March 13, 2020, by Mei Kee Lee
Alumni Testimonial: Dr Lee Mei Kee (2019)
Brief introduction
I can say without exaggeration that almost one third of my life was spent in the UoN (Malaysia and UK campus) so far! It is the ‘altruistic’ and ‘typical’ reasons that made me wanted to become a pharmacist– the intention to help others, the job trend a decade ago (pharmacy graduates were among top earners in Malaysia), and the sense of professionalism.
I started 2+2 MPharm degree in 2007 and upon graduation in 2011, I undertook pre-registration training in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang in which I rotated through different pharmacy departments such as the Outpatient, Inpatient, Admission & Emergency (A&E), wards, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) and Drug Information Centre (DIS). I deem myself fortunate to have worked in one of the busiest hospitals in the country – it was challenging, but also enriching as I have learned from and worked with some of the best pharmacists in the country.
Shortly after qualifying as a pharmacist, I was posted to Hospital Kuala Lumpur, in which I worked in the Outpatient Pharmacy for another two years before pursuing a PhD in UNM under the supervision of Prof Ting KN. The decision to resign from a permanent government job and to embark upon postgraduate study in my alma mater was based on the confidence for its high education quality; until today, I never regret it.
While undertaking PhD work, I was also a research assistant doing lab demonstrations at the Department of Biomedical Sciences as well as conducting workshops at the School of Pharmacy. Four years of PhD training have passed in the blink of an eye. After the submission of thesis and while awaiting viva, I worked as a contract-based Teaching Practitioner at the School of Pharmacy. 2019 is a fruitful year to me. I passed my viva and graduated earlier this year, and I am delighted to start my new job as an Assistant Professor at UNM’s School of Pharmacy in June. I really look forward to be a part of the team.
Memorable moment(s) doing 2+2 MPharm
Undeniably the two years spent in UK have been everything I have imagined and more. Immersing in a foreign culture and making friends from different countries have truly broadened my horizon and made me see the world in a more open-minded way. I enjoy to be independent in all aspects of my life, including cooking my own meals (trust me this was one of the greatest challenge to me LOL), not without support from my fellow course mates and the wonderfully helpful lecturers. My Malaysian friends and I beat the homesickness by celebrating Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Winter Solstice in UK together – oh that brought so much joy and good memories. Last but not the least, some of my most treasured memories while studying abroad was the wonderful traveling experience to European countries (which was also one of my reasons for choosing 2+2 MPharm LOL).
Tips for Year 1 students
Some students might think that Year 1 is a honeymoon year, but my advice is that great oaks from little acorns grow. Year 1 is where you should build a solid intellectual foundation of knowledge and skills to make progress through the MPharm degree. When you go to university, get ready for an education without spoonfeeding. Students are therefore expected to take initiative in learning and developing inquiring minds. So, do not hesitate to approach the lecturers if you ever need help in the lectures or any other aspects in your study (we do not bite!) Hope you enjoy your study with us!
The School of Pharmacy, UNM is proud of Dr Lee who has completed the grand full circle from caterpillar to becoming a beautiful butterfly (undergraduate, pharmacist, PhD candidate and now a lecturer at the school).
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