From 13 to 27 April 2025, we, a group of 5 IMU University pharmacy students from the BP122 cohort—embarked on a transformative elective placement at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH), Taiwan. As one of the largest and most prestigious hospitals in Asia, CGMH offered us a remarkable opportunity to explore hospital pharmacy practices in a sophisticated and fast-paced healthcare environment. The experience broadened our perspectives, deepened our appreciation of the pharmacy profession, and left us inspired to strive for excellence in our future careers.

CGMH is renowned for its high standards in clinical services, education, and research. With over 10,000 healthcare professionals and an extensive network of facilities, it serves as a model institution for patient-centred care and interprofessional collaboration.

Throughout the two-week placement, we were immersed in various pharmacy-related departments that showcased both the complexity and precision required in modern hospital pharmacy practice.

One of the most impactful components of the placement was our experience at the Medication Consultation service. During these sessions, we observed pharmacists conducting detailed medication counselling with patients, focusing on adherence, side effects, lifestyle considerations, and drug interactions. We were particularly impressed by the pharmacists’ dedication to ensuring patient comprehension and their compassionate communication approach, which reflected the deeply ingrained culture of patient-centred care in Taiwan.

Our rotation in the Inpatient Pharmacy Injection Department gave us a firsthand look at the meticulous process of preparing sterile medications.  In this department, we learnt about the preparation and administration of injectable drugs such as antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, saline solutions, insulin pens, and vaccines.  The department’s efficiency and safety measures, such as a smart medication finder system and barcode verification processes that reduce medication errors, were particularly impressive.  This technologically advanced workflow demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to patient safety and innovative healthcare solutions.

The Inpatient Pharmacy Inventory Department introduced us to the vital operations that support uninterrupted patient care. We learned about stock rotation, expiry checks, medication retrieval systems, and ward stock replenishment. In a hospital as vast and dynamic as CGMH, the importance of seamless logistics cannot be overstated. Pharmacists worked closely with logistics staff to ensure timely delivery and accurate medication supplies to all hospital wards. This behind-the-scenes view underscored how the efficiency of inventory management directly influences the overall quality of care provided to patients.

A particularly enriching part of our experience was the opportunity to observe Inpatient Medication Reviews conducted by experienced pharmacists. We saw how pharmacists carefully assessed prescriptions for dosing accuracy, drug interactions, contraindications, and potential therapeutic duplications. Although this rotation did not include direct ward-based clinical pharmacy services, the medication review process highlighted the critical role of pharmacists in safeguarding patient health.

We were introduced to drug information databases such as UpToDate and Micromedex, tools that pharmacists regularly consult when making evidence-based decisions. This experience emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and clinical vigilance in pharmacy practice.

The Outpatient Pharmacy was one of the busiest departments we observed, dispensing medications to thousands of patients each day. Despite the high volume, the workflow was well-organised and systematic. We assisted in packing medications based on prescriptions and interacted with patients at the dispensing counter. The use of a conveyor belt system to streamline operations was particularly impressive.

Additionally, the accuracy and efficiency of medication packaging and dispensing were greatly enhanced by the use of computerised medication bags. These advanced systems reduce the risk of errors and ensure that medications are properly labelled and dosed, streamlining the overall process. They also give patients thorough, understandable instructions on how to take their drugs, which enhances compliance with treatment plans and improves general health results.  In addition to offering insights into patient interactions and medication counselling, this experience brought to light the significance of accuracy and efficiency in a fast-paced setting.  As we observed this, we developed a profound understanding of how modern pharmacy practice is defined by the harmony between technological innovation and the human touch.

We also attended a number of educational and instructive briefings given by CGMH chemists during the placement.  Among the subjects covered were postpartum depression, using AI tools to help chemists provide holistic patient care, and HBV reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy.  During these sessions, we learnt about practical clinical problems and how pharmacists can solve them by conducting research, using critical thinking skills, and working with other medical professionals.

One of the unexpected highlights of our placement was the opportunity to interact with Taiwanese pharmacy interns who were completing their hospital internship training at Linkou CGMH. Engaging with them provided a valuable platform for cross-cultural learning. They generously shared their experiences, offered insights into the structure of Taiwan’s pharmacy education system, and compared it with ours in Malaysia. These peer interactions enriched our understanding of the challenges and responsibilities that interns face in a large-scale hospital setting and also allowed us to build meaningful connections with future pharmacists from another country.

Beyond the technical and clinical aspects, the placement also fostered our personal and professional growth. We were consistently impressed by the kindness, humility, and professionalism of the CGMH staff. Despite language differences, they made us feel welcome and valued as learners. Their dedication to teaching and openness to sharing their experiences made a lasting impression on us.

Reflecting on the placement, our time at CGMH has profoundly influenced our perception of what it means to be a pharmacist. We saw how pharmacists can lead in patient care, drive innovation, and serve as vital members of the healthcare team. We return to Malaysia with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with knowledge, inspiration, and a deeper commitment to our profession.

We are sincerely grateful to the Pharmacy Department of CGMH for their hospitality and mentorship. We also thank our home university, IMU University for facilitating this invaluable learning opportunity. This elective placement will remain a highlight of our academic journey, and its lessons will continue to shape our professional paths for years to come.

Written by: Jason Tan, Eviem Koh, Tan Sing Xuan, Chua Yen Joe and Yong Yee Ling