As part of Gulf Medical University’s flagship initiative, the Future Scientist of the UAE Program for AY 2024–2025 organized by Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine (TRIPM), the College of Pharmacy proudly hosted an engaging and immersive day for 12 high students under theme “From Bench to Bedside: The Pharmacist’s Role in Modern Drug Development”.
Session 1: Designing Tomorrow’s Medicines Today
The day began with an exciting introduction to computational drug design under the theme “Designing Tomorrow’s Medicines Today.” Students explored the early phases of pharmaceutical research by identifying drug targets, evaluating lead compounds, and simulating drug-receptor interactions using molecular modeling tools. With a focus on anticancer compound design, participants experienced first-hand how pharmacists contribute to drug discovery and the use of digital tools to predict therapeutic potential.
Session 2: Turning Molecules into Medicines
The second segment, hosted in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Lab, shifted focus from theory to formulation. Participants engaged in hands-on compounding by preparing a simple formulation, learning how raw drug substances are transformed into patient-usable dosage forms. Discussions touched on excipients, drug absorption, and the science of drug delivery systems.
Session 3: Delivering Care Beyond the Counter
The final activity brought students into the Pharmacy Practice Lab, where they stepped into the role of pharmacists through real-world simulations. Through counseling roleplays, OTC recommendations, and mock dispensing, students experienced the pharmacist’s role in public health, communication, and patient safety.
Program Moderator: Dr. Eman El-Labbad, Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Assistant Dean of Assessment and Evaluation at the College of Pharmacy, reflected on the experience:
This marks my fourth-year mentoring students in the Future Scientist of the UAE Program, and each year, I find myself equally inspired by their curiosity and passion. This session truly embodied GMU and College of Pharmacy’s commitment to nurturing young scientific minds and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By highlighting the diverse and evolving role of pharmacists in drug discovery, development, and patient care, the program aligns perfectly with GMU’s vision to empower the next generation of healthcare innovators in the UAE.”