At HealthPRO, students get a chance to work with the HealthPRO Pharmacy team to gain insight into procurement of pharmacy products for hospitals, including applicable legislation and contracting processes. Some of the placement activities include participation in member and supplier meetings, review of packaging and labelling guidelines, virtual product evaluation training, creation of member documents or tools, and follow-up on product concerns.  

These placements give students real-world experience, and an opportunity to make a contribution that benefits them and the organization.  

HealthPRO's commitment to knowledge is exemplified in its student placement program. Tracy Gallina, HealthPRO’s Clinical Director, Product Quality has mentored many pharmacy students over the years. Among the most recent students to come through our doors is Phinehas Cheung from the University of Manitoba (U of M).

Phinehas began his eight-week rotation on October 24, 2022.  We interviewed Phinehas at the end of his rotation and he shared his thoughts on his time at HealthPRO:  

How would you summarize your experience at HealthPRO?

I found my experience at HealthPRO very eye-opening. To draw an analogy to quality electricity or water transmission, most people don't realize the efforts to get good drug products to hospitals reliably, and as short as my eight weeks here has been, I'm very fortunate to have had this behind-the-scenes glimpse. It's reassuring to see the work HealthPRO does to support hospitals.  As a student, I realize I'm still very new to the practice of pharmacy. I plan to equip myself with more experience at hospitals, so that I can gain a firsthand understanding of their perspectives.

Why did you choose HealthPRO for your elective rotation?

I really wanted to see the supply side of the industry, when it comes to pharmacy products.

What part of your placement at HealthPRO did you like the best?

I enjoy training under the product evaluation team because they apply their skills and knowledge to provide resources to suppliers and hospitals that contribute to medication safety. 

What type of pharmacy practice do you think you will pursue once you graduate?

As a pharmacist, I’d like to apply my skills and knowledge to develop new drugs.

Which project are you currently working on, and what do you like about it?

I enjoy working with the pharmacy services team to learn about packaging and labelling standards and contribute to the PH23 General Trade Request for Proposal (RFP) through evaluating many different products. I am also working on a multivitamin product comparison for members, a wellness article for staff, and reconstitution data that will assist members that use dockable mini-bags.

What about HealthPRO’s mission as an organization appeals to you?

I enjoy supporting patient safety and better patient outcomes.