FIP PHARMABRIDGE EXPERIENCE AT MONASH UNIVERSITY IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: ENRICHMENT OF THE UIC CLINICAL PHARMACY CURRICULUM

by : Cherrie G. Muaña

The University of the Immaculate Conception never tires to enhanced and update the B.S. Pharmacy major in Clinical Pharmacy curriculum. In its goal to strengthen Pharmacy education and experience some of the best pharmacy practices in the world, the UIC Pharmacy Program sent Ms. Ferlien G. Baula and Ms. Cherrie G. Muaña, full time faculty of the Pharmacy Program to undergo a one-month training last October 24 to November 21, 2015, at the Monash University under the supervision of John Jackson President of Western Pacific Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Forum and Director of the Australian Pharmacy Council.

As pioneering recipients of the Faculty Exchange Program of the UIC, the process was very tedious and thought-provoking from the very start. The idea of getting international exposure and training abroad came about through the vigilance of Dr. Ma. Eva C. San Juan (then Dean of the Pharmacy Program), who generated proverbial push to Ms. Baula and Ms. Muaña to find an institution where they can have an exposure on the best practices of Pharmacy. Together with the inspiration from their colleagues, they applied at the FIP Pharmabrigde Program. Providentially, Agathe Wehrli, the FIP Pharmabridge Coordinator promptly gave them a positive response and forwarded the application to John Jackson of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

The success of the program was primarily due to the astute organization and wisdom of John Jackson. The framework of the one-month training program at the Monash University was created by him through the intentions given by Ms. Baula and Ms. Muaña. In addition, the training consisted of an orientation on Monash University, the Australian Health System, the Australian Pharmacy system and the Antimicrobial Stewardship. Besides, the rich experience brought about by the training, it also included in-depth learning of Monash Curriculum, ClinicalTeaching and Education innovations such as the Objectively Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCEs).

Furthermore, the experiential placements, internship program, specialist clinical settings and advanced practiced programs have also been shared out. There was also an opportunity to conduct short visits to urban and rural community pharmacies and hospitals such as the Stawell Hospital at a rural setting, Royal Children Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Chemmart, Chemist Warehouse, and John Raveck Pharmacy for an urban type of pharmacy. Boundless experiences took place during the long visits at the two big Public Hospitals of Melbourne. During the four-days training at the Alfred Hospital, Ms. Baula and Ms. Muaña had the chance to practice and hone their clinical skills with the clinical pharmacists of the different areas such as Intensive Care, Surgical and Trauma, Neurosurgical and General Medicine units. Also, they attended lectures about the special programs of the hospitals such as the Smoking Cessation, Case Studies on Infectious Diseases and Medication Management System. Additionally, there was also a thorough discussion about the Antimicrobial Stewardship program of the hospital. They also had two striking exposure days at the Austin Hospital. They were also given an opportunity to go on rounds with their Emergency Care Pharmacist and Infectious Disease Pharmacist, Doctor and Consultants. On their last week in Melbourne, they had a chance to attend Victorian Antimicrobial Stewardship Forum which was sponsored by the Department of Health of Australia.

As an added icing to the cake of learning and experiences, Ms. Baula and Ms. Muaña had a chance to visit the different tourist attractions of Melbourne, Australia namely the Royal Botanical Garden, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, and Shrine of Remembrance.

In a nutshell, the training was, for lack of better words, both thriving and stimulating. It left Ms. Baula and Ms. Muaña grateful of the blessings and opportunities that were given them. Also, it made them realize that our country needs a champion who would lead the advancement of Pharmacy Practice and that it would best start from educating the next generation of pharmacists.

Finally, they will remain forever in debt to John Jackson, President of Western Pacific Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Forum and Director of the Australian Pharmacy Council, for his hospitality and generosity in imparting wisdom in the pharmaceutical field.

This international standard sectoral engagement contributed much to the revisit of the B.S. Pharmacy major in Clinical Pharmacy curriculum.