Newsletter 96 - SEP

International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation

IPSFNewsletter

June2012

IssueN°96

Students Today, Pharmacists Tomorrow

IPSFNEWSLETTER Student Exchange Programme

Since establishment in 1949, IPSF now represents more than 350,000 pharmacy students and recent graduates in 84 countries worldwide.

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International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation

EDITORIAL Publication team Hello IPSFers,

Issue 96 June 2012

Welcome to the second edition of SEP Newsletter!!

In this edition, I am delighted to present the winning article of the SEP Essay Competition, written by Ms. Irina Lazar from Romania. She had an amazing experience in Finland, and she described her experiences through writing in a very interesting way. I hope you will enjoy reading her article.

Design and layout Ines Harzallah

Chairperson of Media and Publications 2011-2012

Have you ever wondered how SEP is organized in regions other than your own? Here you will find SEP experiences from all around the world. This edition serves you a glimpse of North America, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe! After reading this, you will find yourself motivated to take on the challenge and experience a new country!

Cover photo Jelena Stevanovic Proofread by Dayl Eccles Ranveer Bassey Justin Tenney Raja Barazi Yuqian Liu

I also invite you to send me any articles about SEP expriences. Share it with other students who will apply for SEP in the future.

Enjoy reading!

Viva la pharmacie!

Contact publications@ipsf.org editor@ipsf.org

Regards, Milanka Marunic

Chairperson of Student Exchange 2011-2012

CONTENTS The SEP Essay Competition winner

3

My SEP experience Ghana

4

Indonesia

NEWSLETTER 1 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

8

Jordan

12

Canada

16

Israel

18

SEP, A Life Changing Experience It is funny how I cannot seem to find the right words to describe my Student Exchange journey, even though it is an experience that influenced my way of thinking in so many aspects.

Everything started for me when I was introduced to Helsinki for the first time at an EPSA Autumn Assembly last year. I immediately fell in love with this amazing and modern city of the north and promised to myself that I will find a way to return.

The opportunity came unexpected when the selection for SEP began. I was the Local Exchange Officer at the time. It didn’t even occur to be back then that I would be participating in the SEP. Still, there was something that made me apply for a place in Helsinki, perhaps my desire of seeing it again and getting to know this city better. So applied knowing that my chances were probably low with only 7 spaces in Finland that year.

At last, the answer came, slowly but surely and after some months. I was one of the students chosen for a one month internship in the faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki. It was an amazing feeling. Happiness mixed together with anxiety and uncertainty made me feel like I can achieve anything. I was afraid that I won’t be able to manage on my own and I would panic and give up, but none of my worries became reality and this experience turned out to be the best ones of my entire student life. I was able to work at the university with great, dedicated teachers whom I have learned so many things from and also discovered new areas of pharmacy practice that I didn’t even consider before then.

I have also learned how to manage by myself in a foreign country, realizing that nothing is too difficult if you put your mind to it. This experience ignited my desire to apply for an abroad master’s degree program and think of greater things than I have ever thought before. feel extremely lucky to have met great people that made me feel like home and students that were in the same situation as me. I am still in touch with all of them.

It is important for us, the new generation, to set high goals and not to let small failures discourage us. I realized now, after being a part of this great adventure, the most important things SEP can teach you: to believe in yourself and to take advantage of every chance that comes by, because you never know what life has in store for you!

Irina Lazar FASFR, Romania NEWSLETTER 3 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

Irina, The SEP Essay Competition Winner

International Pharmaceutical Student’s Federation

SEP in GHANA This past summer, I spent two amazing months in Ghana working in different pharmacy settings. Why Ghana?

There were many reasons. Aside from the rich cultural and historical background which I had learned about in my undergraduate studies, I was also aware of Ghanaians’ exceptional warmth and hospitality. Upon my arrival and throughout my stay, the friendliness of the SEO and almost everyone I met made my visit incredibly pleasant. Not only did I observe pharmacy practice in another country, but I also learned about the culture and built long lasting friendships with my colleagues.

During my first month there, I worked in two pharmacy settings in Kumasi.

One was in a small community hospital – Kumasi South Hospital. During this time, I got to know the hospital staff and several 3rd year pharmacy students NEWSLETTER 4 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

who were completing their rotation requirements. Thanks to the SEO, Oheneba, I also had the opportunity to work in a community pharmacy site.

Working side by side with students and pharmacists, I learned a great deal about drug regulation and policies.

I also had the opportunity to observe first-hand how patient counseling was conducted there.

The most exciting and unique aspect of the SEP in Ghana is the Drug Safety and Health Awareness Campaign, a student led public health outreach program. Each year, 100+ pharmacy students travel to a different (often times rural) part of the country to provide health education to communities and address drug related concerns. This past year, students went to the Volta Region and reached the public through

schools, churches, markets and community gatherings. In my group of 12 students, we educated on topics like proper administration of medications, selection of effective antimalarials and the importance of purchasing drugs from legitimate sources. For example, one question we repeatedly encountered was whether it was okay to take medications with akpeteshie – a homebrew – instead of water. Some thought doing so might improve the absorption of the medication. We also frequently addressed the need for caution with pain relief medications to prevent acetaminophen overdose.

Our work required long hours and was at times grueling, but it was certainly rewarding. The community continuously expressed their appreciation for our efforts and the education we provided.

We also had the support of the Member of Parliament and municipal chief executive. At the completion of the program, we presented a report of our observations and made recommendations to the municipal government as well as the main hospital in the town.

Aside from pharmacy related work, the SEO also arranged for all the exchange students to visit different sights in the country. Near Kumasi, we visited many cultural sights and a meteorite impact crater lake, Lake Bosomtwe. In the southern part of the country we visited the historic El Mina and Cape Coast Castles and took a canopy walk in the nearby Kakum National Park.

A major lesson I took from this experience is the importance of cultural NEWSLETTER 5 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

awareness and sensitivity.

Ghanaians truly appreciated those who took interest in their culture. Simply speaking a few Akan words and trying the traditional dishes goes a long way in establishing trust and openness. As professionals working in the health field, it is important to take time to understand those who have a different background than ourselves as it will impact the quality of care we deliver.

I absolutely enjoyed this experience!

I have learned immensely from it and it will no doubt influence the career choices I will make for years to come.

Helena Admassu APhA - ASP, USA

NEWSLETTER 7 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

International Pharmaceutical Student’s Federation

SEP in Indonesia To those who have been, who are and who will be a part of SEP

NEWSLETTER 8 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

Dear friends, First of all I would like to say terima kasih to IPSF (which is Indonesian for “Thank you”) for giving me an opportunity to be a part of a beautiful, global project that is SEP. You are probably guessing that my experience is quite positive, considering that my opening words are those of gratitude. I hope that I will be able to show you at least one small part of that experience in the following lines…

NEWSLETTER 9 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

agreement with my mentor, prof dr Kusnandar Anggadiredja, the topic of my research was “Preliminary Study of the Effects of Rose Flower Ethanol Extract on the Expression of Withdrawal Signs in Nicotine Dependent Mice”. A very interesting theme indeed, especially for myself, a person that comes from a country that has the second highest number of smokers in Europe (because of which I hope this research will get its future epilogue in Serbia).

My choice for SEP 2011 was ITB University, Bandung, Indonesia, in the area of research.

A total unknown in every way: geographically, culturally and professionally. The city is huge, nested in West Java with about 9 million residents. Full of contrasts, giant shopping malls in every major street, but also with a great social problem of ghettos, poverty and filth. In the middle of one of those ghettos is the University, imposing in size and in stark contrast to its “neighborhood”. It is organized as a great campus, within the scope of which there are numerous faculties, with pharmacy being one of them. All students are well accommodated in one place. Speaking of which, for most of the students in Indonesia, going to the faculty is a luxury considering that the scholarships are expensive, although the quality of the education is excellent.

I bravely chose the department of pharmacology, which is the most difficult exam in my faculty. In the

Practical work consisted of a two weeks administration of nicotine (parenteral) and rose flower ethanol extract (per os) to the two groups of mice, with the final test being the distinction and classification of the differences in behavior between those two groups. Some of them jumped, others had panic attacks while some of them were sleeping like babies.

Noticeable differences, not? In conclusion (and a blunt one at that) – smokers should, instead of using rose extract as a day cream ingredient, ingest some form of candies with said extract in order to neutralize some of the effects of the cigarettes and to lessen the stress while getting rid of that filthy habit.

An interesting fact is that all of the research done in the ITB (including regular practical work for students) are performed in vivo (on mice, rats, rabbits), which is not the case in Serbia, or, I believe in whole Europe. What’s even more interesting was the way that I adapted to the work environment there considering that I frantically ran out of the laboratory every time that a mouse ran out of its cage or that I cried when I had to pick up a mouse for the first time in my life. Certainly, even that can

be gained with training and I proudly filed that in my list of unusual experiences. As far as the other work conditions are concerned, they were more than satisfying. The professor and the assistants were really helpful with any dilemma that I had and provided me with all the needed material for my research. Basically, the interactivity of their education should be the envy of our education system (professor doesn’t have to wait for the results of the exam to have insight in amount of knowledge their students have). The presentations of our researches were done in an official manner in front of the dean and all the pharmacy professors from the university. All the SEP participants were presenting their respective researches together and we all gained our certificates with a great pleasure and a lot of praises from the committee.

Unfortunately, because of the lack of the lines in this essay, I still can’t present to you the beauty of working with all those lovely people, to see the friendly relations between the professor and its students, to see the seriousness in work execution through the induction of interest. I’m also unable to bring closer to you the hospitality of those “little”

Indonesians, their assistance with every segment of your SEP and how much they will try to make your stay there as unforgettable as possible.

The experience and the knowledge gained through the means of SEP will not only give you a huge advantage during your studies or an impressive note in your CV; it will give you an experience of a lifetime!

Sincerely Yours, Jelena Stevanovic, NAPSer, Serbia Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade

International Pharmaceutical Student’s Federation

SEP in Jordan

When I had to choose my destination for SEP, I was not sure at all about the choice. I hesitated a lot, and because of my exams and my participation in the World Congress in Hat Yai, I did not feel that I had enough time. However, I knew that if I missed my chance this time, I would never get the opportunity to do it again. In the end I chose Jordan because of their excellent reputation in education in the Arabic region and the advancement in their pharmaceutical developments.

Two days after the World Congress I took the plane, to Oman. I arrived at 3pm, and I was completely worn out. Nonetheless, when I came out of the airport, the first thing I saw was a sign with my name written on it and big smiles on Amer and Suhaib’s faces. They were the Jordanian students, who came to pick me up, and at that moment a real friendship began.

The day after, I met one of the kindest people ever, Maisse, the SEO of the Jordanian Association, and Meriem, the President. They gave me the details about my training and introduced themselves and the Jordanian Association.

NEWSLETTER 12 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

I did my training in community pharmacy with the largest pharmacy chain in Oman: Pharmacy One. I met the director in charge of the allocation of students in their pharmacy with Maisse. I was allocated to the nearest pharmacy from my residence after which I began 15 days of training.

The first thing I noticed when I started was the organization and coordination between the pharmacists. Everyone had their job to do: one charged with patient counseling , one checking the stock, the other with the insurance system.

After a while they rotate around job roles.

I also noticed two important points. The first one was that in the pharmacy you find only pharmacists, called seniors, plus the chief. My comment on this may seem strange but it’s becoming increasingly rare to find only pharmacists delivering medications. A real counseling took place, and the patient left mostly satisfied.

The second point, is the cooperation between pharmacist and doctor. I was really astonished to see how the pharmacists communicate easily with the doctor. For any inquiries, physicians call

the pharmacist and discuss the case, and confirm a the medication. Thus I think that physicians and pharmacists understand what it means to be a pharmacist. To act for the sake of the patient means being a real actor in the health system.

experience was really an unforgettable adventure, an exchange at both scientific and cultural sides, and a chance to learn and make new real friends.

My training lasted 2 weeks. I learnt a lot about stock management, patient monitoring and prescriptions study. Prescription study is the analysis of different combination therapies and ensuring patient compliance, no contraindications, and the dispensing of appropriate doses of drugs.

Finally, I mastered the software dealing with social security cards. I had not only professional benefits; I also forged bonds of friendship with the pharmacists.

ASEPA, Algeria

The period during which I went to Amman was Ramadan, a sacred month for Muslims, when they have to fast in the day and are allowed to eat at night. I had the chance to meet lovely people with whom I dined almost every night, and Amer came every day to take me to a place for eating and meeting other students. I also had the chance to visit Amman at night. When Amer was absent, Maisse came and we went out with Meriem or her sister to very nice places that only Maisse has the secret.

I visited all Amman in three days after my training; Amman is a fascinating city of contrasts – a unique blend of old and new with its Roman Theatre. After that I managed to go to the Dead Sea with its leading attraction: the warm, soothing, and the salty water. The Dead Sea was just a magical place!

Unfortunately I hadn’t the time to visit Petra, the world wonder, and Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction, but I was enough lucky to go to Wadi Roum also known as ‘The Valley of the Moon’, another magnificent site reflecting the country’s cultural richness.

SEP allowed me to get to know people who live in different cultural and scientific environments, and to share beliefs, and traditions with students having the same interest for pharmacy. , My SEP NEWSLETTER 13 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

Ryad Benbatta

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NEWSLETTER 15 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

International Pharmaceutical Student’s Federation

SEP in Canada My childhood dreams to study abroad materialized when I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) - Student Exchange Programme (SEP) last summer under the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Intern (CAPSI) to Toronto, Canada.

I was placed in a local community pharmacy as a volunteer pharmacy assistant for one month.

It was indeed an eye-opening experience being attached to the local community pharmacy. Firsthand exposure was granted as I was involved in the daily operation of the pharmacy. I learnt that the health care system in Canada is more organized and advanced compared to Malaysia, and this further strengthened my beliefs that dispensing rights are essential to our profession. Pharmacy is a sacred profession in Canada and is governed by the Ontario Board of Pharmacists (which is equivalent to the Drug Control Authority in Malaysia). The Canadian community and even health care professionals have the utmost respect for pharmacists as the custodian of drugs, and the pharmacists in Toronto have indeed come a long way NEWSLETTER 16 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

to uphold their profession and gain the trust of the community today.

Besides that, I was exposed to different fields of pharmacy throughout my stay in Toronto. From retail pharmacy to the hospital setting, Canada has proven to be ahead of us by leaps and bounds. I paid a one day visit to the Shoppers Drug Mart, a renowned retail pharmacy outlet in Canada, where I saw a robotic packaging assistant. Shoppers is a 24-hour outlet and is famous for its services and efficiency. A good chain is established for traceability as each

staff has a personal identification card that is punched each time s/ he performs an operation within the pharmacy.

It was also a privilege to visit the SickKids hospital and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Both hospitals are affiliated with the University of Toronto and are leaders in research. SickKids hospital left me in awe by not only being the most prestigious childrens’ hospital in Canada, but also referrals are made throughout the world to this particular hospital.

I was also brought to visit the places of interest in Toronto during the weekends. To name a few, the Royal Ontario Museum, Niagara Falls, CN Tower, the Art Gallery of Ontario and St. Lawrence’s Market. I was fortunate enough to experience the Canada Day celebration in Toronto during my first weekend there. We also explored the beautiful and historic campus of University of Toronto.

The plus-point of this exchange was being able to meet students from other countries besides Canada. I was invited to a casual party at a local student’s house where international exchange students were invited. I had a pleasant time and got to meet students from France, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States.

SEP is truly a once in a lifetime experience. I have gained enormous exposure to pharmacy practice in a foreign country, and developed an increased understanding of a pharmacist’s ability to make a changes to improve the quality and efficiency of a health care system.

Sue Hui Sun MyPSA, Malaysia University of Malaya

NEWSLETTER 17 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

International Pharmaceutical Student’s Federation

SEP in Israel This past summer in July and August I participated in the IPSF SEP in Israel. The words that I write here are not enough to provide you a complete description of Israel, but hopefully, they give you a glimpse of what SEP is like in the Middle East.

The first thing I noticed about Israel when I arrived was how warm and welcoming the people are.

My practice site for the exchange was university/ laboratory at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Be’er Sheva and my professor invited me to his home the first weekend for lunch during Shabat.

Here, I learned about their religion as well as the culture. Many people have come to live in Israel from around the world and they bring with them their culinary specialties that become integrated into Israeli culture. On this day I had food with influences from Israel, Morocco, Russia, Latvia, and Yemen.

The following week, I began my practice in the lab.

My project consisted of screening compounds for permeability based upon a predetermined formula.

A lot of time was involved looking up different values on the internet in various databases and scientific NEWSLETTER 18 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

manuscripts and plugging them into the formula.

The goal was to find medicines that fit a certain criteria and then actually test them in the animal model. We looked at different medicines based on the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS). We ended up testing in the animal model 4 primary medicines and found some interesting results! In the laboratory, I had the opportunity to interact with Israeli pharmacy students as well as other SEP exchange students from Poland and Serbia.

When I wasn’t in the laboratory, I traveled. The Israeli SEP leaders coordinate trips all over Israel with the medical exchange students. On these trips, you speak with medical students from around the world about the practice of medicine and you teach them about the practice of pharmacy. I met medical students from all over the world from places like Denmark, Serbia, Spain, Czech Republic, Russia, and Portugal. Places you visit on these trips include: The Golan Heights, the Dead Sea, Masada, the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, and the Great Crater. With other pharmacy

students, I arranged trips to Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, Haifa and the West Bank. My absolute favorite was Haifa. Other pharmacy students were able to go to Petra in the country of Jordan.

One of the most important things you must know about the exchange in Israel is that the people will take care of you and that you must be brave.

Hebrew is a difficult language and in some areas, it can be difficult to communicate since not all of them speak English. Another thing, you must be aware of the political situation with the surrounding areas. Sometimes, rockets will come and you must take care. However, this is not meant to scare you but to inform you.

Israelis are a resilient people and you will have the experience of a lifetime if you go there. The country is so beautiful, extreme, and exotic and you will not regret it. In Israel, you will make friends you will never forget and learn about the practice of pharmacy. This year, I have been blessed enough to visit the SEP students and Israeli students in Budapest and Ghent this Winter, six months after the exchange in Israel in new practice sites. I hope later in life I am able to see them again in Israel.

Allison Hanson APhA-ASP, USA

NEWSLETTER 19 IPSF Student Exchange Programme

International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation P.O BOX 84200 2508 AE 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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