The Department of Pharmacy at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Medicine and Surgery recently organised an International Seminar in Clinical Pharmacy, during an educational visit by students of the University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy.
The 10 students, who are reading for a Pharm.D. Degree, were led by Professor Jennifer Williams. Malta marked the start of their visit to European schools of pharmacy.
A number of different topics were presented and discussed in a transcultural exchange of professional ideas. The Minister for Health, Dr Godfrey Farrugia and the rector of the University of Malta, Professor Juanito Camilleri, welcomed all participants during the opening session. Professor Lilian M. Azzopardi, head of Department of Pharmacy at the University of Malta and general secretary for the European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy, presented an introduction to developments in pharmacy education in Europe.
The seminar consisted of a number of workshops, which included sessions at Mater Dei Hospital, and patient interviews and discussions on aspects of clinical pharmacy education and clinical pharmacy service provision in Malta, in the USA and internationally.
Research studies in the area of clinical pharmacy, which are currently being undertaken within the Department of Pharmacy, were presented by pharmacy and postgraduate students. Among the topics presented were: Patient Management and Treatment in Rheumatology, Risk Management in Pharmacy and Patient Management in Cardiovascular diseases.
The variety of topics offered gave students from both universities an opportunity to discuss the latest and upcoming aspects of clinical pharmacy. Professor Serracino Inglott presented developments in pharmacy education and research in Malta, including an insight into historical aspects related to local pharmacy practice.
An international pharmacy students evening was organised by the Malta Pharmaceutical Students Association. An informal meeting, with the Valletta Harbour as a historical background, was held between the students from Florida, pharmacy students from European universities currently in Malta on an Erasmus mobility programme and pharmacy students from the University of Malta.
The seminar provided an opportunity for the students from Florida to experience clinical pharmacy developments in Malta and to understand our cultural and historical roots. It was an opportunity for students from the University of Malta to share their experiences and discuss aspects related to the progress of clinical pharmacy, such as the development of an international curriculum for clinical pharmacy, within an international perspective.