PSS Shining Star Interview

NTUC Health Unity – Parry Zhang

1. Why did you choose pharmacy as your profession?

I chose pharmacy because I believe that there are a lot of unexplored opportunities in the field where I can make a difference to my patients. This is especially so because of an increased focus in community based recovery.

2. Why did you choose to be a community pharmacist?

As mentioned before, I think there are many opportunities in the community setting. I believe pharmacists can play a bigger and more important role in the community to contribute to positive health outcomes to patients.

3. What has helped/motivated you to be where you are today?

Being part of the Sweet Spot Project has helped me. Through this experience, it gave me new lenses to see a lot of unmet needs. From then on, I wanted to see how I can raise the bar in Singapore, innovate and try to translate what I learnt to a Singapore context.

4. Who would you say is your role model, who inspired you to excel in the pharmacy field that you chose?

My year 2 preceptor, Dr Yap Kai Zhen who was with Guardian at that time, inspired me. She was a very creative, innovative and passionate individual.

5. What is your advice for fellow pharmacists and for people considering this career?

I would say, be willing to try new things and do not be afraid to fail.

6. Given that Singapore will be experiencing one in three citizens aged 65 and above by 2030, how can pharmacists contribute to this group of people?

We are at the frontline of healthcare. We are the most accessible health professional. Anyone can just walk into the pharmacy and speak to us. Thus, we definitely can offer medical and lifestyle advice to our patients and be their first line of contact. I wish that at the top of people’s mind, they should think, “I should ask my pharmacist for advice.” This way, we will have more exposure to patients and will have to raise our standards also.

7. What is the most memorable moment in your pharmacy career?

Being invited to speak at the pharmacy congress about the Sweet Spot Project has been the most memorable moment so far. I believe it sparked off a lot of conversation on how community pharmacists can do so much more.

8. Describe your career progression path

I was a pre-registration pharmacist at Unity then, I was a pharmacist for one year and then a senior pharmacist for about 2 to 3 years before becoming an area manager where I am now.

9. Can you describe a typical day at work?

I will check my emails in the morning, attend meetings and head out in the afternoon to the 13 stores I oversee to meet the staff there. These meetings are not only to ensure the quality of the stores but also to build interpersonal relationships and raise the psyche of the staff.

10. What do you think are the important skills and attributes that a community pharmacist needs?

Good communication skills, the ability to read people. The ability to probe like a detective because as a community pharmacist, often what we have is subjective information. We do not have lab reports or any numbers to refer to.

11. What is your wish list to the public who comes to you?

I wish that the general public will see us as their first line, as someone to get advice from all the time.

12. What are your hopes and dreams for community pharmacy in Singapore?

That we will get rid of our image as high class salesmen and play the role that we can as respected health professionals to bring about positive health outcomes to patients.