In a first for the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences’ Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, two student pharmacists have completed an international Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotation.
Alexander Chau and Alvin Ly, two fourth-year student pharmacists, spent six weeks at National Cancer Centre Singapore learning about the country’s healthcare system from local preceptors.
While in Singapore, Chau and Ly were able to expand their knowledge of pharmacy and oncology, with a particular focus on pharmacy leadership development and understanding how pharmacy practice in Singapore differs from the United States. The experience included the opportunity to attend lectures at the National University of Singapore’s pharmacy school; observe rounds in various inpatient and outpatient services and clinics; and participate in meetings about improving patient health, providing research grants, utilizing new technology, and more. With preceptors who allowed them to share their own unique goals, the student pharmacists were also able to engage in experiences that were tailored to their interests.
Both student pharmacists expressed their appreciation for the pharmacy leaders who mentored them during their time in Singapore.
“My international APPE was a wonderful experience,” Chau stated. “I enjoyed meeting the pharmacists and staff who were generous and enthusiastic about answering my questions. The most memorable part of my rotation was when I had the opportunity to have discussions with our main preceptor, Professor Lita Chew. Our main preceptor and several of our other preceptors hold either chief pharmacist, director, and/or government positions. Interactions with the preceptors allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Singapore’s healthcare system and how professionals, especially pharmacists, can help improve it through advocacy and asking the right questions.”
Ly shared, “During this rotation, we had the opportunity to shadow pharmacists in the inpatient and outpatient settings for oncology. There was a focus on leadership — we had the opportunity to shadow top pharmacy leadership figures in Singapore’s SingHealth health system and were able to be exposed to longitudinal projects and meetings for practice advancement.”
“The advice I have for other students is to come into the rotation knowing your learning goals,” Ly continued. “I found that many of our preceptors asked us what we would like to learn so they could accommodate us.”
For students who are interested in similar opportunities, Chau also emphasized the importance of preparation.
“My advice is to look up the country and their healthcare system in advance,” he said. “This way, you will have a basic understanding of the place and will be able to optimize your time there.”
