Kerolos Wahba

International Community Pharmacist InternInternship

• Job Details:*Details* - I had the honor of being chosen for the IPSF Student Exchange Program (SEP), a global initiative connecting pharmacy students with hands-on experiences across 80+ countries. From my university, I was the sole participant selected that year after a challenging selection process. - My role involved supporting the pharmacist in daily tasks, such as organizing medications by category—whether OTC, temperature-sensitive, or nearing expiry. I also contributed to the pharmacy lab by helping prepare pharmaceutical capsules and ointments, a great opportunity to dive into the technical side of community pharmacy. - One highlight of the internship was attending a meeting with representatives from Lerac, a French cosmetics company. I learned about their products and how they were tailored for the pharmacy’s market, giving me an insider’s view of product integration in a retail healthcare setting. - I also brought a piece of my own background to the table by sharing insights into pharmacy practices in Egypt. This cultural exchange not only helped me grow but also sparked some fascinating conversations about the similarities and differences in our healthcare systems. *Insights & Achievements* - The experience gave me a deeper understanding of Polish consumer preferences and how culture influences healthcare and purchasing decisions. - I got to expand my professional network, meeting pharmacy professionals from various countries and building connections that keep me updated on trends in the global pharmaceutical industry. - It was more than just work—it was about experiencing life in Europe, understanding a different healthcare system, and bringing that fresh perspective back with me.