From 17 to 28 March 2025, five of us (Annie Ling Hsiang Lan, Bernice Chan Wen Jing, Chee Yi Shuen, Poo Kar Mei and Wee Hooi Yee), Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) students from IMU, had the privilege of participating in an elective placement programme at the University of Newcastle, Australia. This two-week immersion programme provided a valuable opportunity to observe and experience pharmacy practice in both academic and clinical settings, broadening our global perspective on the pharmacy profession.

Our journey began with a warm welcome from A/Prof Ian Heslop and the academic team at the Callaghan campus. We were introduced to the University of Newcastle Association of Pharmacy Students and given a guided campus tour, which helped us familiarise ourselves with the university’s facilities and academic environment. This was followed by a project briefing session that outlined our learning objectives and activities for the upcoming weeks, setting a clear and engaging atmosphere for our placement.

Throughout the programme, we were based in Mayfield, a suburb that offered convenient access to both the university and local amenities. Daily transport to and from the university was well-organised, and the university’s attention to logistical coordination and support greatly contributed to the smoothness and overall effectiveness of our experience.

The academic component of our placement was rich and diverse, featuring workshops, lectures, and interactive clinical sessions. We participated in sessions at the Callaghan campus that covered a wide range of topics, including clinical pharmacy, healthcare innovation, and pharmacy education. We also had the opportunity to join both first-year and final-year student workshops, led respectively by A/Prof Roger Liang and Dr Shu Ren. These sessions allowed us to engage directly with lab-based activities and case-based learning. The final-year workshops particularly emphasised patient-centred care, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills essential for real-world pharmacy practice.

One of the highlights was the insightful session delivered by Mr Mitch Budden, which explored the expanding scope of pharmacy practice in New South Wales. He provided detailed explanations on prescribing pilots and pharmacist-managed services for conditions such as acute otitis media, musculoskeletal pain, wound care, urinary tract infections, and women’s health.

This discussion prompted a dynamic exchange comparing the current roles of pharmacists in Malaysia and Australia. It was an eye-opening session that inspired us to reflect on the future development of pharmacy practice in our own country.

A visit to the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) provided us with meaningful insight into translational medical research and the pivotal role pharmacists play in multidisciplinary research teams. Hosted by Prof Doan Ngo, we were introduced to various ongoing projects in pharmacology and learned how evidence-based practice drives innovation and improves clinical outcomes. We also had the opportunity to sit in on a lab meeting, where we observed how research findings are presented, discussed, and critically evaluated in a professional setting.

This experience offered a firsthand look into the collaborative decision-making processes that shape the direction of scientific studies. Overall, the exposure to HMRI’s advanced research facilities deepened our appreciation for the vital role research plays in shaping the future of healthcare.

Our hospital visit to John Hunter Hospital was equally enlightening. Under the guidance of Dr Shu Ren and Dr Kate O’Hara, we have discussed multiple facets of hospital pharmacy including antimicrobial stewardship, pharmacy production services, medication supply and dispensing, clinical trials and more. We had the opportunity to meet several practicing pharmacists and interns, which gave us a clearer picture of career pathways and specialisation opportunities in hospital pharmacy.

The programme also included a community pharmacy visit to Piggott’s Pharmacy, led by Adjunct Professor Chris Piggott.

We observed the operations of a well-established pharmacy and discussed the challenges and advancements in Australian community pharmacy practice.

We noted the emphasis on patient counselling, medication reviews, and integration with primary healthcare services — aspects that are increasingly relevant in the Malaysian context.

During the visit, we were exposed to primary healthcare services that are not commonly encountered in Malaysia, such as vaccinations and methadone replacement therapy. Observing how these services are delivered in an Australian setting provided valuable insights into the expanding role of community pharmacists. This experience also highlighted the potential for similar services to be more widely implemented in Malaysian community pharmacies.

Beyond academic and professional experiences, the placement provided us with cultural enrichment. We participated in a cultural exchange session with the university’s local pharmacy students, where we shared experiences and perspectives from our respective countries.

We also explored iconic local attractions including Newcastle City, Nobby’s Beach, the Newcastle Ocean Baths, as well as a wildlife encounter at Oakvale Wildlife Park. These activities offered relaxation and bonding opportunities for the group while experiencing Australian culture and lifestyle.

This elective placement has been a transformative journey for all of us. The structured combination of academic exposure, clinical observations, and cultural immersion has broadened our understanding of pharmacy practice beyond the Malaysian healthcare system. We developed a greater appreciation for interprofessional collaboration, the role of pharmacists in research and clinical settings, and the global challenges faced by the profession.

Furthermore, the placement reinforced the importance of patient-centered care, adaptability, and continuous learning — qualities essential for future-ready pharmacists. The experience also fostered stronger team dynamics and professional communication skills within our group.

We are deeply grateful to A/Prof Ian Heslop, Prof Beata Bajorek, Dr Shu Ren, and the entire faculty and staff at the University of Newcastle for their hospitality, mentorship, and support throughout the placement. Special thanks also to Ms Mei Tan for her logistical coordination and constant guidance. Lastly, we thank Prof Ong and Dr Gan from IMU for facilitating and endorsing this opportunity. We appreciate the financial support provided by IMU School of Pharmacy Global Exposure Fund. This elective has truly been a meaningful part of our pharmacy journey, and we hope that more IMU students will benefit from similar international collaborations in the future.

Written by Annie Ling Hsiang Lan, Bernice Chan Wen Jing, Chee Yi Shuen, Poo Kar Mei and Wee Hooi Yee