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The 2nd Practical Training Program for Fifth-Year Pharmacy Students Interning at Pharmacies in Kawasaki Conducted at iCONM.
On May 12, a practical education training session for pharmacy students, organized by the Kawasaki Pharmacists Association, was held at iCONM. Approximately 150 fifth-year pharmacy students interning at local pharmacies participated, and the program is divided into three parties: March, June, and September. In this second party, 39 students attended. After receiving an explanation about iCONM/CHANGE from Dr. Shimazaki, Communications Manager, Ms. Yagi, Executive Director of the Kawasaki Nursing Association, talked about the importance of collaboration among multiple professions in community healthcare, emphasizing how the partnership between pharmacists and nurses enhances the quality of care. Additionally, Mr. Shiragasawa from Astellas Pharma discussed the challenges of securing medical resources in light of Japan's declining birthrate and aging population, and the actions pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists should take.
Following a facility tour of iCONM, Mr. Yagi, Mr. Shirakezawa, Dr. Kanda (iCONM Research Scientist), and Dr. Shimazaki—visited the pharmacy students, who were divided into four groups, to discuss their future career paths and research topics. Members of the Kawasaki Pharmacists Association also joined each group to provide various insights on the significance of obtaining a pharmacist license, the diverse opportunities available, and effective communication with patients, doctors, and nurses. Finally, Mr. Komatsu from the Pharmacists Association concluded the session with remarks: “I believe that what you experienced and learned today will certainly be useful in the future. As the environment surrounding pharmacies and pharmacists changes, I hope you will embrace transformation and build a new era.”
The CHANGE project has set care innovation as one of its themes, and as mentioned in Ms. Yagi's lecture, we can hopefully promote collaboration with pharmacists and support improvements in operations to realize community-based integrated care.
