Shining Star is a PSS initiative to portray outstanding pharmacists in the retail setting.

1. Why did you choose pharmacy as your profession?

I would say that my curiosity about medications began when I was little. I used to and still have this habit of rearranging and sorting out all the medicines I could find in the kitchen cabinet. It was when I took two pharmacy-related modules during my Biomedical Science diploma course that made me realize my interest lies in pharmacy. The introduction of ADME(Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Exretion), basic medicinal chemistry and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs piqued my interest and thus I chose to pursue a degree in pharmacy.

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

I knew this is the career path that I would choose after my exposure to community pharmacy during my NUS year 2 preceptorship programme. Our day-to-day role which involves helping our customers with their minor ailments, and empowering them with the knowledge of managing their health conditions has enable me to establish rapport and trust with them. Hence, I feel that the humbling role of being a community pharmacist is very fulfilling.

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

Guardian’s patient care-related activities and the daily encountering of customers with their minor ailments or chronic disease conditions has driven me to improve myself. I have been able to hone my knowledge, and also have become a more tactful and empathetic person. On top of these, the most important factor that keeps me going is when customers come back with all smiles and give words of gratitude.

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

I do not have a specific role model. Back in school, there were a couple of outstanding lecturers who had inspired me to excel in this field. At my workplace, there are many colleagues, including my awesome ex-preceptors, who never fail to impress me with their knowledge and passion for work. This pushes me to further improve myself continuously.

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

Choose a career path that you will enjoy the most. The love and passion that you have for your work will spur you on and keep you motivated for a long time.

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

I feel that more collaborations between the primary health care providers with pharmacists would be good, to bridge any existing gap in the healthcare system. Also, more opportunities could be given to pharmacists to conduct medication reviews for the public. In addition, pharmacist awareness can be advocated through organizing more public education talks on medication. Hopefully, these will help to increase medication adherence and proper medication usage.

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

The most memorable moment for me would be when my participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards me during a work place smoking cessation program graduation ceremony. I was really touched at that moment and felt that all the effort I had put in helping them throughout their journey to quit smoking was worthwhile.

8. Describe your career progression path.

After becoming a registered pharmacist since year 2011, I would say that the patient-care related route has been very fulfilling and enjoyable. Apart from the routine dispensing in store, I have also actively participated in many outreach events like health screening for the public, iQuit road shows and home based medication reviews. In addition, I had conducted workplace smoking cessation programmes after becoming a certified quit smoking counsellor in year 2012. Being a smoking cessation counsellor has been challenging but it definitely is memorable and I have gained valuable experience from this. Also, I am grateful that Guardian has provided me with the opportunity to be involved in preceptoring and training of polytechnic students, NUS year 2 students and pre-registration pharmacists. All in all, this route has allowed me to improve tremendously in my professional knowledge, mentoring skills and has groomed me into a more confident person.

9. Can you describe a typical day at work?

I do not have a typical day at work as I feel that every day is filled with different exciting scenarios. I get to meet new faces and handle different situations every day so there is never quite a boring moment. Most of the customers who step into Guardian are looking for the pharmacist,mainly to seek advice on minor ailments, proper medication use or to fill their prescriptions.

10. What do you think are the important skills that a pharmacist needs to be equipped?

A pharmacist needs to have patience, good listening and communication skills. Above all, one needs to provide good service to the public wholeheartedly.

11. What is your wish list to your patients/ the public who comes to you
Be open and be patient. Just approach me if you have any doubts. I don't bite! (Just kidding!)