The Journey

Introduction

When exploring a medical reference, I always begin by reading the preface.

• This is where I learn about the origin of the reference, why the author wrote it and how it is structured.

I recall the preface to the Sarawak Handbook of Medical Emergencies.

• It started as a little handbook on guidelines for the treatment of medical emergencies by a medical officer in a district hospital. This was because there was a lack of simple yet reliable handbook. Years later, it became widely used in many government hospitals in Malaysia.

Similarly, many valuable references have evolved from a compilations of lecture notes, becoming more comprehensive and recognized with each edition.

The Origins

During my provisional registered year, my senior advised me, if you appreciated the helps that we have given you now, then you pass down what you have learned to your juniors in the future.

• In fact, this is what my senior's senior told my senior.
• Well, in many ways, this has aspired me to create a pharmacy information sharing blog for provisional registered pharmacists at Malaysia in October 2020.

While I may not have the extensive experience of many senior pharmacists, I firmly believe that even small beginnings can lead to big dreams. This very belief serves as the inspiration behind Rx Note.

• Rx Note aims to be a pioneer platform for sharing pharmacy information, specifically addressing the significant unmet needs of fresh pharmacy graduates entering the field.
• By sharing my knowledge, insights and experiences, I hope to help young pharmacists to kickstart the journey and inspires them to become better.
• Even the blog may not have had a significant impact on the pharmacy filed, it is totally fine.

"Life is like peeing into the snow on a dark winter night. You probably made a difference, but it's really hard to tell." - Joe Wong.

Content

This blog is drafted based on my readings, personal experiences and thoughts along my pharmacist journey (although I still consider myself to be a small and ignorant potato in the field).

• Unlike a university syllabus or standard medical textbook, I would not emphasize much on the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics, but to focus on practical aspects.
• There are many useful pharmacy books in the market and it is still very important for you to learn pharmacy in a systematic syllabus so that you have a good foundation to move further.

On the other hand, this blog is intended to be a self-initiative learning module that bridges the gap between the clinical foundation you built during university years and daily work practice.

• If you ever have the time to review university syllabus, you will be surprised that you have learnt this and that before. Yet, you have forgotten all of them.

While I did consider including real product recommendations for community pharmacy topics, I decided against it to avoid potential bias in brand recommendation.

• Instead, I highly encourage fresh pharmacy graduates to explore their community pharmacy and familiarize themselves with the product range available to reinforce what they have learned from this blog.

Please keep in mind that everything written in this blog is for information sharing purposes only and is not proofread by a third party.

• Hence, always take it with a grain of salt.

NOTE: Ultimately, the motivation to improve their skills and knowledge rests with each individual pharmacist.

Over the Years and The Challenges Ahead

The Rx Note blog has grown from few basic pharmacy posts to become a self-claimed comprehensive resource.

• Meanwhile, I worry that this growth may overwhelm fresh provisional registered pharmacists, who may not know where to start.
• However, my colleague reminds me that these pharmacists will eventually gain experience and become seniors.
• We should expect them to learn more, thereby fostering a stronger foundation for their growth and success.

The true challenge lies in the sustained effort required to refine and perfect such solutions, particularly when there is little personal incentive.

• Reflecting on my past writings, I often realize that I may have overlooked important details or perspectives, or simply forgotten to mention them, prompting necessary revisions.
• The pursuit of perfection is an ongoing journey.

As a practicing pharmacist, I may have forgotten some of the struggles faced by junior pharmacists.

• Their limited experience can hinder clinical decision-making, and they require additional guidance and support.
• What do junior pharmacists seek from learning modules?
• Should the topics be more product-oriented or focus on soft skills?
• Is the information in blog posts accurate, unbiased and up-to-date?
• Plus, given the availability of AI chatbots, is a pharmacy resource website still relevant for guiding future pharmacists in their learning journey?

Nonetheless, in reality, there are countless dedicated pharmacists across various facilities who continuously invest in fostering the next generation with unwavering commitment.

Summary

While the realm of knowledge is vast and infinite, my own understanding is quite limited.

• Each time I transition to a new pharmacy station, I am humbled by the realization of how much I still have to learn. There are countless facets of pharmacy practice that I have yet to encounter.
• It feels as though I am a novice sharing my limited knowledge and insights, while true experts remain silent.
• Therefore, I warmly welcome any suggestions, improvements or collaborative opportunities. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Finally, I have few small requests.

• If you enjoy the content, please feel free to share it with your friends and colleagues.
• Also, please show your support by clicking "follow" on the sidebar.