Chemist

Are you interested in the power of different chemicals? Have you wondered what would happen if you mixed two, three or four chemicals together? From creating cleaner energies to life saving drugs, chemicals can be used to help us make a better world.

A Chemist finds ways to improve the living standard of people by studying chemicals. They use their knowledge of chemicals to develop new products, such as drugs, cosmetics and even new types of synthetic fibres. A Chemist also plays an important role in the energy industry by working on petrochemical processes to reach optimal energy use and reduce pollution, just as a Chemist plays an important role in the development of new drugs, by overseeing the development process and determining the quality and stability of these drugs. A Chemist can also work in a pharmacy where he/she focuses on safe and effective medication dosage and usage.

DID YOU KNOW?

• In the 1800s, Coca-Cola was a cough syrup created by a pharmacist.
• Last year, the pharmaceutical industry grossed $85 billion around the world.
• The earliest recordings of pharmaceutical documentation date back 3,500 years and were found in Egypt. The records had information on 800 prescriptions mentioning 700 medications.

Miss Chan Bora
Pharmacist
Pailin Referral Hospital

I’ve get to ensure that patients are given the right medicine, as prescribed by the Doctor, and that they use the medication correctly.

In 2011, I graduated in the field of Pharmacy, and have been working as a Pharmacist in the Pailin Referral Hospital since 2012. Because this is a public hospital, I had to pass an exam that was prepared by the Ministry of Health.

Before this job I worked as a Medical Representative and Regulatory Affair Officer with Medicom, a medical products and equipment supplier. My own curiosity about how the government runs hospitals motivated me to change direction and take the Ministry’s exam.

My responsibilities today are to dispense medication to patients and to Nurses; prepare drug records; calculate the amount of medicine that is going out each day; daily drug management; and place medication orders once every three months. My job allows me to put all my knowledge to use – everything I studied in university – which is the most satisfying part of it.

Like many other jobs, there are certain challenges. I’ve got to ensure that patients are given the right medicine, as prescribed by the Doctor, and that they use the medication correctly. Communication can be difficult at times, as we cannot guarantee that patients will agree with our advice.

Working as a Pharmacist is rewarding in its own way, much like it is for Doctors and Nurses. I have the opportunity to help improve someone’s health. I would highly recommend this job for anyone that has an interest in how drugs work. Being a Pharmacist also means being completely responsible, having strong management skills and a keen attention to detail.