To gain a good understanding and knowledge on my field of study, to enhance my employability skills, to get a real taste of my future jobs and to meet people with unique culture and language.
Through family or friends
After I talked to someone who knows Tropical well, I called and check if they had a space for summer placement. Then, I submitted my CV online after I checked they had space. Finally, I communicated with Dr. Margaret, founder and director of the Tropical Clinics, on email to arrange time for interview. After two weeks they told me my application was successful.
Taking the inventory (controlling the Opening stock, stock in, dispensed and balance of medicines), help dispensing the medicines in the pharmacy, checking nutrition content and expiry date of medicines. In addition, after getting permission to work in the lab, I shadowed the lab technologists about different tests in the lab for two weeks (at the end of my internship)
It was my daily task to do the inventory, help dispensing the drugs in the pharmacy before I start shadowing and do my assignment which was preparing a basic drug information protocol.
Working in the pharmacy and shadowing the lab technologists. It was also fascinating to make new friends as well as discovering Kenya.
The place was malaria endemic. There was also scary election which challenged me to leave or not leave the country.
Yes, I had some knowledge on medicines so it was not as challenging as it was supposed to be to study the medicines they distribute.
Yes, it gave me a chance to certainly know what kind of job I will want to do in the future.
Placement gives a good opportunity to gain some practical skills and gain an insight on your study. It is also good way to meet new people, culture, and to gain new attitude.
Form completed: 04 Sep 2017