The first full-time professional pharmacy internship for pharmacy students is an exciting milestone, though it can often be a source of anxiety for many. Thorough academic and social preparation and fostering a positive attitude are essential for ensuring a smooth and successful internship experience.
On January 26, fourth-year pharmacy students from the 15th cohort at Walailak University participated in a preparatory workshop for their mandatory professional pharmacy internship. The event allowed students to engage in discussions and gain insights into the expectations of their preceptors—successful alumni who have excelled in their professional careers. These preceptors included Pharmacist Niracha Saowaneepitak (P’Phrae), a third-cohort alumna currently serving as a clinical pharmacist at Somdet Phra Boromma Rachini Hospital in Na Thawi District, Songkhla Province, and Pharmacist Patit Rangsisawang (P’Ball), a fifth-cohort alumnus who owns and operates Siriwat Pharmacy in Khlong Toei Market, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. Under the theme “From Blossoms of the Past to New Beginnings,” the alumni shared their expectations for the interns and provided valuable advice on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students should cultivate from the very start of their training. They also discussed the roles and responsibilities students would assume, along with guidelines on appropriate and inappropriate behaviors during the internship.
Furthermore, the 15th cohort had the privilege of participating in a session titled “Passing Down Experiences from Seniors to Juniors,” where recent interns from the 14th cohort shared their firsthand experiences. These speakers included Pharmacy Students Decha Khama (P’Toh), Sitthikwan Yongsa-roj (P’June), Athipat Wangbunkhong (P’Puen), and Panjarat Sukkanukul (P’Eye-Pan). They provided practical advice on preparing physically and mentally for the internship, managing stress, and navigating various professional responsibilities. Additionally, they offered tips for handling challenges, self-improvement strategies, and insights into maintaining motivation and finding inspiration throughout the internship. Their stories of personal growth and memorable experiences provided invaluable guidance, and they addressed numerous questions from the juniors, helping them feel more confident and prepared for the journey ahead.
The workshop also focused on “Upskilling and Reskilling in Professional Etiquette, Workplace Manners, and Interprofessional Communication.” This segment was led by Pharmacist Wiphusit Chanthong (P’Jom), an alumnus from the 8th cohort and a distinguished “Study Ambassador” from Walailak University’s 17th generation. Currently serving as a Tender and Enlisting Executive at Viatris (Thailand) Ltd., P’Jom facilitated interactive learning activities designed to enhance students’ communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional demeanor. The session emphasized real-time engagement and practical exercises aligned with developing interpersonal skills, professional etiquette, and effective collaboration within interprofessional healthcare teams.
The day concluded with an awards ceremony to recognize and motivate students as they embarked on their internships. Prizes were presented to the top five teams with the highest cumulative scores from various team-based games and activities, including special scores awarded by the guest speaker. The event concluded on an optimistic note, with the organizing team and senior speakers expressing their confidence in the 15th cohort’s readiness, both mentally and physically, to succeed in their internships: “Cohort 15—Ready in Body and Mind, You Can Do It!”
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