College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Strengthens Global Academic Ties Through Inbound International Pharmacy Student Exchange Program
The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS) concluded a highly successful four-week international exchange program on 27th February for 2 students from Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (KVV) Deemed University, India. This initiative aligns with AU’s commitment to global academic collaboration, providing participants with an intensive Professional Pharmacy Practice Experience designed to meet the changing needs of contemporary healthcare.
The exchange students underwent a comprehensive curriculum that blended advanced pharmaceutical technology with clinical rotations in premier healthcare facilities under the expert guidance of Dr. Subish Palaian, Coordinator of the Office of Experiential Learning,
The program’s inaugural week focused on academic and cultural integration. Students explored the rich history and rapid development of the UAE while familiarizing themselves with AU’s state-of-the-art academic structure. Highlights included hands-on sessions with in silico tools for drug property determination and the exploration of 3D printing in pharmaceuticals. Innovative pedagogical methods, such as cinemeducation for patient safety and virtual pharmacy OSCE simulations, ensured students were well-prepared for the clinical challenges ahead. Beyond the lab, the students experienced the UAE’s global appeal with visits to iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Al Seef, and Global Village.
For the rest of the three weeks, students experienced the UAE’s healthcare system by visiting the following community and hospital pharmacies:
- Ajman Specialty Hospital: Students mastered pharmacy workflows and electronic documentation systems. A key focus was placed on Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Saudi German Hospital, Ajman: Students engaged with cutting-edge robotic dispensing systems, learning how automation minimizes medication errors. They also gained practical experience in inpatient drug compounding and inventory management.
- Al Madina Al Munwarah Pharmacy: A one-day observation at the community pharmacy provided details on contemporary community pharmacy practice in the local settings.
- Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman: The final week sharpened clinical case discussions and patient interaction skills. Students conducted medication history interviews, participated in Antimicrobial Stewardship programs, and managed complex case studies in nephrology and cardiology using advanced electronic medical records.
Prof. Sai Boddu, the Chair of the Internationalization Committee at COPHS, extended his gratitude to Ms. Victoria Winter, Director of the Office of International Academic Affairs at AU, and Ms. Archana Kaulagekar, Deputy Director of International Affairs at KVV, for their instrumental roles in coordinating the logistics of this successful partnership.
Prof. Abeer AlGhananeem, Dean of COPHS, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “This inbound exchange is a cornerstone of our efforts to build global partnerships. By facilitating the exchange of best practices, we are preparing the next generation of pharmacists to thrive in international healthcare environments. This exchange program reinforces AU’s position as a hub for international excellence, fostering a community where cultural diversity, pharmaceutical innovation, and clinical expertise meet to improve patient outcomes worldwide.
