Pharmacist Intern Position at Mediclinic Upington: An In-Depth Overview
Introduction
The role of a pharmacist intern is a crucial stepping stone in the journey towards becoming a licensed pharmacist. For those aspiring to enter the field of pharmacy, Mediclinic Upington in Upington, South Africa, offers a valuable opportunity. This detailed overview will explore the responsibilities, requirements, and benefits associated with the pharmacist intern position at Mediclinic Upington, as well as offer insights into the skills and knowledge needed for this role.
Overview of Mediclinic Upington
Mediclinic Upington is a part of Mediclinic International, a prominent private hospital group operating in Southern Africa, the Middle East, and Switzerland. Located in Upington, a town in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, Mediclinic Upington is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to its community. The hospital offers a range of medical services, including surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic care.
Position Details
Title: Pharmacist Intern
Location: Mediclinic Upington, Upington, South Africa
Closing Date: 31st October 2024
Number of Positions: 1
Recruiter: Roberto Eiman
Reference Number: 53335
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Application Note: Internal employees on a fixed-term contract are advised to apply using an external candidate profile rather than their employee profile.
Main Purpose of the Job
The primary goal of the pharmacist intern is to assist in delivering a comprehensive, professional, and cost-effective pharmaceutical service to both in-hospital patients and the public. This includes ensuring the availability of medicines, accurate dispensing, and efficient stock management.
Key Responsibility Areas
- Availability of Medicines:
- Ensure that medicines and scheduled substances are readily available in stores and to the public.
- Manage the inventory of pharmaceuticals to prevent shortages or overstock situations.
- Accurate Dispensing:
- Dispense medications accurately as per prescriptions and ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
- Verify the correctness of prescriptions and provide necessary counseling to patients regarding the use of medications.
- Efficient Stock Holding:
- Maintain optimal stock levels of medicines and scheduled substances.
- Monitor expiry dates and manage stock rotation to ensure the quality and efficacy of medications.
Required Education
- Essential Education:
- A Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharm) qualification or current enrollment as a final-year B Pharm student is required.
- Desired Education:
- No additional education beyond the B Pharm qualification is specified for this role.
Required Experience
- Essential Minimum Experience:
- No prior work experience is necessary for applying to this position.
- Desired Experience:
- Experience is not a prerequisite for this role, making it accessible to recent graduates or final-year students.
Required Job Skills and Knowledge
- Current Relevant Legislation:
- Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act is essential.
- Understanding of compliance requirements and legal standards in pharmaceutical practice.
- Financial Management:
- Basic financial management skills are necessary for managing inventory and understanding cost implications of pharmaceutical services.
- Good Pharmacy Practices:
- Adherence to standard pharmacy practices, including maintaining professionalism and ethical conduct.
- Medical Aid Scheme Benefits:
- Understanding of medical aid schemes, regulations, and formularies to assist patients with insurance-related queries.
- Clinical Pharmacy and Antimicrobial Stewardship:
- Knowledge in clinical pharmacy practices and antimicrobial stewardship to contribute to effective patient care.
- Pharmacy Systems:
- Familiarity with pharmacy systems such as UNISOLVE and AS400 for managing pharmaceutical operations.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office for various administrative tasks.
- Ethical Product Knowledge:
- A comprehensive understanding of pharmaceuticals, including ethical considerations and product information.
Employment Equity and Application Process
Mediclinic Upington adheres to the Employment Equity Plan of Mediclinic Southern Africa. This means that while all applicants will be considered, preference may be given to individuals in line with the equity plan and internal applicants who meet the minimum requirements.
For internal employees on a fixed-term contract, it is important to apply using an external candidate profile rather than their internal employee profile to ensure the application is processed correctly.
Benefits of the Position
- Professional Development:
- The intern position offers valuable experience in a reputable healthcare facility, helping to build a solid foundation for a career in pharmacy.
- Opportunities for hands-on training and mentorship from experienced pharmacists.
- Career Advancement:
- Successful completion of the internship can pave the way for future employment opportunities within Mediclinic or other healthcare institutions.
- Networking opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry and potential for professional growth.
- Contributing to Patient Care:
- Direct involvement in patient care by ensuring accurate medication dispensing and providing essential pharmaceutical services.
Conclusion
The pharmacist intern position at Mediclinic Upington represents a significant opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in pharmacy. With a focus on providing comprehensive pharmaceutical services, maintaining the availability of medications, and ensuring accurate dispensing, this role offers valuable experience and professional growth. The requirements for this position are straightforward, making it an accessible entry point for both recent graduates and final-year pharmacy students. By adhering to legal standards, managing inventory efficiently, and understanding the nuances of pharmaceutical practice, the intern will contribute to the high standards of care at Mediclinic Upington.
This detailed overview underscores the importance of the pharmacist intern role and provides a clear understanding of the expectations, requirements, and benefits associated with the position. For those interested in applying, it is essential to carefully review the application process and ensure compliance with all requirements to maximize the chances of securing this valuable opportunity.
