Students, Alumni, ACT!

ACT (Adopt-a-CenTre), a service-learning initiative by the CHAMP (Community Health Angels Mentoring Programme) of NUS Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, has just concluded its second cycle, where Pharmacy students and alumni provided pro bono appointment-based medication reviews for senior residents of the Radin Mas Constituency at Goodlife Studio (Bukit Purmei).

Over 4 Saturday mornings in October 2025 and April 2026, the ACT volunteer teams reviewed 245 medications (excluding self-supplements and traditional medicines), issued 15 intervention or referral memos, and provided personalised pharmaceutical care plans and counselling to 40 residents (mean age 77 years). Among the 31 medication-related problems (MRP) to be addressed, medication non-adherence (38.7%), suboptimal dosing regimen (19.3%), and potentially unnecessary treatment (12.9%) were the most common. Other MRPs relate to medication side effects and issues with medication therapy selection.

ACT Cycle 2 Session 1 on 11th October 2025

ACT Cycle 2 Session 2 on 18th October 2025

ACT Cycle 2 Session 3 on 21st March 2026

ACT Cycle 2 Session 4 on 28th March 2026

While the senior residents found the sessions helpful in improving their understanding of medications and supporting appropriate management at home, student volunteers valued the opportunity to hone their professional skills such as history-taking, medication reconciliation and patient counselling. They also gained exposure to pharmaceutical care planning for real patients outside of the usual classroom setting. In addition, student volunteers benefited from career guidance and positive role modelling by pharmacist mentors, many of whom had previously participated in CHAMP as students.

Neo Qian Rui (Y3), Lim Jia De (Y3), Felicity Tan (Y2), Michelle Lim (Y2), and Jordan Leong (Y3) sorting through a client’s medications during medication reconciliation with pharmacist mentor Ms Chan Shi Mun.

Clarifying and addressing client’s concerns by pharmacist mentor, Ms The Sin Yee and the volunteer team comprising of Lim Jia Qi (Y4), Leong Jian Xi (Y3), and Kyra Tan (Y2).

Charlize Ling (Y2), Tan Swee En (Y1) and Theodore Quek (Y3) checking through the reconciled medication list they have prepared for their client, with guidance from pharmacist mentor Ms Meredith Zhuo.

Darin Koay (Y1) explaining to a client how to take her medications at the end of the medication review session, alongside Toh Jia Jun (Y1), Wong Wei Ting (Y3), Phuan Yun Xi (Y3, not in frame) and pharmacist mentor, Mr Chia Ming Tjong.

The post-session feedback showed that all clients found the information provided about their medications helpful, with over 90% reported increased confidence in managing their medications following the session. One client expressed his appreciation for ACT, noting that it offered valuable guidance, particularly as he manages his medications independently at home. Other clients similarly expressed interest in having more such programmes to support better management of their medications and health.

Jollene Ng (Y3), Tiffany Chung (Y3), Ainsley Tan (Y2), Gabriel Ong (Y2), Tricia Tan (Y2) and pharmacist mentor Mr Imran Shah sharing a light-hearted moment with their client.

A client sharing his medication-taking and management habits with Byun Jae Min (Y4), Danielle Chong (Y4), Tng Pei Pei (Y2), and pharmacist mentor (Mr See Tho Win Hon), who then provided suggestions and helpful measures for him.

We wish to extend our gratitude to Ms Liew Zi Qi, Mr Angus Wang and their team of volunteers from Goodlife Studio (Bukit Purmei) for reaching out to the senior residents and coordinating client appointments. Their commitment and support were instrumental to the success and continuation of ACT.

We also thank all Pharmacy student volunteers for their enthusiasm and active participation. Special appreciation goes to the CHAMP Student EXCO (Ms Kangelis Lee, Ms Charlize Ling, Ms Soh Qi Ru and Ms Heng Rui Qi) as well as the pharmacist mentors (Ms Thea Sin Yee, Mr Teh Feng Kun, Mr Yip Zi-Feng, Ms Chua Qi Shann, Ms Chan Shi Mun, Mr Imran Shah, Mr Chia Ming Tjong, Mr Eugene Lim Zi Jie, Mr See Tho Win Hon, Mr Nam Zi Wei and Ms Meredith Zhuo) who generously contributed their time and expertise to the ACT Cycle 2 sessions.

Article by Chew Yu Yang, Ryan (CHAMP Chairperson for Cycle 12), Clarence Teo (ACT Vice-Chairperson for Cycle 12), Kylia Chong Kai Ling (ACT Vice-Chairperson for Cycle 12) and Dr Yap Kai Zhen (Faculty Advisor of CHAMP)

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