In December 2010, Qatar University (QU) College of Pharmacy held its first live video teleconference in collaboration with Misr International University (MIU) and the University of Georgia (UG). The live video conference was hosted by MIU and aired from Cairo, Egypt to one of the QU college classrooms.  Professors from the UG College of Pharmacy delivered presentations and answered questions from MIU and QU attendees during the 4-hour event.  Over 120 pharmacist and pharmacy associates from our partnering organizations registered for the event and received continuing education credits.

The first speaker was Dr. Russell May and his two presentations were titled “New Drugs Update 2010: A Formulary Approach” and "Implementing An Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in the Hospital Setting". Dr. May is a UG Clinical Professor in the Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy.  The second speaker was Dr. Diane Williams May and her presentation was titled “Implementing An Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program in the Hospital Setting”.  Dr. May is a UG Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy and Campus Director for Experiential Training in Augusta, Georgia. The final speaker was Mr. Tad Gomez and his presentation was titled “Development of a Pharmacist-Managed Anticoagulation Clinic”. Mr. Gomez  is the Director of Pharmacy and Director of Pharmacy Residency Programs at the Medical College of Georgia Health, Inc. in Augusta, Georgia and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. 

The event was very well received by the attendees and was one of a series of continuing education sessions organized by the College of Pharmacy Continuing Pharmacy Professional Development Program.  

Dean Jewesson commented that "…we plan for this to be the first of many international continuing education sessions that will further advancing the competencies of pharmacy practitioners and help us to achieve the nation's goal of world class education and health care delivery in this country.  The program is also in alignment with the Supreme Council for Health plans for continuing education requirements to maintain pharmacist licensure.  My thanks to MIU and the speakers for their contributions to our continuing education series, and to Drs. Sherief Khalifa, Nadir Kheir, Ms. King and the ITS team for making this important event possible."

All continuing education sessions are lecture captured by the college and posted on their website. (lecture capture 1) (lecture capture 2) 

Hamad Medical Corporation held its annual Health Congress and Exhibition, Qatar Health 2010, December 5-10, 2010. The exhibition attracted over 4,000 delegates and visitors from across many fields to discuss and exchange latest developments in healthcare within Qatar, the GCC, and the World.

Qatar University College of Pharmacy was one of the 60+ exhibitors that participated in this exhibition. The College of Pharmacy’s Dean, Dr. Peter Jewesson, gave two presentations as part of the pharmacy track program for the exhibition. The first was a workshop on practice-based pharmacy research and the second was a presentation on pharmacy post-graduate opportunities in Qatar. The College of Pharmacy’s faculty also greatly contributed to the exhibition by presenting a total of 17 research posters out of the 31 research posters present at the exhibition. (presentations) (posters)

Dr. Maguy El Hajj, Assistant Professor and Chair, Clinical Pharmacy and Practice section recently returned to Doha after attending the 2010 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting in Anaheim, California, USA to present the results of her study assessing the public 's attitudes toward community pharmacy in Qatar. Dr. El Hajj found that the public in Qatar has good attitudes toward the community pharmacist and is familiar with the different roles and responsibilities of the pharmacist with the exception of communicating with the physician, monitoring the health progress of patients and performing health screening. (poster)

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Fatima Mraiche has accepted an Assistant Professor position with the college commencing in the 2010 academic year. Dr. Mraiche received her BSc. in Pharmacology with distinction at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada). After completing her BSc in 2004, Dr. Mraiche pursued a PhD in Medical Sciences at the University of Alberta. She graduated in 2010, receiving numerous national and provincial scholarships, including the Canadian Institute of Health Research Frederick Banting and Charles Best Doctoral Scholarship, Heart and Stroke Foundation Doctoral Scholarship and the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Doctoral Scholarship.

Dr. Mraiche specializes in cardiovascular research and has extensive training in molecular biology, creation, maintenance and use of transgenic animals and adenoviruses, all highly specialized biomedical techniques. She is also highly skilled in heart perfusions, as well as performing animal surgery. She has received two teaching certificates, one from the University of Alberta Teaching Services and the second from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. She has also been trained and certified in problem-based learning. She has published six peer-reviewed papers in international peer reviewed journals. She has also presented and published over 25 abstracts at international and national scientific conferences.

Dr. Mraiche will be a welcome addition to the faculty and we look forward to her teaching, research and academic service contributions. Dr. Mraiche will also assist us with preparations for our MSc (Pharm) program that is starting in September 2011.

Welcome on board, Dr. Fatima. We look forward to having you join the team!

College of Pharmacy (CPH) welcomed the team from the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) on their visit to Doha last week.

The CCAPP team was also in Doha to meet with members of the College of the North Atlantic Qatar Pharmacy Technician Program which is undergoing its first accreditation assessment by the Council. A joint meeting was held during the 5-day visitation to discuss issues of mutual interest for both pharmacy education programs.

Qatar University’s College of Pharmacy (CPH) is preparing to enroll students in its new advanced degree programs scheduled to start in Fall 2011. The application process to the Master of Science in Pharmacy (MSc Pharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree programs will start in January.

The announcement was made by CPH Dean Dr. Peter Jewesson on Monday at a press conference which included CPH Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Sherief Khalifa, Assistant Professor and Founding Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dr. Husam Younes, and Assistant Professor and Director Doctor of Pharmacy Program Dr. Kerry Wilbur.

“The programs will be the first of their kind in Qatar”, Dr. Jewesson noted. He added that the establishment of the programs was in line with the Emir’s statement in the National Vision 2030 for more advanced academic programs including those in healthcare. “They are also aligned with observations expressed in the Supreme Health Council’s report Post-secondary Education in Qatar”, he said, adding, “likewise in QU’s Strategic Plan and the Pharmacy College strategic plan to respond to the needs of the state for quality postgraduate degree program in areas of national priority”. It is further aligned with international standards identified by the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs, to which the College is accredited, Dr Jewesson stated.

Importantly, the programs provide women in Qatar who are unable to travel abroad for further education with the opportunity to pursue top-quality postgraduate studies in a rewarding profession that is very accommodating to both genders, he added.

The MSc Pharm program is a minimum 2-year, 33-credit hour thesis-based research-oriented program which will prepare students for research and teaching positions in medical and healthcare institutions and academia. The PharmD degree will be offered in two parallel streams. Students who have completed the BSc (Pharm) 173-credit hour program can continue on to complete a further 36-credit hour full time course requirement towards this degree. The program is also offered on a part-time basis for practicing Qatar pharmacists with an approved BSc (Pharm) degree from another university. Graduates of the PharmD program will be equipped for the delivery and evaluation of pharmaceutical care and will help advance the practice of pharmacy in Qatar.

“We are very market-sensitive”, Dr. Jewesson stated, “the country demands highly- qualified healthcare practitioners and researchers and we are responding to the challenge by establishing quality programs and producing competent well-trained graduates”. He also noted that during their academic studies, undergraduate and graduate pharmacy students will have the opportunity for hands-on experience with the College’s partners and collaborators.

“The College will partner with several groups towards the delivery of its degree programs including Supreme Council of Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medical & Research Center, Ebn Sina Medical, Boots, IMC, and others”, Dr. Jewesson said. (press releases)

A number of students from Qatar University (QU) participated in the Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Walk held in Doha on October 29.

The students’ participation followed the 2nd annual breast cancer awareness campaign at QU on October 25-27 which was organized by the Qatar Pharmacy Undergraduate Society (QPhUS) at the College of Pharmacy (CPH).

During the campaign themed “Qatar University Thinks Pink”, over 100 students attended workshops, discussion sessions, private counseling, and self-examination training conducted by healthcare experts from QU, Al Amal Hospital, and Qatar National Cancer Society (QNCS).

The students wore pink in support of the international campaign and in solidarity with cancer survivors and those affected.

The highlight of the event was a workshop about breast cancer and self examination led by guest speaker Al Amal Hospital nurse Mirvat Wehbe who is also a QNCS volunteer.

Other presenters were MD RasGas Medical Centre Dr Iyad Bardaweel on breast cancer in men; Fulbright scholar Dr Sara Al Dahir on religion and breast cancer prevention; breast cancer survivor Amani Halawa; QU Associate Professor of Pharmacology Dr Lars Hedin on the role of diet in cancer prevention, and QNCS coordinator of health culture Dr Mahasin Okasha on stress and breast cancer.

Founder of Think Pink Qatar Karen Al Kharouf discussed the Awareness Walk and the importance of keeping abreast with information about the disease.

QPhUS Internal President Amina Radoui stated: “Our goal is to promote awareness amongst students and encourage them to share the information at home with their families”.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Dalia Hamdy has accepted a formal offer to join our college as an Assistant Professor commencing in the 2010 academic year. Dr. Hamdy completed her PhD in Pharmacokinetics at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta (Canada) in September 2010. Prior to this, she obtained a M Pharm Sci (Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry) at Alexandria University (Egypt) in 2004 and a BSc (Pharm and Pharm Sci) at the same institution in 2000. During her tenure at UA, Dr. Hamdy was a part-time teaching assistant (2006-2009). Prior to this she was a full-time lecturer (2004-2005) and demonstrator (2000-2004) at Alexandria University. She has also practiced as a community pharmacist (2000-2002) in Egypt. Dr. Hamdy is a licensed clinical pharmacist in Egypt and in Alberta, Canada. She has completed several UA training courses pertaining to academic integrity, research ethics, animal handling, teaching, time management, analytical techniques and related topics. Dr. Hamdy is also the recipient of several awards for research and academic excellence.

Dr. Hamdy’s research interests are in the fields of pharmacokinetics and pharmaceutical analysis. She has been involved in the design of preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic studies, bioequivalence and bioavailability tests, the study of drug efficacy and drug-drug interaction relationships, conducting metabolic studies using microsomal and systems, the study of stereo selective drugs and development of new analytical methods. She has published eleven peer-reviewed papers and delivered thirteen research abstracts/posters at scientific conferences in the US, Canada, UK and Egypt prior to the completion of her terminal degree.

We are very pleased that Dr. Hamdy will join us and have no doubt that she will make a significant contribution to both our undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs.

Welcome onboard, Dr. Hamdy! 

Qatar University’s College of Pharmacy (CPH) held its 4th annual White Coat inauguration ceremony on Monday evening. The highlight of the event was taking of the Oath of a Pharmacist by 25 new pharmacy students and donning the pharmacist’s White Coat in a symbolic ceremony attended by over 260 people.

CPH Dean Dr Peter Jewesson welcomed the attendees who included QU Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Prof Sheikha Bint Jabor Al Thani and other senior QU members; Director of Pharmacy and Drug Control, Supreme Council for Health Dr Aisha Al Ansari; Director of Al Faisal Holdings and owner of Ebn Sina Medical Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani; Director of Pharmacy, Al Amal Cancer Center Manal Zaidan; Pharmaceutical Advisor, Hamad Medical Corporation Dr Michael Fahey; CPH students and their families, CPH faculty, staff, and well-wishers.

"This is the largest baccalaureate class that we have cloaked since the inception of the then-Pharmacy Program in 2007. It is testament to the increasing demand for a career in pharmacy in this country. This is an exciting year for the College as we are not only cloaking our 4th incoming class, we will also graduate our first class from the BSc (Pharm) program, and admit our first MSc (Pharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy students. Qatar will have its first domestic graduates in just 8 short months. This is a very exciting time for the College, the university and the country”, said CPH Associate Dean Prof Sherief Khalifa.

First-year pharmacy student Soumaya Allouch said, “I'm excited that tonight is my White Coat Ceremony because it means my dreams can come true. I also dream of getting a Masters degree so that when I graduate I can help people in Africa who have never met a pharmacist or know what they do. All my dreams can come true if I work hard. My dad is already so proud of me. Tonight is a very special night”.

A special note of thanks to the Emir HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani was made by visiting Fulbright Scholar Dr Sara Al Dahir who is from the Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy that received a USD12.5 million donation from His Highness to rebuild it after it was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. The building is aptly named the ‘Qatar Pharmacy Pavilion’. The donation also included scholarships valued at USD5 million for students who were affected by the disaster. Dr Al Dahir gave an emotional account of what the new building means to New Orleans and to the practice of pharmacy in Louisiana.

“It is well-known that we accept only the best and brightest students into our College”, commented Assistant Professor and Chair, Pharmaceutical Sciences Husam M Younes. He added that more students are understanding the role that pharmacists currently play in their community and the positive contribution they make to healthcare delivery in Qatar. “Most students realize that pharmacy is one of the degrees that offer multi-career paths which include practicing pharmacy in community and hospitals, academia and research”, he said.

Qatar University’s College of Pharmacy (CPH) signed its first student placement agreement with an international university recently, a spokesperson said yesterday. Starting this month, the College will accept Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students from the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Canada for training internships in Qatar, CPH dean Dr. Peter Jewesson said. 

The focus of the first internship is academic leadership, international programme development and accreditation, he said. UBC PharmD students Shahileen Remtulla and Emily Black will be the first to participate in the internship programme. “We plan to offer future rotations in drug therapeutics and research,” Dr. Jewesson said. The CPH also plans further expansion of its student placements to include students from other universities around the world. Reciprocal arrangements are being sought for placement of QU PharmD students at established training sites in North America and elsewhere for clinical rotations that are not yet offered locally, the official said.

“This is a terrific opportunity for Qatar to contribute to the training of Canadian students to improve their understanding of the culture, life and pharmacy education and practice in Qatar, and to expose students in Qatar to international students while they undertake their own training at Qatar University,” Dr. Jewesson said. “Our accredited programme will see the first intake of PharmD students at the college in September 2011 and the presence of same-level students from abroad would make for a very exciting and rewarding experience for both groups,” he added.

PharmD programmes originated in the US and Canada and are now offered at colleges and universities around the world. They provide specialised training for clinical pharmacists who wish to deliver advanced patient care, conduct research and to function as mentors and instructors to other healthcare students. (press release)

Dr. Husam Younes delivered a podium presentation entitled "Poly (Diol-co-Tricarballylate): A Novel Photocrosslinked Biodegradable Elastomer for Controlled Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering" at 23rd European Society of Biomaterials Annual Conference (ESB2010; Tampere, Finland; www.eors2010.org) in September 2010. This was the first scientific contribution from the College of Pharmacy at this international conference. The ESB conference is considered to be one of the largest gathering of biomaterials experts in the world. This year more than 900 delegates from 40 different countries were in attendance. Qatar’s flag was among the 40 flags representing participating countries. (presentation) 

Congratulations, Dr. Husam! 

The College of Pharmacy held its New Student Orientation Event on September 1st. Before coming over to the college, Pre-Pharmacy students attended an opening session at Ibn Khaldoun Hall where Ms. Banan, Assistant Dean, Faculty and Students Affairs, College of Pharmacy, gave a presentation. Afterwards approximately 74 students proceeded to register for their courses. After registering, the students visited the College of Pharmacy to interact with faculty and students to ask questions, sign up for tours of the college, and to learn more about PCAT.

Qatar University (QU) College of Pharmacy (CPH) students’ organization was awarded “Best New Pharmacy Student Association for 2010” at the 56 Annual International Pharmacy Student Federation (IPSF) Congress held in Ljubljana, Slovenia on August 2-12.

The Qatar University Pharmacy Undergraduate Society (QPhUS) received the award in recognition of its dedication and enthusiasm, said IPSF Executive Team Chair of Public Relations Jane Ho. QPhUS joined the Federation in Spring 2008.

CPH students Raja Barazi, Mawadda Gajam and Hoda Atwa represented QPhUS at the 10-day international conference which hosted over 320 participants.

Third-year pharmacy student Raja Barazi and official QPhUS delegate said: "I am so proud of this achievement as QPhUS is committed to making Qatar a healthy society and we demonstrate this in all the events we hold and participate in throughout the year. It is a nice benefit to be recognized for our commitment by international peers”.

The conference agenda comprised a Science Symposium, Educational Symposium, General Assemblies, and a poster exhibition and competition, among other activities.

CPH students’ scientific review poster on the topic "Genetic Disorders and their Management in Qatar” was well-received at the exhibition.

QPhUS is a non-profit undergraduate pharmacy society at QU University. The purpose of the society is to represent and promote the views of its members and to implement academic, educational, cultural, social and other programs of interest to its members.

The students are active organizers of and participants in on-campus and community outreach events to promote public awareness of diabetes, breast cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases prevalent in Qatar.

IPSF is a non-governmental, non-political, and non-religious organization and is the 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. IPSF has members from 84 countries and membership of over 350,000 students worldwide.

The results of the 8th Qatar Foundation Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) cycle applications have been reported and we are pleased to announce that Dr. Sherief Khalifa, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs was a recipient of a research grant for project entitled "Isolation of biologically active compounds from Qatar flora and fauna". This is the eight cycle of the UREP awards program and Qatar University received 24 of the 54 grants awarded to applicants from 7 institutions within Qatar.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sara Al-Dahir will be joining Qatar University as a Fulbright Lecturer for the 2010 academic year. Dr. Al-Dahir is from the the College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana where she is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Division of Clinical & Administrative Sciences. Dr. Al-Dahir is a licensed pharmacist who also maintains an internal medicine practice site at Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans. Her practice focuses on a team-based approach in critical care and trauma medicine and nutrition support.

Dr. Al-Dahir earned a BSc degree ( Cell and Molecular Biology and History) at the Tulane University (1996) and her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree at Xavier University of Louisiana (2006). She is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and is also certified in Adult Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Dr. Al-Dahir is a member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), Louisiana Society of Health System Pharmacists (LSHP), Rho Chi and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Societies. She is also a board member of Gulf Medical Relief Fund, Inc, a non-profit international medical relief agency. Her research interests include nutrition support, critical care medicine, international health and health disparities among immigrant communities.

Our college has an interesting relationship with Dr. Al-Dahir's host institution.  The College of Pharmacy at Xavier University recently built a 60,000 square foot expansion called the "Qatar Pharmacy Pavilion" thanks to a generous $12.5 million US donation from HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. A further $5 million US grant was provided to provide scholarships to students who suffered from impact of Hurricane Katrina.

Welcome onboard, Dr. Al-Dahir!

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Daoud Al-Badriyeh has accepted a formal offer to join our college as an Assistant Professor commencing in the 2010 academic year.  Dr. Al-Badriyeh completed his PhD in Pharmacoeconomics at Monash University (MU, Melbourne, Australia) in 2010.  Prior to this, he obtained a BPharm at Al-Isra University (Jordan, 2001) and an Honours Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Sydney (2005). During his tenure at MU, Dr. Al-Badriyeh held a part-time teaching appointment with the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and undertook a GradCert in Pharmacoeconomics at the Faculty of Business and Economics.

Dr. Al-Badriyeh’s research interests involve the application of economic evaluations and decision-analytic modeling to assess the relative benefits of various medical interventions. He conducted clinical studies in humans, and is developing economic models and Monte Carlo simulations for hospitals in Australia and overseas. His research has primarily focussed on framework studies pertaining to the utilization of high-cost systemic antifungal medications in Australian medical practice. Other research interests include cardiovascular medications and the management of diabetes.  Furthermore, he has experiences in analytical assay development and dosage formulation research.

Dr. Al-Badriyeh is a recipient of a number of Australian research awards and grants. He is a reviewer for international journals, has authored several peer-reviewed publications and a book chapter, and he has presented at international conferences.

We are confident that Dr. Al-Badriyeh will make a significant contribution to our undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs. 

Welcome onboard, Dr. Al-Badriyeh!

Dr. Husam Younes, Assistant Professor and Founding Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was the recipient of 2 Qatar National Research Fund awards under the National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) for his proposals entitled Biodegradable elastomers for cytokine delivery in cancer therapy and Novel oral sustained-release Metformin Hydrochloride using semisolid matrices: development, characterization, and in vitro - in vivo testing. This is the third cycle of the NPRP awards program and Dr. Younes’s were two of 64 successful proposals. Qatar University received the highest number of grants (64/126) amongst awarded institutions.

Congratulations Dr. Younes!

The College of Pharmacy at Qatar University recently honored 26 of its students for their wonderful achievement of making the Qatar University Dean's List. These students achieved this honor by attaining a minimum semester GPA of 3.5. The students received certificates of recognition from the College of Pharmcy Dean, Dr. Peter Jewesson, and the Assistant Dean for Faculty and Student Affairs, Ms. Banan Mukhalalati.

The students honored were: Shaikha al-Naimi, Doua Alsaad, Noor al-Salimy, Samah El Salem, Rihab Kaissi, Kawthar al-Tawengi, Dana Bakdach, Lylia Mekideche, Hebatalla Mohamed, Mariam Moustafa, Somia Elshami, Dania Alkhiyami, Bayan Alemrayat, Soumaya Allouch, Ibtihal Abdallah, Sumaia Bakharaiba, Wafa al-Marridi, Amal Sharfi, Eman al-Mekaty, Hind El-Saleh, Maha Keida, Rana Abu-Samaha, Maha Alokha, Fatima al-Sulaiti, Alaa Rahhal and Hebatalla Fares.

The College of Pharmacy would like to once again congratulate these students on a fine job and wish them continued success. (article in The Gulf Times)

On May 31, 2010 the Qatar University College of Pharmacy participated in the World No Tobacco Day in partnership with CNA-Q’s School of Health Sciences, HMC’s Smoking Cessation Clinic, Al-Amal Cancer Hospital, Novartis Consumer Health, and Pfizer. The event was held at the College of the North Atlantic-Qatar and was hosted by the College’s Pharmacy Technician Program.  

The event’s aim was to raise awareness about the negative effects of tobacco use. The attendees were provided with a vast amount of information about this important topic including medication options for smoking cessation. There were also healthcare professionals on hand to provide advice and increase awareness.

At the May 26, 2010 Faculty Advisory Committee meeting, Dean Jewesson was pleased to announce administrative portfolios effective for the 2010 academic year. In order by last name, these are: Dr. Maguy El Hajj - Chair, Clinical Pharmacy & Practice Section, Dr. Bridget Javed - Coordinator, Structured Practical Experiences in Pharmacy Program, Dr. Nadir Kheir - Coordinator, Continuing Professional Pharmacy Development, Dr. Kerry Wilbur - Director, Doctor of Pharmacy Program, and Dr. Husam Younes - Chair, Pharmaceutical Sciences Section.

The college recognizes Drs. Nadir Kheir, Husam Younes, Kerry Wilbur and Bridget Javed for their significant administrative contributions to date. The many successes that this college has enjoyed would not have been possible without their devotion to this academic unit and their commitment to excellence. Congratulations to these four members of our team, and we wish them all the best with their future portfolios. 

Qatar University College of Pharmacy was delighted to host Ms. Yolande Hanssens at their biweekly Faculty Research Seminar on May 17, 2010. Ms. Yolande delivered an informative presentation entitled “Improving Oral Medicine Administration in Patients with Swallowing Problems & Feeding Tubes" to a local audience of students and faculty. Ms. Yolande is the Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator for Hamad General Hospital and a Clinical Pharmacist, Surgical and Trauma Intensive Care Unit. 

Ms. Yolande gave the audience a brief history of the Clinical Pharmacy Services (CPS) at Hamad Medical Corporation and Hamad General Hospital including the many milestones achieved during its expansion. She also elaborated on the services and research conducted by CPS. She then went on to speak about the challenges faced when dealing with patients that have swallowing problems and the ideal drug delivery system that should be used. This included a discussion on the guidelines, references, and other resources available for implementing correct practice with regard to this issue. Finally she spoke about the legal and ethical issues regarding this matter and ways to improve medicine administration.

College of Pharmacy holds research seminars on a wide range of health care research topics of interest in Qatar. Qatar University and the college strongly embrace a culture of research and enquiry, and the faculty and students have been recipients of several Qatar Foundation research grants. Those who were unable to attend the presentation are welcome to listen to the lecture capture at the following link. 

A recent article published in the University World News describes Qatar University's incorporation of Echo360 lecture capture into the classroom setting.  University World News is an online global higher education publication focusing on international higher education news and analysis, developments, events and announcements.

Using the proprietary hardware and software, the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University records the audio and visual content of lectures and workshops for access and review by students, continuing education registrants and instructors on an anytime and anywhere basis.  All the user requires is a computer, browser software and an internet access.

The College of Pharmacy began using lecture capture technology in April 2008 to enhance the student learning environment.   As the courses in pharmacy are taught in English, Echo360 is particularly useful for our Arabic first language students.  Recording lectures allows the students to revisit lecture content as often as they need to improve their comprehension of the content.  Students can access recorded lectures for every course offered by the college while registered in the program.  Pharmacists in Qatar can also review continuing education workshops that they may have been unable to attend.  While lecture capture cannot replace the interactive experience of a face-to-face experience, it is nevertheless a vital tool to enhance teaching and learning for students of all ages.  

Qatar University celebrated their first annual Open Day for the Health Sciences professions on May 8th, 2010.

The event was open to future female students and their parents who were interested in a career in Pharmacy, Biomedical Science and Human Nutrition. Health Science tour guides offered information in Arabic and English and directed guests on prepared tours in each of the three disciplines.

The unique aspect of this event was the interactive nature. Pharmacy students performed role plays to better demonstrate their learning to future students. When asked about what area of the tour she liked best, one young student said “I had no idea that pharmacy students had labs to practice in that look so realistic. This makes you feel like you are really in a hospital. That was pretty amazing.”

Future students were also able to meet with employers at the event to discuss future career aspirations. Employers such as: Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medical & Research Center, Ebn Sina Medical, Qatar Petroleum. The first and only pharmaceutical company in Qatar, QatarPharma was also there to introduce their new company to science majors. Non- profit organizations Qatar Diabetes Association and Think Pink Qatar who have partnered with College of Pharmacy in the past were there to raise awareness about their organizations and encourage health science students to volunteer for such a worthy cause.
Qatar University is proud to offer these three important health disciplines at the national university and plans to make the event an annual one. “The feedback from parents was overwhelming. They commented on how articulate, knowledgeable, confident and passionate our students were regarding their college and chosen profession”, remarked Dean Peter Jewesson.

One senior high school student commented, “the student demonstrations really helped me visualize myself in this career. I love science and helping others. This day at Qatar University helped me see that I would fit in well at the college. I am now 100% certain that I want to study pharmacy.” (article in The Gulf Times)

The faculty of Pharmacy at Beirut Arab University (BAU) conducted its First International Pharmaceutical Conference, which was held on May 6-7, 2010 in Beirut, Lebanon. The conference included a diversified audience including academic scientists, well known global and local scientists, and researchers from the pharmaceutical and allied sciences. The theme of the conference was Recent Advances in Pharmaceutical Research and Technology. The conference provided updates in pharmaceutical technology as well as presented the latest findings in the pharmaceutical research area.

Dr. Husam Younes, Assistant Professor & Founding Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences, represented the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University by presenting two podium presentations and a poster. The first presentation was titled “Photocrosslinked Elastomers: New Emerging Biomaterials For Controlled Drug Delivery And Tissue Engineering Applications”. The second presentation was titled “Osmotic-Driven Controlled Release From Novel Poly (Decane-Co-Tricarballylate) Biodegradable Elastomers”. The poster was titled “Novel Oral Sustained-Release Metformin Hydrochloride Capsules Using Semisolid Matrix Systems”. Dr. Husam’s presence was a great opportunity to highlight and present the great success of the Pharmacy Program here at Qatar University. (presentations) (poster)   

Qatar University held its 3rd annual research forum on May 5, 2010. The forum’s theme was “Towards a Society of Innovation, Knowledge and Technology”. It was organized by the Office of the Vice-President for Research Dr Hassan Al-Derham.

The forum provided a medium for faculty members to present their recent research. It also served as an open discussion on the role of innovation, technology and knowledge in the World, and specifically in Qatar. Faculty participated in oral and poster sessions and roundtable discussions in the day-long forum on wide-ranging topics -- health, law, ICT, environment, materials technology, business, energy, education. The event was attended by Deans, heads of department, faculty, staff, and students.

The College of Pharmacy presented a total of 16 presentations consisting of podium and poster presentations. The event gave the rest of the University an opportunity to see the many different research efforts that have been conducted by the College of Pharmacy faculty and students. (presentations) (posters)

On May 3, 2010 the College of Pharmacy conducted its 6th Stakeholder Meeting. The meeting was attended by a large crowd of pharmacists from the State of Qatar. It was lead by Dr. Peter Jewesson, Dean of the College of Pharmacy. The session was geared toward pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who have an interest in pursuing a postgraduate pharmacy degree. 

Dr. Jewesson unveiled the future MSc and PharmD Programs that are slated to commence in September of 2011. Other topics discussed were program objectives, program structure, and the application processes. The very informative meeting was followed by a question and answer session that provided the attendees with the opportunity to gain more insight about the college’s future plans.

Another key unveiling was the introduction of the Qatar Pharmacists Forum which is a communication portal set up for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Qatar. It will be a pharmacy-centered resource that allows interactive communication within the profession which has been lacking here in Qatar. (pdf)

Qatar University College of Pharmacy was delighted to host Mr. Arend at their biweekly Faculty Development Seminar on March 29, 2010. Mr. Arend delivered an informative presentation entitled “A New Beginning in Qatar: The development of a collaborative research and education publishing environment in Doha, Qatar" to the college faculty. The presentation was also transmitted live to our partners at the Shafallah Medical Genetics Center via our videoconferencing system.

Arend Kuster will be managing the establishment of Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Journals.  He currently is Business Development Director at Bloomsbury Publishing Plc in London where he is developing new publishing projects, such as Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Journals. Mr. Arend has been working in Academic Publishing for over 15 years and is a frequent speaker at publishing and library industry seminars and conferences.

The presentation included a brief history on the progression of scholarly communication tools throughout the last centuries. He discussed how the concept for Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Journals came about and what services they will provide as they try to establish themselves in the scholarly publication industry.

College of Pharmacy holds development seminars on a wide range of health care topics of interest in Qatar. Those who were unable to attend the presentation are welcome to view to the lecture capture at the following link. (lecture capture) 

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Mohamad Yaser Najjar has joined the College of Pharmacy as our new Pharmacy Informatics Coordinator.  Mr. Najjar comes to us from Massachusetts, USA where he received a BSc (Biology) in 2002 and a BSc (Computer Information Systems) in 2007 from the University of Massachusetts.  He also holds a MSc in Biotechnology (Honours) from the University of Maryland which he received in 2009.  Mr. Najjar's professional experience includes a four year period (2005-2009) with TKT/Shire Human Genetic Therapies as a Quality Control Biochemistry Analyst.  In this capacity, he had broad responsibilities for DNA threshold, UV//VIS spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE, host cell DNA, cGMP and other forms of drug analysis.  In addition to these responsibilities, he was also a lead instructor for Laboratory Information Management (LIM) System training and responsible for related training workshops, lecturers for company scientists and management.  Prior to this, Mr. Najjar was with Bayer Healthcare Diagnostics (2004-2005) as a molecular lab technician.  In this capacity, he was involved with the production of assay components for molecular testing of viral loads and drug resistance of HIV, HBC and HCV as well as other laboratory management and quality control/assurance activities.

Pharmacy informatics is a new health care specialty which involves a combination of pharmacy practice science and applied information science.  It  has been described as the application of computerized systems and/or processes to enhance the services provided by pharmaceutical care givers.  Pharmacy informatics is considered to be an integral component of training throughout the curricula for our undergraduate and postgraduate students..  In his capacity as coordinator, Mr. Najjar will be responsible for the coordination of our virtual hospital initiative, optimizing technology in the teaching and learning environment, website management, and several other initiatives that we consider vital to our mission and our vision.

We're extremely pleased that he has decided to join us and have no doubt that he will make a significant contribution to our new program. 

Welcome onboard, Mr. Najjar!

Qatar University College of Pharmacy was delighted to host Dr. Kerr at their biweekly Faculty Research Seminar on March 8, 2010.  Dr. Kerr delivered an informative presentation entitled “Gene Therapy for Liver Cancer" to a local audience of students and faculty.  The presentation was also transmitted live to our partners at the Shafallah Medical Genetics Center via a newly installed videoconferencing system.

Dr. Kerr is the Chief Research Advisor for the Sidra Medical and Research Centre, and a member of the Supreme Council for Health.  Dr. Kerr also retains his affiliation with the Oxford University (UK) as a Rhodes professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Cancer Therapeutics.

As described by Dr. Kerr, colorectal cancer is the second most common type of malignancy in western nations. While improvements in surgical and radiotherapeutic techniques and new cytotoxic drugs have improved treatment outcomes, about one-half of patients still succumb from recurrent or metastatic disease.  Liver cancer is considered to be a good candidate for gene therapy and new techniques including gene replacement, virus-directed enzyme–prodrug therapy, immune manipulation and virotherapy have recently entered clinical trials.

College of Pharmacy Dean Peter Jewesson remarked, “We were privileged to have a eminent scientist of Dr. Kerr’s calibre join us at our regular research seminar.  This was a great opportunity for our faculty and students to learn more about this exciting area of research."

College of Pharmacy holds research seminars on a wide range of health care research topics of interest in Qatar. Qatar University and the college strongly embrace a culture of research and enquiry, and the faculty and students have been recipients of several Qatar Foundation research grants.  Those who were unable to attend the presentation are welcome to listen to the lecture capture at the following link. (lecture capture)

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sherief Khalifa has joined the College of Pharmacy as Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.  Dr. Khalifa received his BSc (Pharm) at King Saud University in 1986, and his PhD at the University of Mississippi (USA) in 1994.  His specialty is pharmacognosy (the study of medicines from natural sources) with a particular interest in bioactive substances derived from marine sources.  Upon graduation, Dr. Khalifa joined Suez Canal University  (SCU) as an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy with linkage to the Biotechnology Research Centre at that institution.  He became a full-time Assistant Professor in 1995 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2002.  He remained with SCU until 2007, when he joined the Faculty of Pharmacy at Misr International University (MIU).  He was promoted to Full Professor at the MIU in 2009.  Before leaving MIU to join Qatar University, Dr. Khalifa was Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy in the Faculty of Pharmacy. 

Dr. Khalifa received the  Ahmad Askar Best Research Award (SCU) in 2005, a Fulbright Teaching & Research Scholarship in 2001 and the Model Pharmacist Award for the Suez Canal Area in 1999.  He has 43 peer-reviewed research papers, 15 invited presentations and several research grants.  His most recent publication focuses on the enhancement of oleandrin production in suspension cultures of Nerium oleander by combined optimization of medium composition and substrate feeding.  This was published in Plant Biosystems 2009.  He has supervised 12 MSc and 4 PhD students.  He also holds a patent for preparation of cembranoid derivatives with chemopreventive activity.  Dr. Khalifa has been instrumental in establishing linkages between SCU/MIU and USA-based academic institutions including the University of Mississippi, South Carolina College of Pharmacy and the University of Georgia.  While his research focus is in pharmacognosy, he has a passion for advancing pharmacy practice in this part of the world.  He was responsible for introducing clinical pharmacy into the MIU curriculum and will continue this quest while in Qatar.  We're extremely pleased that he has decided to join us and have no doubt that he will make a significant contribution to our new program.

Welcome onboard, Dr. Khalifa!  

The 2nd International Conference on Drug Discovery & Therapy was held on February 1-4, 2010 in Dubai. In addition to the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University, Qatar was also represented by Sidra Medical Research Center and Hamad Medical Corporation.  This highly acclaimed conference was attended by 11 Nobel laureates and scientists from more than 58 countries. According to the organizers, the conference was established for “pharmaceutical scientists, internists and primary care physicians to discuss and learn about all the important international breakthrough developments on drug discovery and on new therapeutics.”

Dr. Husam Younes, Assistant Professor and Founding Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the College of Pharmacy commented, “The participation of Qatar University represented by  the College of Pharmacy was an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the pharmaceutical research activities that are taking place at our newly established college. It was also a perfect venue for networking with renowned scientists from around the globe and exchanging ideas regarding the latest developments in pharmaceutical research.  The gulf region is becoming a hub for Drug Research and thanks to the support from Qatar University and the Qatar National Research Fund, Qatar is playing a lead role in new pharmaceutical developments.”

Third year Pharmacy students Doua Al-Saad, Marwa Alaamri, Noor Al-Salimy and Maryam Khaja represented Qatar University by presenting two research posters alongside 253 other international posters. The studies presented were supported by funds made available through the Undergraduate Research Experience Program which is part of Qatar National Research Funds. Doua Al-Saad and Marwa Al-Amiry presented a research poster entitled “Design, characterization and in vitro dissolution testing of oral sustained-release Metformin hydrochloride using semisolid matrix systems” which was carried out under the supervision of Dr. Husam Younes. Noor Al-Salimy and Maryam Khaja presented a research study entitled:  “Synthesis, characterization and in vitro mechanistic drug release study from photocrosslinked biodegradable elastomers “,  which was also carried out under the supervision of Dr. Husam Younes. Citations and posters can be found at this link. (posters; article in The Gulf Times)