Annyeonghaseyo! (“Hello” in Korean language)
This year’s 16th Asian Conference on Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) themed “One Asia Through Clinical Pharmacy” was held in Sejong University Convention Centre, Seoul, Korea from 14th to 18th July and organized by the Korean College of Clinical Pharmacy. This annual international conference has always been an informative and thought provoking meeting of minds and serves as an excellent platform for pharmacists to share best practices and updates in clinical pharmacy, exchange ideas, and spark off regional collaboration.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Ms Seunghee Kim, member of the National Assembly in Republic of Korea. During the keynote speeches, Dr Lars-Ake Söderlund from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Sweden presented about pharmacy’s contribution towards a sustainable health-care system, while Dr Robert P. Navarro from University of Florida USA emphasized on demonstrating value of clinical pharmacy programs in an era of managed health-care.
A team of 8 delegates from Singapore attended this conference, 4 of whom were representing the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The delegates were actively involved in oral and poster presentations, delivered lectures during plenary session and symposia, and assisted with moderating of sessions.
At the plenary session, Ms Sharene Goh from Watson’s Personal Care Stores Pte Ltd, also the Assistant Honorary Secretary of PSS 110th Council and ex-officio for PSS Community Chapter gave a presentation titled “(Re)-Defining the Roles of Community Pharmacists in Singapore”. She shared about the evolving and expanding roles of community pharmacists, PSS Self Care Guides as well as the directions of community pharmacists under National Pharmacy Strategy.
At the oral presentation sessions, Singapore was well represented by:
- Ms Joy Chong Boon Ka from Watson’s Personal Care Stores Pte Ltd, and Mr Ong Kheng Yong from Singapore General Hospital (SGH) who presented about the collaborative pilot project known as “Octo-Pills”, management of polypharmacy and drug related problems from hospital to community pharmacies – An Octopus Initiative for the Silver Tsunami.
- Mr Loy Xue Ming, from SGH shared on the incidence of methotrexate-related delayed clearance, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity in patients receiving high-dose methotrexate therapy for treatment of lymphoid malignancies.
- Ms Vanessa Cheong Jing Yi, from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital spoke on the impact of pharmacist counselling on caregivers’ knowledge for pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis.
During the symposium sessions, Ms Vanessa Cheong shared on how to improve patient outcomes in the management of atopic conditions based on Singapore’s experience.
Amidst the packed scientific program, we also had attended the Gala Dinner, to relax and have some fun!
Japanese pharmacists’ cultural performance
Wonderful K-pop dance treat by Korean pharmacy students!
Delegates from USA, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore shared a candid shot during Gala Dinner.
The 16th ACCP was a good platform to network with fellow clinical pharmacists. I thank PSS for the opportunity and valuable experience to share with and learn from our regional and international colleagues.
Hope to see you at next year’s ACCP! Kamsahamnida (Thank you)!
Singapore delegates
From left: Joy, Sharene, Kheng Yong, Vivianne, Vanessa, Priscilla, Hong Yen and Xue Ming
Written by: Sharene Goh, Assistant Honorary Secretary, 110th Council, PSS
