Bridging the Gap: UP Pharmacy Students Complete Hospital Pre-Clerkship Training
PHNOM PENH, February 22, 2026 — As third-year pharmacy students at the University of Puthisastra (UP) prepare for their upcoming internships, the Faculty of Pharmacy has provided them with a critical professional edge. Under the chairmanship of Asst. Prof. Chhea Sophearom, the university hosted a comprehensive training course designed to simulate the complexities of modern hospital pharmacy practice.
Real-World Insights from Techo Santepheap National Hospital
The session featured Pharmacist Heang Langhuoy, Head of the Pharmacy Department at Techo Santepheap National Hospital, who shared vital operational strategies:
- The 5R Principles: Students learned the rigorous application of the “Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, and Right Time” during the dispensing process.
- Inventory Mastery: A deep dive into the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) and FEFO (First-Expired, First-Out) systems for managing medicines, vaccines, and equipment.
- Problem Solving: Analyzing real-world medication errors and workflow challenges to build critical thinking skills before students step into a live hospital environment.
Readiness and Digital Competency
Complementing the operational training, Mr. Heim Mengkhim (UP Lecturer and Senior Pharmacist at Paris 2 Pharmacy) focused on clinical readiness:
- Evidence-Based Practice: Training on how to navigate the Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) to find accurate, up-to-date drug information.
- Rational Use of Medicines: Understanding the clinical necessity and ethical considerations of essential medicine distribution.
- Professional Development: Preparing students for the cultural and professional expectations of a high-pressure hospital internship.
Preparing the Next Generation
With more than 80 students in attendance, this training course served as a bridge between theoretical studies and the “real-world” working environment. By clarifying professional roles and mastering workflow systems now, UP students can begin their clerkships with the confidence and competence required to be effective members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.