Instilling Professionalism in Graduating Pharmacy Students

On 23 April 2014, International Medical University (IMU) Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) (Hons) students of cohort BP1/10 renewed their ‘Oath of a Pharmacist’ pledge to mark a new transition from a pharmacy student to a pharmacist trainee at the Pharmacy Professional Day held at the University’s campus in Bukit Jalil. Four years ago, these students were symbolically robed in a white laboratory coat at the White Coat Ceremony to begin their journey into a professional healthcare community as pharmacy students. The oath taken by the students serves as a reminder for these students to devote themselves to provide service to the society, to draw upon their innovative, imagination and insight to contribute effectively as a pharmacist and as a member of the healthcare team.

At this event, Prof Yeoh Peng Nam, Dean of the School of Pharmacy called on the students to “be a good person”. Mr John Chang, Deputy President of Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) and President of Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA) reminded the students to always “respect your patients and to apply the learned knowledge for the benefit of the society”. The event also had presentations from MPS-Young Pharmacist Chapter and the IMU Alumni.

Since the launch of the pharmacy programme in 2004, IMU has adopted the concept of instilling professionalism through the Pledge of Professionalism at the White Coat Ceremony to embrace and develop professional values and attributes amongst the pharmacy students.

Throughout their studies, these students were exposed to various aspects of professionalism through case studies discussion and community projects. At the completion of the pharmacy degree, their commitment towards their chosen career and profession is renewed through the pledge of the Oath of a Pharmacist. For these graduating pharmacy students, this year marks a very special year as it is the 10^th anniversary of IMU BPharm (Hons) programme.