In the spotlight is an initiative by PSS that features pharmacists who excel in their area of practice and have been role models for fellow pharmacists. In this issue, we feature:
The pharmacist being featured in the April edition of In the Spotlight is Mr Lim Wee Heng.
Wee Heng graduated from National University of Singapore in 1987, attaining his Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) Degree. He is currently a Principal Pharmacist working in Changi General Hospital (CGH). After obtaining his pharmacist license, he went on to work with Apex Pharmacy International Pte. Ltd. before joining CGH in 1990. In CGH, he found his calling as a hospital pharmacist and has stayed in this profession ever since. His excellent performance at work has earned him several awards, including the Roche Overseas Study Award for Pharmacist.
Wee Heng commenced his hospital pharmacist career at the outpatient pharmacy, and then proceeding to work as a purchasing pharmacist. Currently he is a ward pharmacist, highly involved in the Antibiotic Stewardship Programme (ASP) and is an active member of the Infection Control Committee in CGH. He also headed several projects in CGH such as the setting up of the Inpatient Discharge Pharmacy, and the Integrated Block Project. He is currently in charge of the Pharmacy Business Continuity Plan, Civil Emergency Plan and manages manpower matters within the Pharmacy Department.
Wee Heng is also a passionate educator and serves as the Chief Preceptor for the pre-registration pharmacist training programme. He has supported many generations of pre-registration pharmacists through their first year of work.
In recognition of his contributions, Wee Heng has been selected to participate in the Leadership Quality Rounds and has been given the Award for Long Service in CGH last year. Wee Heng is currently studying a Master Degree in Health Administration, demonstrating his drive for continuous improvement in his career.
Wee Heng’s contribution to the profession goes beyond the hospital. He is member of the National Antimicrobial Taskforce, Singapore, a Committee Member of the PSS Pre-registration Pharmacists’ Training Committee and a Pharmacist Member of the Singapore Pharmacy Council Complaints Panel. He actively participates and supports PSS’s activities and is always there to guide young pharmacists.
Here’s a short interview with Wee Heng:-
What would beyour best advice for the younger pharmacists, especially when faced with challenges to motivate them and keep them going?
My motto has always been “to Keep Calm and Carry On”. I would like the younger pharmacists to never feel that they are singular in what they are facing. It is always good to bring up problems and issues with friends, colleagues and mentors, instead of keeping it all cooped up inside. Make friends with your peers and they will become part of your support team.
In this climate of change, many younger pharmacists are not able to clearly visualise their career path. So my advice is, for now, do whatever that inspires you, and this will help you find your way.
How did you juggle between family/personal life and achieving such great heights in your pharmacy career? What are the challenges which the young ones should look out for?
I think good time management is essential, not only for juggling work, but also in making time to keep in touch with family and friends outside work. At work, it is good to treat everybody as equal. Do not belittle yourself, be proud of what you’ve achieved but yet be humble and always try to help one another in achieving your aims. The challenge is always that the landscape of the Pharmacist as a profession is always changing. It is certainly a lot different now from when I started off as a junior pharmacist many years ago. Many manual processes, such as packing or labelling have now been taken over by electronic systems.
With these, there are increasing expectations for the pharmacists to act beyond their role as the supplier of medicines and take a lead in ensuring medication safety and increasing the quality of pharmaceutical care. The opportunities that are out there have expanded a hundredth fold. So I would advise the young pharmacists to seek out their options, be not afraid to try out new things, and acquire as much skills and knowledge as they can.
What are the traits required for an outstanding pharmacist?
It is always important to work with passion, knowing that you are making a great difference in patients’ lives. A pharmacist also needs to be a good communicator, both in written and oral communication skills. Third, a pharmacist needs to be involved in pharmacy-related activities and find time to network with other pharmacists. Only then could there be sharing of ideas for the improvement of the profession.
Mr Lim Wee Heng
