice makes perfect, and I have definitely found that to be true.

Another thing that’s worked well for me is finding medications. When customers mention a medication, I can easily locate it on the shelves. Even though I might be a bit slow at figuring out the correct dosing of the medication, I can just refer to the MIMS website to get it right.

On August 24-25, we had Hari Rakan Al Arif, where we did a lucky draw event for those who hold memberships. I enjoyed preparing for the event, from buying the gifts at the mall to wrapping them and being involved during the day. It was a fun and engaging experience that added a special touch to my time here.

Every Friday, Ms. Afiqah will conduct a meeting with all the staff, where we discuss various topics. Sometimes she does sharing sessions and walks us through the shelves to familiarize us with the medications. For instance, in my final week working, we had a presentation about the health screening component. I was assigned blood glucose, so I prepared some notes and presented them to the team. These weekly meetings are valuable as they help clear up misunderstandings and also build bonds between colleagues.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Duration and Learning Scope: The four weeks allocated for this project didn’t feel long enough for me to fully grasp how the pharmacy operates, especially when it comes to retail inventory. As a result, I ended up focusing more on communication and cashier tasks, which I found interesting, but I think a more balanced approach would have helped me get a better handle on everything.

Commute allowance: It would have been nice if the HQ had provided an allowance for commuting. I drove to work every week, and covering the cost of fuel was a significant cost. A small allowance would have made a big difference and shown that they value the effort involved in getting to work.

Attention to Detail: I also need to work on paying closer attention to details, like remembering regular customers' faces and names. Many of the customers who visit the pharmacy are regulars, and being able to recall their names would make transactions smoother and help with applying member discounts more efficiently.

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Exploring Batik Artistry: Learning New Skills at the Jadi Batek Gallery, Kuala Lumpur

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Exploring Batik Artistry: Learning New Skills at the Jadi Batek Gallery, Kuala Lumpur

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My last week of doing pharmacy attachment as a medical student !

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My last week of doing pharmacy attachment as a medical student !

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Sharifah Mirzawidad binti Syed Mokhsain

A188643

24/8/2024

2. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Reflecting for the past one month of my attachment at the pharmacy, I feel I have made a significant progress and almost all the objectives that I have listed has been fulfilled. I managed to balance multiple responsibilities, which include assisting the customers in getting the correct medication by taking a thorough and proper history taking, processing prescriptions, packing medications, carrying out health check-up tests, and managing stock. This whole experience taught me how to effectively prioritize all the tasks and deal with pressure, two useful abilities that I have much confident will help me in my future profession as a doctor. Another objective was to provide customers with accurate information and guidance during health check-ups. I am very glad I was able to accomplish this goal by speaking with them face-to-face, getting to know their needs, and educate them as much as I know even with my little knowledge. My ability to use medical information in order to explain complex medication regimes, potential side effects, and importance of adherence to patients were enhanced. Throughout the attachment, I found numerous opportunities to integrate the theoretical knowledge from my medical studies into the real-world environment of a pharmacy and this opportunity helps me in gaining a deeper understanding of how medical and pharmaceutical knowledge intersect in patient care.

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

Unexpectedly, one of the most enjoyable aspects of my pharmacy attachment was when I can greet all the familiar faces with such a huge smile and familiarity. I found it rewarding to dive in the opportunity to interact directly with them and engage with them who came in for advice or health check-ups. I feel like they have put so much trust in me when they came again for the next time. All the interactions that I had with them reinforced my passion for patient care and it makes me feel like I matter. I also thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on learning experience that the pharmacy attachment provided me. Whether it was understanding how medicines work together or watching how prescriptions are filled, I enjoyed being part of the action. Another highlight of my attachment was collaborating with experienced pharmacists and other pharmacy assistants. Being a member of a team where cooperation was essential to providing patients with the best care possible was enjoyable for me. I was able to ask questions, pick up knowledge from others, and gain insight from their experiences because of the encouraging environment. Together with adding to the enjoyment of the attachment, this teamwork highlighted how crucial it is to collaborate in a hospital setting for my upcoming clinical years.

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

What I have found to be incredibly challenging during my pharmacy attachment is to keep up with the number of customers during peak hour. It gets tricky when I had to stay focus and not get confused with what each customer asked. I had to makesure I did not mix up the medication or prescribe it to the wrong customer as it would get me in big trouble. Another part where I found to be challenging is those time when I had to see how my pharmacist handles all the sales representatives who came to our pharmacy to promote their products. It made me realise that pharmacy is not just all about medication but also about how you work around business. I have high respect towards my supervisor as she successfully avoids mere pressure to buy from them as some sales reps may use high-pressure tactics to encourage the purchase of their products. This can be stressful, especially if the products are not immediately needed or if they are expensive. Sales reps may also offer incentives for purchasing their products, which can create ethical dilemmas. Therefore, I learn that pharmacists must ensure that any decisions made are in the best interest of their patients, rather than being influenced by rewards or bonuses.

Other than that, I also find that it is difficult to strike the correct balance between preventing overstocking and having adequate inventory to meet demand. Medication shortages that may affect patient care can arise from understocking, while overstocking might result in expired drugs. Furthermore, to ensure that medications are dispensed before they expire really requires constant vigilance and managing expiration dates across a wide range of products can be time consuming and prone to error.

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

Some of the thing that I think works well for me is those revision that I did to familiarise myself with the variety of names of the medication. At first, I did not really believe myself to successfully memorise all the names of the medication because it is too many for a human being but as time goes by, it gets easier and easier. I can now recognise the indications of the medications just by looking at the tablet form and colour and smoothly dispense it to the customers. I also had the opportunity to apply my pharmacological knowledge that i gained during my pre-clinical years to real world studies more confidently now. The hands-on experience solidified my understanding of drug mechanism, interactions and patient care, making my learning become more practical and relevant. My ability to translate complex medical jargon into language that patients could easily understand was also a significant achievement for me. Fortunately, all the teaching session that I have with my supervisor and the pharmacy assistant there did not go in vain.

In terms of those small practical things that I helped during my free time such as packing the common medications before hand so that it will be easier to get, I find that thing really help reduce customers’ waiting time during peak hour. Therefore, I would feel very glad if more pharmacies prepare the medications just like mine did.

6. What can be improved in this project?

Gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy was significant part of my project. However, it would be a lie to say that I am successful in learning about all the things there in just one month. Moreover, to learn about inventory management, the importance of keeping track of stock levels, and the financial aspects of running a pharmacy, all this knowledge is invaluable hence it requires a vast amount of time. Therefore, I believe spending more time engaging and seeing how the pharmacist handles inventory management, interact with sales representatives, and make purchasing decision will open my eye to learn and apply the strategies that they use one day.

Regarding patient needs and market trends, it can be improved by having some time to engage with them to get their feedback so we will get to know their preferences. Satisfied customers are key to a successful pharmacy business, and their feedback can provide insights into which products and services are most valued. For that reason, it would be great for me if I can contribute in some areas and if I had more time to be involved in listening and responding to their feedback. I would also like to improve some part of my elective posting project by familiarising myself with marketing skills. If only my pharmacy has a marketing department, collaborating with them to understand how promotions, branding, and customer outreach can be use greatly. Marketing is a crucial aspect of attracting and keeping customers by the way.

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Transformative 4 week Journey as an Intern Pharmacist 

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Transformative 4 week Journey as an Intern Pharmacist 

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Name : Semaashalini A/P Rajah

Matric no. A187881

Date : 25/8/2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Over the course of my 4-week internship, the objectives set out at the beginning were largely fulfilled. The primary goals were to improve my hands-on pharmacy skills, deepen my understanding of daily operations, and build confidence in patient interactions. Although I was overwhelmed at first, over the course of 4 weeks, I was able to take on increasingly independent tasks, such as managing prescriptions, verifying medication accuracy, and assisting patients with their healthcare queries. I’ve also improved my efficiency in both technical and administrative tasks, like handling inventory management while maintaining a high level of accuracy and documentation of patient details in poison b, posion c and pseudo book.

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

The aspect I enjoyed most was to interact with the customers and being able to practically apply my knowledge. Being able to work directly with patients, answer their questions, and help them understand their treatments gave me a sense of fulfillment. I also appreciated working within a collaborative team. My coworkers were very supportive and although I was the least experienced among them, they never fail to make me feel inclusive. Learning from experienced pharmacists, and receiving real-time feedback helped me grow both personally and professionally. Observing how the pharmacy pay attention to minor details, from its dosage , expiry date and storage condition has really made me a detail-orientated person too.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

One of the main challenges was adapting to the fast-paced environment while ensuring accuracy and attention to detail. Handling multiple prescriptions, patient inquiries, and inventory management at once required excellent multitasking skills, which took time to develop. There were multiple times while I was given the task to count the stock and suddenly had to leave it to attend customers, which made me lost count of the counted stocks and redo it. Additionally, balancing efficiency with the need to maintain a calm, patient-centric approach during busier periods was difficult. Some complex patient queries, especially those involving terms I had never heard like lawas, senggugut required me to seek help and have a quick thinking. Sometimes when patient ask for a specific brand of medicine instead of its generic name, I was also very confused too. Thankfully all my coworkers were ready to lend a helping hand which made my experience there a lot better.

4. What has really worked?

One aspect that has worked exceptionally well for me during this internship is the smooth integration of practical learning with real-world experience. The structured workflow system in the pharmacy, combined with hands-on tasks, allowed me to gradually take on more responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. The supportive environment fostered by the team made it easy to ask questions, receive guidance, and learn from their expertise. Additionally, the use of technology for managing prescriptions and inventory significantly improved efficiency, helping me to focus more on patient care. This combination of support, practical application, and efficient systems made the experience both productive and rewarding

5. What can be improved in this project?

While the experience was invaluable, there are areas that could be improved for future . One improvement would be to extend the training periods. Even after 4 weeks, I still feel there are so many more medications I am unaware of. . Additionally, a good mentorship and feedback system should be implemented. While informal feedback was helpful, establishing a formal mentorship program with regular check-ins could provide clearer guidance on areas for improvement. Scheduled feedback sessions with a supervisor could help track progress and address challenges in a timely manner. I also wished there were more structured learning modules. While I see some others who had to go through different modules to learn the medications name, I only learn the medications from patient interactions and from reading the label of the medicine from the aisle. So I hope in the future, there would be more formal training so I would be able to be more involved in the field.

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Name: Nur Afrina Binti Mohammad Nor

Matric Number: A188538

Date: 25/8/2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Reflecting on the four weeks at the pharmacy, I believe the objectives of this elective posting is fulfilled. I was able to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations, deepening my understanding of various medications, including their uses, side effects, and differences between brand names and generics. Tasks such as filling out the Poison C and pseudoephedrine record books further solidified my grasp of pharmaceutical regulations and dosages. Exposure to the day-to-day operations of the pharmacy, from inventory management to customer service, provided me with a holistic view of pharmaceutical practices. I observed how the pharmacy is not just a place to dispense medications but also a critical point of healthcare delivery where patient education and safety are paramount. In terms of communication, I developed the ability to interact with customers of varying backgrounds and needs. I learned to ask focused questions to gather relevant information and to communicate clearly and empathetically, especially when explaining medication use and potential side effects. This experience has significantly boosted my confidence in engaging with patients, a skill that will be invaluable as I continue my medical training.

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

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this project was the hands-on experience that allowed me to see the immediate impact of my work. Unlike theoretical learning, where the results are often abstract, working in the pharmacy provided instant feedback. When I helped a customer choose the right medication or explained how to properly use a drug, I could see their relief and gratitude, which was incredibly rewarding. I also appreciated the variety in my daily tasks. Each day brought new challenges and learning opportunities, whether it was mastering the cash register, handling stock, or consulting with customers about their health issues. This diversity kept the work engaging and ensured that I was constantly learning and applying new skills. The supportive and collaborative atmosphere at the pharmacy was another highlight. My supervisor, Miss Melissa, and my coworkers were always approachable and willing to share their knowledge. They created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, which was crucial for my learning process.

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

The most challenging aspect of the project was the pressure to make accurate decisions quickly, particularly during busy shifts. The pharmacy could get very hectic, especially during peak hours, and I had to juggle multiple tasks while ensuring that every customer received the correct medication and advice. The responsibility of handling medications, knowing that a mistake could have serious consequences was a constant source of pressure. Additionally, the sheer volume of information I needed to retain was overwhelming at times. Memorizing the location of hundreds of medications, understanding their uses, and recalling specific details about dosages and contraindications required intense focus. The need for accuracy was paramount, and I often found myself double-checking information to ensure I was providing the correct medications. Another challenge was managing the different shifts. Night shifts were particularly demanding due to the higher volume of customers, and balancing this with the need to maintain high standards of service was tough. There were times when I felt mentally and physically exhausted, but these experiences also pushed me to develop better time management and stress management strategies.

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

Several aspects of the project were highly effective in achieving the objectives. Firstly, the hands-on, experiential learning approach was instrumental in helping me develop practical skills quickly. By actively participating in tasks like dispensing medications, consulting with customers, and managing inventory, I was able to apply my academic knowledge in real-world situations. This practical application deepened my understanding of pharmacology and pharmacy operations. The structured mentorship I received from my supervisor and coworkers also worked exceptionally well. Their guidance was crucial in helping me navigate the complexities of the pharmacy environment. They provided constructive feedback and were always available to answer questions, which allowed me to continuously improve my performance. Another aspect that worked well was the opportunity to interact directly with customers. This experience was invaluable in improving my communication skills, as it required me to listen carefully, ask relevant questions, and provide clear explanations. The immediate feedback from customers whether it was a look of understanding or a follow-up question, helped me gauge the effectiveness of my communication and adjust my approach accordingly. Lastly, the variety of tasks I was given allowed me to gain a well-rounded understanding of pharmacy operations. From dispensing medications to handling payments and managing stock, each task contributed to a comprehensive learning experience that will benefit me in my future medical career.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Reflecting on my time at the pharmacy, I can identify several areas where I could have made improvements to maximize my learning experience. One of the key areas is the business side of pharmacy operations. Although I eventually gained insight into inventory management, and other business aspects, I could have been more proactive in seeking out these learning opportunities earlier in my posting. By doing so, I would have gained a more comprehensive understanding of how financial considerations and business decisions impact patient care and the overall functioning of the pharmacy. Another area for improvement was my familiarity with the pharmacy’s layout and organization. In the initial weeks, I found myself spending more time than necessary searching for medications during my shifts. Had I taken the initiative to thoroughly familiarize myself with the layout and the placement of medications from the beginning, I could have worked more efficiently, reducing delays and increasing my productivity. Additionally, while I grew more confident in interacting with customers as the weeks progressed, I recognize that I could have accelerated this growth by engaging more frequently with customers from the start. Early on, I tended to rely on observing others rather than taking the lead in customer interactions. Had I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone sooner, I would have built my communication skills and confidence more quickly, allowing me to contribute more effectively to patient care throughout the posting.

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Assalamualaikum & hi everyone!

It’s the final week! Congratulations everyone, you all deserve a pat on the back for making your project possible!

Please write, upload lots of pictures & videos in this final Padlet =)

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

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

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

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

5. What can be improved in this project?

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Gaining pharmacy experience as a medical student at Friends Pharmacy

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Gaining pharmacy experience as a medical student at Friends Pharmacy

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Thasleema Binti Shazahan

A188599

24/8/2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of this project were largely fulfilled. Throughout these four weeks, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy practice, pharmacology, and the role of pharmacists. I have engaged in various activities to gain hands-on experience that enhanced my knowledge of medication management, patient counselling, prescription validation, and the safe dispensing of medications. This experience also helped me to bridge the gap between pharmacy practice and medical training, fulfilling the primary goal of my elective posting.

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

The most enjoyable aspect of the project was the hands-on experience in patient counselling sessions and the dispensing process especially when explaining about their blood pressure, capillary blood sugar, uric acid, total cholesterol level and body composition test to the patient. These activities allowed me to directly interact with patients and pharmacists, improving my communication skills and deepening my understanding of the importance of accurate medication management. Besides that, participating in recommendation of vitamins and supplements to the customers was a new and interesting experience for me to learn. The opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and collaborate with pharmacy professionals was particularly rewarding. Moreover, learning to record about group B poison, group C poison and pseudoephedrine were interesting.

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

One of the significant challenges faced during this project was communication. Engaging in patient counselling sessions about medication, nutrients and supplements required clear and effective communication to ensure that patients fully understood their medications, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence. However, explaining complex medical terms in a way that was easily understandable to patients, especially those with limited medical knowledge, was difficult at times. Moreover, communicating with customers who know only Chinese was difficult, but I have overcome this problem with the help of my supervisor. In addition, remembering the arrangement of medication, supplements and products in the pharmacy was difficult at first because I needed to give the medication immediately once the customer asked for it. Now, I was able to show them where the product was situated in the pharmacy immediately.

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

This project was highly successful due to its structured approach, which allowed for progressive skill development throughout this elective posting. The hands-on experience, particularly in prescription validation, dispensing, and patient counselling, was invaluable in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Supervision and guidance from experienced pharmacists provided essential support, enhancing my confidence and competence. Effective patient counselling, facilitated by the use of visual aids helped overcome communication barriers, ensuring patients understood their body composition test result. The collaborative environment within the pharmacy, characterized by open communication and teamwork, enriched my learning experience. Additionally, regular reflection enabled me to consolidate my knowledge and continuously improve. The effective use of pharmacy resources and engagement with the real-world further reinforced my understanding and application of pharmacological principles, making the project a well-rounded and impactful learning experience.

5. What can be improved in this project?

To enhance the project further, a focused improvement could be made by incorporating more comprehensive training on supplement recommendations during patient counselling. Even though this project provided solid groundwork in prescription medication management, there was a noticeable gap in addressing over-the-counter supplements, which are frequently brought up by patients. Given the growing interest in supplements for various health benefits, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of their effects, potential benefits, risks, and interactions with prescribed medications. Providing structured sessions or workshops dedicated to supplement use could significantly enhance my ability to offer well-rounded, informed advice. This addition would not only improve patient outcomes by ensuring safer and more effective use of supplements but also broaden my scope of practice, enabling me to address a wider range of patient concerns and contribute more comprehensively to their overall health and well-being.

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Gaining pharmacy experience as a medical student at Friends Pharmacy

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Gaining pharmacy experience as a medical student at Friends Pharmacy

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Gaining pharmacy experience as a medical student at Friends Pharmacy

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Gaining pharmacy experience as a medical student at Friends Pharmacy

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Body composition test

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Pharmacy Attachment as a Pharmacist Assistant

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Pharmacy Attachment as a Pharmacist Assistant

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Gaining pharmacy experience as a medical student at Friends Pharmacy

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Gaining pharmacy experience as a medical student at Friends Pharmacy

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Name: Ong Jia Xuan

Matric Number: A188151

Date: 23/8/2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the project were well-fulfilled.

During the attachment, I actively participated in the pharmacy's daily operations. This provided comprehensive practical experience to me. I can enhance my understanding on patient inquiries and their needs effectively. I gained valuable insight about the administrative aspects of running a pharmacy. It is essential to follow the pharmacy's protocols and regulations to ensure accurate dispensing of medications. I consistently applied this knowledge to ensure patient safety.

I encountered various opportunities to develop my communication and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, I engaged in interactions with patients, managing inventory and handling multiple tasks efficiently. The challenges I faced required problem-solving skills, which enhanced my critical thinking skills.

I actively participated in educating patients about their medications by providing information on proper medication usage and potential side effects. This experience was essential in promoting medication adherence and ensuring patient safety.

Overall, the project successfully met its objectives by providing me with a well-rounded experience in various aspects of pharmacy practice.

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

One of the enjoyable moments is to participate in the Health Screening Programme. It was a collaborative event with Avant Health, where we offer free skin and brain health tests to our members. This programme was engaging and deeply rewarding for me.

This programme allowed me to involve directly in a community-oriented activity. I enjoyed the hands-on experience of organizing the event so much. My responsibilities included decorating the pharmacy, arranging tables and chairs, and managing the crowd and queue. These tasks enhanced my organizational skills and provided valuable insights into event planning within a healthcare setting. Several promotional activities was held such as lucky draws, buy-2-free-1 promotions, free sampling, and product introductions. Being involved in these activities was exciting as it created a lively and dynamic environment.

I also had the opportunity to assist the pharmacist in explaining blood test reports to patients. This interaction not only enhanced my knowledge of medical and health-related issues but also allowed me to contribute to patient's understanding of their health status. Besides that, I also helped to perform simple tasks like measuring blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

In a nutshell, it was fulfilling to see the positive reactions from participants and the increased engagement with our pharmacy’s products and services.

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

One of the challenges I encountered during the project was designing posters for telemarketing. This task initially presented several difficulties in aligning the design with the preferences of our target audience

As part of Gen Z, I preferred using pastel colours to design posters in an aesthetic vibe. However, I realized that our primary audiences were predominantly aged 40 and above. They preferred prominent slogans or titles and contrasted colours. My initial designs were rejected by my supervisor. Her feedback pointed out that my designs would not capture the eyesight of our target audience. Recognizing this gap was crucial. So, I researched successful designs that fulfilled the preferences of the older demographic.

This process required me to step out of my comfort zone and understand the visual needs of a different audience. By incorporating the feedback and examples I studied, I was able to design posters that suited the target audience's preferences. I changed the styles by adjusting colour schemes, font sizes, and overall layout to ensure that the posters were both eye-catching and easy to read.

Although I successfully designed posters that were better aligned with the target audience’s needs, I recognized that there was still room for improvement. I should have worked harder on understanding the preferences of different target groups and refining my design skills to produce more appealing materials in the future.

Designing posters for telemarketing was initially challenging due to differences in design preferences and age-related requirements, I am glad that I can overcome these obstacles through feedback, research, and adaptation. This experience highlighted the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of different audiences.

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was my interaction with a customer who had numerous questions about our products. The customer asked for recommendations on probiotics, multivitamins, and some organic diets. He asked for a detailed comparison of these products in terms of price, ingredients, and uses. I used nearly an entire hour to answer all his questions.

I was able to recommend products that were well-suited to his requirements. The fact that he decided to purchase most of the products I recommended indicates my recommendations were aligned with his needs and expectations.

The customer's reaction was very encouraging. He nodded his head and appeared satisfied with the answers I provided. This is a clear sign that my responses were both accurate and helpful. This positive feedback was a strong validation of my capability and knowledge.

Before leaving, the customer asked for my surname and expressed that he would be happy to see me on his next visit. After knowing that I would return to my studies at the end of this month, the customer wished me all the best and good luck. This personal touch underscored the importance of building rapport with customers. He definitely boosts my confidence to provide valuable customer service.

The interaction was a good experience that reinforced the importance of product knowledge and effective communication. It also highlighted the importance to understand customer needs thoroughly.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Reflecting on my experience, there are several areas where improvements could be done. Firstly, I found the four-week duration of the posting was quite insufficient for me to gain enough knowledge about all the products available in the pharmacy. Even though I managed to learn about many medications, I still feel that I lack understanding of other products, especially organic and natural supplements. I should have spent additional time on product learning. This would help me better in addressing customer inquiries and provide informative recommendations.

During this project, I faced challenges with problem-solving, particularly during stock-taking. For instance, resolving discrepancies in inventory monitoring was often difficult. I initially felt lost and was clueless when approaching these issues. To improve my problem-solving abilities, I need to gain more experience in inventory management and troubleshooting techniques. Observing and learning from my colleagues was helpful, but hands-on experience would be more beneficial.

I wish to increase my participation in Health Screening Programmes. I only had the chance to participate in a health screening programme at the end of the posting. This experience was enjoyable and allowed me to engage with the community directly. Participating in more health screening programmes would have provided additional hands-on experience and a greater opportunity to interact with the public. So, I truly wish to have more opportunity to participate in health screening programmes like this in the future.

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Learning how to do ABO blood group test with my supervisor

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Learning how to do ABO blood group test with my supervisor

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

I have 3 objectives for this elective posting which is to develop technical skills in batik-making, to understand cultural and historical significance and last but not least is to foster creativity and artistic expression. I can confidently say that those objectives have been fulfilled as I have acquired technique how to do Batik from the first step to the last step throughout this 4 weeks. I also continuously improving my skills by choosing difficult pattern to do Batik as the weeks goes by. From the simplest Batik design to complicated design that took a long time for me to finish. I can feel that from being nervous and chaotic in the second week for my first hands-on Batik learning, I am feeling more relax and can enjoy the process as the weeks goes by.  I have achieved the second objective which is to understand cultural and historical significance by the first week itself when my supervisor explain how Batik is made, how many types of Batik are there and seeing the Jadi Batik staffs themselves doing Batik. And lastly, the third objective, to foster creativity and artistic expression, I achieved it throughout the hands-on learning of Batik. I applied creativity in choosing suitable pattern, suitable colour for the pattern and drawing and waxing that involved artistic expression.

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

I enjoyed that I am doing something different from what I usually do. I have not done anything related to art for many years. Learning Batik is equal to me doing art again which is something that I have long forgotten. Doing art again make me realised that I have found another method to release stress. It is very relaxing doing the process. Plus, the staff is very kind and understanding. They always ready to answer my questions and teach me the correct method. Sometimes when I exceed the time given for me to finish the batik, they never scold me and just let me do it at my own pace. They said that they want me to enjoy doing Batik at it fullest. Not going to lie, doing this project with my two close friends also make the elective posting much fun. As someone who are introvert, having someone that I am close with together with me really assured me. Learning Batik together adding more memories for us in medical school. We also hype each other when we are feeling down with our either drawing, waxing or colouring. This make  the elective posting more memorable.

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

Waxing for Batik is the so far the most challenging part of the project. I have a hard time controlling the wax. I am still unsure if the wax I did is thick enough for the type of cloth that I am doing Batik on. For my first time handling wax, I had made a huge mess when I accidentally pour the wax on the table which got to my bag and adding to that some of the wax is also got to cloth that I am currently doing Batik. Thankfully it is not a lot of wax that got on the cloth so that the pattern is not really ruined. For first time handling wax, I can’t even sit down when doing waxing it is stressful. However, for the second time handling wax which is week 3, I can grasp the idea of handling wax already but still have a hard time to know if my wax is thick enough. I ask my supervisor how to know if it is thick enough since at my eyes the wax is already thick. She said I have to see underneath the cloth, if the wax can be seen underneath, thus the wax is thick enough for the colour to not seep through. And for the last week, I think my waxing work is the best through out the four weeks. At last, everything is working well.

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

Part of the project that has worked well, is me able to appreciate the Batik and learning how to do Batik. Since Jadi Batek, is also a tourist place, I met many tourists that came to learn the process of doing Batik. Seeing this, makes me thankful that Malaysia, have a place like Jadi Batek to promote our culture. It also makes me reflect to myself seeing this tourist eager to learn to do Batik to learn our culture. It makes me appreciate our Batik much more. I am so happy that I now knows how to do Batik. Together with my friends we said that we would love to come to Jadi Batek again to do Batik again since we feel like four weeks here is not enough for us. Since I can appreciate Batik, now I understand why our Batik is so expansive. Seeing the process and how the staff hand-free drawn the pattern makes the price reasonable. I am also happy whenever I post Jadi Batek on Instagram to promote Batik, many of my friends will reach me asking where is it and how much is the price. Learning our culture for youngsters like us is really important as we are the one responsible to live up our culture like Batik.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I think what should be improved in this project is choosing another medium to draw Batik. Having to learn doing Batik on three mediums only which is cotton cloth, tote bag and t-shirt feels like it is not enough. I should do another medium which is scarf. This is because the cloth is much bigger in size which is 45 x 180 cm. Thus, with much bigger medium I can explore more my creativity. Other than that, I can spend more time doing Batik since I feels like 4 weeks is not enough. Having bigger medium means more patterns need to be waxing and I feel like this can improve my waxing skills tremendously. Another thing that can be improved is, I should learn to do the fixing of Batik. I never get to experience the hands-on since my supervisor said it might be dangerous for me as it can cause tingling sensation during the process. Thus, I only observed the process. It is quite a disappointment, but I understand my supervisor concern.