On August 2, 2021, the first session of Master’s in Clinical Pharmacy students’ thesis evaluation was completed successfully.
The thesis defense sessions of the three students (Fatima, Aisha and Ghada) were attended by the Dr. Aaron Burton (external examiner, University of Saint Joseph, U.S.A.), Dr. Basha Shaik ( internal medicine specialist, Thumbay University Hospital), Professor Ahmed Al Abd (College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University), Dr. Syed Wasif (Acting Chair, Dept of Pharmacy Practice) and Dr. Semira Abdi (major supervisor). In addition, Dr. Katherine Tokarz, a resident from University of Saint Joseph from the U.S.A joined the sessions as an observer.
The presented research work was conducted over a period of 1 year. The research process involved conceptualization of the research idea, proposal presentation, obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, data collection and analysis, preparation of a research manuscript and thesis.
The students’ research projects had been conducted in multiple sites in the UAE, including Zyed Military Hospital in Abdu Dhabi, Thumbay University Hospital and clinics. The external examiner commented: “I am impressed with all the three students and quality from reading their thesis”
Dean Sherief Khalifa commented: “I am very proud of our partnership with the University of Saint Joseph, USA. Having external examiners from reputable universities around the world ensures quality and is a testimony that we are employing international standards in our programs and our research”.