On the 4th and 5th of February, the GMU College of Pharmacy had the honor to host the UAE National Pharmacy Students’ Congress 2023. The Congress marked the official Face to Face meeting for the IPSF Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO), led by Ms. EbtehalElsayed (Chairperson, Egypt) along with Mr.Fady Magdy (Regional Media & Publications Officer, Egypt), Ms. KhadidjaMedjahed, (IPSF EMRO Secretary, Algeria), Ms. Sava Othman (IPSF EMRO Regional Relations Officer, Iraq), fully organized by GMU Pharmacy Students’ Association (GPSA-UAE).
GPSA, hosted the EMRO Regional Working Group, and students from various pharmacy colleges including Ajman University, Dubai Pharmacy College, Al-Ain University (Both Al-Alain and Abu-Dhabi campuses), Ras Al Khaimah College of Pharmacy, Higher Colleges of Technology and University of Sharjah. The 2-day event was inaugurated by inspiring opening remarks and career counseling session from Prof. Sherief Khalifa, Dean of GMU College of Pharmacy, and included talks from industry professionals and successful pharmacists such as Dr. Ahmed Abduldayem a former hospital pharmacist and currently a Master candidate in the UK, along with workshops, fun competitions, and games enjoyed by all the delegates. We believe that this eventwill be a memorable one as students from seven universities were actively engaging with each other, forming core memories and connections to leave with.
One of the highlights of the congress were the 4 workshops held over the two days. On day one, the IPSF regional working group put together two fascinating workshops centered on leadership in training – facilitated by Ms. Sava Othman and Policy Writing – facilitated by Ms. KhadidjaMedjahed. The second day included workshops led and facilitated by highly skilled professionals in the areas of Pharmaceutical Marketing, and Clinical Skills.
Dr. Ahmad El Ouweini, Director of Students Happiness Center commented: “This congress serves as the cornerstone and starting point for future colleagues to exchange ideas, make new connections, and most of all, learn and grow. This event that will hopefully serve as the first step in cultivating GPSA and GMU’s vision for pharmacy in the UAE and the world, a vision of togetherness, and collaboration.
Dean Sherief Khalifa commented: “It was refreshing to see student leaders from almost all colleges of pharmacy in the UAE come together, learn about IPSF opportunities, share their achievements, engage in workshops and learn from each other, all in a friendly and fun environment. During those two days, I witnessed students who are well on their way to lead the change in the pharmacy profession and to serve their patients wherever they are and in the best possible ways”.
