World Smart Medication Day, held on 8  May 2025 by the Clinical and Translational Division of the International Union of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR), serves as an annual event to highlight and increase awareness of using drugs safely and effectively through the understanding of clinical pharmacology.

This year, the theme stems from gender differences in clinical pharmacology, which signifies the varied drug responses that can have effects based on gender, in turn determining whether the drug is safe and efficacious for the right patient.

Coincidentally, this is IMU University‘s second consecutive participation in the annual World Smart Medication Day General Poster competition.

Among the 13 participants coming from respective national pharmacology societies from different countries across the world (UK, Italy, China, Romania, Brazil, Canada, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Mexico, South Korea, Germany, Spain), Chong Zhan Xuan from ME224 rose as one of the winners of this intense competition, representing both IMU University and the Malaysian Society of Pharmacology & Physiology (MSPP) on the international stage.

I started preparing for the poster during the week of Hari Raya. In the beginning, it took me hours to draft ideas on what to include inside the poster.

After reading countless journal articles and blogs across the web, the title “One Pill Fits for All Approach Has to Stop” was created.

This title stands strongly on advocating for one pill prescribed by a physician specifically towards the patient, together with applying the 6 principles of correct prescribing.

Recognising the importance of personalising treatment to ensure patient safety is guaranteed so that they can recover quickly.

I remember that one night when I was lying on my bed, the email that mentioned I was one of the winners brought me to cloud nine immediately. This is my very first ever international competition, in which I stood out proud representing both my university and my country.

On top of that, I was also invited to present my work on World Smart Medication Day 2025 to the global plenary.

Alongside juggling many responsibilities, joining this competition deeply presents my desire towards lifelong learning and resilience towards striving for the best in whatever I do, despite the outcomes.

Reflecting on this second prize, it shows the beginning of constantly staying curious and never giving up on any challenges, which can seem gruelling and daunting. Once again, I am grateful to all parties for helping me and showing support throughout my academic journey and in this competition.

This achievement by Chong Zhan Xuan, a first-year medical student at IMU University, at the poster competition in this year’s World Smart Medication Day is a testament to the potential of how learning in academia can be meaningfully translated into real-world impact.

His decision to participate speaks volumes about his initiative, self-discipline, and commitment to the broader mission of his commitment to the best patient-centred care.

His poster, created upon a timely and important issue of gender-based prescribing, was a product of independent effort, critical reading, and creative expression. Titled “One Pill Fits For All Has to Stop,” it delivered a powerful message that challenges conventional practices in therapeutics and advocates for more thoughtful, individualised prescribing – a new perspective that reflects not only scientific maturity but also ethical awareness.

This recognition at an international level is a significant milestone not just for Zhan Xuan but for the entire IMU community. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder that even in the early years of training, students can contribute meaningfully to global conversations in healthcare. It highlights the value of curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to go beyond academic expectations.

As educators, it brings us immense satisfaction to witness our students embracing learning not just as an obligation, but as a path to meaningful contribution. Zhan’s achievement will surely inspire his fellow friends to pursue similar opportunities not merely for pursuing an achievement, but for the deeper purpose of advancing knowledge and improving the future healthcare practice.

In nurturing the next generation of safe, compassionate, and evidence-based prescribers, we celebrate milestones like this as markers of growth both for the individual and the profession.

Well done, Zhan Xuan!

Last year(2024)’s poster winner, Ms Lee Min Ci is also from the School of Medicine, IMU University.