Name : Diastry Fauziyah Hardlin (MedBound handle: @Diastry Fauziyah Hardlin)

Birth Place: Jember, East Java, Indonesia

Academic Qualification: Bachelor of Pharmacy from Faculty of Pharmacy, Jember University, Jember, Jawa Timur, Indonesia (Passout Year: 2022)

Profession Program of Pharmacist from Faculty of Pharmacy, Jember University, Jember, Jawa Timur, Indonesia (Passout Year: 2023)

Languages you speak/write: Bahasa Indonesia and English

1. What do you do?

   I work as a pharmacist in an Herbal Industrial Pharmaceutical Company, specifically in Research and Development (R&D) and Registration.

2. What’s the best part of your profession? What made you choose this profession?

   The best part of my profession is the opportunity to create new and improved products that can positively impact people's health and quality of life. I chose this profession due to my interest in drug formulation and modification.

3. Are you happy/satisfied with the current scenario of pharmacy education in your country?

   I have mixed feelings about the current state of pharmacy education in Indonesia. While it provides a strong theoretical foundation, I've often felt rushed and underprepared for real-world situations that differ from what's covered in textbooks. Additionally, the lack of advanced equipment can hinder practical learning. I believe there's room for improvement, particularly in equipping students to handle complex, real-life scenarios and providing access to more advanced equipment.

4. What can be done to improve education in this sector?

   To improve pharmacy education:

   1. Incorporate practical, hands-on learning experiences, internships, or apprenticeships to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

   2. Invest in modern facilities to provide students with the tools and resources they need for practical training.

   3. Make education in the sector more accessible by offering scholarships and flexible learning options to a diverse range of students.

5. What are some fun facts about pharmacy that you want the readers to know?

   Some fun facts about pharmacy include:

   1. Pharmacists excel in understanding the effectiveness and potential toxicity of medications.

   2. The pharmacy profession spans various roles, including manufacturing, distribution, and direct patient care in healthcare settings.

6. What are the challenges that you face in your day-to-day life?

   As a Research & Development and Registration pharmacist, my challenges include staying updated on the latest innovations in drug development and regulations. Additionally, I must have a well-rounded understanding of the broader spectrum of pharmaceutical practice, including clinical pharmacy.

7. What is the salary one can expect after completing graduation in pharmacy as a fresher?

   I believe it's important for companies or employers to offer a fair and motivating salary that acknowledges the fresh graduate's education, skills, and potential for growth within the field.

8. Is there a healthy work-life balance in your profession?

   As an industrial pharmacist, I appreciate a healthy work-life balance due to the structured working hours in this profession.

9. Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?

   Yes, I enjoy reading. The last thing I read was the 'Farmakope Herbal Indonesia,' which is an Indonesian herbal compendial.

10. What is your favorite dish?

    Pasta

11. What’s one thing that people are generally surprised to find out about you?

    People are often surprised to discover that I am a bit of a homebody and enjoy spending extended periods at home.

12. What is your least favorite subject?

    Pharmacology.

13. Your favorite subject(s)?

    My favorite subjects are Solid dosage form technology and modification of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

14. What’s something you wish to change about the world?

    I aim to change the world by improving global access to affordable and innovative medication, ensuring healthcare is more equitable. I'm also passionate about adopting sustainable practices in pharmaceutical research and production.

15. What’s your biggest fear?

    My biggest fear is the dark.

16. Best/memorable moment

    My exchange experience in Egypt was truly memorable, as it broadened my vision. I met pharmacists from different places, and it was remarkable to see the diversity and richness of our global community.

17. What do you love to do in your leisure time?

    I enjoy watching movies and listening to music.

18. What do you hate the most?

    I dislike sudden changes.

19. If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?

    I would have opted to be a florist.

20. What is your dream travel destination?

    My dream travel destination is Switzerland. I want to travel there and explore its beautiful places.

21. Where would you like to work in the future?

    In the future, I'm keenly interested in working for a multinational company or working abroad to expand my knowledge base and perspective with people from diverse backgrounds.

22. Finally, a Quote you relate to.

    "The only real valuable thing is intuition." - Albert Einstein

(PharmaDose/Diastry Fauziyah Hardlin/PB)