Patricia La Manna
It was fantastic learning about the industry side of pharmacy on placement at Alphapharm
“It was fantastic learning about the industry side of pharmacy on placement at Alphapharm, in particular being able to see how a pharmacist can fit into a pharmaceutical company and the diverse role they can play. On placement I had to use knowledge learnt in Therapeutics and Evidence Based Practice to complete my tasks as well as ensure that I was communicating effectively to people with different levels of scientific knowledge. I’ve always been interested in industry as a career path and this has made me confident in my ability to pursue this.”
Patricia completed the Master of Pharmacy at the end of 2013 is currently employed as an Intern Pharmacist at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital.
Patricia: I'm Trish; I'm at UTS doing Master of Pharmacy program. I'm in my second year.
So I've done a range of practical experiences, I've been able to be in the community of Pharmacy, as well as in the professional organisations.
It's been extremely useful in my learning; it's actually allowed me to apply what I've learnt in classes and to experience what it would be really like in the workforce.
My current placement is at Prince of Wales hospital, where I’m actually able to apply my clinical knowledge to patient-based case work and actually going around on duty with pharmacists.
When I was investigating which course was best for me, UTS had the clear advantage because it was very prac-based and I knew I’d be able to get a hospital placement. Not only did UTS guarantee me a hospital placement, they also negotiated all of my clinical placements for me and that something that gives you really good piece of mind going into the course. I really enjoyed clinical placement because I’ve got to talk to patients and talk to professionals and learn off professionals who were actually in the workforce, it wasn’t just a lecturer that you were learning off. You’ve got to experience what it was like to help people to use their medication in a better way. One of the most recent clinical placements that I did was at the NPS MedicineWise, which was National Prescribing Service, and I ended up getting employment out of that because they were impressed with the type of work that I did during my time there. The Master program was definitely right for me because I am ready to join the workforce and I feel like I have the skills to go out and work straight away.
