These are the words that have inspired me the most to excel in my chosen path……
“Focus on what lights a fire inside of you and use that passion to fill a white space. Don’t be afraid of the challenges, the missteps, and the setbacks along the way. What matters is that you keep going” – Kendra Scott
Who Am I?
I am Sri YogaPrita Gunasegran, currently in the fourth semester of the second year of the Master in Pharmacy Practice (MPP) programme at IMU. My area of focus is Social and Administrative Pharmacy, and I am studying part-time.
In 2014, I completed my undergraduate studies in pharmacy at Asian Metropolitan University in collaboration with La Trobe University. I have been employed as a pharmacist at Hospital Kuala Lumpur for nine years.
The Fire Inside Me to Pursue a Master's Degree and IMU’s MPP
I have always had the desire to continue my master’s programme in pharmacy, but balancing work and studies has been challenging. I often wondered if I would be able to pursue my dream of furthering my education. However, I am grateful that I discovered IMU at an education fair in 2021 and researched it online.
The flexibility of the MPP programme, as explained by the Programme Director, was the most attractive aspect to me. The programme offers part-time and full-time modes, flexible study hours, and the ability to choose modules each semester. Additionally, the programme is divided into four streams, allowing me to select one that aligns with my current work in the field.
This made me choose the MPP programme at IMU as my first choice because of its online teaching method and flexible schedule, which allowed me to balance both work and study commitments. The stream I selected, Social and Administrative Pharmacy, is especially beneficial for my current role in developing the Pharmacy Department, where I work as a Methadone Outpatient Pharmacist.
What Did I Learn?
Through the study of research methodology, I have gained knowledge regarding various aspects of research, including theoretical, ethical, and methodological perspectives, as well as the processes associated with research activities related to various fields within the medical and health sciences departments. Subjects based on evidence-based practice provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary for the quality use of medications, including their safety, efficacy, acceptability in the care of individual patients, application in evidence-based practice, and pharmacovigilance.
The subject of social pharmacy teaches me to study the role of medicines, patients, and pharmacists from the perspective of the principles, methodologies, and theories of the social and behavioral sciences, as well as their application to pharmacy practice in the promotion of medication utilisation and management, as well as patients’ health and illness.
Additionally, the research proposal I am currently putting together teaches me how to apply for a grant, search for literature reviews, put together a research proposal, and develop a methodology to carry out a research project. By conducting a critical analysis of a variety of literature pertinent to my chosen topic, I am provided with the opportunity to develop research questions.
All significant submission dates were discussed and communicated to students at the beginning of the semester, making deadlines, assignments, and tests very manageable. The ability to plan and schedule our work, group meetings, and assignment submission dates has been tremendously helpful to everyone in the postgraduate programme.
The lecturers at IMU are extremely helpful, regularly checking in with us to ensure we are keeping up with our studies and homework. Communication is maintained through WhatsApp, TEAMS meetings, and group emails to ensure everyone is kept up to date. The concentrated effort of the lecturers, along with their words of wisdom and encouragement, serves to keep us inspired during these challenging times.
I firmly believe that the knowledge and abilities gained through the Master in Pharmacy Practice (MPP) programme will enable me to become a well-rounded future pharmacist with a set of competencies that are both desirable and necessary. By increasing my understanding of the various pharmacy services available in Malaysia, the MPP programme will contribute to the long-term improvement of society’s health and well-being.
My Advice to the Employed and Budding Pharmacists
Managing work and studies simultaneously can be a challenging task, but it is definitely achievable. Juggling a full-time job with part-time studies may feel overwhelming at times, but the work experience gained can actually enhance academic performance.
To successfully manage both responsibilities, effective time management is essential. By creating a structured schedule and prioritising tasks, burnout can be avoided. Seeking support from friends, family, or mentors can also offer valuable guidance and encouragement. Though it may be tough, the benefits of completing both work and studies are significant, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful future.
Written by Sri YogaPrita Gunasegran
Reviewed by Dr Palanisamy Sivanandy
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