A Journey Through Clinical Pharmacy- From Books to AI

The field of clinical pharmacy has transformed dramatically over the past 15 years, driven by advancements in digital tools, mobile apps, and, most recently, artificial intelligence (AI). As someone who has witnessed these changes firsthand—from my days as a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) student at The University of Manchester to my current role as a clinical pharmacist—I want to reflect on how our access to medical information has evolved and what it means for both pharmacists and the public.

 The Era of Textbooks and Online Databases

When I started my MPharm studies in 2010, the British National Formulary (BNF) and BNF for Children were my go-to references. These thick books contained essential drug information, and every pharmacy student had them on their desk. While they were invaluable, they had limitations: updates were only published biannually, and searching for specific information could be slow.

To supplement my learning, I frequently used MedicinesComplete, Google Scholar, and PubMed. These online platforms provided access to research papers and clinical guidelines, but finding the right information required patience and advanced search skills. At the time, this felt like cutting-edge technology—yet, looking back, the process was time-consuming compared to today's instant-access resources.

The Rise of Mobile Apps in Pharmacy Practice

As I transitioned into clinical practice in 2014, I quickly realized the need for faster, more accessible drug information. Mobile apps revolutionized how pharmacists worked. Instead of flipping through physical books or sitting at a computer, I could now access trusted drug databases at my fingertips.

I started using Medscape, Micromedex, Lexicomp, and UpToDate to look up drug interactions, treatment guidelines, and evidence-based recommendations. These apps significantly improved efficiency, especially in high-pressure environments like hospitals and clinics. Additionally, the BNF and MIMS apps provided updated drug information, making printed versions almost obsolete.

This shift allowed pharmacists to provide quicker and more accurate advice to both healthcare professionals and patients. The convenience of having critical information on a smartphone meant we could make informed decisions in real time.

 The AI Revolution in Pharmacy

Then came the AI wave in 2022. The introduction of tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Grok, Perplexity, and DeepSeek transformed how pharmacists access and process information. Unlike traditional apps, which provide static drug monographs, AI tools allow for dynamic conversations, summarization of research papers, and even predictive analysis of drug interactions.

For example, instead of manually searching PubMed for recent studies on a specific treatment, I can now ask an AI tool for a summary of the latest evidence. If a doctor asks for recommendations on an unusual case, AI can help analyze multiple guidelines in seconds, providing a well-rounded response.

However, AI tools are not perfect. They require careful validation and should always be used alongside trusted references. While they have significantly improved the speed of information retrieval, clinical judgment remains essential. Pharmacists must verify AI-generated insights against established guidelines and their professional expertise.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Clinical Pharmacy

From printed textbooks to mobile apps to AI-driven tools, clinical pharmacy has come a long way. These advancements have not only changed how pharmacists work but have also improved patient care by making drug information more accessible and up to date.

Looking forward, AI will likely continue to evolve, integrating with electronic health records and real-time clinical decision support systems. As pharmacists, we must embrace these changes while maintaining our core role as medication experts who ensure patient safety and effective treatment.

The journey from 2010 to 2025 has been remarkable, and the next decade promises even more innovation (Yes! Pharmacointelligence). One thing is certain: technology will keep advancing, but the human touch in pharmacy will always be irreplaceable. 

2017 新开始

首先，今天1月6日是爸生日。生日快乐 =)  愿身体健康。

爸很幸运，有妈陪伴。哈哈。

小时候，爸总是说：好好努力读书。

从曼彻斯特大学MPharm (First Class Honours)毕业也是2014年的事了。当年，The University of Manchester还是Top 5 pharmacy school in the world。

QS 2014

最近看到一张幽默的照片，哈哈，纯属分享：

虽然没有平步青云，还是很感恩JPA奖学金让我有机会去看看外面的世界。

必须承认大学学到的知识只是给予基础，工作后需要很多的自修专研。大学只是药剂师学习的开始，不是终点。我相信“a patient's unmet need is a pharmacist's educational need”。现在FRP了，我还是会常常翻阅参考书或浏览资料，增加自己的知识，更深入地了解药物治疗。

科技也改变了药剂师寻找资料的方法。过去，药剂师需要从厚厚的书籍查资料，如今很多smartphone apps已成为主要的工具。我工作上有用到的app，包括了NICE BNF, NICE BNF for children, Lexicomp, Micromedex, Medscape, MSD Manual, Epocrates, Sanford Guide, My Blue Book, My NAG, MIMS。

我的旧电话和一本Lexicomp的厚度分别。一个电话可以有很多app，压倒性的胜利。

从大学开始至今，British National Formulary依然是我最好的朋友, 往往是我第一个翻阅的reference，目前最新是BNF 72nd edition。Lexicomp有药物非常全面的资料并且常常更新，Micromedex也很好用。Medscape，Epocrates 和MSD Manual 都是很好的免费app。为顺应科技，马来西亚卫生部也推出官方的My Blue Book和My NAG，方便医护人员。

UpToDate是个非常好的资料库, 有关于疾病最新的治疗详解。
Roger Walker写的“Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics” 5th Edition (2012)是我大学时的recommended reading，是本很好的书，可惜6th edition还没出版，现在已经2017年。
目前，我在阅读的最新临床药剂参考书是Joseph Dipiro的“Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach" 10th edition (2017)和Marie Chisholm-burns的“Pharmacotherapy: Principles & Practice” 4th edition (2016)。两本非常赞的书，值得推荐。

Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 10th Edition

Pharmacotherapy: Principles & Practice. 4th Edition

一路走来

一转眼，2016年就快要尾声了。时间过得真快！

如果说7月特别，因为是生日和大学毕业的月份。
10月就是因为工作而有纪念意义：2014年10月开始工作，2015年10月拿到Fully Registered Pharmacist (FRP)证书。

工作差不都两年了。忍不住问自己是不是不忘初发心，
自己有没有成长，专业方面有没有提升。

最近医院药剂部举办了一个Family Day。虽然开始时百般不愿意舟车劳顿参加，但后来觉得其实也挺不错，也算是个不同的回忆。有一起坐车去Safari看动物，有一起玩一些很小孩的游戏（激发了好胜心，哈哈），有舞蹈表演看，甚至还有奖拿，哈哈。

Prize Winners, haha

OPD Family 

Hospital Segamat Pharmacy Farmily

很难想象自己退休时会是怎样的世界。还有30多年要走吧。
最近帮忙一位刚退休的同事庆祝生日。其实去她家，邀请她参加的时候，心里是担心她不愿意出席，她为人很客气和怕热闹，所幸邀请成功。

勤劳的彦庄和Kak Chua。邀请Kak Chua成功。

工作一路走来，有很多大大小小的故事。希望未来会更好。
分享证严上人的一句静思语，共勉之：
“人生最有价值的，是健康的身体；比健康更有价值的，是正确的人生方向。”



另一边厢，最近也从facebook接到一个喜讯：大学同学被她交往九年的男友求婚。
求婚照片非常唯美：

看到这种有情人终成眷属的故事，真是很感动。当然，也很羡慕，哈哈。祝福他们永远幸福美满，百年好合。

又看回当年的毕业照，真是令人怀念的大学日子。

大学最好的朋友

诗人大学Chancellor =)

Poet Lemn Sissay was officially installed as Chancellor of The University of Manchester on 14 Oct 2015。诗人说话总是有诗的味道。

"My primary role is to inspire and to be inspired."- Lemn Sissay-

大学选一位诗人做Chancellor，太令人惊喜。

会吟诗的Chancellor，太诗意了，酷！
以下短片是他为大学写的诗：“Inspire and Be Inspired"

诗人Lemn Sissay对于Manchester不是一个陌生的名字。他的诗出现在Manchester的不同角落。

"Rain"是Lemn Sissay的一个经典。就在靠近我大学宿舍Whitworth Park的一个墙壁上, 很正能量！

"Rain" - by Lemn Sissay-

When the rain falls

They talk of Manchester

But when the triumphant rain falls

We think of rainbows

That’s the Mancunian Way

梦想起飞的那天

五年前的9月15日，第一次要离开马来西亚，在机场准备上去英国的飞机。那时内心有些紧张，但大部分是很兴奋。拍了这张有纪念价值的全家福，带着家人的祝福，充满了憧憬和梦想。大学的四年，也常常看回这照片。

五年后的今天，我想起读过的一句话：“Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory”

The University of Manchester最新的Welcome短片，超热血的

大学，知识之光

缅怀过去

突然很怀旧，看到这些短片，一草一木，勾起了大学时期的回忆。
熟悉的建筑物。想念那些上课求学问的日子。



也蛮怀念曾经遇过的雪景。一切如此地熟悉，却已经遥远。
不知不觉，也工作超过半年了。
有时感觉迷失时，会惦记大学时期那个不管天高地厚的自己。
究竟自己会是被社会煮软的箩卜，被煮硬的鸡蛋，或是被煮成一体的咖啡？

怀旧-ing

追求知识与真理的那四年

远方的回忆

今天收到远从英国寄来的Manchester Pharmacy School Alumni Magazine。感觉挺开心的。
之前也收过Alumni Card。至今，还是很关心曼彻斯特大学的发展，有种特别的情结。
感觉往事如烟，四年的大学生活总是令人怀念（或许不包括考试期间的压力时期。哈哈）

虽然处在炎热的马来西亚天气，手握着那校友刊物,
我内心似乎可以感受到远方凉凉的秋风。
想起过去的四个秋天，树叶渐渐变黄。四季中最美的秋天。

大学毕业典礼！

对我来说，大学毕业是很愉快的事。穿上毕业袍，有飘飘然的感觉。
7月7日，我终于以Graduand的身份坐在庄严的Whitworth Hall，出席The University of Manchester 毕业典礼。（我想我一定会一直记住这日期吧，毕竟7月8日是我生日，哈哈）

仪式还没开始

音乐响起，仪式开始，讲师教授们正式入场：

入场

Prof Thakker (大学的Associate Vice President )负责preside这个仪式。仪式开始时，他邀约在场的毕业生用掌声来感谢毕业生的家人。他之后说了很多关于大学在research, teaching和social responsibility的成就。这些都和校训“Cognitio, Sapientia, Humanitas” (Knowledge, Wisdom, Humanity的拉丁文）相辅相应。其中包括了2010年Nobel Prize in Physics和volunteering contribution。

毕业生和大学是一辈子的感情，印象最深刻是他的这一句：

“This will always be your university.”

Prof Thakker

之后是Head of School Prof Marshall负责演讲。她说了很多Manchester Pharmacy School在Pharmaceutical Sciences和Pharmacy Practice的research贡献。她也说了学校在QS Pharmacy Subject ranking的杰出表现和teaching excellence (尤其是clinical education)以及 technological innovations。

Prof Marshall勉励毕业生说道：

“You may entering the pharmaceutical world in a time of great change, 

but always remember that change brings opportunities for those who can rise to the challenge, 

and you should be confident that your Manchester education has equipped you well. 

As you take the next step in your career, 

I urged you to keep up-to-date your practice and science, keep investing in yourself.”

Prof Marshall

Dr Hall负责present graduands from Manchester Pharmacy School。大家当时都有些紧张吧，怕他念错名，也怕上台领奖时不小心跌倒。（哈哈，毕竟这将是一辈子的回忆，一切都被现场video recorded和网上live telecast）。虽然事先我已经告诉自己不要太急，但上台领奖时我还是走得很快，哈哈。

握着Master of Pharmacy (First Class Honours)的degree certificate

之后是Pharmacy毕业生的affirmation仪式：

“I affirm that I will:

• make the care of my patients my first concern;

• treat every patient politely and considerately;

• respect patients' dignity and privacy;

• listen to patients and respect their views;

• give patients information in a way they can understand;

• respect the right of patients to be fully involved in decisions about their care;

• keep my professional knowledge and skills up to date;

• recognise the limits of my professional competence;

• be honest and trustworthy;

• respect and protect confidential information;

• make sure my personal beliefs do not prejudice my patients' care;

• act quickly to protect my patients from risk if I have good reason to believe that I or a colleague may

not be fit to practise;

• avoid abuse of my position as a pharmacist;

• work with colleagues in the ways that best serve patients' interests.

In all these matters I will never discriminate unfairly against my

patients or colleagues. I will always be prepared to justify my actions to them.

I so affirm".

仪式最后，Prof Thakker要求毕业生戴上四方帽，象征着Graduands正式成为Graduates。他也邀约毕业生用掌声感谢帮助学生走到这里的讲师和教授。

音乐再次响起，戴上毕业帽的毕业生一个一个跟着队伍离场。

screenshot from live telecast

林家三兄弟

家人，我最大的支持

大学最好朋友四人组：艳妮，Teepa，我，铭雄

好朋友Priscilla和Selyn

与Sian和Emily

与好朋友Truc和Rebecca

 

Dr Hall

Project帮助我很多的Manal

与Zoe和Kirsty

熟悉的讲堂

看着自己成长，期许自己未来能做到更好，加油！