The Faculty of Pharmacy, in collaboration with the Hussein Bin Talal Library, held an event titled 'An Hour with the Pharmacist: Ask and Benefit.' The event aimed to strengthen the role of the faculty's students in providing pharmaceutical advice on proper medication storage in home pharmacies and optimal use of medications for hypertension and diabetes. A group of pharmacy students from Yarmouk University, under the supervision of Dr. Alaa Yahya, Dr. Aseel Rataan, and pharmacist Afaf Khassawneh, provided information and advices on medications for hypertension and diabetes, as well as antibiotics, cold and cough medicines, vitamins, and dietary supplements. The event also included blood pressure and blood sugar measurement for staff and students from various faculties, along with medical advice on the appropriate times for measurement and tips on managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

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.

The Faculty of Pharmacy organized an orientation event for newly admitted students. The orientation was attended by several faculty and administrative members alongside the new students. The dean, Professor Ghaith Al-Taani welcomed the students and emphasized the importance of this stage in their academic journey in building a solid knowledge foundation that will empower them in their academic and professional paths. Prof. Al-Taani  also emphasized that the faculty with all the stuff  will be providing the necessary support for their success.

The vice dean, Dr. Bilal Al-Jaidi, also delivered an orientation speech, introducing the Faculty of Pharmacy's strategic plan, which included an overview of its vision, mission, and objectives in both academic and research fields. Dr. Al-Jaidi emphasized the importance of excellence in pharmacy education and the development of academic programs that align with the latest advancements in the fields of pharmacy and healthcare.

The event also featured a speech by the Director of the Language Center, Dr.Rana Kandeel, who presented the new language programs offered by the center. Dr Kandeel. explained how these programs could enhance language skills and emphasized their role in developing communication abilities on both the academic and professional levels.

A special segment was delivered by a recent graduate, Rawan Wahadneh, who shared her personal experiences from her study in an engaging and inspiring manner. Rawan discussed the challenges any students could face and how to overcame through perseverance and the support of the faculty professors and peers.

In conclusion, the Faculty of Pharmacy extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the students who contributed to organizing this memorable day. Their dedication and hard work played a significant role in the success of the event, creating a welcoming atmosphere for their new peers and reflecting the values of cooperation and belonging that the college strives to instill in its students.

Yarmouk University has announced the names of the students of the Academic Honors List of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the end of the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic year. We extend our best wishes for continued success and achievement to all our dear students.

To view the list, click here

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 Yarmouk Pharmacy Research Club (YPRC) at the Faculty of Pharmacy organized a lecture titled "Bridging Technology and Health: The Transformative Power of AI and John Jumper’s Impact," presented by Dr. Yazan Akkam from the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Phytochemistry. 

This lecture is part of a lecture series through which the YPRC aims to strengthen the research skills of students and prepare them for active participation in scientific research.

Several faculty members and students attended the lecture, reflecting the growing interest in the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing academic knowledge and advancing the medical field. The speaker added scientific depth to the session and led the discussion with excellence.

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.