Ayesha Naim

During my second year of B. Pharmacy, I undertook an internship that provided foundational exposure to the pharmacy profession. This early experience helped me understand the daily operations of a pharmacy and the essential responsibilities of pharmacists in both patient care and medicine management.

What I Did:

• Observed the dispensing process and assisted in preparing prescriptions under supervision
• Learned about common medications, dosage forms, and basic drug classifications
• Helped organize shelves and manage the storage of medicines according to safety standards
• Shadowed pharmacists during patient interactions to understand counseling techniques and prescription reviews
• Got introduced to pharmacy billing systems and record-keeping methods
• Supported the team in routine tasks like checking expiry dates, stock levels, and maintaining cleanliness of the workspace

What I Learned:

• The structure and workflow of a pharmacy setup
• Fundamentals of drug handling, patient safety, and pharmacy ethics
• The importance of communication and attention to detail in pharmaceutical practice
• How pharmacists contribute to healthcare beyond simply dispensing medications

As part of my Bachelor of Pharmacy program, I completed a one-year internship at Sun Pharma that allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world pharmaceutical setting. During this time, I worked closely with pharmacists and healthcare professionals, gaining valuable practical experience in both clinical and dispensing environments.

What I Did:

• Assisted in dispensing medications and managing prescription records under the supervision of licensed pharmacists
• Helped with inventory checks and ensured proper storage and labeling of drugs
• Observed patient counseling sessions and learned about drug interactions, dosage instructions, and contraindications
• Gained exposure to regulatory procedures and basic documentation practices
• Participated in discussions on drug safety, pharmacovigilance, and healthcare ethics
• Maintained accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality in all assigned tasks

What I Learned:

• Practical skills in medication handling, storage, and dispensing
• Communication and teamwork in a healthcare setting
• Understanding of pharmacy operations, from inventory control to patient care
• The importance of precision, ethical responsibility, and regulatory compliance in pharmacy practice