Stephen Choong
Stephen is a pharmacist based in Auckland’s Middlemore Hospital. His white coat, which was designed by artist and illustrator Zac Fay, depicts the many services Stephen provides to his patients.
About Stephen
I am a clinical pharmacist currently working at Middlemore Hospital as a General Medicine and Respiratory Pharmacist. I have completed rotations in stroke, plastics & orthopaedics. I enjoy applying my knowledge and decision-making skills to provide advice and recommendations for medication optimisation.
I’m like the ‘shinobi ninja.’ I’m always around with my green pen, checking to ensure medications are charted and administered correctly; always ready to step in to provide recommendations.
The role of pharmacists has evolved over time –we are no longer just “pill-counters’ but medication experts working in variable roles such as specialist pharmacists and pharmacist prescribers.
A typical work day starts with screening all the medications charted for my patients overnight. This involves reviewing each drug, dose and frequency to ensure they are safe for my patients. I then discuss with my team of doctors and advise on medication optimisation. I also see patients prior to getting discharged to counsel them on any medication changes and review their medication management.
Studying Pharmacy at the University of Auckland gave me the right tools to succeed in my career. It not only taught me the pharmacy knowledge I need, but also the critical thinking skills that have allowed me to practise as a better clinical pharmacist.
The role of pharmacists has evolved over time –we are no longer just “pill-counters’ but medication experts working in variable roles such as specialist pharmacists and pharmacist prescribers. All these roles are to ensure the people of Aotearoa have access to safe and effective medications, and advice on their use.
For me, the most rewarding part of the job is getting appreciation from doctors and patients on the knowledge I provide in optimising medications and improving patient care and safety.
Zac's approach
The design narrative for Stephen’s coat conveys his career path from pharmacy study at The University of Auckland to his current role at Middlemore Hospital. The design centres on Stephen’s description of his role as a ‘Shinobi’ or ‘Ninja’ – the nimble pharmacists juggling many jobs, that often goes unseen on the hospital wards but is always on hand to check patient’s medications are being administered correctly.