HLM Interviews: Van Duong

working in Yemen, both with the changes and the sudden impact on funding. Therefore, it also had an impact on the job opportunities.

What is some advice you would provide for students looking to become involved with IPSF/PARO?

Yemen is the largest humanitarian emergency - Travelling to the field included a risk, and the projects had to implement changes in every level, from human resources to structures. This also impacted the other NGOs working in Yemen, both with the changes and the sudden impact on funding. Therefore, it also had an impact on the job opportunities.

What is some final advice you would provide to students about becoming future practicing pharmacists?

If you are lost, FIP prepared a Career Development Toolkit! If you are looking to join IPSF, keep an eye for the opportunities!

Start by telling us a little bit about yourself. How did you become interested in IPSF and what IPSF positions did you hold?

I went to school at University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, USA and graduated in 2014. I am currently working as a telepharmacist.I became interested with IPSF when my university was holding committee appointment, and I wanted to expand my scope of pharmacy beyond our borders. I was Chairperson of PARO for two terms, Exec Advisory Board Member, HLM.

What did you learn from your IPSF involvement? How did the skills you obtained from your IPSF involvement help you with your personal and professional life?

Pharmacists play an important role in healthcare throughout the world, and there is still much work to be done to advance our profession. IPSF has allowed me to meet and collaborate with people from different backgrounds for a common objective.

Do you think IPSF influenced your career path? Please explain how.

I certainly believe IPSF has helped me lead in my career, and I am still working on advancing the profession in a way that can be more beneficial to people around the world.

Can you describe how the global COVID-19 pandemic affected your career this past year?

The pandemic has actually moved my telepharmacy work from the office into the home space.

What lessons did we learn from the current pandemic and how does the empower us as a profession?

In the USA, the community is now leveraging pharmacists more to provide vaccines and COVID education.

What is some advice you would provide for students looking to become involved with IPSF/PARO?

Although it may be difficult in a pandemic, there are still opportunities to be involved virtually. Getting to know and work with colleagues across borders is truly a rewarding and lifetime experience.

What is some final advice you would provide to students about becoming future practicing pharmacists?

My advice would be to do the best you can for your patients, profession and self. Becoming a pharmacist is only part of your journey and is not the end of your career growth and development.