In this personal interview, a pharmacist opens up about their journey, challenges, and advice for aspiring pharmacists
By Siti Salihah
For Nur Hafizah Anawi, becoming a pharmacist was more than just a career choice—it was a calling. With over seven years of experience, including her recent shift to an Enforcement Pharmacist role focusing on pharmaceutical crime in Malaysia, her career has evolved with time. Her passion, however, goes beyond her professional expertise. But behind the lab coat lies a story of inspiration, challenges, and defining moments that fuel her love for the profession. In this personal interview, Ms. Nur Hafizah Anawi shares what sparked her passion, the most memorable experiences along the way, and her advice for aspiring pharmacists.
1Twenty80: What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: Honestly, I think I inspired myself to become a pharmacist! It suits my natural characteristics—I genuinely enjoy interacting with people and offering advice or support. It feels like I was destined for this profession.
1Twenty80: What was your journey like from being a pharmacy student to where you are now?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: Pharmacy school felt like a rollercoaster ride. I wasn’t the top student and often burned the midnight oil just to get decent grades (which weren’t always great! 😆). But in the end, all the hard work paid off.
1Twenty80: What’s the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: One of my most memorable moments was living on my own in Johor, away from my family and husband, while serving as the Yang Menjaga (person in charge) at Klinik Kesihatan Lenga in Muar. Despite being a UF41 officer (the most junior rank) at the time, I managed to survive and grow during those four challenging years.
1Twenty80: What was the biggest challenge you faced while becoming a pharmacist, and how did you overcome it?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: The biggest challenge for me was stepping into a leadership role with my anak buah (team members). It wasn’t easy, especially since some of my staff were older than me. On top of that, I had to ensure the smooth running of the pharmacy at Klinik Kesihatan Lenga. Any issues with patients or medication errors made by my staff ultimately became my responsibility.
To overcome these challenges, I focused on staying rational. I made sure to listen to my staff, delegate tasks fairly to avoid dissatisfaction, and communicate clearly. These skills were essential not only for managing the team but also for handling the often difficult situations we faced with patients daily at work.
1Twenty80: What skills or qualities do you think are most important for someone to succeed as a pharmacist?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: Effective communication skills are crucial for interacting with both patients and colleagues. As pharmacists, we must communicate clearly and empathetically to understand and address the needs of those we serve. Additionally, being understanding is essential for building trust and rapport in our profession.
1Twenty80: What’s a common misconception about pharmacists that you’d like to clarify?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: There’s a common misconception that a pharmacist’s job is simple, often reduced to just handing out medications, like a sales assistant might do. However, our role is far more complex and carries significant responsibility. When supplying medication, we ensure the right patient receives the right medication, at the correct dose, at the right time, and via the appropriate route. Beyond that, we also educate patients about potential side effects, drug interactions, and how to properly use their medications. It’s a multi-faceted job that requires attention to detail, communication skills, and a deep understanding of pharmacology to ensure patient safety and well-being.
1Twenty80: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in pharmacy?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: If you truly have a passion for it, go for it. Pharmacy school isn’t easy, but with dedication and smart work, you can succeed. Stay focused and remember, it’s not just about learning the facts – it’s about applying them to make a real difference in patient care. You’ve got this!
1Twenty80: How do you stay motivated and continue to grow in your profession?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: I stay motivated by surrounding myself with a positive environment. Personally, I’ve made a career shift from being a Clinic Pharmacist to an Enforcement Pharmacist, and through this transition, I’ve grown and learned many new things. Change can be challenging, but it also brings valuable opportunities for growth and development.
1Twenty80: What message would you like to share with future pharmacists?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: The pharmacy profession is currently facing challenges in terms of placement. However, remember that no matter where you work—whether in the government or private sector—you are always a pharmacist. The value and impact of your role remain the same, and your skills will continue to make a difference wherever you go.
1Twenty80: What’s the strangest or most unexpected moment a patient has ever had with you?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: One of the most unexpected moments was when a patient said, “Is this Cik Pizah? Cik Pizah is so beautiful, and your explanations are so clear.” It was such a spontaneous and sweet compliment! Aha.
1Twenty80: Can you share a time when you felt you made a real difference in someone’s life as a pharmacist?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: When my patients are free from tuberculosis and hepatitis C, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. The key to overcoming these diseases is strict adherence to the prescribed medication, and I’m grateful that they trust my guidance.
1Twenty80: How do you build trust with your patients?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: Building trust with patients involves actively listening, showing empathy, communicating clearly, maintaining confidentiality, and demonstrating professionalism in all aspects of care.
1Twenty80: Do you have a favourite aspect of the pharmacist-patient relationship?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: I believe one of the most rewarding aspects of the pharmacist-patient relationship is the opportunity to empower patients through education. By providing clear, accessible information about their medications and health, I can help patients make better decisions and feel more confident in managing their own care.
1Twenty80: What do you think people often overlook about the role of pharmacists in healthcare?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: One aspect people often overlook is how pharmacists manage medication inventory, which plays a critical role in ensuring that the right medications are available when needed. Besides dispensing and providing counsel on proper medication use, pharmacists carefully track stock levels, manage expiration dates, and coordinate with suppliers to prevent shortages. This behind-the-scenes work helps maintain a seamless flow of care and ensures patients receive the medications they need on time, without delays or disruptions.
1Twenty80: If you weren’t a pharmacist, what do you think you’d be doing right now?
Nur Hafizah Anawi: If I weren’t a pharmacist, I’d be drawn to psychology. I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior and the ways in which mental health influences overall well-being. As a psychologist, I’d enjoy helping people navigate their challenges and improve their mental health, much like how I help patients manage their medications and health in my current role. Both paths would allow me to connect with people and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
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