Rx Note

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 small handbook of guidelines for the treatment of medical emergencies, written by a medical officer in a district hospital to address the lack of simple yet reliable resources. Years later, it became widely used in many government hospitals across Malaysia. Similarly, many valuable references have evolved from compilations of lecture notes, becoming more comprehensive and widely recognized with each edition , such as Toronto Notes, Rang & Dale's Pharmacology and Symptoms in the Pharmacy . The Origins During my provisional registered year, a senior gave me a valuable piece of advice: " If you appreciate the help we have given you now, pass down what you have learned to your juniors in the future...

Introduction This week marked the retirement of a senior pharmacy assistant at my facility. While these professionals may not always be the clinical experts you seek for complex drug information, they form the essential backbone of our administrative operations. His work often happens silently in the background, yet it encompasses everything that keeps the department’s junior pharmacy assistants running smoothly: shift arrangements, attendance monitoring, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) tracking, asset management, and staff reshuffling. As he prepared to depart, he handed over his daily responsibilities to two other senior assistants - both of whom are set to retire next year. The reality of healthcare administration often lies beneath the surface. The longer we remain at a facility, the more we accumulate "invisible" responsibilities until the workload becomes deceptively heavy. From Independence to Mentorship In our early years, we are eager to learn and take on ...

Introduction The advice presented in this post are solely based on my four-year experience in inventory management at my hospital. Hopefully, these will serve as some tips when you are new to inventory management. As the rule of thumb, we should practice FEFO principle (i.e. First Expiry First Out). When receiving new stocks, remember to compare the expiry date of new and existing stocks. Storing medications with different expiry date at different location to avoid confusion is a handy measure. This is because humans are forgetful . NOTE: For the details in inventory management in logistics pharmacy at government facilities, you may refer to Garis Panduan Pengurusan Farmasi Logistik Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, 2020 and Modul Latihan Farmasi Logistik, 2024 . Monthly Usage As the rule of thumb, when comes to inventory management, the decision should not be based on one's intuition. The important parameter that we should always refer to will be monthly usage. However, monthly ...

Introduction As a child, I was captivated by fantasies of love. I clung to the fairytale notion that "To say "I love you" takes only 3 seconds, to explain it takes 3 hours, but a lifetime to prove it." However, as I matured, hearing numerous divorces around me shattered this idealistic view. For better or worse, marriage is built on shared happiness, while divorce stems from the belief that separation is preferable, albeit painful. The Truth Many relationships ignite with the thrill of discovering another's mystery, but quickly fade as the mundane routine of daily life sets in. Unveiling the mysteries of others is akin to discovering an unknown truth - it is exciting, and we feel we are moving closer to them. We crave constant interaction, but when this excitement becomes routine, the dopamine rush subsides. We revert to our original selves, focusing more on our own needs. However, love is not merely a fleeting feeling; it is a conscious choice. Like any meanin...

Introduction Change is the only constant in life. Every now and then, you will be surprised to hear that some of your long-lost friends have moved on to the next stage of life (e.g. getting married, raising child). Yet, we often find ourselves stuck in the same old routines, living happily within our comfort zones. There is a fear of making regrettable decisions that could potentially make our lives more miserable. NOTE: Change, though challenging and uncomfortable, presents an opportunity for growth. The Fear of Change and Cynicism When faced with tough situations, change is necessary to overcome them. Without change, we find ourselves stuck in the same cycle day after day. However, change is not easy and is filled with uncertainties , much like walking in the dark and exploring for a way out. The fear arises from our inability to control or foresee the outcomes, causing us to think of indefinite negative possibilities that may never come to pass. This, coupled with self-doubt (...