Franky

His Story

Franky received his Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) from Monash University, Australia. He is also a board-certified geriatric pharmacist (BCGP) and Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS). He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Digital Health at Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Finland, which is expected to be completed in 2022.

Overview of Facility/Health System

The Institute of Mental Health (IMH), a member of the National Healthcare Group, is the only tertiary psychiatric care institution in Singapore. Located on the sprawling 23-hectare campus of Buangkok Green Medical Park in the north-eastern part of Singapore, IMH offers a multidisciplinary and comprehensive range of psychiatric, rehabilitative and therapy services in hospital-based and community-based settings. The 2000-bed hospital aims to meet the needs of three groups of patients – children and adolescents (aged below 19 years), adults and the elderly. Besides providing clinical services, IMH also leads in mental health research and training the next generation of mental health professionals in Singapore.

Significant Projects

Franky is currently involved in implementing the Next Generation Electronic Medical Record (NGEMR) project at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore. The project aims to integrate and harmonise the diverse public healthcare IT systems in Singapore to achieve one single standardised system for two integrated public healthcare clusters. He is also involved in developing the National Harmonised Integrated Pharmacy System (NHIPS), a common national pharmacy system that will enable pharmacists to deliver seamless, more cost-effective pharmacy services.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

Franky is a member of the SOPIT Section Advisory Group on Clinical Applications.

Why did you become involved in ASHP?

Franky became engaged with ASHP when he transitioned from his previous role as an inpatient pharmacist to his current responsibility as an informatics pharmacist. Franky regards The Pharmacy Informatics Primer textbook (edited by Doina Dumitru, published by ASHP) and ASHP Pharmacy Informatics Certificate program as fundamental building blocks of his professional development.

Advice for Someone New to Your Specialty Area

Take your time to learn the principles of health and pharmacy informatics and best practices in the field. You will need insights acquired through such learnings technical knowledge of the health information technology systems, and practical experience to cultivate the wisdom to solve complex healthcare problems.

How would you explain the value of ASHP to a friend or colleague?

ASHP provides numerous possibilities for pharmacy practitioners to update their knowledge and skills, network with like-minded peers all around the globe, and learn about the latest products and technology.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?

By developing official professional policies, in the form of policy positions and guidance documents, ASHP has helped pharmacy practitioners in the United States and worldwide to learn the best practices in areas that matter the most in the profession.