On March 25, 2025, Valeria (Val) Galemba and Allison Gallagher, Doctor of Pharmacy candidates from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), commenced their five-week Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotation at Gulf Medical University (GMU) Academic Health System in the United Arab Emirates. This rotation marks the final phase of their PharmD training, providing a unique opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a dynamic international healthcare setting.
The primary site for their clinical rotation is Thumbay University Hospital, situated on GMU’s campus. As a leading tertiary care facility offering a broad range of specialties and advanced healthcare services, the hospital presents an ideal environment for immersive, hands-on learning. Val and Allison will actively participate in various aspects of clinical pharmacy practice, including patient medication history-taking, medication reconciliation, medication verification, and discharge counseling. Their exposure to diverse patient care settings and pharmacy operations is designed to refine their clinical competencies and prepare them for professional practice.
Beyond their core hospital rotation, the students will also visit a variety of healthcare institutions across the UAE, including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman. These site visits will provide a broader understanding of the country’s healthcare landscape and allow them to observe multiple models of pharmacy practice across both public and private sectors.
This international rotation experience will significantly enrich Val and Allison’s professional development, equipping them with a global perspective on pharmacy practice. By engaging with a healthcare system distinct from that of the United States, they will gain critical insights into regional challenges, innovations, and opportunities in pharmacy care.
This initiative is part of GMU’s ongoing commitment to fostering international collaborations that promote student mobility and academic exchange. The partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University exemplifies mutual benefit, offering students from both institutions valuable cross-cultural experiences that strengthen their readiness to practice in an increasingly interconnected healthcare environment.