Students joining the class of the 2026 PharmD program attended their orientation day on September 23, 2021, at Gulf Medical University. They were welcomed by the faculty and teaching staff of the College of Pharmacy and Gulf Medical University.
The orientation program started with an address to the students by the Dean of the College of Pharmacy and the vice-chancellor of quality and global engagement, Prof. Sherief Khalifa who welcomed the students with encouraging messages and supportive guidance providing highlights on the PharmD program with emphasis on the exceptional learning environment, clinical practice, student research opportunities, and the student exchange programs at the College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University.
This was followed by a series of introductions by Faculty members and Clinical Preceptors from the College of Pharmacy on program details, study plan, interprofessional education experience, library resources, online learning platforms, and campus facilities.
Year Four PharmD students, Ms. Fathima Sheikh, Ms. JuditDon, and year two PharmD Ms. Farah Al Safadi welcomed their peers and shared some “Insights Into PharmD Student Life “ and tips on “ How to Survive The First Year of The PharmD Program”.
An Introduction to the various personalized support programs offered by the college of pharmacy to embrace the diverse students such as the mentorship program, own your future career counselling program, together we rise peer learning program, student clubs and services for students with determination.
Finally, the students were accompanied on a tour of the GMU campus, College of Pharmacy labs and facilities, and the main on-campus Academic Hospital: Thumbay University Hospital.
The day marked an important start to the students’ educational journey towards becoming professional health care providers and agents of advancement for the pharmacy profession in the UAE and the region.