IMU Pharmacy Alumna, Vilashini Saravanan, Shines Within and Beyond IMU

Vilashini Saravanan, an alumna of the IMU pharmacy programme, embodies excellence both within the academic realm and in her contributions to the community. Her talents and unwavering commitment to excellence not only distinguish her as a standout alumna of IMU but also position her as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of pharmacy professionals.

Having graduated with a first-class honours degree in pharmacy and a 3.8 CGPA, her journey at IMU was marked by numerous achievements and contributions to both academic and extracurricular activities. During her time at IMU, she was honoured as an IMU Merit Scholar, receiving a full scholarship.

Her dedication and leadership skills were recognised when she became the President of the IMU Scholars Committee in 2019.

Her academic excellence extended beyond the campus as she clinched the First Runner Up in the Malaysian Pharmacists Society-Young Pharmacists Chapter competition, MIHS The Big I, in 2020 with her project “FORGET ME NOT.” Furthermore, she has made significant contributions to the field of pharmacy through her publications. Notably, she has authored papers such as “Protein and Peptide Delivery to Lungs by Using Advanced Targeted Drug Delivery” in 2022 and “Recent Progress of Targeted Nanocarriers in Diagnostics, Therapeutic, and Theranostic Applications in Colorectal Cancer” in 2023.

After Graduation

Vila completed both her Provisional Registration (PRP) and Full Registration (FRP) at a local medical centre, gaining extensive knowledge in the private hospital pharmacy setting. During her FRP, she independently developed and implemented a critical care antibiotic therapy training programme for nurses as well as a self-initiated antibiotic training programme for pharmacists, showcasing leadership and educational skills.

Currently, she works as an Engagement Specialist at one of the reputed pharmaceutical companies, where she plays a crucial role in driving compliant and seamless engagement among Healthcare Professionals, External Experts, and Healthcare Organisations globally.

Recently, Vila was invited as a panel speaker for Pharmacist Without Borders, where she contributed to the discussion on “21st Century and the Need for Market-Compatible Pharmacy Syllabus – A Students’ Perspective.” This platform allowed her to share insights alongside esteemed panellists from Canada, USA, Pakistan, and India, providing a diverse perspective on shaping the future of pharmacy education.

Reflecting on her experience, she emphasized that the syllabus at IMU aligns with the dynamic needs of a pharmacist in Malaysia. She discussed the relevance of theory and practical application, highlighting the comprehensive knowledge acquired during her education, particularly in pharmacotherapy and clinical pharmacy.

Her personal journey attests to the importance of a well-tailored pharmacy education that aligns with real-life expectations. As the pharmacy profession in Malaysia has evolved, with pharmacists now practicing in various sectors, the curriculum at IMU has proven instrumental in preparing graduates for diverse career paths.

In conclusion, Vilashini stands as a shining example of the impact of quality education in shaping successful professionals. Her achievements, both within and beyond IMU, highlight the significance of a holistic and market-compatible pharmacy syllabus in preparing graduates for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century pharmaceutical landscape.