On 26th August, Thumbay Labs organized a healthcare outreach campaign that aimed to conduct COVID-19 PCR tests to returning students and teachers in more than 180 schools all over the United Arab Emirates. More than 20 PharmD students across all years of GMU College of Pharmacy volunteered this 3-days event.
Students were trained on how to conduct the PCR tests by the Thumbay Labs team and then assigned to schools all over UAE. At the schools they conducted more than 200 PCR tests every day over 14-hours shifts.
Ruth Alex, a senior PharmD student, commented: “It was a beneficial experience for PharmD students to provide an indispensable service and help the community in their time of need. In addition, it improved their empathy to be able to cater and reassure small children through their fear of taking the PCR.”
Judit Don, another senior PharmD student, commented: “I am happy that I got the opportunity to volunteer for the PCR drive by Thumbay Labs for the returning school students and teachers. These 3 days gave me a little exposure for my future clinical experience.”