“We are delighted to announce a significant milestone in our undergraduate pharmacy program at the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University. We successfully completed 7 community pharmacy internships for our final professional year P4 students in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and New Zealand. Students completed their elective rotation in the Fall semester of 2023 as part of their Structured Practical Experiences in Pharmacy (SPEP) program. This achievement marks a significant leap forward in providing our students with global exposure and invaluable practical experience. By sending our students to these internships outside of Qatar, our main objective is to broaden their perspectives, enhance their skills, and foster cultural exchange. We believe this milestone will greatly contribute to their personal and professional development, paving the way for future success in the field of pharmacy.”
Dr Ziad Nasr – SPEP Program Coordinator
Mint Pharmacy, Glasgow, Scotland
International site's URL: https://mintpharmacy.com/
Site Coordinator: Mubashar Khan
Contact details: mubashar.khan@mintpharmacy.com
Winners of the 2023 Scottish Pharmacist Awards – Innovation in Community Pharmacy Practice: https://scottishpharmacist.co.uk/winners-2024/
Students' quotes
“Our international community pharmacy internship was truly a phenomenal experience. Undoubtedly, it has been nothing short of transformative, a remarkable experience that has left a lasting mark on both our personal and professional journeys. It provided us with a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves within distinct healthcare practices in a different cultural context and helped us to gain a wealth of novel knowledge and skills. Working alongside dedicated pharmacists and engaging with patients from diverse backgrounds enhanced our understanding of global healthcare and taught us invaluable lessons about patient care and medication management. Moreover, our dedication to patient care and adaptability helped us to navigate through the new challenges that we encountered. This experience not only enriched our clinical knowledge but also expanded our cultural competence, making it a valuable and memorable part of our professional journey.”
Laila El-Mancy and Hafsa Shehzad – P4 Students
“Our international rotation was an eye-opening experience that provided us with the opportunity to explore the various roles and responsibilities of pharmacists and pharmacy practices in both Scotland and Qatar. The Mint Pharmacy team ensured that we learned something new every day, encompassing not only aspects of pharmacy practice but also insights into work culture and patient interactions. As a result, we returned with reshaped ambitions, future goals, and a heightened commitment to the field of pharmacy, having observed how our full potential as future pharmacists could be effectively utilized.
Muneera Al-Hajri and Eman AbouMadi – P4 Students
Knox Pharmacy, Dunedin, New Zealand
International site's URL: https://www.unichem.co.nz/pharmacy-location-services/unichem-knox-pharmacy
Site Coordinator: Nik
Contact details: dispensary@knoxpharmacy.co.nz
Students' quotes
“During our international pharmacy practice rotation at Knox Pharmacy in New Zealand, we were immersed in a healthcare system that emphasized patient-centered care and autonomy for pharmacists. This experience expanded our understanding of pharmacy practice, revealing how it extends well beyond traditional medication dispensing. The use of the national health identification system enhanced patient counseling and safety. Notably, the pharmacy's focus on harm reduction and medication abuse management, including methadone clinics and needle exchange programs, showcased a commitment to public health. This experience not only provided us with a rich knowledge base but also instilled a passion for advocating positive changes in pharmacy practice, both in Qatar and on an international scale, to ensure that patients' well-being remains at the forefront of healthcare excellence.”
Salma Said and Sara Al-Qattan – P4 Students
BMP Healthcare group, Leicester, United Kingdom
Site Coordinator: Yusuf Abdulali
Contact details: yusuf@bmphealthcare.com
Student's quote
“My internship at Brother's Pharmacy and Belgrave Health Center Pharmacy has been an enlightening journey, immersing me in the intricate world of international pharmacy. The experience was nothing short of amazing, offering a kaleidoscope of learning moments that broadened my understanding of pharmaceutical practices and healthcare dynamics. Each day unfolded with new insights, from patient care strategies to delving into the intricate workings of medication dispensing. Engaging with diverse cultures and healthcare systems enriched my perspective, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and empathy in the field of pharmacy. The amalgamation of theory and hands-on exposure made this experience truly remarkable and immensely enriching, fostering a deep appreciation for the dynamic landscape of pharmacy on an international scale. This enriching experience reshaped my professional outlook, driving a commitment to advocate for progressive changes, interdisciplinary collaboration, technological advancements, and cultural competency, aiming for global contributions to healthcare improvements.”
Kaoutar Barakat – P4 Student