The Class of 2029
On September 1st, 2023, the Class of 2029 Year 1 students embarked on a significant step in their academic journey as they participated in the orientation day held at Gulf Medical University. The event was graciously organized, hosted and executed by the faculty and teaching staff of the College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University.
Commencing with a momentous address, Professor Sherief Khalifa, the Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Vice Chancellor of Quality and Institutional Effectiveness, set the tone for the day. With words of encouragement and insightful guidance, Prof. Khalifa welcomed the incoming students and shed light on the distinctive features of the combined BPharm-PharmD program. He highlighted the program’s exceptional learning environment, its emphasis on clinical practice, student research prospects, and the unparalleled opportunities for national and international student exchange.
Subsequently, an array of faculty members and Clinical Preceptors from the College of Pharmacy took the stage, presenting comprehensive insights into various program aspects. Topics covered include program details, the intricacies of the study plan, the enriching interprofessional education experience, the plethora of resources available within the library, the utilization of online learning platforms, and the state-of-the-art campus facilities.
The sharing of experiences by accomplished students further enriched the orientation program. Distinguished Year five PharmD student, Mr. Victor Muwanga, along with his peers, including Ms. Farah Al Safad, Ms. Amrita Mukherji, Ms. Ashaar Elatrash, and Ms. Rand Rabadi from Year four PharmD, extended a warm welcome to their fellow students. They graciously shared insights into the life of a Pharmacy student and offered valuable tips on navigating the challenges of the first year of the program.
The orientation continued with an in-depth introduction to the wide range of personalized support initiatives provided by the College of Pharmacy. These initiatives, tailored to accommodate the diverse student body, encompassed the mentorship program, the “Own Your Future” career counseling program, the collaborative “Together We Rise” peer assisted learning program, and a variety of student clubs. Additionally, specialized services catering to students with unique requirements were also highlighted.
To culminate the day’s events, the students were led on an enlightening tour of the Gulf Medical University campus. This encompassed visits to the advanced College of Pharmacy labs and facilities, as well as the prominent Thumbay University Hospital situated on-campus. This comprehensive tour provided a tangible glimpse into the comprehensive healthcare education environment awaiting the new students.
The significance of the day was not lost, as it marked a pivotal initiation into the students’ voyage toward becoming proficient healthcare providers. With the UAE and the broader region as their canvas, the students are poised to play a vital role in advancing the pharmacy profession. The orientation day stood as a testament to the commitment of the College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University to nurturing the next generation of Pharmacy profession leaders.