March 27, 2025, by ZY
Experience Sharing: Summer Internship at Sarawak General Hospital
By Ms. Chai Yi Qian, who is currently a Year 2 Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) student based at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Where did you do your summer internship? How long was it?
I completed my summer internship at Sarawak General Hospital for a week.
What did it involve?
Throughout the week, I was able to shadow the pharmacists stationed across various departments which allowed me to gain new perceptions into the hospital pharmacy settings.
On the first day, I isited the Outpatient Pharmacy where I was involved in prescription accuracy checking and medication filling. Personally, I think this department was the most hectic one yet and I learnt the importance of being accurate and efficient in order to prevent long patient waiting time.
Next, I was stationed at the Inpatient Pharmacy which I found quite intriguing as I got the chance to shadow a Provisionally Registered Pharmacist (PRP) in doing ward rounds in the maternity sector. I get to observe and learn how to counsel postnatal mothers on the correct way to use Enoxaparin injections prior discharge.
Besides that, when I was stationed at the Drug Information Services department, I practiced on how to write up suspected adverse drug reaction reports along with when to give out steroid cards, allergic cards, rabies cards and vaccination cards to patients. In addition, at the Manufacturing and Repacking department, I gained hands on experience in producing 0.05% Beclomethasone ointment whereas in the Pharmacy Store Management department, I was involved in stock packing, checking and arranging.
Lastly, I visited the Sarawak Heart Centre to conduct my visit to the Nuclear Pharmacy Services department. I was fortunate to be able to enter the clean room with full PPE and had first hand experience in producing MAG3 injections for MAG3 Renogram scan patients. The entire experience was mind-opening and engaging and I learnt the importance being meticulous when handling radioactive substances.
What did you find interesting throughout this experience?
The clinical exposure that I was able to obtain whilst working in a hospital settings was amongst one of the things that I found interesting throughout this experience. I was provided an unique opportunity to see the direct impact of medications on patient care. Moreover, I was able to have direct patient interaction in terms of counselling them on the proper use of medication, and witnessing their progress was certainly rewarding.
Other than that, the chance to work alongside various healthcare professionals offers valuable insights into the collaborative nature of patient care. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the pharmacist’s role in a broader healthcare team. For instance, I get to work with housemen and nurses during my ward rounds in the maternity sectors in which I learnt that all disciplines play a huge role in optimising medication therapy.
Last of all, I was exposed to a variety of specialised areas within the hospital which was interesting. For example, the Clinical Pharmacokinetic Services, Parenteral Nutrition/Intravenous Additive Services, Daycare Pharmacy and so on. It allows me to explore niche fields within pharmacy and consider potential career paths for the future.
How did the summer internship support your learning and future career development?
This summer internship provides hands-on experience for me in a professional setting, allowing me a chance to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Besides that, this experience also help me better understand my role as a pharmacist. In terms of future career development, I was able to gain a lot of new insights into the hospital pharmacy settings which allows me to make informed decisions about my future career path.
What is one take home message you obtain from this experience?
This attachment had been a deeply rewarding experience that broadened my perspective on the role of pharmacists in healthcare. It enhanced my clinical skills, strengthened my ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, and highlighted the profound impact that pharmacists have on patient care. In addition, this experience has also further fueled my passion for pharmacy and solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in pharmacy. Last but not least, this experience emphasises that as a future pharmacist, continuous learning and staying current with the latest advancements in pharmacotherapy is a very crucial aspect. The dynamic nature of healthcare, such as constantly evolving medications, treatment protocols, and technologies, underscores the need for ongoing education. I realised that it is very important for us to always stay engaged with new research and technologies to provide the best possible care to patients.
What is your advice to current or prospective students on signing up for summer internships?
First of all, I would advise everyone to diversify your search! Look for internships in various settings, regardless if it is hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutions. This variety can help you discover your interests and strengths within the pharmacy field. Asides that, it is also fairly important to tailor your applications accordingly. Try to highlight relevant coursework, skills, and experiences that align with the specific role you’re applying for. Finally, be prepared to learn. Approach the internship with a mindset of learning and be proactive in asking questions and seeking feedback. The more you engage, the more you’ll benefit from the experience! Happy interning!
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