May 3, 2025, by ZY
Experience Sharing: Summer Internship at Alpro Pharmacy
By Ms. Khalyaanii Thinagaran, 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 a two-week summer internship at Alpro Pharmacy, Neo Cyberjaya, during the summer of 2024 (Year 1 Summer).
What did it involve?
During my internship, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insights into community pharmacy practice. Mornings often began with routine tasks, such as recording fridge temperatures, verifying records in the pseudoephedrine book, and ensuring accurate documentation for Poison B and psychotropic drugs, including medications like Concerta and Ritalin.
Another critical responsibility was assisting with logistics, such as packing items for other Alpro pharmacy branches and handling e-prescriptions. Patients could consult doctors online via the Doc2Us app for minor ailments, and their e-prescriptions would be sent to their nearest Alpro pharmacy. The pharmacist or pharmacy technicians would then prepare and send the medications via Grab Express. I had the opportunity to select medications from these prescriptions, label them, and prepare them for delivery. Twice weekly, I assisted with stocking newly arrived items and organizing prescription-only and general-sale medications.
A key highlight of my internship was participating in a blood test campaign, a regular event organized by the pharmacy, where I assisted in measuring patients’ blood pressure, putting my PCAP training into practice. Additionally, I occasionally performed cholesterol and glucose tests during my internship, enhancing my practical skills and patient interaction.
This experience taught me about the pharmacy’s extensive range of services, including quit-smoking programs, pregnancy medication reviews, diabetes management, weight management, and physiotherapy services. A notable service I learned about was “PilCube”, which organizes patients’ medications into daily doses for convenience and offers home delivery or in-pharmacy collection—an essential solution for individuals managing long-term medical conditions requiring multiple medications.
I also gained exposure to the business side of pharmacy operations. I participated in product training sessions conducted by suppliers, where I learned about various products available in the pharmacy. Observing how the team promoted in-house products to meet sales targets gave me a deeper understanding of the commercial aspects of pharmacy operations.
The most remarkable aspect of my internship was witnessing the collaborative efforts of pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians, and physiotherapists, who worked together seamlessly to deliver comprehensive care and personalized advice to each patient. This experience broadened my knowledge and reinforced the importance of teamwork in delivering quality healthcare services.
What did you find interesting throughout this experience?
During my internship, I discovered two services that I found particularly interesting and unexpected from a community pharmacy. One of the most intriguing services I discovered at the pharmacy was “OncoHelp”. This service is tailored specifically to assist patients undergoing cancer treatment and is a one-stop centre that provides comprehensive support to cancer patients and their families in Malaysia. OncoHelp offers personalized care, including medication counselling, side effect management, and ensuring adherence to prescribed treatment plans. The service also helps patients navigate the complexities of their treatment journey by offering guidance on nutritional support, lifestyle adjustments, and holistic medical care for 365 days. Patients can also benefit from funding assistance, as OncoHelp helps eligible individuals find financial aid for their medications, ensuring access to affordable cancer treatments. The healthcare professionals provide guidance and emotional support to help patients and their families through every step of the cancer journey.
Another noteworthy experience during my internship was the opportunity to be educated by the pharmacist in charge of the “My PrEP Pharmacy: Accessing PrEP via Community Pharmacies” research program. This initiative focuses on providing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of HIV infection. Through my discussions with the pharmacist, I gained valuable knowledge about how this program operates, including the importance of thorough consultations to educate patients on the benefits and proper use of PrEP and the need for regular monitoring to ensure its safety and effectiveness. This experience enhanced my understanding of preventive healthcare and exposed me to the critical role community pharmacies play in addressing sensitive healthcare needs. The program reflects Alpro’s proactive efforts in promoting public health and empowering patients to take control of their well-being, particularly in reducing the risk of HIV transmission.
How did the summer internship support your learning and future career development?
The summer internship was a fantastic experience that expanded my practical knowledge and provided a deeper understanding of the multifaceted role pharmacies play in healthcare. It highlighted the importance of balancing clinical expertise with operational efficiency and patient-centred care. From specialized programs like “OncoHelp” to exploring research initiatives such as “My PrEP Pharmacy”, I gained valuable insights into addressing diverse patient needs and promoting public health. This experience reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in pharmacy, equipping me with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute effectively to patient well-being while adapting to the dynamic demands of the profession. The internship highlighted the importance of teamwork, innovation, and compassion in delivering high-quality care.
What is one take home message you obtain from this experience?
One key takeaway from this experience is the vital role that community pharmacies play in providing holistic and patient-centered care. By offering specialized services, pre-packaged medication programs, and initiatives that raise public health awareness, pharmacies extend far beyond their traditional role of dispensing medications, becoming integral pillars of community healthcare. This internship highlighted the value of collaboration among healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, dietitians, and physiotherapists, in delivering comprehensive and tailored care that meets each patient’s unique needs.
What is your advice to current or prospective students on signing up for summer internships?
My advice to current or prospective students is to make the most of internships as a chance to explore different areas of pharmacy and gain hands-on experience beyond what you learn in class. Get involved, ask questions, and take every opportunity to learn from the programs/services and people around you—it can help shape your understanding of the profession and your future goals. Internships are also a great way to build essential skills like teamwork and communication while connecting with professionals in the field. Most importantly, stay curious and open-minded—you’ll be surprised how much you can learn!
-
Post a comment
