Dr. Ahmad El Ouweini, Clinical Lecturer, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University and Critical Care Clinical Pharmacist, Thumbay University Hospital, was invited as a speaker in the 10th Eastern Mediterranean Pharmaceutical Symposium (EMPS) that was in Doha, Qatar this year. Each year, the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the International Pharmaceutical Student Federation organizes this regional event in one of the Middle Eastern countries where pharmacy students and recent graduates from around the Middle East region come together for 5 days to network with each other, attend workshops, panel discussions, participate in competitions and community engagement activities. The theme of this year’s EMPS was:
“The Healthcare System Through Pharmacists’ eyes”
Dr. El Ouweini was a speaker in the Panel Discussion titled: “Pharmacy Residency Program” along with Dr. Sara Hayder who is the Coordinator for PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program in Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. This panel discussion was conducted as a short presentation from each speaker followed by Q&A discussion between two speakers and the audience. The objectives of this presentation was to demonstrate basic knowledge about the pharmacy residency program, identify the general requirements for application for the residency program, and recognize the importance of residency programs for pharmacists. Dr. El Ouweini, as a former ASHP PGY-1 Resident from Lebanese American University – College of Pharmacy and Medical Center and preceptor for PGY-1 residents in the same institution, discussed the current ASHP-accredited PGY-1 pharmacy residency programs in the Middle East, described the main stations during the pharmacy residency year, explored practical methods for navigating through residency challenges, and provided practical tips on how to establish an influential presence during and beyond the residency.
