On Wednesday 20th of November, the College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University hosted a joint faculty development and career advising seminar titled “Medication Stewardship: Challenges and Opportunities.” The session, featured Dr. Sohil Khan, Internationalisation Lead and Evidence-Based Practice Curriculum Lead at the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
Dr. Sohil Khan, as an expert in medication safety and evidence-based healthcare solutions, shared his extensive experience in advancing healthcare education and policy across the Australia–Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. The seminar delved into key aspects of medication stewardship, including its definition, fundamental elements, real-world applications, and emerging opportunities. He highlighted essential components such as multidisciplinary teamwork, stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, behavioral change methodologies, implementation science, and the importance of ongoing monitoring.
The session also provided insights into pharmacist career opportunities in Australia, focusing on employability and the Australian Pharmacist Registration Pathway. Dr. Khan discussed the upcoming Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam, which will become effective in March 2025, and outlined opportunities for postgraduate studies, including Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral programs.
Professor Muhammad Al-Shorbagy, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, commented, “This seminar highlights the immense value of fostering global academic partnerships. The opportunities for student exchange and collaborative research between Gulf Medical University and Griffith University will undoubtedly enhance the academic and professional growth of students and faculty from both sides. We look forward to exploring future collaborations across various domains to further strengthen our commitment in pharmacy education and research.”