Hamedah Safi is a fourth-year pharmacy student studying at Trinity College Dublin. In this article she reflects on her experience in the IPU, the skills and knowledge she gained during her placement and her plans for her future career.
My name is Hamedah Safi, and I am a fourth-year pharmacy student at Trinity College Dublin. The fourth-year APPEL (Affiliation for Pharmacy Practice Experiential Learning) placement provides a unique opportunity for students to gain insights into the diverse roles pharmacists play across various sectors, including industry, community, hospital, and role-emerging practice. I completed my placement at the IPU in December 2024.
Having already gained experience in community and hospital pharmacy, I wanted to explore a role-emerging practice to learn and develop new skills in a non-traditional pharmacy setting. I chose to undertake my placement in an area where I had no previous experience and pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone. My interest in the IPU began during my third year when I attended the Future PharmacIE APPEL event. I had the chance to speak with IPU staff members and was inspired by their dedication to advocating for the interests of community pharmacists across Ireland.
When I started my placement with the IPU, I was both nervous and excited. I knew this was an excellent opportunity to expand my horizons and take a step towards a different side of pharmacy. My first few days were focused on settling in, I was introduced to the incredibly welcoming IPU staff and given an overview of the organisation and its various departments. I was assigned to the Professional Services department, where I had the privilege of working on a wide variety of activities and projects that deepened my understanding of pharmacy practice and pharmacists’ code of conduct. This exposure allowed me to build confidence, develop new skills and expand my professional skillset. I had the opportunity to contribute to vaccination-related projects and developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the IPU website, which helped me to learn the importance of clear, precise documentation for pharmacy practice. I also wrote articles for the IPU Review magazine, which challenged me to communicate topics clearly and tailor content according to its audience. I was also tasked with answering queries from IPU members. This experience further refined my research skills as I learned to navigate legislation, PSI guidelines, and other reliable resources to provide accurate information, as well as follow good pharmacy practice.
One of the key projects I worked on involved researching the development and implementation of a new pharmacy service using innovative technology. I explored governance, quality assurance, cost considerations and other factors, which gave me valuable insight into the practical steps needed to introduce such a service in a community pharmacy setting. I found this project particularly interesting as it highlighted how pharmacists can play a pivotal role in advancing preventative care and improving public health.
Although my placement was non-patient-facing, the IPU provided many opportunities for me to keep my clinical knowledge up to date. I completed several training courses available through the IPU Professional Academy, including Medicines Counter Assistant Course, Delegation training, Health and Nutrition and Management and Development course. These courses not only expanded my clinical knowledge but also helped me develop leadership and management skills — qualities that will be invaluable as I progress in my career. The IPU Professional Academy Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses and webinars were also an incredible asset. I participated in CPD learning such as asthma, epilepsy, cancer care and high-tech drug scheme.
“This placement was more than just an academic requirement; it was a transformative experience that allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, learn new skills, and grow both personally and professionally. It has been an unforgettable experience.”
Another highlight of my placement was the opportunity to attend meetings and conferences with external healthcare organisations, including the Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA), PSI and the Irish Medication Safety Network conference, where I observed discussions on regulatory frameworks, patient safety and professional standards. I also attended a PSI Inquiry held in public, which deepened my understanding of professional accountability and the role of ethics in pharmacy practice. I was fortunate to attend the Future PharmacIE APPEL event 2024, where I engaged with students, discussed my placement experience, and represented the IPU. One of the most memorable experiences of my placement was attending the launch of the IPU White Paper in September 2024. This event highlighted the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare and allowed me to engage with pharmacists and politicians on advancing pharmacy practice in Ireland.
I engaged in additional activities that strengthened my personal and professional growth. I delivered a presentation on healthy workplace habits to IPU staff, which improved my public speaking skills and taught me the importance of audience engagement. I also presented my placement experience to fellow students, where I shared my learnings and encouraged others to explore similar opportunities.
Reflecting on my time with the IPU, I feel incredibly grateful for the range of experiences and skills I gained. From writing and researching to attending meetings and delivering presentations, every task strengthened my professional abilities and deepened my understanding of the broader role pharmacists play within healthcare. This placement was more than just an academic requirement; it was a transformative experience that allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, learn new skills, and grow both personally and professionally. It has been an unforgettable experience.
To pharmacy students considering their placement options, I highly recommend exploring role-emerging settings like the IPU. This experience has shown me how pharmacists can make a meaningful impact beyond patient-facing roles, contributing to education, policy, advocacy, and professional development. I am incredibly thankful for the support and guidance I received from my preceptor and the IPU team. I look forward to applying everything I have learned as I continue my journey in pharmacy and embrace future challenges with confidence and curiosity.
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