A wonderful meeting of minds and a catalyst for regional collaboration at the 15th Asian Conference on Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
The 15th Asian Conference on Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 23rd through 26th Jun 2015. This year’s theme was “Advancing clinical pharmacy practice and education towards patient-centered care”. Under the able leadership of Dr Suphat Subongkot, President, College of Pharmacotherapy of Thailand and Chairperson, ACCP 2015 Organizing Committee, there was a record of 88 invited speakers and over 1000 delegates from around the region who attended this year’s conference. There were 3 pre-congress workshops conducted on 23rd Jun namely: Oncology, Nutrition and Developing the competencies of an effective clinical practitioner and teacher. The latter was conducted by faculty from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Minister of Health, Thailand, Prof Rachata Rachatanavin and he delivered one of 3 keynote lectures on “The impact of ASEAN economic community on healthcare service”. Prof Alan Lau, Director, International Clinical Pharmacy Education, from the University of Illinois at Chicago spoke on the development of clinical pharmacy-East meet West, update, strategic plan and way forward and Dr Lucinda Maine, Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Association of College of Pharmacy delivered an address about preparing team ready pharmacist for patient care: Asian versus Western Perspectives.
A team of 14 delegates was led by Ms Ng Hong Yen, Vice President of the 109th Council, Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The delegates were actively involved and delivered lectures during the oncology pre-congress workshop, plenary sessions, symposiums and assisted with moderating / chairing of sessions and were judges for poster sessions.
At the oncology pre-congress workshop, Ms Gail Chang from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Ms Lim Siew Woon from the National University Hospital shared on the role of pharmacist in managing chemotherapy induced toxicities and the pharmacist’s role in patient care: where we are and how we move forward respectively. In addition, Ms Mi Chelle Foo from the National University Hospital delivered a review on the management of febrile neutropenia and Dr Vivianne Shih, from the National Cancer Centre Singapore and also the Honorary Treasurer of PSS 109th Council spoke on the management of venous thromboembolism.
During the symposium sessions, we were well represented by (1) Ms Nancy Yong, from the National University Hospital who lectured on the strategies in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome: role of the pharmacist, (2) Ms Chen Li Li from the Singapore General Hospital who delivered a talk on polypharmacy: optimizing medication use in elderly patients and (3) Dr Priscilla How’s interesting topic in the nephrology session on “Vitamin D in CKD – to D or not to D”. There was also representation from the academia with Dr Kevin Yap’s presentation on the gaming perception of students for pharmacy education.
Furthermore, at the plenary sessions, there were a variety of topics that were being addressed by speakers from Singapore. Asst Prof Lita Chew, Chief Pharmacist, Ministry of Health Singapore spoke on Pharmacy Practice Specialization: Singapore experience. Asst Prof Priscilla How, from the National University of Singapore addressed the education aspect with her topic on “Imparting physical assessment skills through the use of standardised patients” and Ms Reshma Lhode, a Principal Clinical Care Pharmacist from Guardian Health & Beauty shared on pharmaceutical care in nursing homes and voluntary welfare organizations.
We would also like to congratulate Ms Lim Siew Woon, for winning the best poster titled “Clinical Pharmacist Preparatory Programme (CPPP) in Singapore” which demonstrated that the CPPP provided pharmacists with an avenue to upgrade their clinical pharmacy skills to meet competency standards with minimal disruption to their current work responsibilities.
Besides work, there is always the Gala dinner whereby one can relax and have fun!
As a tradition at all ACCP conferences, each country will put up a performance at the Gala dinner and they never fail to entertain. This year, to commemorate SG50, we sang the song “Thank you Singapore” with guest appearances by Gail’s children.
ACCP is held annually and is a conference that allows like-minded pharmacists from the region to come together to network, exchange ideas, brainstorm and spark potential regional collaboration. This year’s conference focused on various aspects of pharmacy profession from clinical, education to basic sciences and would fulfil the interest of pharmacists from different sectors. Besides coming together to gain new knowledge, this is also a conference whereby established friendships are further strengthened and is a platform for one to foster new friendships.
See you at next year’s ACCP in Korea!
Written by: Vivianne Shih
