Annual bulletin 2014 15 by International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation

IPSF Annual Bulletin Issue 44

October 2015

IPSF

Bulletin

Annual

2014-2015

ipsf Since establishment in 1949, IPSF now represents more than 270 000 pharmacy students and recent graduates in over 70 countries worldwide. IPSF is the leading international advocacy organisation of pharmacy students promoting improved public health through provision of information, education, networking, and a range of publication and professional activities.

Ms. Essra Noureldin IPSF Chairperson of Media and Publications

Editorial

content Executive Committee

Page 2

IPSF Coordinators Page 37

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Dear IPSF’ers,

Members’ Section Page 45

It’s with emmense pleasure that I present to you the final publication of the year - the Annual Bulletin 2014-15. It includes different articles filled with the experience of the IPSF team, I hope it will inspire you to join the upcoming teams. I’m inviting you to start going through this publication, hope you enjoy reading it! All the best, Essra

Issue #44, October 2015

Design & Layout

Ms. Essra Noureldin

IPSF Chairperson of Media and Publications

Publication Editor

Ms. Essra Noureldin

IPSF Chairperson of Media and Publications 2014=2015

Cover Photo

~ Taj Mahal by Rosa Ballada on freeimages.com

Proofread By Ms. Sheena Patel

Chairperson of Media and Publications publications@ipsf.org Editor-in-Chief editor@ipsf.org

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o t u t C c i t i e e x m v m i E t m e m u o tive C mittee Exec e Committe xecutive Co E m v i m e t m o e u o t C c t C i e e x e m E v i t e m utiv u e o t c C t e i e x v m E i m t e m u m e o c t o C t e i C cutive mmittee Ex utive Comm e Executive m o e c o C t e C t e i x e v E i v m t i t m ee u t o c t ecu i C e x e m E v i m e t m o e u o t C c t C i e e x e v m i E v t i t e m u u e c o t c e C t e i x e x v m E i t e m u m e o c t o C t e i C x e E e m v i v e t i m t e u o t u c t C c i e e x e x m E v i E t m e u o e c C t e C t e i x e v E i v m t i e t u m e u c t o c t e i C e x x E e m E v e i m e t o e u t C c t i e e x e v m i E v t i t e m u u e c o t c e C t e i e x v m E i e Ex t e m u e o c t C t e i x e E e m v i v e t i m t e u o t u c t C c e e x v i E t eeExe tive Commi e u e c t e t i x E v m i e t u m e u c t o c t e i C e x x e m E v i m e t o tee E e u t C c t i e e x v m i E t i t e m u u e c o t c e C t e i x ti tee E utive Comm ee Executive mmittee Ex t o t u c t C c i e e x e x m E v i E e mitte ecutive Com ittee Execut Committee ecu x x E e m E v e i m e t e o t e u t C c t i e e x mit v m i E t e m u e c o t c e C t e i x e x E v m E i e t e m e u t e o c t t i C t e i x e m E m v i m e t m e u o t c t C i e e x e x m E v i E e t m e e u o t mmit Executive C mittee Exec e Committe Ex v e i m e t e o t e u t t C c i t i e e x m v m i E t e m u om e c o t e C t i x e E v m E i e t e m e u t e o c t t i C t e i Comm eeExecutive mmittee Ex tive Comm e u o t e c t C t i e t e i x m v E i m t m e u m e c t Co o t e i C x E e m v e i m t e o t e u t t C c i t i e e x m v m i E t e m e o t C t e Com ttee Execu i e v i t u c i Comm e itte x 2

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o t u t C c i e e x m Exec v i E t m e u o e c C t e t e i x e v E i v m t i e t u m e u c t o c t e i C e x e m E v e Ex i m e t o e u t C c t i e e x e v m i E v t i t e m u u e c o t c e C e e x v E i t e ee Ex ive Commit u e c t t e i x E m v e t i m t e u o t u c t C c i e e x E e teeEx tive Comm e Executive e t t i m i t u m e u c t o c t e i C e x ti tee E utive Comm e Executive mmittee Ex u e c o t c e C t e i x e x E v m E i mittee ecutive Com ittee Execut Committee cu e x e x m E v i E e t m e e u o t e c C t e t e i x mit v E i m t e u m e c t o c t e i C e x x E e m E v e i m e t e o t e u t t C c i t i e e x m v m i E t m e m u e c o t e C t e i x e x E v m E i e t e m e u t e mmit Executive Co mittee Exec ve Committ x i E e t m e e u o t e c t C t i e t e i x E m e omm e Executiv m e t o t i C e m E v i m e t e o t e u t t C c i t i e e Comm ee Executiv mmittee Ex tive Comm e u t e o c t t i C t e i x e m E m v i e t m e u o t Com c t C i e x e m E v i e t m e e u o t e c t C t i e t e i x m v E i m t m e u o m e c t C o t e i C e x E e m v e i m t e o t e u t t C c i t i e e x m v m i E ve Com ittee Execut Committee ecutive Com it x e m E m v i m e t m o e u o t C c t C i e x e m E v tive i e t m e u o t c t C i e t e i x m v E i m t m e u o m e c t C o t e i C e x v E e m i v t e i m u t e o t u t C c i e e x m v m i E t m e m u o e c o C t e C cutive mmittee Ex tive Commit e Executive m m o e u o t C c t C i e e ecutiv ommitteeEx utive Comm ee Executive m c t C o t e i C e x v E e m i v t e i m t e o t u t C c i xecu e e x m v i E t m e m u o e c o C t e C t e i x e v E v i t u c ittee Comm e xecuti x

2014-15

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Ms. Parand Akhavan, Presidentl 2014-15

My Experience as IPSF President What makes IPSF unique is the diversity of religions, traditions and heritages that comes together. In a world where these elements are causing a drift in societies we show that a common goal is stronger. For those who do not know me let me start by introducing myself. My name is Parand Akhavan and I have served this Federation this year as President. My journey in IPSF started in 2012 when I became Contact Person and Student Exchange Officer for the Netherlands. From this my passion and interest for IPSF grew and led to me running to become the first chairperson of the European Regional Office and subsequently President of IPSF.

IPSF has taken me to many different countries, created amazing opportunities and experiences and has introduced me to many amazing people of which I am blessed to call several my friends. It is sometimes difficult to realise why you do what you do when there are many deadlines, events to be attended and events to be organised. What

IPSF Annual Bulletin

makes it worthwhile and what motivates you to take that time away from your other obligations is the laughs with the friends you make, the conversations with the people you meet and the experiences which you would not have without IPSF.

What makes IPSF unique is the diversity of religions, traditions and heritages that comes together. In a world where these elements are causing a drift in societies we show that a common goal is stronger. We also show the world that students do care about education, their future and that of the pharmacy profession. We are the future and for 62 years we have served to show the world that we care and that our differences can be used to fuel the strive to improve instead of pushing for

Executive Committee division. As healthcare professionals we can take this and implement it in our communities. These past three years have been a true rollercoaster ride. It has had itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ups and downs, scary parts and fun parts. It has been a leap of faith and I would do it all over again. It is time to retire and let a new generation lead the way and carry the torch.

Viva La Pharmacie! Parand Akhavan IPSF President 2014-2015

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Mr. James Whıte, Secretary General 2014-16

Half-way to the finish line Working on the IPSF Executive is a marathon, but figuratively and literally. Working on the IPSF Executive is a marathon, but figuratively and literally. A year full of meetings, deadlines, stress and successes. It’s a big year, but the real kicker is that it’s not over, being Secretary General means I have one more big year in front of me. How can you summarise the year in one short 500 word article. It all started in Portugal, where I was fortunate to be elected into the position of Secretary General of the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation. From there it was all systems go and I haven’t stopped since. Countless meetings, minutes, agendas, networking, Skype calls and Whatsapp messages later the enthusiasm I felt at the start of my mandate is still alive and kicking and the next year is looking positive.

IPSF allows you to connect, catalyse and innovate the pharmaceutical world. The opportunities that have been offered to me through IPSF have been amazing. The ability to travel all over the world and to meet amazing

IPSF Annual Bulletin

pharmaceutical students from every corner of the planet makes IPSF something that little can compare to. IPSF allows you to connect, catalyse and innovate the pharmaceutical world. My journey so far in IPSF has lead me to the Netherlands, Portugal, Malaysia, Thailand and finally to India. It has definitely been a journey full of stress but as I said before it has also been one full of triumph. My term as part of the 61st IPSF Executive Committee is something I am immensely proud of, and the work we accomplished is something the whole team should be able to confidently stand behind. The coming year of my mandate fills me with excitement and trepidation. It is hard to confidently say how the year will turn out. But the opportunities that you can harness as part

I look forward to seeing all my IPSF friends gathered together again in Harare 2016, but until I wish you all the best with your years and studies.

of IPSF are limitless. Anyone who can grasp these opportunities should take every one that presents

itself. The word yes, is a strong one and one that all IPSF members should embrace. It has been a philosophy that I have lived by and I encourage everyone to do the same. The IPSF Family stretches over the entire world and you are never far from another IPSFer. Friendships formed within the Federation last lifetimes and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure there are many past IPSF who can attest to that statement. IPSF adds an extra element to your student life and enriches your studies. Cherish these memories and the friends you have

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made with IPSF.

Mr. Laurens Oort, Treasurer 2013-15

Tripping down memory lane No need for the public smile and tiresome You would expect that after a two-year mandate as IPSF Treasurer I would have sufficient to write about for the Annual Bulletin. It doesn’t sound too much, just 450 words and a few pictures. A small amount of words to sum up all the thoughts, ideas, experiences, and friendships of the last years. Problem is, why can’t I? I wrote it all before. I am not one to spew emotions, let alone on paper. Also, I want to avoid the cliché “I learned so much!” or “I made so many friends!”, just because I probably already wrote that somewhere before. That’s the downside for me of doing a second mandate; the IPSF spirit is still there, the tasks are still there, but the rest has been done before and is not special anymore. And of course I did make new friends, I learned a lot and had great experiences. IPSF will forever stay with me, I’ve spent two years as IPSF Treasurer and over two years in the Reception Committee (RC) of the 59th IPSF World Congress in Utrecht, the Netherlands. In that time I received my Bachelors degree, my Masters degree and found myself a great job at a pharmaceutical company. I truly believe having IPSF on my CV has helped me with the latter (don’t know if it did for the first two).

IPSF Annual Bulletin

In all this time there are things that are truly memorable. Everyone wants to highlight their high moments in life and adds something recognizable to it. From my time in the RC I still have my bright orange silk tie, my fitted orange gala vest and my (most treasured) IPSF WC 2013 cufflinks. These three items I will keep forever to remind me of this period. The tie I wore during the opening ceremony, all the guys in the RC were. The vest I wore at the closing gala night, matching the guys and the girls in orange dresses. We truly were

ExCo year one: I think it was EM2; We managed to find time in our busy schedule (and that’s the truth, some were working until the small hours of the night on their computers) to do something creative: Under supervision of Miranda we made little mail sacks with our own texts, figures and

Although there’s nothing material yet reminding me of this year, there are a lot of associations with this mandate that will stay with me. Train tickets also played a big part in this mandate. For some reason no one ever had the right ticket or needed to top up when there really wasn’t time for that. Birthday cake on IPSFs founding day, traditional Canadian Poutin and the constant arguments about not being allowed to speak in any other language than English (or American or Australian) during meetings. Very hard for the Portuguese and Brazilian, but equally hard for the Dutch. I can still feel these moments and smile every time. My point is, even though a lot has happened during a certain time it doesn’t mean that everything translates well to paper. My stories might show as total rubbish to someone who can’t relate or wasn’t there. But for me this is the value; it’s the small things that will stay with me. I won’t cry when it’s over, I won’t miss the people per se. I probably will be a bit relieved that it’s over, that I have done my part and now someone else continues my work. I will think back and smile about the memories that were created and the fun I’ve had with others. As ExCo you share a part of yourself with total strangers and you end up as friends. Memories. Friends. That’s the IPSF Spirit.

other creations painted on there. Mine of course has all the currencies used in IPSF Member countries, with Nemo on the back. That thing has been used as mailbox through the whole following year in the IPSF Apartment. Every time something needed to be handed to me and I would stop by, I found it there. Now it’s full of memories.

Viva la IPSF Laurens Oort IPSF Treasurer 2013-15

ExCo year two: Where the previous ExCo didn’t go to sleep, this Exco liked to sleep. I have numerous photos of ExCo members sleeping during meetings, on floors or just on the table.

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a uniform team. The cufflinks I got as a present from the RC for getting my Masters. Those I have of course worn during numerous IPSF Events, or just whenever I get the chance to show them off. And how can I forget the WC2013 logo stamp and roll up banner I took home after the congress. I doubt I will use both very much, but they keep the memory close.

Mr. Luka Kosec, Chairperson of Internal Relations 2014-15

My experience as Chairperson of Internal Relations I can hardly believe it has been one year since I was elected to serve as Chairperson of Internal Relations of IPSF. My year began with second round elections on the last day of World Congress

Membership promotion committee to Internal Committee.

in Porto. I felt extremely happy and honoured to be able to serve this great Federation on a position that involves interacting with people from all around the world. During Executive meeting 1 the magic deadline of October 1st 2014 passed and we officially became the 61st IPSF Executive committee. During the year that waited I experienced one of the best roller coasters of my life. Here is a brief account of what happened.

Another part of my portfolio covers Individual members. I this view I am very happy that we managed to start positioning them in a more equal position to organisational members with

One of the main priorities of this mandate was to work on existing members. Our goal was to ensure the relationship between IPSF and its members becomes a more active and transparent one enabling IPSF to better serve its members. As much as the incentives have worked or not, I am very happy that the fist outlines of the future CP package are now visible and will start taking effect from the beginning of the next mandate. This system will give CPs a more structured approach to IPSF and enable them to share information among themselves. In this light I see the main focuses for the future will be communication and transparency. This also reflects the change of the 10 IPSF Annual Bulletin

allowing them to go on SEP. I firmly believe that further steps need to be taken to ensure their equal access within IPSF.

During this mandate IPSF got 4 new Full members, PANS, Nigeria, ADEPHARM, Ivory Coast and SPSF, Sudan, AEFRA, Argentina, and 7 new Members in Association, EMUPSS, Republic of Cyprus, NULPSA, Lesotho, ARPEC, Algeria, AEFB-SM, Peru, CEP/UOB,

For the next years we also enabled an easier transition to organisational membership by allowing regions to interact with their perspective members more proactively and include them in their regional assemblies.

This year we also tried to assist with registrations for IPSF events. I hope this made the work of registration officers easier and more structured. Additionally IPSF has finally taken the step of formally creating the IPSF Alumni.

All in all what I tried to accomplish during this mandate was to switch the focus of IPSF and its members form wasting our potential, our resources, our time and our energy on details to our vision of IPSF in the future. What I have seen is that IPSF is an amazing organisation with limitless potential for positioning itself as the main focal point of pharmacy students in the world. Getting there might be hard, but it is a goal we need to embrace. In this light my portfolio will have to work on activating our members, strengthening regional collaboration, creating a good Alumni

network and easing access to IPSF events.

Overall being ExCo is a unique and challenging experience, I highly recommend. It gives you the opportunity to connect with so many different people and listen to their interesting ideas. In my mind the hardest thing is to embrace all these multicultural approaches to organisational government and manage to sync them in achieving common good for the Federation. In this light I would like to thank everyone who has worked for IPSF and especially for my team during this past year, the RROs, members of the MPC, CPs and SEOs. It was a huge pleasure to be able to discuss things, develop ideas, implement changes together with you during our meetings and meet some of you in person at World Congress and other events.

Let me end this article with three words that probably made me understand my position the best: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Respect! Respect! Respect!â&#x20AC;? Respect the people you are talking to, and you will never make a wrong turn.

THANK YOU!!!

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Democratic republic of Congo, SAFPUM, Bosnia and Herzegovina, MUPSA, Uganda. Welcome to the federation!!!

Mr. Ahmed El-Molla, Chairperson of Student Exchange 2014-15

Leave a legacy In 2010, I was talking to Ahmed Ayman one of my friends about people at our age getting engaged. I remember what he said to me exactly “A father is the CEO of the house, what will you tell your children if you didn’t have enough experience?” Now I can show my sons this newsletter and tell them about IPSF. “Now we are students, it’s the perfect time to do mistakes! Do the worst possible presentation and let people laugh at you. Run a project and fail it, that’s the only possible way to learn for free. Later you will lose money, consequences would be harder than what you fear now” Ahmed Ayman I still remember those two quotes as they were said to me by Ahmed, as they totally changed my life, days later I joined EPSF. Lesson 1 son: if you chose a pharmacy career, join IPSF, no better place to learn. Fear less August 2014: I was too lucky to be a participant in IPSF 60th World congress in Porto, Portugal best ten days in my life! While there I said I need more of IPSF spirit, I want to join the executive board I will run for Chairperson of SEP this was on Saturday I guess when hours later Miranda had just arrived from USA I told her I want to run for Chairperson.

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She said what!! You want to run for my position. I said yes I know I didn’t do so well in SEC, do you think I should apply again for SEC. No! SEC is SEC nothing more to learn you need to run for the position. Application deadline was Sunday midnight I guess. “I read your application, you were not a good SEC member, I will stand against you in the GA if you ran. You might better run for SEC again” This was said to me by a previous ExCO member who was deeply respected by IPSF and by me as well. This person had the right to say so. I was not the perfect SEC member, I was so frustrated; this meant my chances were too low. I went back to the dorm and talked to my brother Mostafa (your uncle son) and to Khaled Mostafa Chairperson of media and

“You will win I know it, when you do you must get me Real Madrid kit”

“Run for it, if you win its ok, if you lost consider that you did not run” Mostafa said.

“I promise I will”

“No one own IPSF, if you withdrew you will let anyone control who apply and who don’t there should be a chance for all” Khaled said And I applied and the first question I was asked by someone in the GA “can we ask Ms.X to evaluate Ahmed in SEC?” I told myself I was dead. But I saw many red cards raised, a lot of people did that, they defended my right to take the chance, for all those who did that, for Nour from Algeria who was smiling to me, I will remember forever how your smile was a relief to me, for Daniel from Hungary who have been raising the green card to every idea I said, I didn’t meet him again till May

I won and I didn’t get the t-shirt for Sherif, To Sherif, sorry for not getting you what I promised, I will eventually do, don’t worry and thanks for your words I owe you . Lesson 2 son: you will meet people who know better than you, never respect them for what they know, learn from them. But never let them stop you or judge you. You will meet people who need support, simple act of kindness can change someone’s life as they changed mine, Support them, and they will never forget it. I never thought it will come to end, thanks IPSF for this great time I had with you. Thanks for everyone who supported me, and trusted me when I doubted myself. Viva l’IPSF viva la Pharmacie <3

next year but I still remember your support and I thank you for this act of kindness” When I finished, I got a call from Sherif, “You did great, I am so proud of you” he said. “Seriously?? You know what, I had a fear I would let you down, now regardless the result I will be happy”

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publications, Sherif Sabry, EPSF president in that year I still remember what they told me

Ms. Essra Noureldin, Chairperson of Media and Publications 2014-15

An experience of a life time !! It seems like yesterday when I first hear the word IPSF. But that was six years ago , Back then I would have never imagine I would have this journey with the Federation Throughout the year the media and publications portfolio the focus was continuing with the branding strategy and setting the federation identity together with the media team. And together with the marketing coordinator we managed to double our digital and online presence in the different social media channels. And working on the new branded IPSF website, and assisting and providing digital contents for the public health and pharmacy educations portfolios. This year was a big one for IPSF in the external relations part, having new partnerships with both of Wolters Kluwer and Eli Lilly, and together with the external relations chairperson we set the area of partnership we will have regarding the media and publications portfolio. It seems like yesterday when I first hear the word IPSF. But that was six years ago , Back then

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I would have never imagine I would have this journey with the Federation serving in regional and international level, and doing two terms in the executive committee. A journey which can only be described as a life changing experience. The most amazing part of being an IPSFers is the opportunities that you get offered, all the places you get to visit and all the amazing people that you get to meet and all the friendships that you make for the rest of your life .And between all the travels I had to do this year, attending the World health assembly in GenĂ¨ve was the highlight and very enriching experience. It will be very hard for me to let go of all of that, to say goodbye to my IPSF email or to not get all the notifications of the Facebook pages and twitter every few minutes on my phone. But as my fellow

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mate Prosper said “I can’t wait to finally retire” as fun journey as it was , there were many sleepless nights , and in the end I know once you are an IPSFer you will always be an IPSFer . So I would like to take the opportunity and thank all the executive team for making it another unforgettable year. And hope to see you all someday in some corner of this earth. Viva la IPSF, viva la pharmacie Always yours in IPSF. Essra

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Ms. Brittany G. Mani Chairperson of Pharmacy Education 2014-15

My Adventure with IPSF The highlight of this mandate thus far has been conducting the PEC meetings. I feel lucky to have such devoted members on the committee. Everyone is committed to producing quality publications and advancing research with FIPEd. Most importantly they are very patient with me, and have taught me a lot about the federation. For those of you who do not know I am very new to IPSF and only because of this fact, my experience has been very challenging to say the least. However, if I could rephrase, all interpersonal communication with IPSF members is the most exciting. The best part of going to meetings is seeing the face behind the emails, and hearing the enthusiasm in their voice. The spirit of IPSF is certainly alive. I can recall last year at my first World Congress the strides Exco was taking to please the members of the federation, and naturally everyone was not happy. What I realized this year is that we should move our focus from pleasing the members (in every capacity) to improving the federation as a whole. I find it inexcusable that so many pharmacy students, and practitioners are not aware of its existence. We need more than social media to fix this. When we find IPSF leadership and the members in the press we should share their accomplishments. If we share that our federation

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is doing great things it will be difficult for people not to hear about us. I am going to strategically re-phrase my journey over the past 9 months as an arduous quest. Unfortunately, this was a year where trials trumped triumphs. Yet, it is not over yet, as there is much more to come. The greatest triumph of all was learning about myself, and how to circumvent situations that are not completely under my control. I am not sure if anyone can relate, but entering this position was similar to starting your career right after completing your coursework. All you want to do is make a meaningful contribution,

and change the world. Thus, I was presented with a reality check; it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite work that way. I had all of these plans and ideas and somehow learning the bare minimal tasks of this portfolio

Executive Committee

was all I seemed to have time to do. With all of my experience in leadership, what I struggled with the most was not being in close proximity with Exco members, and the PEC.

and engage.

I would like to redirect the focus of this article as to why the PE portfolio is so special to me. Accordingly, we know what we know well either through experience, or because someone told us about their experience or what they know to be factual. This is what PE is all about. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tell me what you know.â&#x20AC;? Being well versed in a variety of pharmaceutical science/pharmacy practice initiatives is the objective, not only because it is impressive, but also because it helps enhance professional development. As emerging healthcare providers and leaders in this regard, we need to know what we know very well; plus some. Not only is it appealing to employers, it is appealing to your colleagues and patients. Subsequently, this is where the arduous quest stops, and the journey begins. We are expanding the pharmacy education portfolio to include more progressive pharmacy education experience for the members. Additionally, along with FIPEd, we are acquiring information to bridge the caps of pharmacy education across regions. We want to know your interests, and we want to know what you want to learn more about. The best part of being privy to typical and unconventional pharmacy education experiences, as that you very may well find your niche. The puzzle piece that brings this all together is the pharmacy education publications. It is pointless for members to have these great experiences, if they have no outlet and no one will benefit from it. So I will conclude this article by stating that a singular place for learning and growing in regards to pharmacy education is at your fingertips, you just have to be passionate

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Ms. Bárbara Villela, Chairperson of Public Health 2014-15

Hope it gives you joy I always try to live to the fullest, or my version of it, and for me this means giving everything I have to a cause I truly believe in.. Three years after my first day in IPSF, much has happened. I was at the time living in Canada studying under a Brazilian program called Science without Borders and serving as Vampire Cup Chair for IPSF PARO. I was from there elected as PARO Regional Project Officer in The Netherlands and finally Chairperson of Public Health in Portugal. At time, they were 3 long years, with many struggles, and other times, they flew by, with many amazing experiences. I always try to live to the fullest, or my version of it, and for me this means giving everything I have to a cause I truly believe in. This year, I saw many things that kept me inspired throughout the hard times. Every time I saw a member participating on one of the public health campaigns, every time I saw a report, when a delegate of WHA or EB shared how amazing their experience was… they made up for every email I did not get a reply from, every decision that might not have been the best, every campaign that seemed not so successful. The journey may not go as we originally plan, but it does not make it any less perfect. Perfect in it’s own twisted weird way, but

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perfect. It is hard to say what the highlight of the year was as I feel like a mother now, all projects and campaigns are important. Attending WHA will probably always be an amazing experience, the struggle to get articles for SPOT and seeing it all come together is priceless, but, most of all, having even one person healthier from a campaign encouraged by IPSF is all I can ever wish for. I am sure that this goal was achieved during the year, even if some others were not. My journey would have not been the same without my team: Executive Committee members, my coordinators, the public health committee, Ms. Sheena Patel and all others I

Executive Committee have worked with during the year. May the next three years be as unpredictable and amazing as these have been, and may I continue to work for a cause that brings me joy (even during odd hours of the night, such as Executive Committee meeting times - you many not feel the joy but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s there). And for the readers, I wish for you to also work for a cause that brings you joy and I can only hope that it is IPSF.

BĂĄrbara Scoralick Villela Chairperson of Public Health 2014-15

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Ms. Stephanie Miller, Chairperson of Professional Development 2014-15

5 Reasons to Become Involved With IPSF When I am 80 years old and looking back on my life I know that some of my most cherished memories will come from the time that I was involved with IPSF. During the first half of my pharmacy

have opportunities to discover pharmacy practice around the world and attend huge global events in relation to our profession and healthcare as a whole. Most important, you get to meet the most

education, I had very little knowledge of IPSF on a global level. It was only during my first congress in Utrecht, The Netherlands in 2013 that I was really able to experience what IPSF was all about. If it hadn’t been for that congress and the people I met there, and those I’ve met since, I would never be where I am today. Some of you may be hesitant to get involved for a variety of reasons but I would like to share with you my personal top 5 reasons why I think you should consider joining in on the IPSF fun!

amazing people!

1) Opportunities to experience the world Now obviously I didn’t join the IPSF Executive Committee for the sole purpose of travelling but it sure was an amazing perk! That being said, I was still putting in many hours of hard work while “on holidays”. This year as Chairperson of Professional Development I was so fortunate to be able to travel to The Netherlands for our first Executive Meeting, Switzerland for the World Health Assembly, India for the IPSF World Congress and Germany for the FIP World Congress. That’s over 67,000 kilometers in one short year! Not only do you get to experience a new country with its sights and culture you also 20 IPSF Annual Bulletin

2) Increase your number of Facebook friends Our Federation is full of the most fun-loving, kind and passionate people I have ever met. We, as students and young professionals, come together at events like the IPSF World Congress to enhance our knowledge, develop our skills and create the future of the pharmacy profession. With every event I attend I have the opportunity to reconnect with old friends but there are always so many new faces, new people to share their experiences with me, and new people that I can learn from. I am pretty honoured to say that I have some of the

3) Develop yourself, overcome personal challenges and become a leader Being involved with IPSF has definitely impacted the pharmacist I am today. This past year as a member of the Executive Committee has been one of my biggest challenges. I was put in charge of a huge portfolio; some areas I was familiar with, but

all so passionate about IPSF and the pharmacy profession. I want to thank all of the Executive Team, my Coordinators and my PD Subcommittee for all of the hard work you put into this mandate and for your constant motivation and support throughout the year. From EM1 to World Congress we have made some great memories that I will cherish forever. We started this term as group of strangers, we evolved into a team and then we became a pharmily! 5)

others were very foreign. It was a huge learning curve for me. Over the past year I learned how to effectively organize and prioritize, how to mange and communicate with a team, how to plan and run events and how to be a role model for others. Most importantly, I learned how to balance my professional life with my personal one. All of the challenges and struggles over the year came with even greater rewards. I have acquired many new skills that are necessary to be a leader in our profession and I have learned so much about myself in the process! 4) You are not only a part of a team, you are part of a pharmily None of my accomplishments this year would have been at all possible without the support of my team. I was so fortunate to work with such an outstanding group of individuals who are

Embrace the IPSF Spirit

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s those shivers you get when you sing Viva la Pharmacie at the end of the General Assembly, the memories we create at World Congress, that sense of accomplishment when we finish a project and the passion and pride we feel for our Federation and our Profession. The IPSF Spirit is more contagious than any disease. It is the reason we first decide to become involved and the reason we continue to remain involved with the Federation long after our mandates are over. During my first IPSF congress I would have never thought in a million years that I could one day be a part of the IPSF Executive Committee. Running for this position, I took a huge leap of faith. When I say leap I mean I dove over the side of the cliff. A small part of me was certain that I was going to crash on the big pointy rocks below but I continued to soar into an ocean of opportunities and experiences. I am so thankful that IPSF has given me these opportunities to learn about our world, about our profession on a global level and most importantly to learn more about myself! If you are thinking you may want to become more involved in future years with IPSF, I say take that leap. It will give you experiences that you never dreamed of!

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most amazing friends over the world!

Mr. Prosper Maposa, Chairperson of African Regional Office 2014-15

A feeling of handover .. An illusion of retirement Being actively involved in IPSF for the past 6 years has been an exposure best experienced than expressed. At one point I wrote a blog post titled “Thinking like I have two heads” and this was a

is escalating. With all the growing pressures on the limited resources innovative solutions need to be implemented. A futuristic approach in my view calls for grooming of young leaders in the

direct translation of the feeling connected to the IPSF spirit. Meeting new friends, reconnecting with the old ones, visiting new countries (21 in counting), advocating for the pharmacy profession and going interestingly broke are some of the highlights on the journey.

profession from an early stage and IPSF is such a platform and territory for us to grow.

For those intending to join IPSF leadership at any level I have a few words of advice. Consistency, discipline, hard work and skills in the right mix will have you reaching unimaginable heights. Be a leader wherever you are and ensure you thrive for excellence and the rest will follow. In a dynamic world were change is the only constant the pharmaceutical sciences have not been spared. It is imperative that the professionals in the field need to prove their worth to the bottom line. Taking a leadership position might just give you the extra edge you need to excel. As global economy tightens and more graduates are being produced every year, the competition for jobs and opportunities further intensifies. Even at a global level downsizing, outsourcing and a need for health professionals to show their worth to the bottom line means career competition 22 IPSF Annual Bulletin

The last year in IPSF has been an adventurous one. With secretariat matters to deal with and an entire African Region to guide, learn from and support. This year we had the largest African Pharmaceutical Symposium of all times in the African region in arguably the cleanest city in Africa Kigali, Rwanda. In addition our family just got bigger with Ivory Coast and Nigeria as new Full Members and Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as in coming Members in Association (MiA). This brings our tally to 12 member countries and we wait in anticipation of

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the next step of the awakening giant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AfRO. I am grateful to have worked with a hardworking and committed regional team and hats off for all the sacrifices that you have made for the region. IPSF has developed an integrated structure over the past few years and it is my wish that the next team embrace the changes and continue building

on where the current team left. Together we tried to build an extensive membership base and we now need to shift our priority focus towards taking part and initiating high impact projects, creating and scouting for exposure internships for our members and forge collaborative partnerships for technical and financial support. In conclusion it has been a great eye opening experience to in IPSF and the illusion of retirement is imminent. I look forward to helping the new team and ensuring that I provide support and a handover that is worthwhile for the sustainable development of the Federation that I have become so attached to. The year and term have gracefully come to an end but it feels like yesterday when I attended my first World Congress. Yours In IPSF Prosper Maposa, BPharm Hons, MPS AfRO Chairperson 2013-15, Vice President 201415

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Ms. Mian Zhang , Chairperson of Asia Pacific Regional Office 2014-15

My Experience as APRO chairperson This year was a new beginning and a new challenge. After completing my pharmacy degree and working full time as a community pharmacy, I needed something to break out of that daily

step out of their comfort zones and try new things, they are friendly and engage with others around the world, and they are kind-hearted people wanting to make the world a better place

monotony, and thinking back to the great times I’ve had through IPSF, it really motivated me to push my boundaries, which ended in myself becoming the Chairperson of the Asia Pacific Regional Office.

through healthcare. And it is this IPSF spirit that binds us and makes IPSF a big happy family and a wonderful thing to be part of.

To tell you the honest truth, that was never my intention, I had only considered the role in the IPSF Team. But that is the importance of friends, they recognise your traits and skills, they see your potential and they support you, often knowing you better than yourselves. That’s the thing with friends, they push you forward but are always there to catch you if you fall. Over the years with IPSF I have gained friends from all around the world. IPSF brings the best out of people, they

However if simply being part of it isn’t enough, volunteer for the numerous positions in the IPSF team. If you’re itching to do that little bit more, to

work with like-minded individuals, it’s definitely where you want to be headed, and you’re sure to get a lot out of it. You’ll bond with the team, develop new skills and learn a little about yourself along the way. It’s been fantastic to work the ExCo and see great minds at work in running the Federation, and to finally see the results as the term comes to an end.

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Executive Committee But as a regional chairperson I have to give a big shout out to my regional working group, for my role would be nothing if not for them. The role of the regional chairperson is almost strategic and game-like, as you have to look at the bigger picture and direct your minions to do your bidding. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a chess game as you try to overcome obstacles, try to make the right decisions and having the foresight to plan ahead. This was just to my liking, and I loved seeing it all come together. But I was fortunate enough to have such wonderful minions, who were so dedicated to their work and had such great visions. Though as a chairperson you may be making the decisions, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the overall team that bonds together, that collaborates and gets the job done, and only together that you can achieve success. I have to thank my team, who are now my friends, who have dedicated so much for APRO and IPSF. Here is to friends, and the great things we can achieve together!

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Ms. Ines Derbel, Chairperson of Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office 2014-15

My experience as Chairperson of EMRO Now that the year is almost over, I can tell you that it was a year full of challenges , discoveries and achievements and being part of IPSF team was one of the best decisions I have made. As expected the beginning was not simple and one of the hardest steps was getting to know how everything works. However, I had the chance to work with a very motivated team. We knew right away that in order to succeed we need to set a clear plan. So our plan was set in line with the four-year EMRO strategic plan established last year. The RWG members prepared the goals they plan to achieve by the end of the mandate .These goals and ideas were combined to end up with program focusing on: restructuring EMRO projects and develop proper materials to ensure their success, establish a rich promotional plan, find hosts for the upcoming EMPS and promote SEP in the region. To achieve this, six RWG Skype meetings were held over throughout the year in which the team had the chance to discuss different matters related to their tasks and exchange ideas. One of our major goals was to implement EMRO projects (Ask You Pharmacist and Health Awareness Day), we tried o prepare the materials on time. We had few difficulties promoting the AYP

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project especially that we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an RMPO when the project was launched. But this did not stop us from working even harder on the HAD project and we ended up with great campaign materials that were sent to CPs and used for the online campaign. But what makes me really proud, is how we could in a three months achieve the majority of our Media and promotion goals after the appointment of the new RMPO. During that period of time we had over 1500 likes on our facebook page, our online activity has remarkably increased and we launched our first online photo competition for EMRO members. EMRO was also successful making contact with Pakistan and help them create their first pharmacy students association and we really hope to see the join IPSF in the near future, we are also thrilled to

Executive Committee

have a new association ARPEC from Algeria, apply for IPSF membership. In the future, EMRO should work on setting an efficient strategy to implement its projects in the region, and concentrate more on the interregional exchange and collaboration. This will certainly help the region shine and bring great opportunities to our members. Serving as IPSF Eastern Mediterranean regional Office Chairperson was a unique experience that introduced me to new friends, new cultures and new opportunities. I would like thank all my friends from the RWG and my fellow IPSF Executives for

the productive year. I am looking forward to seeing EMRO grow and achieve new levels of success! Viva EMRO! Viva IPSF! Viva la Pharmacie!

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Mr. José Carvalho, Chairperson of European Regional Office 2014-15

My experience as Chairperson of EuRO Dear IPSFers, I was asked to write down a small text for the Annual Bulletin but every time I tried to start with it, my will just started to decrease and decrease and you know why? Because the Annual Bulletin is that point of the term that you know your mandate is coming to an end  This road, this huge and wide road called IPSF started in 2011 when I was the Contact Person of my local association AEFFUP Porto, Portugal and from the very first start I knew this Federation was something I should live and invest on. During these 4 years IPSF completely changed the way I saw the World, I became more open, more passionate about life, about the people and their particular and unique way of living no matter from what part of the globe. During the 60th IPSF World Congress I decided to take a bigger step and became part of the IPSF Executive Committee. The best thing about making this choice was: I have no regrets. It has been one of the richest experiences of my life. It is a great life experience for allowing you to know how to solve and face problems with people with so many different points of view! A team with so many people from all around the world leads to a team with many different opinions and ways to

28 IPSF Annual Bulletin

do things and that is the beauty of it, because it teaches you to listen every opinion, to understand every side and to know how to act and react according different circumstances. This year definitely gave me an opportunity to grow up not only personally but also professionally. During my term, I also had the opportunity to travel a lot, to EPSA congresses, one in the beautiful city of Prague, Czech Republic and another in a city full of secrecy – Toulouse France, where I shared so many good moments with our partners, the European Pharmaceutical Students Association. It is also a fantastic opportunity to meet the headquarters of the Federation that represents all the professional pharmacists around the globe – FIP, with its headquarters in Den Haag, the Netherlands. Being there, so close from IPSF

history (look up for the attic!!) is just inspiring! So many ancient documents, so many history, so many work thereâ&#x20AC;Ś It is well worthy to see it. I confess that I had one or two tears slipping from my eye but with a great effort and for avoiding any embarrassing moments I stopped right there! :p

As you might have noticed, I am very happy for the choice I have made, for applying for this position. It is true that this mandate as any other mandate, had its ups & downs, but if there is something I will take with me is every lesson I learnt with my colleagues, with my team members or what I could also call my friends who I will definitely take with me for life. Thank you my dear IPSF Team 2014-2015. Beijinhos, JosĂŠ

The Executive Meetings are also a great part of the term, I keep great memories from both EM where you have the chance to meet closer your ExCo Team mates! It is definitely the best way to have a team building, a full week of work from 8:00am until 7:00 p.m. but you miss it every time you need to get back home

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I could not finalize without referring my fantastic Regional Working Group who has been a great support and a right arm and without them, this term could not have been possible. In spite of knowing Mr. Diogo and Ms. Mafalda for 5 years, I could not have had better team, thank you guys!

Mr.Angel Acosta, Chairperson of Pan American Regional Office 2014-15

My Experience as PARO chairperson â&#x20AC;&#x153;Challenge is the pathway to engagement and progress in our lives. But not all challenges are created equal. Some challenges make us feel alive, engaged, connected, and fulfilled. Others simply overwhelm us. Knowing the difference as you set bigger and bolder challenges for yourself is critical to your sanity, success, and satisfactionâ&#x20AC;? Greetings from the Americas, Just two years ago, IPSF was unknown to me. I discovered the IPSF spirit during the PARO Pharmatour that took place in the beautiful country of Colombia in summer of 2013. This event change my life in so many ways and it marked the beginning of my IPSF journey. Seeing the major differences in cultures, healthcare access, pharmacy education and the pharmacy profession, I decided to continue my journey and promote IPSF and its core values back home on the local and national levels. As the year went and with the idea in mind of learning more about IPSF, I had the opportunity to attend my first IPSF World Congress in Porto, Portugal last year. Seeing how IPSF works on the international level and after hearing different stories from world congress participants on past IPSF experiences and their passion and vision for IPSF, I decided to also take part of this amazing

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experience and was appointed as the Chairperson of PARO 2014-2015. PARO has come along away from its reactivation and now, it was up to me to continue the success of our lovely region. Being new to IPSF and on the Executive Committee, has been a true blessing and awesome experience throughout this whole year. Meeting pharmacy students and pharmacy professionals within the Americas has made me appreciate and expand my pharmacy education. The success of PARO this year is not a one person accomplishment. I had the best Regional Working Group that a Chairperson could wish for. This year our team had a good mixture of new and old members and I would like to take the time and acknowledge them. This year the PARO RWG included Dayl Eccles (secretary), Lucas Ercolin (RRO), Jessica Zook (RPO), Sara DiTursi (RMPO), and Jorge Schlottke (Chp of PARS). These individuals helped me throughout the year by keeping me in line and on top of things, with my already busy school, travel, work and IPSF schedule. My Regional Working Group, along with our member associates and contact persons, have worked very hard throughout the year to continue this new growth era of PARO. Seeing what has been accomplished over the past year has made this year, the best year so far in PARO history.

Reconnecting with PARO Almuni- Costa Rica Trip I was able to travel to Costa Rica this past November to meet with IPSF PARO Alumni members. Togther we formed and funded the PARO Alumni group “Viva la Pharmcie”. The goal of establishing this group is to have a PARO Alumni weekend once a year to connect and reconnect with new and old IPSF PARO members. Another major goal is to help promote our current and future PARO events and find ways for help our students attended furture IPSF world congresses. Members and their countries present included; Carlos Juárez-Mexico, Pompilio Herrera-Panama, Herberth Peña-El Salvador, Ricard Barlabé-Spain, Mario Montoya, Gerardo Páez Jiménez, Lorena Lam Yeung, Sandra García Zuñiga, Silva Caligara Andorno from Costa Rica and FECOEF Costa Rica’s CP Carlos Guardian 9th PARS in San Luis, Argentina

As we continue to grow and expand within our lovely region, we had over 140 participants from 10 different countries attend PARS this summer, making this PARO and IPSF event such a great success. This year during PARS, we were also able to have our Regional Assemble and elections before World Congress, somthing that hasn’t been done since 2008.I would like to take the time to acknowledge the 9th PARS team; AEFRA and the Reception Committee for doing a fantastic job preparing this year’s symposium and I would like to thank them for their hard work, dedication, commitment, and sleepless nights during the planning and organization process so that every last minute detailed could be covered and taken care of. We had students attending PARS from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Singapore and the USA. Acknowledging PARO member organization One of my main goals for my mandate this year was increase IPSF in PARO and have our current members be more active. This year we had successful contacts with the students from Jamaica, Mexico, Peru and Chile. We started

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PARO has worked very hard this year to move the federation forward in so many levels and I would like to point out the major accomplishments we had this year.

the MIA application process with the our new prospective member, AEFB-SM Peru in May and their application was presented and approved at World Congress this year. AEFB-SM Peru, welcome to IPSF, best wishes and looking forward to seeing you grow within PARO and IPSF. AEFRA Argentina decided to apply to become FM during PARS. Their application was presented and approved as well at World Congress. This will increase the number of IPSP voting countries in PARO.

PARO at World Congress India PARO took centre stage this year at World Congress. AEFRA Argentina won the Otto Foecking Award for best new member. CAPSI Canada won the Sidney J. Relph Award for best overall member and Cassandra Woit from CAPSI Canada took the best CP award. Congratualtions to all of them for their hard work and decidation not only to their our association but to PARO and IPSF as well. The future of PARO and my final remarks In this short year, I have learned a lot, seen a lot and have made many connections with pharmacy

32 IPSF Annual Bulletin

schools, staff, professors, students and with our IPSF members. I have decided to step down from being Chairperson of PARO for the upcoming year so that new students can apply and experience the IPSF spirit as I did. I believe the success of any organization is only accomplished by teaching the new generation of students. I will be very active with the new PARO RWG this upcoming year. Being there as a resource, teaching and helping them throughout the year will be very beneficial for PARO in the long run. Lastly and again, I would like to acknowledge every committee member, coordinator, CP, PARO member organizations, my regional working group, and the other Executive Committee members from PARO for a great year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your hard work and dedication within our lovely region and for the awesome experience you all gave me throughout this year as our Chairperson of PARO 2014-2015.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Desire is the key to motivation, but its determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.â&#x20AC;? Thank you and Viva La Pharmacie.

Executive Committee

Ms. Neha Dembla, 61st IPSF World Congress Chairperson 2015

World Congress .. a dream came true “If you dream it, you can do it”. This phrase by Walt Disney is something I always believed in. Over the years, what I actually harbour in life is- “create your future”, and so I started my journey in IPSF

I had the honour of being nominated as the editor. Eventually, being elected as Chairperson of the Reception Committee for the 2015 World Congress was even more challenging since I had started

by attending my first World Congress in Utrecht, Netherlands, where the Indian team had a missionto bid for India and get the World Congress to Hyderabad! I still remember how amazing it felt to have attended my first ever Congress, to have won the bid and get elected as the Chairperson and create such amazing and exciting memories with friends from all over the World! The support of the people has been overwhelming ever since. Having started in July 2013, it’s been one long, helluva journey!

working at my Dream Company just then- but I was all geared up for the ride!

The Indian Pharmaceutical Association-Students’ Forum (IPA-SF) and I go a long way back. We first met in 2008-09 when I worked in the editorial committee. During my progressive years at IPA-SF,

During the most crucial year- the planning year of 2014, my team and I attended the World Congress at Porto and APPS at Malaysia. Our fun-tastic experiences at these events with the brilliant promotions catalysed our planning to an enormous level. I believe that IPSF and all its Congresses are an amalgamation of timeless friendships, undying unity and immense faith in it’s principles that originate from building an innovative future for career aspirants in pharmacy across the world, regardless of their cultural or educational background, and these continue to inspire us even to this day. I had the good fortune of working with my remarkable Executive Committee - especially at EM2 in the IPSF house at Netherlands, where we bonded incessantly and were always a house on fire. It was so much fun to discuss about India and the WC everyday, sing and dance to Hindi songs and discuss about the food and culture:) And with my beautiful Reception Committee who were a

IPSF Annual Bulletin

perfect combination of power with responsibility and the right dose of fun, working was never such a delight. The RC and HC were a team that accomplished hours of meticulous planning and intense implementation with the right blend of enjoyment. I strongly believe that team work is paramount to organizing this event of such magnificence and the Team of IPSF WC 2015 has proved it beyond belief. A special mention and big thank you to the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) ,the organization without which we couldn’t have accomplished this herculean task. Their encouragement and unending support in all forms kept the ball rolling. It’s because of all of them and my RC that every breakdown became a breakthrough- and we have come to realise our biggest creation- The 61st IPSF World Congress, 2015. The World Congress is so much more than just being a Congress. In all honesty, it is an idea. The IPSF stood by this idea and made it into a tradition. This tradition makes it possible to establish a common platform where future pharmacists from around the world can come and hold a free, robust and effective exchange of ideas. It represents a strong sense of bonhomie and camaraderie. It endorses the fact that no matter where we come 34 IPSF Annual Bulletin

and where we go to…the essence of science, medicine and pharmacy will unite us towards a common goal of advancing global health. The fact that the IPSF wants us to unwind every evening during the congress by experiencing the different drinking games, music and dance from all the participating countries does not hurt either. We all love that part of it every year! But, on a serious note, it truly is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to forge strong friendships and share ideas that will advocate for our education and the science of Pharmacy itself. The Indian team wanted the Congress to have its own unique flavour this year and yet keep the core tradition alive. We wanted to showcase the superior strengths that India and the Indian

pharma industry has to offer to the world. We did not work hard to provide just a good event, but to provide a fantastic and a memorable one!!! We have created history that would go down a very long time in the future. With this as my closing message, I look forward to seeing all of you sometime soon in the near future, where we continue to Connect-Catalyze-Innovate. To IPSF-WC, 2015…IPSF-WC, 2015…VIVA LA PHARMACIE!

IPSF Annual Bulletin

I t F C a s S r n F i P o S I t d P r a s I r o n i s o o r t d P C r a I o t F o n s i a S o r d n C P o i r I t o d F a s r o r n o i C o o t d F r C a S o n F i P o I S d C r P s a I r o F n i o s o S t r d C P a r I F to n o s i S o r d P C o r I t o F s a r o S n C i P to I d F a r s S o r n o i C P o o I t d F C r a s S r o n F i P o o S I t d P r a s I r o n i s o o r t d C r a o t F o n i a S o r d n C P o i r I t o d F a s r S o r n o i C P o o t d F r C a S o n F i P o I S d C r P s I r o F i o s o S t r d C P a r I o F t n o s i S a o r d P n C o r I i t o F s a r o S n o C i P t I d F a r s S r n o i P o o I t d F C r a s S r o n F i P o o S I t d P r a s I r FC o n i s o o r t d C r a o t F o n i a S o d n C P i r I o d F a s r S o r n o i C P o I o t d F r C a s S r o n F i P o I S d C r P s I r o F o s o S t r C P a I F to n o s i S a o r d P n C o r I i t o F d s a r r o S n o o C i P t I d F a r s S r n o i P o o I t C rd a s r o n F i o o S IP t d C P r a s I r F o n i s o o r t d PS C r a o t F o n i a S o d n C P i r I o d F s r S o r o i C P o I o t d F r C a s S r o n F i P o o I S t C rd a P s I r o F o s o S t r C P a I o F t n s i S a r d P n C o r I i t o F d s a r r o S n o o C i P t I o d F a r C s S r n o i P o o I t d C r a s r o n F i o o S t d C P r a I r F o n i S s o o r t d P C r a o t F o n i a rs I S o d n C P i r I o d F s r S o r o C P o I o t F C a s S r o n F i P o o I S t d C r a P s I r o F n i o s o S t r d C P a I o F t n s i S a r d P n o r I i t o d s a r r o n o o C i P t I o d F a r C s S r n o i P o o I t d SF C r a s r o n F i o o S t d C P r a I F o n i S s o r d P C r I a o t F o n s i a r S o d n o C P i r t I o d F a s r S o r o C P o I o t F C a s S r n F i P I S to d C r a P s I r o F n i o s o S t r d C P r a I o F t o n s i S a r d P n o r I i t o d s a r r o n o o C i t o d F a r C s S r n o i F P o o I t d S C r a s P r I o n F i o S to d C P r a I F o n i S s o r d P C r I o t F o s i a r S o d n o C P i r t I o d F a s r S o r n o i C P o I o t d F C a s S r n F i P o I S t d r a P s I r o n i o s o S t r d C P r a I o F t o n s i S a o r d P n C o r I i t o d s a r r o n o o C i t o d F a r C S n o i F P o I t d S C r a s P r I o n F i o o s S t d r C P r a I o F o n i S s o r d P C r I o t F o s a r S o n o C P i t I o d F a s r S o r n o i C P o I o t d F r C a s S o r n F i P o I S t d r a P s I r o n i o s o t r d C r a o F t o n s i S a o r d P n C o r I i t o F d s a r r S o n o o C P i t o d F a r C S n o i F P o I d S C r s P r I o n F i o o s S t d r C P r a I o F o t n i S s a o r n IP to FC ord 36 IPSF Annual Bulletin

IPSF Coordinators

PSF ators oordi- Ms. Ana Catarina Duarte, Public Health Advocacy Coordinator 2014-15 rs IPSF s r o t From Porto to the a n i i d r o World o FC F S P I s ator rs o t a n i d or i d r o o PSF C IPSF s r o t a in s r o t a n Coordi ordio C F S rs IP rs IPSF o t a n i d s r or o t a n i d r o o PSF C F CoordiS P I s r F S P ato I s r o t a n i Coord ordinators o C F i S d P r o sI o C F S P I s r F o S t P a I n s i r o t a n i d r s r o o o t C a F n i S d r o o C F i S d P r I o s o C tor F S P I s r F o S t P a I n s i r o t ord a n i d r s r o o o t C a F s IPS PSF Coordin I s r o t a n After serving in the Reception committee of the 60th IPSF World Congress in Porto, being elected Public Health Advocacy Coordinator was one of the best experiences I’ve had so far. Public Health

in IPSF is such a big challenge, almost everyday there’s something new to do and as you might know, in public health advocacy, the subjects also change a lot. Working with people from every continent of the map was a challenge that I never thought of having when I first started university. Having a experience within IPSF sounded a very distant wish and not that reachable. Now I know that we can go as far as we want, and if you want to be IPSF you only need to make an effort. One of the most amazing experiences this year was without a doubt, the 68th World Health Assembly (WHA). The interest of IPSFers in Public Health Advocacy has been growing year after year, and WHA is a a nice example about it, we had more applicants for IPSF delegation that we were expecting. Those are great news for IPSF, we need people interested in Public Health, people who really want to make a difference and work for it. Public Health Advocacy in IPSF still needs to grow and find it’s way. Although a lot of people don’t know it, it’s an essential area, every PH campaign

needs advocacy/policy to be built. And if you really want to engage the world of public health you need to have that knowledge. In the future I hope to see it’s development and think that somehow the work done during this year had to do something with it. This experience had not been the same if it weren’t for all of the friends I’ve made during this year. Even for all of the big talks with the committee members during more relaxed hours that allowed us to know more about each others and about how things work in their own countries. After this year, I feel that once you join IPSF Team, you engage IPSF for life. You’ll remember all the people you’ve met, and you’ll want to know how they’re life is going. Somehow the world goes smaller and crossing half of the globe by plane doesn’t sound such a hard trip anymore.

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Ms.Lara-Turiya Seitz, Medicine Awareness Coordinator 2014-15

A year of awareness I have been part of the IPSF family for almost 3 years now and my affection has grown ever since. After serving two years on the Student Exchange Programme I decided last year to accept a new challenge and apply for the Medicine Awareness Coordinator position within the public health portfolio. With this decision an exciting and beautiful adventure began and for the last year I dedicated all my time, effort and heart to the development of my projects. When it comes to medicine awareness, pharmacists as medication experts take a leading role and can act as life saver. As future pharmacists we have a major role to inform not just our patients but also family members and friends about potential mistakes that can occur in therapy, the threat by consuming medication from unknown origin and harmful consequences of drug abuse. It is our responsibility to spread awareness about the rising global threat caused by antimicrobial resistance, and to help preserve antibiotics as powerful weapons against a variety of infectious diseases for future generations. Even though there has been great progress in terms of implementing new campaigns and other activities such as joint projects with other healthcare student associations, global surveys and online campaigns, I feel the medicine awareness portfolio is still l in its infancy. In my

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opinion there is still a huge capacity in terms of developing new projects and improving already existing campaigns. Last year, November 2014, IPSF ran their first joint campaign on antimicrobial resistance with the International Veterinary Student’s Association (IVSA). Alongside spreading awareness we set a special focus on the importance of interprofessional collaboration between pharmacists and veterinarians. Engrossing collaborations with external partners such as ReAct, IVSA and IFMSA built an important part of my portfolio this year and I experienced it as very beneficial and inspiring. Another newly implemented activity this year was our “Students’ medication use while studying” survey. Over 2000 students worldwide provided us with an insight into their medication consumption, their experience of taking prescription medication without any prescription and associated side effects. With great joy I have followed some members’ Anti-Counterfeit Drugs Campaign (ACDC) activities, spreading awareness about the global threat of counterfeits and the risks of consuming medication of unknown origin. A special highlight this year was being part of the IPSF delegation attending the 136th Executive Board Meeting of the World Health Organisation in January and the 68th World Health Assembly in May in Geneva, Switzerland. It was a fascinating

IPSF Coordinators

experience to follow the discussion within the WHO, panel point of health policy and governing on global level and it gave me a better understanding of healthcare leadersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; perspective of worldwide health issues and solutions to be offered. It was amazing to meet IPSFers and people from all over the world working on the same targets and sharing the same passion; global healthcare. Being a part of IPSF you do not just fill in a position, you are part of a big, global family. It has been an amazing year with ups and downs, full of beautiful encounters, challenges and great achievements. I am more than grateful for the chance to meet such inspiring people from all over the world, sharing the same vision and goals - improving the pharmacy profession, improving healthcare. I would like to thank Barbara Scoralick Villela, Chairperson of Public Health, my fellow coordinator ladies, the public health committee and everyone else who was part of this unforgettable adventure.

Thank you IPSF! Viva la Pharmacie! Ms Lara-Turiya Seitz Medicine Awareness Coordinator 2014-15

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Ms. Whitley Yi, Internship Co-ordinator 2014-15

Internship Coordinator.. My story I started the 2014-2015 mandate as a member of the pharmacy education committee (PEC). However, this summer, my role in IPSF took a sudden turn when the education portfolio found

and recording all new internship data. This will allow us to analyze past internships by looking at student-reported experiences and satisfaction, logistics, and internship promotions. I hope this

itself in need of a new Internship Coordinator. I did not have much information about the position, but of course I knew I had to apply, and I was determined to do whatever I needed to be able to make a positive contribution to the internship portfolio. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. Due to the uniqueness of the situation, there was no handover from the previous coordinator. I found myself having an official responsibility but no information about its associated tasks or how to complete them.

will prove useful in improving future internships and also providing all the necessary information for maintaining ongoing relationships with internship hosts. The other primary goal, in collaboration with the Chairperson of Pharmacy Education, is to initiate a strategy for expanding student opportunities beyond just internships. Fourth, I discovered my deep passion for internships. I believe every student should have international opportunities available to them to learn and experience aspects of pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences not provided in the typical curriculum. As pharmacy students, we are the directors of our own education. Our curriculum is only one aspect; the rest we must seek out by gaining the experiential knowledge and skills required for the chosen field of pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences in which we desire to work. In order to accomplish this, we must have the right educational tools available to us. Internships and other focused pharmacy learning experiences comprise a vital part of that tool set, and IPSF is the ideal organization to make these tools available to as many students across the globe as possible.

Through this experience, I have learned four important lessons. First, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t panic. Take the initiative to look for solutions and do not wait for information to be handed to you. Second, utilize the amazing support system in IPSF. I have met so many wonderful people, and their support and guidance has been invaluable. I never had to struggle alone. Third, set goals. When you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where to start, try to decide where you want to end up. One of my goals has been to create comprehensive records of all IPSF internships, along with a systematic method for collecting 40 IPSF Annual Bulletin

My Experience as DF Cordinator I enjoyed medicinal chemistry in school as it was complex and so began to study Pharmaceutical Sciences at LMU Munich. It got tough & boring so I decided to go for IPSF Annual Congress in Porto, Portugal. One, if not my best life decision so far. The international people and their intellect and helpfulness are perhaps unmatched. I loved it. I immediately decided to go for Development Fund Coordinator (DFC) and got the role. I worked hard together with Andreas, Andrea, Carles, Laurens, Mike and other legendary IPSFers and friends. October: Talk to Past DF coordinator and Treasurer about what was done and why, then talk to DFC committee and become friends with them; establish clear plans & guidelines to work with for year. November- February: Work on managing Emails, revising and sending out Grant Calls. Grade Membership Grant; just a few applications. Notice that the equity of the point system used to allocate grants can be improved. Work hard with committee to improve equity of point system by listening to everyone and making a new point system that all 4 of us in DF agreed with; Exchange with Laurens. Talk to SEP Coordinator to prepare for SEP Grant. March: Work on Grading SEP Grants with new

point system. Call was sent out late, people applied late and grading together with SEP committee started late and so not ending late was difficult. Continue to focus on equity of grant allocation. A few days and nights of very hard, repetitive work. Establishing a good google sheets system with delegated tasks and clear-cut organization as well as communication and constant jokes were of adamant importance. Simultaneously prepare other grants and of course organize a Model United Nations conference, coursework, exam, evening panel event and a few more extracurriculars; it can always get worse; just never forget to sleep and eat healthily. April- July: Work on improving Point System for Project and Event Grants after having received applications. Becomes much easier after having worked on SEP Grant as you learn fast with other people. Grade grants speedily. Notice that, statistically, with 4 people, grant allocation will never be fair as standard deviations of grading system too high. It is about doing your best to help. August- September: Work on reviewing proof of grants from students and smiling when people write amazing stories and you learn a thing or two about the countries people went to. Writing

IPSF Annual Bulletin

IPSF Coordinators

Mr. Tassilo Vogel, Development Fund Co-ordinator 2014-15

a guideline for next year with recommendations on how to maximize efficiency and make grant grading more equitable. What I hate- When I procrastinate. Solutions: Block internet and download everything onto harddrive; study for exam while doing DF as very rewarding to get lots done. Go to library with biggest nerds you know and aim to outnerd them. What I love- Travelling across the world and meeting IPSFers; this report is being written on a journey back from a well versed IPSFer. Learning currency exchange rates and living and travel costs to countries by heart while grading grants to optimize efficiency. When I manage to lead by example. When others do not procrastinate and either get work done or ask great questions and then listen or explain their own and better reasoning. When others procrastinate and are honest and joke about it and come up with great solutions. When people get work done before it is time and respond fast. IPSF, Vive le Pharmacie.

Looking forward to continuing work and friendship with IPSF; such heroes.

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Smiling at top of World Health Organization, at World Health Assembly 2015 in Geneva, representing IPSF, who in average work harder than me. It was an honour. Thank you

â&#x20AC;&#x192;

Photo taken by fellow IPSFer showing me looking ahead into the blinding light.

Professional Development

R E D OR ! NOW

IPSF Annual Bulletin

b M s s m r r e e e b M b s s m r m r e e e e b M b M s m m r e e e ers M b M s s m r r e e e b M b s s m r m r e e e e b M b M s m m r e e e M b M bers s s m r r e e e b M b s s m r m r e e e e b M b M s m m r e e e M b M bers s s m r r e e e b M b s s m r m r e e e e b M b M s m s m r e r e e e M b M b s s m r m r e e e b M b s m r m r e e e e b M b M s m s m mber embers Me ers Member embers Me e b M b M s m s m r e r e e e M b M s s m r r e e emb e b M b s m m r e e e b M b M s m s m r e r e e e M b M b s s m r m r e e e e b M b M s m m r e e e M b M s m s m r e r e e e M b M b s s m r m r e e e b M b Me s m m r e e e M b M s m s m r e r e e e M b M b s s m r s Mem rs Member embers Me ers Membe e e M b M b s s m r m r e e b M s m r e rs Me ers Membe e M b s m r e e M b M b s s m r m r e e e e b ers M bers Memb Members M bers Mem M s s m r m r e e e e bers M bers Memb s Members M mbers Memb s r m r e e e e b M b M s m s m mber embers Me ers Member embers Me ers b M b M s m s m r e r e e e M b M s s m r mb r e e e b M b s m m r e e e e b M b M s m s m r e r e e M b M s s m r r e e embe e b M b s m m r e e e b M b M s m s m r e r e e e M b M b s s m r m r e e e e b M b M s m m r e e e b M b M s m s m r e r e e e M b M b s s m r m r e e e e b M b M s m m r e e e M b M s m s m r e r e e e M b M b s s m r e e b M Mem s Member s m r e e M b s m m r e r e e e M b M b s s m r m r e e e e b M b M s m s m r e r e e M b M s s m r e r e e e 44 IPSF Annual Bulletin

IPSF 44 IPSF Annual Annual Bulletin Bulletin 44

Egyptian Pharmaceutical Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Federation, EPSF. Egypt

Pushing the Boundaries This academic year, we, The Egyptian Pharmaceutical Students Federation (EPSF) proved to be prolific with our activities. Ranging from events that tackled issues of Hepatitis C, to organizing sessions that helped pharmaceutical students better organize their careers, EPSF has pushed boundaries with our productivity in 20142015. This year, members of our organization have continued to show their true spirit through their exemplary work, their innovative ideas and undying ambition. Much of this success is due to the enormous amount of ambitious work put forward in committees by EPSF members. This ambition has manifested itself through the work executed by the Public Health Committee, the effort exerted by the Professional Development Committee, the laborious sessions prepared by the Continuous Education Committee, and the level of commitment exerted by many other members to raise the spirit of the over fifty thousand students EPSF represents.

blood bags, an impressive feat! Following the success of our first blood collection initiative, we relaunched the blood donation campaign later in the year, continuing to raise the bar with the rate of donations. In addition, we carried out

an awareness campaign dealing with the issue of AIDS to clear up misconceptions about the regularly misunderstood disease. Another

The Public Health Committee heralded the year with several informational campaigns that truly show our commitment to positively contributing to our societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general knowledge of health issues. Our first campaign successfully encouraged a numerous amount of people to donate blood. In all, we managed to collect 3,100

IPSF Annual Bulletin

campaign that we are especially proud of is one that dealt with Hepatitis C, a disease that has a very high incidence rate in Egypt. This campaign in particular shows how EPSF has continued to cater to the needs of Egyptian society. The Professional Development Committee this year has sought to build a better future for the pharmacy profession in Egypt to further contribute to building a better healthcare system for patients, physicians and the pharmacists. We have proved fruitful in our efforts in this regard through several projects aimed at achieving these goals. These projects include The Patient Counselling Project, The Clinical Skills Project, The Pharmacy Profession Awareness Campaign, and The Teddy Bear Hospital. As EPSF believes that fostering leadership skills goes hand in hand with the goal of building a better healthcare system for society, we have progressed with our Leaders in Training Program. This program works to develop the skills of communication, team building, and problem solving skills, to name a few, among EPSF members. Lastly, the Training of Trainers program works to sustain the level of success to be continued on with EPSF for future generations by aiming to develop the skills of future leaders of the organization. The Continuous Education Committee ensures

46 IPSF Annual Bulletin

that students are prepared for the real world and helps develop the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their future careers as pharmacists. This year the main even was “Step on the Way”, a program held in five different universities in different regions around Egypt to make it accessible to all pharmacy students around Egypt. The program includes sessions and workshops that focus on soft skills and updated scientific topics. EPSF stresses on the importance of keeping the pharmacy spirit high and building a strong bond between members and the past EPSF generation. For this reason, many events take place during the year to encourage interaction between different associations. “I am EPSF”, a new event to EPSF, inspired many members to show off their talents and bring out their inner creativity. The passion of pharmacy is also spread during our 19th annual congress which was hosted this year by EPSF-GUC

and our 14th annual symposium hosted by EPSFMinia. Both events are chance for members to develop themselves and get to know more about their large EPSF family. This year, the effort of the Egyptian Pharmaceutical Students Federation (EPSF) has not gone unnoticed. From the highest chairperson to the

Members

newest member, every member of EPSF has put in their hard work and effort to ensure EPSF functions as one large entity. It is the determination and the drive of the members that ultimately guarantee the quality of our association. By safeguarding the integrity of each committee and keeping the spirit of our members high, EPSF continues to soar into a sky of boundless limits.

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Mr. Eduardo de Melo Corvacho, Contact Person APEF (Portugal)

The vision of IPSF through members eyes The International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation was created in 1949 by eight Associations and has been growing, membership-wise, ever since, currently representing 350.000 pharmacy students worldwide. As it should be expected, its purpose has been, since its foundation, to support and strengthen its members. As IPSF aims to better serve their associates, having a notion of the visions and opinions of its members gains an essential importance in maintaining IPSF true to its mission. In fact, there are many examples of the way IPSF aims to serve its members and they cover various areas of intervention, such as professional development, international mobility, public health and pharmacy education. The IPSFer that doesn’t recognize this has to re-check the facts. I do not mean to say IPSF is perfect, as it is not. But a long way has been covered and IPSF has evolved to a very member-committed, organized and active Federation. When I started thinking about how IPSF could further help its members, I had to think for a long time, as the answer didn’t seem so obvious to me. After struggling with this problematic for some time, I discovered that this was a tricky one. As IPSF wouldn’t be the institution it is without its members, I came to the conclusion that the members are the ones that can make IPSF help them. Sounds confusing? Allow me to explain. Members are the core of IPSF. They are the soul

48 IPSF Annual Bulletin

of the GA, they vote on the motions and on the Executive Committee candidates. They conduct the Public Health Campaigns and organize SEP in their countries. IPSF exist through its members. Hence, if members want IPSF to further serve them, members have to actively serve IPSF. If everyone actively participates on IPSF activities, if all members get involved on the email discussions and use collective thinking to solve the problems, if member associations focus during General Assemblies in order to make the best decisions for IPSF, only then will members be able to take the most out of the existence of IPSF. I encourage all the members to never forget the importance of what IPSF has achieved and the potential achievements that are to come, and how this outcomes can benefit all, and development all as one. This Federation was a dream of visionaries and a blessing to an evermore-global world. Members have to see the bigger picture and act, for it to fulfill its purpose. Lets all help. Jeanne Kern, CP for ANEPF, France IPSF is the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation. How hard and amazing it is to represent every single pharmacy student in the word. IPSF aims for leading international advocacy organization of pharmacy students promoting improved public health through provision of information, education, networking, and a range of publication and professional activities.

This goal is amazing, but as everything can be improved, IPSF can be and should be, through a perpetual questioning on itself, and this is up to the executive, and up to its members. It could be good to create a new CP package, which would include but would not be limited to : what is IPSF, explain the framework and what are the duties of a CP, important documents and the new CP should have a skype meeting with an IPSF executive member after getting this package, for additional questions and clarifications. Communication and transparency would have to be improved, and communication through the CP e-group has to be more important and more regular from IPSF side. With giving CPs more information, IPSF will allow them to get more knowledge and so to be more active and even, to be proactive.

Members

Half mandate reports could be beneficial to evaluate better the work and projects that IPSF executive have done or at which step they are since their election. It will also make easier the understandability of how IPSF executive is working, and what their projects aim for. In the same way, having regular reports from the IPSF executive when they meet with partnerships or external, and participating in working groups. Also, be explained before what working groups aim for is a necessity. Having an approximative public health and humanitarian calendar for the year y+1 could improve IPSF members participation in these campaigns, especially for the big associations with a lot of member, in which, this is more difficult to coordinate all these members local associations.

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Eastern Mediterranean University Pharmacy Students Society (EMUPSS)

Member Expectation Ever since the launch of Eastern Mediterranean University Pharmacy Students Society (EMUPSS) on May 14, 2014, the society’s biggest goal was to be affiliated with the IPSF. Our aims, objectives

programs organized by the IPSF annually and have the chance to experience different dynamics of the pharmaceutical fields worldwide. In the near future, our society will be able to host

and activities are in tune with the vision of IPSF. A unique similarity between EMUPSS and IPSF is that we are also an international students’ medium that gathers pharmacy students from over twenty-six different countries around the world.

international pharmacy students and give them the chance to experience working in different pharmaceutical fields in Cyprus.

We see IPSF as the most successful international pharmacy students body since it was able to gather students from different continents around the world under one umbrella, and encourage the exchange of ideas, scientific knowledge and connections between different students associations by international correspondence. EMUPSS aims to benefit from the educational symposiums, general assemblies, workshops and world conferences held by IPSF around the year, and broaden the scientific knowledge of its members. Our members aspire to establish connections with pharmacy students from different parts of the world and exchange scientific and professional ideas about the latest advances in pharmacy and health sciences. We expect to participate in the student exchange

50 IPSF Annual Bulletin

One of EMUPSS’s aims and objectives is to introduce students to the field of research and give them a chance to develop their interest in various research fields and laboratory work. Since we are still a young society, we believe that with the support of a big student body like the IPSF, we can accomplish various research projects that would benefit the students’ research skills and add to the scientific literature. EMUPSS expects to participate in the public health awareness campaigns, the professional development programs and professional programs organized by IPSF throughout the year. We expect to expand our role in the IPSF beyond just membership. We aim to hold, in the near future, administrative positions in the IPSF committee. Our society has many outstanding members who have a lot of capabilities and potential to show exceptional leadership and organizational skills that would benefit the IPSF on many levels.

By participating in IPSF’s projects, workshops and conferences, EMUPSS Executive Committee expects to improve the quality of its projects, learn from IPSF’s great organizational, leadership and professional experience and use it in developing its own professional skills. Our members expect to improve their social, leadership, organizational and managerial skills, their professional experience, networks, cultural awareness, in addition to developing their personalities and building longlasting international friendships.

improve their social, leadership, organizational and managerial skills, their professional experience, networks, cultural awareness, in addition to developing their personalities and building longlasting international friendships. By joining the IPSF, we believe that we have a lot of experience

By joining the IPSF, we believe that we have a lot of experience to learn and benefit from, and gaining the IPSF membership is the best opportunity we can offer our members on a professional and personal level. research projects that would benefit the students’ research skills and add to the

Members

scientific literature. EMUPSS expects to participate in the public health awareness campaigns, the professional development programs and professional programs organized by IPSF throughout the year. We expect to expand our role in the IPSF beyond just membership. We aim tohold, in the near future, administrative positions in the IPSF committee. Our society has many outstanding members who have a lot of capabilities and potential to show exceptional leadership and organizational skills that would benefit the IPSF on many levels. By participating in IPSF’s projects, workshops and conferences, EMUPSS Executive Committee expects to improve the quality of its projects, learn from IPSF’s great organizational, leadership and professional experience and use it in developing its own professional skills. Our members expect to

IPSF Annual Bulletin

Ms. Aya Jamal, Contact Person FPSA (Sudan)

Creation of the Impossible This year was the year of change; we were done with the lack of activities and excitement so we brought together the brilliant minds in the faculty and we started. We were wide eyed, motivated and willing; ready to become accountable to the world, to the future and to all the possibilities that life has to offer. To be the change that we want to see in this world. It’s not because we should do this, but also because we need to do it, to feel like we’re a part of this society, part of the change. Starting with public health, we tried to cover as much as possible. AYP, diabetes, hypertension, blood donation, breast cancer, malaria, medicine awareness, anti-counterfeit drugs, traditional medicine, anti-smoking, HIV and tuberculosis campaigns, beside pharmacy professional development activities such patient counseling, clinical skills, LIT and first aids workshops were all held. In order to make the campaigns as interesting as possible and as un-repetitive as possible, the way we performed these campaigns was different every time. We had workshops, lectures and certain activities related to each topic. An important factor in the success of a campaign is the reach of the targeted audience. In some of the campaigns we were targeting youth so we went to different university campuses. In other campaigns such as anti-counterfeit drugs, we were mainly targeting pharmacy students so we went to different faculties of pharmacy in the region. Other campaigns such as breast cancer we were mainly

52 IPSF Annual Bulletin

targeting women so we reached out to them in maternity hospitals and female prisons.

In FPSA we always consider taking health awareness to new levels, by visiting rural areas outside the capital “Khartoum” to provide them with free health service and medicine, as well as raising awareness about as much of the public health issues as possible. We do this by arranging medical trips during the year and an annual convoy at the end of each year. These medical trips are extra-curricular and 100% of it is done by the FPSA students. Because we in FPSA are fully aware that being a pharmacist isn’t about having a big paycheck, being a pharmacist means you can make a difference in someone’s life. We are not just meant to dispense medicine, we are health care providers. We described this year for FPSA as “the year of creation of the impossible” because we’ve managed to launch such a large number of campaigns and

Members

beside that, we launched a new campaign called “Bashrati” or “my skin”. Bashrati is a new campaign aimed to spread awareness on the dangers of skin lightening products, the slogan of which is “All skin is golden” signifying that everyone’s skin is perfect the way it is. There is a growing need for this campaign due to the rising number of people who expose their skin to such products, and that is why it is of great importance.

Our plan for the future is to take these new activities globally, and we’ve already started preparing our proposals. Our next project will be the international convoy. The plan is to take this humanitarian work globally and to share this extraordinary experience with the IPSF family. At the end we’re more than proud of what we’ve accomplished this year and now we can loudly say that this was FPSA’s year.

IPSF Annual Bulletin

International Pharmaceutical Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Federation 2517 JB Den Haag The Netherlands Tel: +31 70 302 1992 Fax: +31 70 302 1999 Email: ipsf@ipsf.org Website: www.ipsf.org

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