Stepping into my internship as a pharmacy technician at Pioneer Polyclinic, National University Polyclinics, was exciting and nerve-wracking. Unfamiliar systems, a fast-paced workflow, and the responsibility of serving patients safely were early challenges that pushed me to grow.

Throughout my internship, I rotated through different stations such as registration, prescription checking, packing and scanning, and dispensing. Each station gave me a better understanding of the work behind the scenes to ensure patients receive their medications safely and efficiently.

Beyond technical skills, I learnt the importance of teamwork in healthcare. During busy periods, I anticipated my colleagues’ needs, stepped in where needed and communicated clearly to support safe patient care. I also experienced how clear communication and mutual support were needed to ensure smooth workflows.

My patient communication skills grew too — perhaps more than I expected. Counselling patients initially felt like going through a checklist, but I gradually learnt to make it more personal. Whether that meant switching to Mandarin or Cantonese, simplifying an explanation, or taking time to address a patient's concerns, I came to understand that good counselling is as much about empathy and trust as it is about accuracy. I was fortunate to be surrounded by supportive mentors at NUHS Pharmacy.

My supervisor, Ismail, Senior Pharmacist, together with my work buddies and colleagues, constantly encouraged me and helped me grow. They guided me patiently and gave me the confidence to handle responsibilities more independently. Their support and feedback helped me learn from mistakes, ask questions, and improve with each experience.

With a strong foundation from NYP, I was able to bridge theory and practice throughout this internship, and leave it with sharper skills, greater confidence, and a clearer sense of the healthcare professional I want to become.