On October 02, 2019, faculty and Master in Clinical Pharmacy students of GMU College of Pharmacy participated in Pre-conference workshop for pharmacists in the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Middle East Conference 2019 together with 10th Emirates Cardiac Society Congress (ECS). The event was an engaging forum that allowed participants to critically examine evidence-based strategies as well as contemporary best practices and clinical decision-making to reach common objective of improving heart health of patients with cardiovascular disease.
The educational workshop focused on discussing different aspects of Cardiology as they relate to pharmacists. Experts shared guideline recommendations for managing patients with different cardiovascular conditions using a case based approach.
Objectives of the workshop:
- Discuss the challenges of pulmonary hypertension pharmacotherapy
- Describe appropriate recommendations for initial vs. sequential use of combination therapy in patients with pulmonary hypertension
- Develop evidence-based therapeutic regimens to improve outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes
- Review hemodynamic management of shock using vasopressors and inotropes
- Identify the best choice of antiarrhythmic for a given patient case
- Recognize the role of DOACs in special populations: obesity and renal dysfunction
- Select the most appropriate anticoagulation regimen in complex scenarios
- Review current pharmacologic management of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
- Design an appropriate treatment plan for dyslipidemia using the 2018 cholesterol guidelines.
Faculty and students reflected on the workshop to improve their practice and research in cardiology specialty.