The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has recently granted approval for the launch of an innovative Master's degree program at the College of Pharmacy: "Technology in Pharmaceutical Development and Practice." This new program marks a significant step forward in the realm of pharmaceutical education and research in our region.

 The curriculum of the Master Technology in Pharmaceutical Development and Practice is designed to cater to the evolving demands and advancements within the pharmaceutical industry. It will equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills essential for roles in pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, quality control, and advanced pharmacy practice.

It integrates and connects the field of modern pharmaceutical technology, drug design, and discovery with specialized courses under the framework and concept of pharmaceutical development and optimal drug use or practice in patient care, whether clinical, industrial, or otherwise.

The Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Fadia Mayyas noted that this program includes modern technologies in pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and drug design, in addition to clinical and industrial pharmaceutical practice. She highlighted that there is no specialized program in pharmaceutical practice in its comprehensive sense at Jordanian universities, as some programs focus only on clinical practice, which is just one aspect of pharmaceutical practice, and there is a shortage of programs for courses concerned with industrial practice or the use of behavioral and social aspects in pharmaceutical practice.

She continued: The program focuses on modern techniques used in drug development and covers new fields and courses not previously offered, such as good manufacturing practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing, digital technology in drug development, nanobiotechnology, and molecular modeling in drug design and discovery, in addition to advanced pharmacy practice, modern applications in practice, and research methodology using behavioral and social aspects in pharmaceutical practice, which face a shortage of competencies in academic and research institutions for these specializations.

Mayyas confirmed that the study plan for this program, in both the thesis and comprehensive tracks, provides the student with the opportunity to choose a research field in either pharmaceutical development technology or pharmaceutical practice. She noted that the "comprehensive track" will have a research-oriented nature as it includes a research project that the student completes as a mandatory requirement, which is a distinctive feature of this "comprehensive track" compared to other master's programs in pharmaceutical sciences at Jordanian universities.

 Moreover, the Master Technology in Pharmaceutical Development and Practice program is expected to attract talented individuals aspiring to make meaningful contributions to healthcare and pharmaceutical advancements. It will also create opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry, promoting research initiatives that address current challenges in pharmaceutical technology.

Yarmouk University, represented by its President Professor Islam Massad, and Al-Razi Pharmacies Group, represented by its Director Dr. Khaled Haddad with Dr. Firas Malkawi as his deputy, signed a cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration between the Faculty of Pharmacy and Al-Razi Pharmacies Group. The agreement aims to provide training opportunities for pharmacy students, conduct awareness and scientific lectures and workshops, and modernize the simulated pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy. Professor Islam Massad stated that this agreement will help students acquire modern skills in field training, enhancing their pharmaceutical education and the consultancy skills needed in the job market. He added that this collaboration will contribute to providing future employment opportunities for students and strengthen Yarmouk University's role in serving the community by training practicing pharmacists in community pharmacies.

Dr. Firas Malkawi noted that the agreement will enable a number of Yarmouk students to regularly train at Al-Razi Pharmacies according to an intensive program established by the company. It will also include holding regular lectures on various topics in the pharmacy profession, modernizing the virtual pharmacy in a contemporary manner, providing it with a variety of medications, and dedicating a corner for Al-Razi Pharmacies to offer medical consultations.

Dr. Fadia Mayas, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, added that the agreement will help students systematically find pharmacies for training within the Community Pharmacy Training course. She noted that students often face difficulties finding training pharmacies due to the market being overcrowded with a large number of trainee students and the market's inability to accommodate this number. She emphasized that this agreement highlights Yarmouk University's role in serving the community through workshops and lectures on continuous pharmaceutical education and the latest trends in pharmaceutical practice for graduates and practicing pharmacists. Both parties agreed to participate in providing financial, technical, and training support during career and medical days and various activities.

In its effort to improve the infrastructure and equip the halls with the latest presentation and display means, the Faculty has renovated the seminar hall with new flooring and walls, as well as installing a sound system and air conditioning units. This project was supported by the Jordanian Pharmacists Association.

 This support coincides with the memorandum of understanding signed between the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Association to enhance continuous pharmaceutical education and training for students and practicing pharmacists, and to provide mutual services to the local community and the Association, supporting national educational institutions, including Yarmouk University. All thanks to the Pharmacists Association for its pioneering role in improving pharmaceutical services and supporting the Faculty of Pharmacy at Yarmouk University.

The newly established Pharmacy Practice Lab at Yarmouk University represents a cutting-edge facility designed to cater to the evolving needs of pharmacy education. Tailored to deliver a modernized curriculum, this specialized lab plays a pivotal role in preparing students to deliver world-class, patient-centered care.

 Located within the university's academic infrastructure, the Pharmacy Practice Lab serves as a dynamic learning environment where students engage in hands-on training essential for their professional development. This facility supports several newly established practical courses, each designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge crucial for their future roles as pharmacists.

Among the courses facilitated in the Pharmacy Practice Lab are Pharmacy Practice Lab 1 and 2. These courses provide students with foundational skills in dispensing medications, patient counseling, and pharmaceutical calculations. The lab environment allows students to practice under simulated real-world conditions, ensuring they are adept at handling various pharmaceutical scenarios they will encounter in their careers.

 Additionally, the lab hosts the Clinical Cases Lab, where students learn to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Here, they analyze clinical cases, develop patient care plans, and gain proficiency in medication therapy management. This hands-on experience enhances their critical thinking abilities and prepares them to handle complex patient interactions with confidence and competence.

Furthermore, the Pharmacy Training component of the lab offers students opportunities for supervised practical training in community and hospital pharmacy settings. This aspect of the curriculum allows students to integrate classroom learning with real-world practice, under the guidance of experienced pharmacists. 

By providing access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources, the Pharmacy Practice Lab at Yarmouk University ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that meets international standards. The lab's role in the curriculum underscores the university's commitment to producing highly skilled pharmacists who are capable of delivering exceptional pharmaceutical care and contributing positively to the healthcare system.

In conclusion, the Pharmacy Practice Lab at Yarmouk University serves as a cornerstone of the pharmacy education program, fostering the development of competent and compassionate pharmacists prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare practice. Its integration into the curriculum reflects the university's dedication to excellence in education and its commitment to advancing the field of pharmacy.

Yarmouk University and the Lebanese American University in Beirut signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance friendship, understanding, and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and scientific research for the benefit of faculty members and students in the College of Pharmacy.

The memorandum stipulates the encouragement of systematic exchanges of academic and professional staff and students for purposes of professional, educational, and research training, and participation in study, research, publication, seminars, and other collaborative projects of mutual benefit to contribute to academic and research advancement. These activities include opportunities for exchanging faculty members, researchers, and students to carry out joint research and training activities, in addition to collaboration in research and publication among faculty members, organizing joint professional seminars and conferences, and exchanging materials and data related to education and cooperation to enhance culture and the economy.

University President Dr. Islam Massad emphasized the importance of this cooperation, especially as Yarmouk University seeks to enhance its research capabilities in the field of sustainable development and innovation. He added that through this memorandum with the Lebanese American University in Beirut, we look forward to working together to develop a range of new initiatives that support students and faculty members in the College of Pharmacy and contribute to achieving shared goals for a sustainable future driven by knowledge, research, and cultural exchange.

On his part, President of the Lebanese American University in Beirut Dr. Michel Mawad affirmed that this memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation between the two universities in a way that serves mutual interests for the benefit and development of the two universities in various fields, especially the College of Pharmacy, and to enhance scientific research and academic exchange in all areas. It is worth noting that the Lebanese American University in Beirut is a private independent university registered in New York, affiliated with the State University of New York in the United States, and has a campus in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

On Tuesday evening, May 28, 2024, the 29th Student Union elections concluded in all Yarmouk University colleges, including the College of Pharmacy were the voter turnout rate at the college was  47%.

These elections served as a prototype for strengthening Jordan's democratic system while maintaining impartiality towards each candidate. They sought to elect a robust student union council that represents the goals of the student body and collaborates with the administration to carry out initiatives meant to further the advancement of the university.

Finally, we would like to thank the Pharmacy College students for their trustworthiness in representing the college in the Student Union Council:

We are confident that they will serve as an inspiration and role model for others to follow in their kindness, commitment to their work, and willingness to take on the duty of representing your coworkers' opinions and achieving their goals.
We also express our gratitude to Yarmouk University's administration and everyone who contributed to the successful student union elections, which were conducted in a happy, democratic environment where students utilized their rights in a responsible and mature manner.

Yarmouk University, through the Faculty of Pharmacy, signed a memorandum of understanding for training services with the Pharmacists Syndicate. The President of the University, Dr. Islam Massad, signed on behalf of the university, while Dr. Mohammad Ababneh, the Syndicate's President, signed on behalf of the syndicate.

Massad stated that this memorandum aims to enhance the university's leading role through its faculties, departments, and scientific centers in serving the local community by developing the skills and capabilities of professionals responsible for pharmaceutical education and development. The focus is on both theoretical and practical aspects, training academic staff, and enhancing their skills to improve their efficiency.

During the meeting, the president focused on deepening cooperation with the Pharmacists Syndicate and building on it through lectures, workshops, study circles, and purposeful guidance programs. He emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences between academic, professional, and healthcare institutions, expressing the readiness of Yarmouk University to collaborate through the Faculty of Pharmacy in developing the national pharmaceutical sector, keeping pace with global updates and requirements in pharmaceutical practices, and introducing new trends and innovations in pharmaceutical practice that align with modern developments. Massad stressed the significance of this memorandum in enhancing continuous pharmaceutical education for practitioners in the field and faculty members at the college, as well as in providing the appropriate resources and means to keep up with rapid knowledge and technological advancements to serve the community and elevate it to the level of advanced societies.

The continuous development of pharmaceutical education was emphasized as a key professional development method to maintain, enhance, and expand knowledge, skills, and behaviors to ensure ongoing professional competence. This leads to positive changes in professional practice and education, improving healthcare outcomes. Continuous pharmaceutical education is a form of organized educational development aimed at updating the pharmacist's knowledge, skills, and capabilities within the healthcare system to serve patients and monitor global advancements in pharmaceutical sciences and practice. The fruitful collaboration with Yarmouk University was highlighted as part of joint efforts to promote the field of pharmacy and enhance healthcare in Jordan. Signing this memorandum is a commitment by the union to enhance ongoing pharmaceutical education, empower pharmacists and pharmacy students with the necessary skills and knowledge to keep pace with medical and health advancements.

The president emphasized the importance of cooperation with Yarmouk University in improving pharmacy practices and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals, contributing to achieving global healthcare standards in the Kingdom. This collaboration includes utilizing both parties' scientific and technological expertise, exchanging technical consultations to enhance healthcare service quality, and deepening the role of pharmacists as an essential part of the national healthcare system.

Dr. Mohamad Ababneh in his turn stressed the union's ongoing commitment to enhance such strategic partnerships, striving to achieve common goals, and improving healthcare by keeping pharmacists and graduates abreast of the latest developments in pharmaceutical sciences.

The memorandum highlighted cooperation in continuous pharmaceutical education, equipping pharmacists and pharmacy students with necessary skills, assisting them in staying updated on profession-related advancements. Furthermore, it outlined collaboration in developing the healthcare sector, particularly pharmacists, towards meeting global requirements in healthcare practices. Additionally, the memorandum emphasized the exchange of specialized expertise available to each party and sharing technical consultations in various fields.

At the memorandum signing, Dr. Musa Rababah and Dr. Samer Samarah, the vice presidents of the university, along with the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Dr. Fadia Mayyas, and the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy for Training Affairs, Dr. Mohammad Nsair, were in attendance.

Representing the Pharmacists Syndicate at the signing were Dr. Mahdi Al-Ajlouni, the head of the subcommittee in Irbid, and Dr. Nour Barakat, a member of the syndicate's council.

The opening of the scientific day for the Faculty of Pharmacy, titled "Scientific Bridges between Medical Professions," was sponsored by Dr. Islam Massad, the President of Yarmouk University. The event was organized by the Joint Education Committee between the medical professions in the faculty, with the participation of faculty members and researchers from the faculties of Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and the Hijawi College of Technological Engineering at the University.

At the beginning of his speech, Massad congratulated the Jordanian people on the issuance of the Royal Decree to hold parliamentary elections next September, emphasizing the importance of this democratic celebration. He highlighted the necessity for us, as Jordanians who love their country, to actively participate in either running for elections or voting to elect qualified representatives capable of effectively representing their electoral districts and advancing national interests with competence and integrity.

Mossad praised the exceptional level of the Pharmacy College, demonstrating its confident and steady progression towards developing its educational and research processes. He emphasized the importance of conducting practical applied research and fostering collaboration among various medical, engineering, computer, and humanities disciplines at the educational and scientific research levels. This includes bridging gaps and linking them with industry to produce scientifically grounded research that addresses societal issues from different and applicable perspectives. He called for enhancing a culture of cooperative work among students and faculty members across different colleges, creating a stimulating educational and research environment that nurtures creativity. He stressed that excellence lies in achieving "quality" in various fields, mandating that University colleges, with their varied departments, strive for leadership, innovation, and quality in their academic plans and programs.

Furthermore, Dr. Fadia Mayyas, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, stated that the organization of this scientific day is based on Yarmouk University's vision of the importance of cooperation and collaboration between different disciplines to conduct solid scientific research that embodies the interplay and intersection of various sciences in response to the challenges facing societies and the evolving trends in various fields. She also mentioned the formation of a joint education committee between the medical professions, comprising faculty members from the faculties of pharmacy, nursing, medicine, and the Department of Biomedical Informatics Engineering at Al-Hijawi College of Technological Engineering. The committee aims to enhance joint education and scientific research among specializations in medical colleges, facilitate the exchange of expertise and perspectives, build scientific communication bridges between faculty members and students, and ensure the sustainable periodic implementation of educational and research activities to serve the university through discussing opportunities and mechanisms for conducting joint scientific research and exploring the research interests of faculty members.

Mayyas continued: Through this committee, we aim to enhance the roles of students in the medical team and instill a culture of awareness and teamwork among them to prepare them for the job market. We aim to facilitate their work within a full medical team to care for patients, as this has become a national priority, especially during emergencies and crises following the world's experience in the Covid-19 pandemic. This has highlighted the importance of primary, integrated, and collaborative healthcare among all members of the medical staff to provide the necessary healthcare, which was at the forefront in combating the pandemic.

Mayyas emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration with the Pharmacists Syndicate to elevate pharmaceutical and medicinal services in our beloved country. She noted that a memorandum of understanding will be signed between both parties to ensure continuous pharmaceutical education and training.

The establishment of the pharmaceutical practice laboratory at the college was in line with the changes in the curriculum of the pharmacy college program, aiming to keep pace with global developments in the roles of pharmacists. It also aims to equip students with modern practical skills in pharmaceutical practice and education. The laboratory was designed to facilitate interactive group activities, role-playing, simulation, and exams to provide students with modern skills in pharmaceutical practices.

Dr. Ala'a Yahya, a member of the Joint Education Committee of Medical Professions, presented a proposal highlighting the establishment of the Joint Education Committee of Medical Professions at the beginning of the academic year 2023. The goal is to enhance collaboration between the faculties of Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and the Department of Medical Biomedical Engineering at Al-Hijawi College of Technological Engineering.

Research experiences conducted by faculty members from medical and engineering colleges were reviewed, including a scientific paper study involving a sample of students from the Pharmacy and Medicine colleges. The study aimed to assess their knowledge of pharmacogenomics, describe their usage of various scientific sources to access related information, as well as their aspirations and roles as pharmacists and doctors in incorporating genetic gaps into patients' therapeutic routines.

Dr. Ala’a pointed out that preparations are currently underway for a new research project to utilize computer programs in evaluating the rates of high blood pressure associated with the disease. This will classify patients according to the available drug treatment methods and monitor their progress in therapy.

Additionally, an application has been made for a global grant in which the Faculty of Pharmacy collaborates with the Hijawi College as part of a team comprising researchers from outside Jordan to develop computer programs that serve the educational objectives of the Pharmacogenomics course, enabling the preparation of a joint course between the two colleges.

During the Scientific Day events, the main seminar hall in the college, supported by the Pharmacists Syndicate, was inaugurated. The students' scientific projects exhibition and the pharmaceutical practice laboratory in the college were also showcased.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to the participating researchers in the Scientific Day events, including Dr. Rasmiya Al Omari from the Nursing College, Dr. Mohammed Al Ayasreh and Dr. Osama Abu Al-Rub from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Dr. Asem Abu Qasemiya and Dr. Hiyam Al Qura'an from the Hijawi College of Technological Engineering, and Dr. Fatima Mahasneh from the Medical College.

The Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Fadia Mayyas, mentioned that organizing this awareness activity aims to enhance the college's role in serving the university and the community, spreading health awareness in the medical field to protect individuals and society. This is achieved by empowering patients to manage their medications and health conditions.

She added that this activity provides an opportunity to enhance students' skills through practical application and knowledge exchange with the university community. Particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, with its "health considerations" for patients with chronic diseases in terms of medication distribution, multiple doses, and timing closeness, which can be confusing for patients and caregivers. She emphasized that raising health awareness contributes to increasing individual productivity and rationalizing medical expenditure.

Mayyas pointed out that this activity enabled faculty members and students to provide educational and health guidance particularly on the use of common medications for chronic diseases such as diabetes in its various forms, high blood pressure, thyroid diseases, blood thinners, and specific advice for pregnant women during Ramadan.

The activity included an educational lecture delivered by pharmacists Dr. Salam Al-Shanak and Dr. Afaf Khasaone about general guidelines for taking various medications and correcting some misconceptions that could affect fasting during Ramadan.

Additionally, the activity involved students from the college and members of the Training Committee providing health guidance and services including blood pressure and blood sugar measurements to the university community.