Professor Lilian M. Azzopardi, head of Department of Pharmacy at the University of Malta, was invited to participate as a panel member, during the annual reception organised by the European Pharmaceutical Students Association at the European Parliament, to discuss the hot topic of digitalisation in healthcare.

Professor Azzopardi's contribution focused on aspects of pharmacy education for the development of competences in pharmacy graduates that promote lifelong learning and professional attitudes that embrace new digitalisation trends.

European and international recommendations, directed to support pharmacy educators and student advocacy groups, to focus on experiential education and opportunities for further professional development were highlighted. Professor Azzopardi referred to the four pillars of pharmacy education which rely on striking a science-practice balance, incorporating the use of innovative teaching methods, supporting the development of students into team players and instilling preparedness of graduates for the needs of health-care systems.

The event was hosted by Lieve Wiernick, a Belgian member of the EU Parliament, and was attended by students from different European countries, pharmacy professional organisations and European institutions. Agnès-Mathieu Mendes from the DG Sante of the European Commission addressed the panel and presented the EU projects and plans on digital health.