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The Second Practical Training Program for Fifth-Year Pharmacy Students Interning at Pharmacies in Kawasaki (FY2026), Conducted at iCONM
On June 11, fifth-year pharmacy students currently undertaking practical training at community dispensing pharmacies in Kawasaki City visited iCONM and attended a practical education training session at LiSE.This training program is conducted in three sessions—March, June, and September—for approximately 150 pharmacy students annually. The June session marked the second training program of FY2026, with 39 students participating. As in the first session held on March 26, the program proceeded as follows:
- Introduction to iCONM/CHANGE (Dr. Makoto Shimazaki, Communications Manager, iCONM)
- Overview of nursing duties (Ms. Michiko Yagi, Executive Director, Kawasaki Nursing Association)
- Lecture on advocacy activities by a pharmaceutical company (Mr. Chihaya Shiragasawa from Astellas Pharma)
- Tour of the iCONM facility
- Networking session with speakers and researchers
During the networking session, Ms. Yagi, Mr. Shiragasawa, and Dr. Shimazaki were joined by Dr. Shusuke Sato, Senior Research Scientist from the Ichiki Lab at iCONM. The participants engaged in active discussions and exchanged a wide range of opinions.
Many students asked questions about future career paths, including the role of Medical Representatives (MRs) and the advantages and challenges associated with different professions. In addition, using an actual medication-related case provided by Ms. Yagi as a discussion topic, the students considered appropriate responses and measures to prevent recurrence, sharing diverse perspectives and ideas.
Through this training program, the students broadened their perspectives through interactions with professionals working in a variety of fields, including industry, nursing, and research, providing a valuable opportunity to reflect on their future career development.
