During the week of February 24, 2108, Prof. David Holdford, Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science and Director of International Programs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), USA visited the College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University to plan for collaborative initiatives between both institutions. Among the initiatives discussed are Summer research internships for GMU PharmD students at VCU, the Master’s program in clinical pharmacy in collaboration with VCU, student exchange for advanced pharmacy practice experiences and research collaboration.
During his visit, Dr. Holdford gave two presentations to faculty pharmacists and students: 1) Complexity of medication nonadherence. 2) Sustainable Pharmacy Services
PharmD students, Alumni, Faculty members and Managers of Thumbay Group of Pharmacies were among the audience.
During the presentations, Prof. David provided innovative strategies by pharmacists that could improve patient adherence to their medications, and the competencies needed for pharmacy students to help patients improve medication adherence, such as problem-solving skills, teamwork, communications, and dealing with diverse people.
Prof. David highlighted the importance of reinventing pharmacy practice. He also stated that “Pharmacists are the most underutilized and mismanaged resource within the healthcare system” and urged the need for innovative models of practice and new revenue models to allow pharmacists to better address medication-related problems and serve customers’ needs.
Prof. David also mentioned the importance of incorporating business models in pharmacy practice and stated that “Pharmacy services cannot be sustained over time if they do not cover the costs of providing them.” Nonetheless, patient interest should always come first.