12-06-2025
QU College of Pharmacy hosts Annual Preceptor Development Session
Tribune News network
Doha
Qatar University (QU)'s College of Pharmacy, represented by the Professional Education Division of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program, organised the Annual Preceptor Development Session and Appreciation Ceremony for Educational Partners. The event aimed to enhance the clinical training skills of preceptors and strengthen communication with the College's partners who play a vital role in preparing students for the labour market.
In his speech, Prof. Mohamed Izham, dean of the College of Pharmacy at QU, expressed deep appreciation for the College's partners and preceptors, recognizing them as a cornerstone in the advancement of pharmaceutical education and professional practice. The Dean emphasized that pharmacy managers, frontline practitioners, and decision-makers all play a key role in shaping the future of the pharmacy profession in Qatar and beyond, due to their direct impact on patient care quality, pharmaceutical service development, and building qualified student competencies.
Prof. Izham added, 'Each of you is not only a healthcare professional but also an educator, a role model, and a source of inspiration to us and our mentorship impacting the learning experiences of our students, equipping them with the confidence, compassion, and competence they need to serve our communities.'
The Dean also expressed the College's sincere gratitude for the continued support provided by partners and preceptors, their generous investment of time and expertise, and their steadfast commitment to excellence in pharmacy education and practice. He added, 'Because of you, our students grow into pharmacists who understand that science and service must go hand in hand.'
The Dean concluded his statement by affirming that these professional partnerships enrich the curricula, enhance training programs, and support the college's mission to advance the pharmacy profession through education, research, and collaboration. 'Together, we are shaping the future of pharmacy. And together, we will continue to elevate the standards of care, education, and service.
In a statement, Dr. Hazem Elewa, associate professor and director of the PharmD Program, said, 'This event is an expression of appreciation and gratitude to our field training preceptors and educational partners for their pivotal role in enriching our students' experience by sharing their practical expertise with our pharmacy students This event comes as a gesture of appreciation and gratitude to the field training preceptors and our partners in the educational journey, for their active role in enriching our students' experience by sharing their practical expertise with the female students of the College of Pharmacy.'
Dr Ziad highlighted the program's achievements in 2024, with 55 students successfully completing SPEP 1 and 42 students completing SPEP 2-6, totalling 264 rotations. These included 104 rotations in hospital pharmacies, 98 in community pharmacies, 42 in primary care, 12 in the pharmaceutical industry, and 9 international rotations.
He mentioned that the international rotations involved 5 students at Mint Pharmacy in Scotland, in addition to 4 students training at IKOP Pharmaceutical Industry in Malaysia. He also noted an increase in the number of preceptors to 242, compared to 168 in 2023, with 70 site visits conducted during the summer and 60 visits in the fall to follow up on students.
Dr Fatima Rostom, director of Pharmacy at the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) at HMC, expressed her pride in participating, saying: 'As a stakeholder from Hamad Medical Corporation, Communicable Disease Centre Pharmacy I was happy and proud to witness the recognition of us, as we try to contribute to the growth of future pharmacists. The event was a good opportunity to reinforce the importance of our shared mission to assure excellence in clinical education, mentorship, and healthcare advancement through interprofessional education.'
Sharing her experience, Dr. Sara Hayder, PharmD preceptor from the Pharmacy Department at Al-Wakra Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), said, 'My experience as a presenter and participant in the 'Annual Preceptors Development Session (CPD Accredited)- Stakeholder Appreciation Dinner' was truly meaningful. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with fellow preceptors and contribute to the collective efforts that support our students' and residents' professional growth. As a residency program coordinator, PharmD preceptor, and recent graduate of the Health Professions Education Master's program, I was excited to share insights on a key area of preceptor development—delivering effective feedback. Collaborating with faculty members and working alongside dedicated pharmacy students and graduates as facilitators made the workshop especially rewarding.'
During the ceremony, third-year student Israa Lotfi Afifi, who co-hosted the event, highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships in student success, stating: 'We extend our sincere thanks to the College's partners and preceptors for their great efforts in supporting students and their impactful contributions to their educational journey. This celebration is a token of appreciation for their pivotal role in enhancing students' abilities and preparing them for a distinguished professional future. As we gather here today, let us take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support and valued partnership.'
PharmD Class of 2025 graduate Sarah Ahmed Al-Qattan delivered a speech expressing her gratitude to the preceptors, saying: 'I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the preceptors of the PharmD students for sharing their valuable practical experiences with us during our field training. What we gained from our mentors is truly priceless—they have always played a vital role in strengthening our practical understanding, refining our skills, and boosting our confidence as pharmacists at the beginning of our professional journey. To our dear mentors: thank you for your time and efforts.'
