Graduate trainee program MoU inked between IMU and SMC

International Medical University (IMU University) and Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) towards a partnership. This collaboration revolves around the Graduate Trainee Programme (GTP) and is designed to create opportunities for IMU University’s Bachelor of Pharmacy students to train in hospital pharmacy.

The primary aim of the GTP is to identify and nurture potential candidates from the second year of their pharmacy program, facilitating early engagements between SMC and the students through interviews, elective placements, and hospital activities. This partnership is expected to bring considerable benefits to both the selected IMU graduates and SMC.

The GTP is designed to ensure a smooth transition for graduates into full employment at SMC, while also providing the hospital with a steady flow of applicants for Provisionally Registered Pharmacist (PRP) positions each year. The MoU will remain in effect for 3 years, during which up to five qualified IMU University graduates annually will have the opportunity to start their PRP-ship at SMC.

Dr Khoo Chow Huat, Managing Director, Hospital and Healthcare Operations, Sunway Healthcare Group, emphasized the importance of early exposure for trainees to real-world healthcare settings, where they can gain invaluable insights and experiences that will contribute to their future careers. He highlighted the partnership as a way to cultivate a talent pipeline that is not only skilled but also inspired to advance healthcare boundaries.

Ridzuan Repin, a representative from IMU, discussed how GTP offers graduates a comprehensive career pathway, capitalizing on the ecosystem provided by SMC. He noted that GTP provides seamless collaboration between industry and academia, ensuring curriculum relevance and early talent development for graduates.