Looi Zhi Ling

Course: Bachelor of Pharmacy (with Honours), 2016
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Franchise Medical Lead (Immunology), Novartis

How have your studies helped to prepare you for the working world?

Monash has laid a solid foundation for me before stepping foot into the pharmaceutical industry. In my current role, despite not practising hands-on as a pharmacist, I'm applying the experience and knowledge that I have gained so far in my current position. The four years of my BPharm journey instilled strong clinical knowledge, understanding on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics of a drug as well as the concept of literature review in me. The attachment arrangements during my third and fourth years gave me exposure to the hospital healthcare system, and the opportunity to lead in society activities and work in teams was a crucial part in the development of my interpersonal and soft skills. All these accelerated my learning curve after joining the industry.

Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities?

Over the years in Monash, I was heavily involved in the Monash University Pharmacy Society (MUPhaS) committee. I was the Vice President (2015-2016), Vice Secretary (2014-2015), Head of Student Guides for orientation day, organising chairperson for the Monash public health campaign and organising chairperson for Monash Mingle Night. I was also the representative from Monash Pharmacy in Malaysian Pharmacy Students’ Association (MyPSA) together with the other pharmacy university representatives. Always grateful for the availability of such activities beyond academic for us students to participate in.

Did you go for any internships or work placements?

I had the opportunity to be attached in several healthcare settings, namely Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru, Hospital Selayang, Cosway Damansara Perdana and Klinik Kesihatan Tanglin, which were very helpful in my career preparation. The exposure allowed me to see the world outside my studies, painted a picture of how upon graduating will be like and ultimately this helped me to set my career pathway.

What did you enjoy most about your student life?

Definitely the many beautiful souls that I have met, and the friendships built with my batchmates, seniors, juniors and my beloved lecturers! Not forgetting all the memories made through events organised together with the committee, e.g. pharmacy year end camp! Couldn’t ask for a better university journey!

What is your career goal?

My current goal is to climb up the pharmaceutical ladder, further propelling myself locally or regionally in the Medical Affairs function. I came to realise that being in this function, we play a role although indirectly, in the improvement of current treatment and healthcare landscape. And that is exactly what I would like to achieve.