Yip Lin Fong, graduated with a distinction (equivalent to First Class) in her Pharmacy degree from University of Otago, New Zealand (NZ). She joined IMU, Malaysia in July, 2009 and studied the first two years of her pharmacy degree at the University. She then transferred to University of Otago in February 2012 to complete her degree in pharmacy. 
Upon completion of her degree, she started her internship in a community pharmacy in Christchurch. Lin Fong explains, “It was tough yet fruitful. Aside from 40 hours per week of work, I had to do lots of studying, assignments and preparations for examinations in order to fulfill the requirements set up by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand and the Pharmaceutical Society of NZ (PSNZ). My work and study were carried out under direct supervision of my preceptor, pharmacy manager and other friendly staff.” 
“In those 18 months, I learnt a lot and gained lots of soft skills. It was tough as work life is never the same as university life. For me, it was a steep learning curve as I faced many obstacles. But I was fortunate and grateful to have lots of people around to guide me and support me, especially from my workplace. PSNZ who developed the internship programme, helped us greatly in preparing ourselves so that we will be fully equipped and mentally ready to become a registered pharmacist”. After obtaining her registration in 2015, she started working as a sole-charged pharmacist in Oamaru, 120km north of Dunedin. Speaking about her job in Oamaru, Lin Fong said, “It is very challenging to be the only pharmacist working in the pharmacy due to my short work history prior to this employment. However, it is extremely great to work with other experienced staff members to take care of the community. With the help of these other staff members, I am able to liaise with the prescribers, staff members and also the wholesaler to ensure safe and cost-effective supply of medicine to those in need.”
“People in this rural town are extremely friendly. They show a lot of appreciation when you do your best to help them manage their health better and get the best out of their medicine. This keeps motivating me to continue my job as a community pharmacist here.”
Find out about Lin Fong’s experience studying at IMU and University of Otago in this article: Malaysian Pharmacy Student Excels at University of Otago
