You are now in 3rd week of your EP journey! Good job on your progress so far!

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1. Your name, matric number, date

2. Your progress so far

3. Your feelings and thoughts

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

Name: Siti Hamizah Binti Mohd Ashar

Matric number: A188116

Date: 16/8/2024

2. Your progress so far

After my first experience of hands-on Batik on second week, for the third week I am familiarising myself more with Batik which I am doing Batik hands-on on tote bag. Jadi Batek definitely felt more familiarised after being her for three weeks. I am also much comfortable with my supervisor and Jadi Batek staffs. Just like last week, the session started with me choosing suitable pattern for me to drawn on my tote bag. I has chosen ‘Bunga Raya’ for my second pattern on Batik. This is because I think Bunga raya and Batik goes well together. The difference between this week and last week is, now my supervisor and Jadi Batek staff are more like monitor me and point me if my technique is wrong and they help me if I am asking them guidance. They no longer demonstrate me the technique. For Batik on tote bag I learnt as I am doing it I realized, it is much easier to drawn (waxing) compared to cotton cloth as the material is much thicker and plus point I have come to understand how to control the wax. Difference type of dye is also used, as the dye used on tote bag is called permanent dye. This is because if the same type of dye is used the colour come out will not be prettier based on what Jadi Batek staffs told me. Colouring on the tote bag has similar feeling as colouring on drawing canvas. I also learnt that the fixing steps is different for tote bag due to different types of dye is used, no sodium silicate or soda ash is needed. Soaking the tote bag inside warm water with detergent is enough to remove the wax and the process won’t affect the colour.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I am feeling much relax compared to the last two weeks. This is because I am much close and comfortable with Jadi Batek staffs. Other than that, I can confidently say that I know how to control the wax. I also discovered the tips and tricks myself to ensure that the wax is not too thick and thin. Adding to that, I felt really relax during the colouring process. If during the second week I am stress that the colour is hard to produce but for this week I am calmer, and it makes me reminiscence back when I am in colouring class. I also feel excited for the next class.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

Multiple times of decision making is required in making Batik. For example, I must decide which pattern of Batik is suitable for amateur like me. I must know which pattern that are suitable for my level. If I chose pattern are difficult, I might ruined the pattern during waxing. Thus, the reason why I chose flowers for both second and third week since flowers doesn’t require the line to be straight. I also tend to choose simpler pattern for both week as I am still not able to grasp the waxing technique. But after the third week, I think for the last week of elective posting I will choose a difficult pattern as I am able to grasp the technique now. Thus, a little imperfection is acceptable. Other than that, as making Batik is full with arts, I also need to decide which colour need to be used. This is because if I chose wrong colour it might causes the pattern to feel crowded and not as prettier. I decide the colour by wrote the colour first on my ipad where the original pattern is. So from there I can visualised it before I coloured it on the cloth. I also refer to Pinterest to seek idea of colour that suitable for it.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

I usually spent my time before class to search a pattern that I would like to draw for my next class. I usually use Pinterest to find idea. I usually find the pattern that are close with my personality and something that I like. I always imagine if I chose the pattern will I like it to wear it in public. After that I will show the pattern that I have chosen with a little bit add on of my idea to my supervisor. With her advise I will alter the design which will be more suitable for me and Batik itself. After class I usually will reflect how I did on that day and reflect what I should improve on the next session.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

For the last week of elective posting, I have to do from the first part of doing Batik till the end which is choosing pattern, applying wax, drawing and colouring on my own. At the end of it my supervisor will give comment on my Batik. After that, I will also help Jadi Batek to promote Batik on my social media which also will promote Batik to the others. The goal of my fourth week is master the arts of Batik and promote Batik on social media so that Batik can gain more appreciation in Malaysia. It will also help promoting Jadi Batek, thus anyone that are interested in learning Batik can come to Jadi Batek.

2. Your progress so far

   I learned about the variety of painkillers available at the pharmacy. This includes the types, the ingredients or components, the dosage, and the different brands available. I also gained a lot of knowledge on medications for diarrhea and constipation. Working at the pharmacy also helped me revise back all of my knowledge along my academic journey so far. For example, I recalled back about the different types of oral contraceptive pills. I learned about the different brands that we have in the market and the different ingredients in each brand. I also learned about the possible side effects that customers might experience after using oral contraceptive pills.

   
   

   Other than that, I can also handle the cash register with more at ease now. I used to be very slow during my early days of handling the cash register. However, I believe that it’s a good thing that I went slow because I might make mistakes if I do it in a rush. I need to be very careful while handling the cash register to make sure that I receive and enter the right amount of money given by the customers and also give back the right amount of balance to the customers. I also learned how to handle other types of payment methods such as using cards and QR Pay. I need to ensure accuracy when handling customer payments, as we need to tally the sales through cash, cards, and QR Pay.

   
   

   During one of my working days in third week, I was being tasked to receive new incoming stock because there were only 2 staff working in morning shift. Upon receiving the new stock, I need to check if the stock quantity that we obtain is the same as what is stated in the invoice. I will need to leave my company stamp and put my name as receiver on the invoice for future reference of the pharmacy. After done with all of these processes, I will arrange the stock on the racks and cabinets.

3. Your feelings & thoughts

   This hands-on experience at the pharmacy has made me appreciate the importance of pharmacists in the healthcare system, especially in terms of patient education and ensuring the safe use of medications. I now understand how critical it is for pharmacists to be well-informed and approachable, as they are often the first point of contact for patients seeking advice on medication-related issues.

   
   

   I’ve also realized the ethical responsibility that comes with dispensing medications and the importance of accuracy and diligence in every aspect of the job. Witnessing the professionalism required in handling sensitive patient information and ensuring the correct medication is provided has deepened my respect for the role and reinforced the need for integrity in healthcare.

   
   

   I’ve also come to understand that mastering all aspects of the job—including dispensing medications, handling the cash register, and managing stock—is crucial to ensuring the smooth operation of the pharmacy. Each of these tasks, though seemingly routine, plays a vital role in maintaining efficiency and accuracy in daily operations. For instance, accurate stock management can prevent shortages. Similarly, proficiency in handling the cash register and various payment methods is essential to provide a seamless experience for customers, reflecting the professionalism of the pharmacy.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

   Throughout three weeks of my elective posting at the pharmacy, I encountered a lot of situation where I can learn about decision-making. One of the key areas where I applied these skills was in assessing customers' needs when they came to purchase medication. I quickly learned that taking a brief but thorough history of their health concerns is crucial. This process involved asking the right questions to understand their symptoms, any existing medical conditions, and any other medications they might be taking. Based on this information, I had to make informed decisions about which medication would be most appropriate for their condition. In addition to selecting the most suitable medication, I also had to determine the correct dosage. This required a careful balance, as the dosage needed to be effective without causing harm—neither too low to be ineffective nor too high to pose risks. Some medications required precise calculations using formulas to determine the appropriate dosage, which added another layer of complexity to the decision-making process. In these situations, I had to decide which formula to use and ensure that my calculations were accurate. This experience has significantly enhanced my ability to make critical decisions under pressure, a skill that I know will be essential in my future medical practice.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

   There are two shift for my attachment at the pharmacy which are morning shift (AM shift) and night shift (PM shift). From my observation, the pharmacy is a lot busier at night compared to morning. This difference in activity levels meant that I had more free time during my morning shifts. Instead of letting this time go to waste, I tried to use it productively. Whenever there were no customers, I would engage in self-directed learning, either by reading pamphlets available in the pharmacy or by doing some reading online. This allowed me to deepen my understanding of various medications.

   
   

   Initially, I found it challenging to balance the various tasks I was responsible for during my shifts. However, this challenge became an opportunity for growth as it pushed me to develop better multitasking and time management skills. I learned to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, ensuring that critical tasks were completed efficiently without compromising the quality of my work. Overcoming these obstacles has made me more resilient and adaptable, qualities that I believe will be invaluable in my future medical career. This experience has taught me the importance of time management in a healthcare setting, where the ability to manage time effectively can directly impact patient care and outcomes.

6. Your plan for next week (week 4)

   I plan to do a lot more hands-on activities such as taking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar measurements. Besides, I aim to gain more knowledge about another medications that I have not encounter before. I also aim to smoothen my skills in dispensing medications and labeling them correctly for the customers.

Name: Ong Jia Xuan

Matric Number: A188151

Date: 17/8/2024

2. Your progress so far

This week, I had the opportunity to attend a product training session hosted by Avant Health. Given that we’re running a Buy 2 Get 1 Free promotion on all Avant Health products, a comprehensive briefing and product demonstration was conducted for the staff. During the session, I learned about a new tocotrienol formula, an advanced Vitamin E variant designed to enhance the absorption rate of Vitamin E in the body. This training has provided me with valuable insights into the products, boosting my confidence in promoting them to our customers.

In addition to the training, I was assigned stock-taking duties this week. This involves ensuring that all items are in good condition and that their quantities are tally with the system. I am responsible for checking the expiry dates of products and updating their information in the POS system. This task can be quite exhausting due to the large volume of over-the-counter items I need to review. When discrepancies arise, I must investigate and determine the cause of the mismatch.

Furthermore, managing supplier promotions is part of my role. We act as intermediaries between the customers and suppliers, and I need to complete redemption forms to claim free gifts or vouchers. For example, I recently coordinated with a salesperson from TG Ocean to secure a complimentary item for our customers. At the same time, it is essential to maintain clear communication with customers about the status of their free gifts.

Lastly, prices for some items can fluctuate, so it's crucial for us in the retail department to keep price tags updated. Although I initially found labeling is very challenging as a newcomer to the pharmacy, I have now become more proficient and quicker in handling this task independently.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

This week has been a blend of excitement and challenge. Attending the product training session from Avant Health was particularly rewarding. I felt a sense of accomplishment learning about the products and this knowledge also boosted my confidence in promoting them to our customers. The sheer volume of work is very overwhelming. Especially when discrepancies arise during stock-take and I have to troubleshoot where things went wrong. Updating price tags has been another area of growth for me. Initially, it felt like a daunting task, but I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my speed and accuracy.

Overall, this week has been demanding, but it was filled with opportunities for growth and learning. I’m looking forward to applying these insights and continuing to improve in the future.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

During my Elective Posting journey, I encountered a range of situations requiring prompt and effective decision-making. From handling customer inquiries and managing stock levels, each scenario provided a unique challenge. This exposure helped me understand the importance of considering various factors before making a decision. I enjoyed learning from my supervisor, Ms Tan. By observing her decision-making processes, I was enlightened by numerous valuable insights.

I learned to break down complex situations into manageable components. For instance, when I encountered inventory discrepancies, I practiced assessing the root cause and evaluating available solutions. This helped me to make more effective decisions.

After making decisions, I took time to reflect on the outcomes. Analysing what worked well and what didn’t help me learn from each experience. I also realized that effective decision-making often involves clear communication with colleagues and customers. This reflection allowed me to adjust my decision-making strategies and improve my ability to handle similar situations in the future.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

Managing time effectively during my Elective Posting journey is very important. I will set priorities at the start of each day; I make a list of tasks based on their urgency and importance. Prioritizing tasks helped me focus on high-impact activities first, such as serving customers will come before any training session. I will use the time after work to read about the dispensing guidelines and product details.

I also utilized tools like digital calendars to keep track of the deadlines, and reminders. These tools helped me stay organized and ensured that I didn’t overlook important tasks or events. By allocating specific times for different activities, I was able to manage my workload more efficiently and avoid last-minute rushes.

Unexpected tasks and changes in priorities were common. The dynamic nature as a pharmacist assistant requires me to remain flexible and adapt my schedule as needed. Staying adaptable is essential as my schedule will always change according to customers’ arrival.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

I wish to take part in health screening programmes and help to perform simple tasks like measuring blood pressure or performing blood glucose tests.

Since we have Merdeka sales this month, I hope to participate in some marketing tasks like designing posters or flyers, and telemarketing by calling or messaging customers about the promotion we have.

2. Your progress so far

This week marked my third week at the pharmacy, and I am becoming more comfortable with the day-to-day operations. I focused on increasing my independence in the pharmacy, particularly in filling prescriptions. My efforts to improve efficiency have started to show results as I can now complete prescriptions more swiftly while maintaining accuracy. I also took the initiative to organize my tasks better like preparing paper bags and stocking up medications during non peak hours. This helped me stay on top of the workload during busy times. Another significant achievement this week was the improvement in my communication skills, especially when dealing with complex patient queries. I was able to understand more common terms used like senggugut. I was also more aware of what questions to ask when a customer wanted me to suggest a medication. Asking appropriate questions allowed me to address the customer's concern and help them get the best medication.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I feel a growing sense of confidence in my ability to perform my duties at the pharmacy. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed by the fast-paced environment and the sheer amount of information I needed to absorb. However, as the weeks progress, I am finding that I am able to keep up with the workload. I felt more confident in my ability to contribute independently and make decisions in a busy environment. Handling complex patient queries was initially daunting, but as I practiced active listening and asking clarifying questions, I found that I could communicate more effectively. Overall, I feel a growing sense of accomplishment and am motivated to continue building on this progress

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

Decision-making has been a crucial skill that I have worked on during my internship. This week, I was faced with several situations that required me to make quick and informed decisions. For example, I encountered a patient who is on warfarin came in looking for medication to relieve his joint pain. He asked for ibuprofen as it was suggested by his friend who also has similar symptoms. I know when handling a prescription that had potential drug interactions, I had to decide whether to consult the pharmacist immediately or look up additional information before proceeding. In this case, I chose to consult the pharmacist, ensuring patient safety while also gaining valuable insights. I’ve learned that in a pharmacy setting, it’s important to balance efficiency with caution, and making decisions often involves consulting with more experienced colleagues.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

Managing my time effectively has been essential to maintaining productivity and ensuring that I meet the pharmacy’s expectations. I have been keeping a daily log of tasks and allocating specific time slots for each activity, such as inventory management, patient consultation, and learning sessions with the pharmacist. This approach has helped me stay organized and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Additionally, I have learned to manage my breaks effectively to maintain focus throughout the day.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

For Week 4, my plan is to continue refining my prescription processing skills, aiming for even greater efficiency while ensuring patient safety. I also intend to take a more active role in patient counseling, especially for those with chronic conditions. I also hope that I would be able to participate in the health screening program that is scheduled to take place next week. I will continue to work on my communication skills, focusing on delivering clear and concise information to patients. Additionally, I plan to gain more experience in inventory management, particularly in the ordering and restocking processes, to broaden my understanding of the pharmacy’s operations.

Thasleema Binti Shazahan

  A188599

  17/8/2024

2. Your progress so far

I have begun practicing the interpretation and validation of prescriptions under my supervisor's supervision. There are few aspects that need to be considered when interpreting and validating prescriptions which are the patient’s name, identification card and address, doctor’s name, chop and clinic address as well as the medication’s name, dose, strength, duration and interaction between medications. The date of the prescription also must be checked to ensure the validity of the prescription. If the pharmacist finds any problems in the prescription, they will contact the doctor immediately. This is essential for safe and effective patient care. Besides that, I have also participated in patient counselling by explaining medication use and so on. Furthermore, I have been checking patient’s blood pressure, capillary blood sugar, total cholesterol and uric acid level as well as body composition tests. This body composition test will reveal percentage of muscle mass, fat mass, body fat as well as visceral fat in the body. I will also explain to the customers the results of the test and advise them on how to control food intake by using Malaysian Healthy Plate. Moreover, I also have been assisting in labelling medications, as well as checking the expiry date of medication before arranging them. These activities are helping me build a solid foundation in medication safety and effectiveness.Overall, I am making steady progress in this Week 3 objectives. I am actively engaging in each task, and the hands-on experience is helping me develop the skills needed to prescribe and dispense medication safely and effectively. 

3. Your feelings and thoughts 

I felt a mix of emotions to do these responsibilities. On one hand, I felt a sense of accomplishment and confidence as I gained hands-on experience and saw the direct impact of working on patient care. Successfully interpreting prescriptions, engaging in patient counselling, and conducting health tests are significant milestones, and they are bringing a sense of satisfaction and pride in my growing expertise.

On the other hand, I feel a sense of responsibility. Ensuring prescription accuracy, evaluating health indicators, and communicating complex information to patients is difficult. This may cause times of doubt or pressure, particularly when dealing with complex problems and when making decisions in real-time.

Overall, these experiences are likely reinforcing my commitment to my professional growth. I am realizing the importance of pharmacists’ role is in ensuring patient safety and effective care, which can be both motivating and rewarding.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

In this journey, I have learned decision-making skills from my supervisor by closely observing and engaging in the practical aspects of prescription validation and patient care under my supervisor's guidance. Each step, from verifying patient details and prescription validity to interpreting health results and ensuring medication safety, involves critical decision-making. By considering all necessary aspects such as dosage accuracy, potential drug interactions, and the timeliness of the prescription, I have developed a systematic approach to making informed decisions. Additionally, my involvement in patient counselling and explaining test results has further increased my ability to assess situations and communicate effectively, ensuring that my decisions lead to safe and effective patient outcomes. Through this process, I am not only applying learned knowledge but also refining my ability to think critically and act decisively in real-world scenarios. Besides that, giving out over the counter medication and products also need the skill of decision making to ensure the products that I give to them is best for them. For example, if the patient needs antihistamine I need to decide whether to give antihistamine that causes drowsiness or not according to the patients’ preference. 

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey? 

I am doing my duty from 8.30 am to 5 pm every week for 5 days. I have managed my time throughout the elective posting journey by prioritising tasks based on learning objectives. By setting clear goals for each week, I will make sure all my objectives are reached by the end of my elective posting. Week 1, I was focusing on introduction, roles and responsibility of pharmacists and the layout of pharmacy and storage of medication. Week 2 is mainly about understanding different groups of poison. Week 3, I was  focusing on prescription validation, patient counselling, and health assessments. Week 4 is mainly about reflecting on my performance in pharmacy. 

For time management each day, I will prepare myself by making myself familiar with the arrangements of medication and products. Then, I will check blood pressure, capillary blood sugar, total cholesterol, uric acid level and body composition test as well as be involved in patient counselling. I will also do packaging of products and check stocks. By the end of the day, I will reflect on my performance and also think of ways to improve my performance. 

Additionally, I had to be flexible to adjust my schedule as needed to accommodate unexpected challenges. This approach has allowed me to efficiently allocate time to both learning and practical application, ensuring that I make the most of my elective posting experience.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

In Week 4, I will focus on reflecting on my experiences during the elective posting. I will write a comprehensive reflection that will highlight how this experience has deepened my understanding of pharmacy practice. This reflective writing will allow me to analyse and articulate the skills and knowledge I have gained, as well as how these insights can be applied in my future medical practice.

Additionally, I will design and create an e-poster that summarises my elective posting experience. The e-poster will serve as a visual representation of my journey, showcasing the key takeaways and the integration of pharmacy practice into my overall medical education. This process will help me consolidate my learning and provide a meaningful conclusion to this elective posting.

Sharifah Mirzawidad binti Syed Mokhsain

A188643

18/8/2024

2. Your progress so far

My progress this week is that I fully handle all the customer that come for health check-up as well as dispensing medication to those who want to purchase it. There were quite a number of customers who come for it, and I had to perform everything as quickly but as careful as possible since I wouldn’t want to risk pricking the patient too hard on their finger and hurting them in the process or breaking the sterility. Fortunately, all of them are very friendly and understanding so it eases plenty of my nervousness. From what I discover through my supervisor and the conversation that I had with them, some of them are regular customer who came here for monthly check up because according to them, it is faster than doing it in Klinik Kesihatan. Therefore, they recognise me as the new worker, and I am glad they fully believe me and was not being too hard on me to carry out the tests. The common health screening that they want is to know their blood pressure, glucose level, and cholesterol level but there are some of them who requested for uric acid level and blood type too. Fortunately, we use the automatic blood pressure machine, so it saves a lot of time, but the tricky part is that I had to make sure they did not move or talk during the measurement taking since we do not want to repeat it when there is error or signal interference. I also learned that some of the device has a multifunction where it can be used to check for all different types of blood level. This saves their money as they don’t have to buy three different devices which could be more expensive but the disadvantages of it is that it requires different strips, hence by the time you finish measuring glucose level and you want to check for uric acid level next for example, the blood might already clot by then. Nevertheless, I think I have surely become more confident and skilled in helping customers during their health check-ups.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

My understanding level about the various health check-up procedures and the associated medications or treatments has probably deepened. Therefore, I am incredibly grateful for all the knowledge and experience I have received and very much hope I would remember them as long as I can. I have also noticed that I can now answer customer queries more confidently as I have become more comfortable and efficient in engaging with them. For example, when they ask about the importance of the test and when some of them are very worried of what the level of each blood test could be telling them, it feels so good to be able to answer all their questions, reassure, and educate them with all the knowledge that I have gained. Even though I do realise that I am bearing high responsibility in getting the right medications for them, prompting for a thorough history taking is always a way for me to handle it. Taking some time interacting with one patient is always better than giving out wrong medications and risking patient safety.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

 I learn the skill of decision making via my exposure to real life scenarios during my day-to-day attachment at the pharmacy. During interacting with the patients and carrying out all those health check-up tests, I was always in the situation where I had to be competent enough to make a quick but correct decision. I encountered many patients with different background and different health conditions. Therefore, I had to prioritize and think critically about their actual needs of the medication. For example, there was this one customer who wanted to buy sensitamine (chlorpheniramine) for his runny nose and were very persistent to get those exact medications since it was suggested by his family members as it treat them very well according to him.However, when I ask for further questions, he said he was driving somewhere far, and I strongly tried my best to convince him to get the ezede (loratadine) instead. This is because the side effects of chlorpheniramine is sedative hence it makes you sleepy and this is extremely dangerous for him. After a few times, he reluctantly agreed to it, and I could not be more grateful that I managed to make him well informed about his treatment options. I do not think I would be able to continue working peacefully the entire day if I had prescribed him the chlorpeniramine knowing it might risk his safety even if that was the medication that he firmly requested for. This is where I learned and applied my decision-making skill when I decided to prompt for thorough history taking rather than just prescribing him and selling out the medication that he asked just for the sake of gaining profit. Another time is when I had to quickly think and make decisions about alternatives treatmens for customers who wanted medications that were out of stock. This experience allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations and helped me become more competent in making informed, patient-centered decisions.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

 I managed my time by making a joblist and planning my day ahead, prioritizing activities based on urgency and importance. For example, I always make sure that the first thing I did when I arrived at the pharmacy is to sweep the floor and clean some dirty areas. After confirming the hygiene of the place has been taken care of, I can now quickly move on to my next task without worry. I made sure I developed a routine to streamline my workflow so my day would be smooth. Without wasting my free time when there is no customer, I packed all the medications and restocking them into the cupboard as much and as fast as I can so it would not run out and caused me trouble when I had to reach for them during peak hours.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

My plan is to continue handling all health check-up tests with better efficiency. I would also like to be involved in observing and participate in conversations with sales representative who came to promote their products from their company to be sell under our pharmacy. I also plan to have more teaching sessions with my supervisor since it is going to be my last week of attachment there.

Matric number: A188557

Date: 17/8/2024

2. Your progress so far

I am enjoying this job more each week. Alhamdulillah, this week I did everything on my own. When I asked the pharmacist if I could prescribe a certain medication, she agreed with my choice. I have noticed that I am becoming more confident in making decisions. I also experienced my second night shift this week. It was bearable, as I am making positive progress. During closing, I also balanced the cash register entirely on my own. I observed my senior last week, and this week I challenged myself to do it alone. The first two weeks were focused on learning and getting familiriased to the responsibilities. However, week 3 has been about applying all those skills and refining my routine.

Over the past two weeks, my supervisor has been overseeing my health check ups, like blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol checks, and this week, she trusted me to handle all of them independently. The customers are usually elderly, and they are very kind and understanding. One time, a customer complained of blurred vision for five days. She came to check her glucose level as she has a family history of diabetes, and as I expected, her result was over 15mmol/L. I did my part as a medical student by advising her to visit Klinik Kesihatan for a doctor’s consultation. I also explained the importance of portion control in her diet and the complications of diabetes. I’m so happy to help her, even though it’s a small thing.

To summarize my third week, I can say I am becoming more independent, and the weekly routine has been smoother. I also started filming footage for my video presentation.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I cannot believe how much I am enjoying my elective posting. Initially, I was nervous about my choice, but now I am so relieved that I made the right decision. After nearly three months of break, I was worried that I had forgotten some of the common medications, but working here has pushed me to study, and it is all coming back to me. I am also incredibly happy to have made friends with my colleagues. Even though they are older than me, they have been so kind and have shared so much about their experiences working in retail. It has been a great learning opportunity, and I feel like I am growing both professionally and personally.

Now that my time here is coming to an end, I am sad about leaving the pharmacy. I have gotten so used to the routine and the people here that it is going to be hard to say goodbye.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

Working in pbarmacy, decision making is crucial. For example, when deciding which antihistamine to prescribe, I have to choose between a drowsy or non drowsy option based on the customer’s preference. I also consider any underlying health conditions they might have, which could make one medication more suitable than another. This all ties back to what I have learned in my pre clinical years.

During my elective posting, I have been able to apply this knowledge daily. It is about making informed choices that balance medical facts with the individual’s situation. For example, if a customer has hypertension, I need to be cautious about recommending medications that could worsen their condition.

Every decision is like solving a puzzle, and it is satisfying to see how my theoretical knowledge is useful in real life scenarios. I am learning to make these decisions with more precision. I hope that the skills I am developing now will be valuable for my future career as a doctor. This experience is definitely helping me build a strong foundation for making informed decisions in a clinical setting.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

Initially, managing my time throughout this elective posting has been quite challenging, as I am also taking driving classes at the same time. Hence, it is important for me to avoid any scheduling conflicts. To handle this, I’ve been arranging my days in advance. Since my morning shift starts at 9 am, I usually wake up at 6.30 am to ensure I get enough sleep. I usually iron my clothes and pack my bag the night before, so I won’t be rushing in the morning.

Although managing my time has not been a major issue, I do feel a bit tired from the back to back driving classes and work. Before the elective posting started, I planned my schedule carefully. I had have elective posting on some days, rest the next day, and then have driving classes on the following day. This routine has worked well for me and has kept things clear for both my supervisor and driving instructor.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

• Master the 4th module and complete the online quiz.

• Have my video presentation 70% done.

• Complete the supervisor evaluation form.

• Know how to do customer membership registration and contact another outlet manager