On April 14, 2025, the fourth-semester students of the Diploma in Pharmacy Technician Program at the College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, participated in an advanced training session on Pharmacy Automation at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. This specialized training, an essential component of their Pharmacy Automation module, was expertly coordinated by Dr. Khalid Abdel Dayem, Senior Manager of Automation and Informatics Services at the Pharmacy Services Department.
The session offered students a valuable, hands-on opportunity to observe and understand the complete automated prescription management process—starting from order placement, through clinical review, and continuing to the final dispensing phase. As part of this walkthrough, students were introduced to the integration of clinical support tools that enhance patient safety, optimize clinical workflows, and ensure precise documentation throughout the medication use process.
They also explored various automation technologies utilized within the inpatient pharmacy services, including systems for the preparation of intravenous medications. A key highlight of the visit was the tour of the cutting-edge robotic chemotherapeutic preparation center, where students observed high-precision automation used to compound and prepare complex oncology treatments.
This immersive experience allowed students to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice. It not only deepened their technical understanding of pharmacy automation but also emphasized the importance of technology in supporting safe, efficient, and patient-centered pharmaceutical care.