Siriraj Hospital: Mahidol University

Today was the first day of hospital clinical site visits in Bangkok! Today, Daniel, Christina A., Jennifer, and Devon C had the opportunity to visit the largest hospital (2,200 beds) a teaching hospital, Siriraj Hospital associated with Mahidol University, in Bangkok, which employs over 220 pharmacists! It was a day filled with information on inventory, poison control, adverse drug reactions, and health systems information, but what stood-out was their lecture from their Director of Pharmacy. She spoke about how they were a "Super Tertiary Hospital" where they see patients who have already failed care in Community Hospitals. They are the toughest patients, and she explained that with extensive care comes higher costs of care.

They discussed the concept of a seven-star pharmacist:

1. Caregiver

2. Decision maker

3. Communicator

4. Manager

5. Life-long learner

6. Teacher

7. Leader

This could not be more inclusive as to the role of any pharmacist, whether retail, hospitalist, or a pharmacist in academia. 

Her presentation was truly inspiring, and put into perspective the differences in the health care system  between Thailand the The United States of America.