Qatar University pharmacy student scoops international first prize

A Qatar University pharmacy student beat of competition from her peers around the world to secure one of the top prizes at the International Pharmacy Student Federation (IPSF) World Congress.

Ghadeer Daghash, a final year undergraduate student at the university’s College of Pharmacy, won first place in the Congress’s senior level patient counseling skills competition. She was one of a 10-strong team representing the Gulf state’s renowned College of Pharmacy. They joined more than 500 pharmacy students from around the world at the 11-day educational, scientific and cultural symposium held in Hurghada, Egypt.

As part of her assessment, Ghadeer had to analyze a case study of a patient, given to her just one day before, and counsel on the use of a new prescription as well as any drug interaction or adverse events present in the case. She fought off tough competition in the preliminary rounds to make it to the final, where she pipped her two competitors to the post.

Ghadeer said: “Competing on an international level has strengthened my professional skills as a pharmacy student.  During our period of study at the College, we are given the opportunity to develop important skills which will in future enhance our care of patients and compliance with international pharmacy standards. Winning in this category showed that I am equipped with the necessary skills and I have the College to thank for helping me to build and develop them to this level”.

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Commenting on the students’ participation in the symposium, CPH Acting Dean Dr Sherief Khalifa said:  “Participating in such forums gives our students an invaluable opportunity to break the boundaries of distance, language, and culture and to connect with peers from around the world. Their participation underlines QU’s commitment to advancing pharmacy education and practice as well as creating pharmacy leaders who will make a difference and lead the change.”

Providing Qatar’s only pharmacy education, QU’s College of Pharmacy is committed to ensuring its students receive a world-class education which will bring the state’s pharmacy provision in line with international best practice. In addition to its undergraduate course, it also offers a Masters programme and a DPharm qualification, which can be undertaken part-time for select resident Qatar pharmacy practitioners with an approved BSc (Pharm) degree from another university who wish to continue their post-baccalaureate training while practicing in Qatar.

Underlining its commitment to community service, the college also runs a comprehensive professional development programme for practicing pharmacists in Qatar. The purpose of the programme is to ensure the continued improvement of pharmacy professionals, researchers, scientists and allied professionals in Qatar, in order to achieve optimal patient care.