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Yogeshini Batumalai
PHARMACIST AT MEDIX PHARMACARE, JOHOR BAHRU
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BE A PHARMACIST?
I have always had a deep interest in treatment of various diseases and medicines. Besides that, pharmacists are usually the first point of contact which gives us plenty of opportunities to give back to the community. I enjoy interacting with people and playing a part in improving their health and wellbeing.
WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY AS A PHARMACIST?
Every time a customer sincerely thanks me and says he or she really trusts the advice or help I gave.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR PHARMACIST?
Your community pharmacist is always approachable and will help you with your queries, without any judgement. As a community pharmacist, you don’t have to see us as only a drug dispenser. In order to do our job more effectively, we will play the part of a problem-solver and friend.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED AND HOW DID YOU GET THROUGH THEM?
There are constant changes in this industry in terms of treatment guidelines, addition of new drugs and updates on existing drugs. Even though, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs are available, as a community pharmacist I might not be able to attend most of it due to my work schedule. Therefore, I usually rely on the internet or other pharmacist friends to obtain the latest information.
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Lesley Yong
FOUNDER AND PHARMACIST AT LESLEY PHARMACY, KUALA LUMPUR
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BE A PHARMACIST?
Being a pharmacist is a diverse, enriching, and rewarding career, with opportunities for patient care, business, research and development and so much more. Knowing that I could be in a position in which I can help people improve their lives in so many ways has inspired me to be a pharmacist. The challenges that pharmacists have to face on a daily basis have also been a push factor in my choice to be a pharmacist as I love challenges.
WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY WORKING BEHIND THE COUNTER?
There was this shy, young girl who came to me with acne issues some time back. She had been to a few skin specialists only to be disappointed over and over again. I then had the opportunity to treat her both medically and holistically so I recommended a whole new skin care regime, diet change and some medicines to treat her problem.
A month and a half later, she came back to see me and brought a cake which she had baked just for me. She thanked me profusely for helping her combat her acne problem and bringing her confidence back.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED AND HOW DID YOU GET THROUGH THEM?
I own and run a retail pharmacy business and just like any other retail businesses, it was never short of challenges.
In the beginning when the business had not made any profits yet, I had to be really tactful, particularly in the staffing area so my pharmacy lacked experienced staff when I first opened because I couldn’t afford it. To overcome this, I worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. There was no other way but to persevere and work hard. This was to maintain high standards of customer service and also to live up to our tag line which is “Professional care… Personal touch”.
The hard work eventually paid off when we started getting regulars and business
started to pick up. I could then afford the luxury of hiring more experienced staff to help me.
WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
#1: I love to eat! Most times, I eat portions made for two!
#2: I believe in maintaining a good work and play balance whenever possible. Despite long hours of work in a retail pharmacy, I still squeeze in the time to play badminton competitively. Recently I’ve even picked up golf. Staying active keeps me happy and young.
#3: I was one of the FHM girl next door finalists and had a spread in the FHM magazine too. That was indeed a lot fun. I showed people that pharmacists too can be attractive, cool and outgoing. We aren’t just nerds that only stick our noses in thick books!
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR PHARMACIST?
A pharmacist is a health professional and trust us when we recommend certain changes or additions to your daily medications and supplements. Public confidence in pharmacists in Malaysia is still way behind those of other first world countries. We still get patients who insist that they need to ask their doctor first on whether certain antihistamines are suitable for them when we prescribe for their allergies. This is despite the pharmacist reassuring them that it is safe after going through the list of medications that they are already on.
The pharmacist works with and for the people to maintain a good standard of health. Help us to help you. The pharmacistis a sounding board for health issues, working in tandem with doctors to provide the community with the best patient care possible. We have the community’s best interests at heart and at all times. We are here to serve you the best we can.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Josephine Yew
FOUNDER AND PHARMACIST AT TRUEHEALTH PHARMACY, JOHOR BAHRU
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BE A PHARMACIST?
I was introduced to the retail pharmacy practice by an uncle of mine who was working with a pharmaceutical company. At the same time, my school would not approve my request to transfer myself into the arts stream as I did pretty well in my sciences.
After completing my SPM and STPM, I developed an interest in the health and medical fields. Given my plans of wanting to be in business, I realised I could marry both into a neat bundle by pursuing a degree in Pharmacy.
WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY WORKING BEHIND THE COUNTER?
My fondest memories have been those moments when customers, patients, clients or friends come back with the feedback that our services and advice have helped them tremendously. Their “thank you”s and well-being is the only reason I enjoy being a pharmacist.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED AND HOW DID YOU GET THROUGH THEM?
As a retail pharmacist, one challenge I find particularly frustrating early on in my career is the uphill task of garnering patients’ compliance and cooperation in caring for their own health. My interest in the areas of the mind, thoughts and emotions on health helped me to understand my patients better and I have become more accepting of their behaviour.
The other challenges faced need no mentioning as they are pretty common, and they come with running a business. If I need to put my finger on the one thing that has helped me get through them it would be the greater ability to respond to challenges accorded by greater level of awareness of myself, my thought processes and my emotions. In whatever challenging situation we find ourselves in, the only common denominator that we can work on is ourselves.
WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
#1: Most of my friends consider my eating habits to be very healthy but I prefer to see it as being sensible. However, I do indulge myself occasionally. I love my chocolate and butter cakes and pineapple tarts!
#2: Most see me as a fairly extroverted person but I always look forward to a quiet evening alone with my favourite book and a cup of green tea.
#3: I enjoy travelling with like-minded companions but I enjoy most when I travel to natural spots and be on a solitary retreat.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR PHARMACIST?
With so many retail pharmacies sprouting everywhere, pharmacists have become very accessible as the front-line choice in primary healthcare. So, as our community matures, the need for these primary health
To this end, it is imperative that we stay open and continuously upgrade ourselves of the other healing modalities available in the market.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Gina Koay
FOUNDER AND PHARMACIST AT CITY WELLNESS PHARMACY, PENANG
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BE A PHARMACIST?
I always ask this question to pharmacy students and interns and the most common answer is, “I want to care for patients.” No doubt this is the most common answer but how far can you take this?
As a community pharmacist for more than 16 years, my most inspirational moment is when a patient tells me, “You are like a guardian angel to me, to watch over my health. I am happy that my diabetes is under control, and I am truly grateful for the time and effort you have spent on me!”
A pharmacist is not only a healthcare professional who just stands behind the counter, but he or she truly cares and loves the patient.
One of my favourite quote that inspired me is from Mother Theresa, “Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.”
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACE AND HOW DID YOU GET THROUGH THEM?
My most difficult moment was switching from being an employee to being a pharmacy business entrepreneur. Throughout the years, I got through them by joining several business networks, NGOs and also attending courses to upgrade my knowledge and skills in business management and marketing.
WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY AS A PHARMACIST?
One customer said, “When I see you smiling at me the moment I walk into your pharmacy, half of my pain has gone away. Thank you for your smile.”
WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
#1: I love to eat eggs and cooking them!
#2: I love books, including buying, reading, and keeping them.
#3: I love giraffes and I own many giraffe figurines, soft toys, ornaments and more.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR PHARMACIST?
A pharmacist is not only a ‘legal drug pusher’ but a healthcare professional that can manage your health holistically[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
