Holistic Learning in the IMU BPharm (Hons) Programme

I am Mohd Firdaus from BP114 and is currently practicing as a hospital pharmacist in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).

I have a sister who is working as a medical doctor and growing up, I also developed the passion to serve the community in the medical field. I would always refer a pharmacist as the gate keeper of medication and being a pharmacist, an unsung professional who is a backbone to a healthcare system, has been my ambition since I was young. In prder for me to be a pharmacist, I have to have an undergraduate degree in pharmacy and that is why I joined the BPharm (Hons) programme at IMU.

Let me now tell you more about the programme that I graduated from. The IMU BPharm (Hons) programme provides options and give exposure to students on the different prospects of being pharmacists. During my university days, we have had an opportunity to experience community pharmacy, clerking cases in hospital and learning entrepreneurial skills at industrial level. This would benefit students who are having trouble to find their own set of skills in any sectors.

Throughout the semesters, we have been exposed to the Pharmacy Skill Development sessions, where it emphasises on the pharmacist-patient counseling skills. I can be very chatty at times, but these sessions trained me on how to narrow my focus on what is important and solve problems.

I also gained experience at hospitals during Semester 8. We were assigned cases and had to clerk and do bedside dispensing which I found very interesting and helpful for patients. This experience persuaded me towards a career of working as a hospital pharmacist in UMMC since 2018 till present.

IMU also provides platforms for students to find their own passion and hobbies. I was actively involved in the IMU Photography Club, IMU Muslim Society and writing articles for IMU Editorial Board. I was also featured as the main actor in a play called “Alahai Menantu” for IMU Malay Cultural Club which was thrilling and memorable.

Lastly, I would not forget moments I volunteer for many charity events and projects for IMU Cares to name a few “Rumah Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah”, “Rumah Charis”, “Rumah Titian Kasih”, Society of The Blind and many more.

These experiences cultivated morale and taught me the importance of giving back to the community. Currently, I am still volunteering in several soup kitchen projects and with a refugee clinic in Selangor.

I was also thankful for the IMU Aflame Student Award which I received in 2018. This award represents all the humanitarian projects and volunteering events that I was actively involved throughout the years I was in IMU.

Being a pharmacist requires perseverance, humility and determination. Currently, pharmacists around the world have evolved not just in healthcare but they are needed in many growing areas like Oncology Pharmacists, Drug Safety, Veterinary and also in Research and Development.

Working in an outpatient setting in a hospital requires clinical knowledge with lots of soft skills when encountering patients over the counter. We have to ensure patients understand the medications and most importantly emphasise on compliance. I am also in charge of Medication Therapy Adherence (MTAC) for Heart Failure. I have to work closely with the consultant and specialists to optimise treatment for patients in terms of medication counseling and adherence.

Having worked as a hospital pharmacist all these years, I feel that the BPharm (Hons) programme has undoubtedly prepared me for my workplace through all the curricular and extra-curricular opportunities throughout the course. Therefore, I would strongly advise those who are thinking of exploring the pharmacy programme to start their adventure in the IMU BPharm (Hons) programme and experience the outstanding learning atmosphere and at the same time expand their passion in curricular activities.