Two Xavier University Doctor of Pharmacy students completed their internship at Qatar University

As part of a student exchange program between Qatar University (QU) College of Pharmacy (CPH) and Xavier University (XU) in the USA since 2013, Ms. Ahlam Ayyad and Ghazal Maghareh, XU PharmD students, visited QU to complete an academic pharmacy leadership rotation.

The Xavier PharmD students were involved in a variety of activities during their four-week rotation. Students had the opportunity to meet with CPH academic administrators and were exposed to academic and clinical and industrial pharmacy settings in Qatar. They had the opportunity to be part of a teaching activity at CPH, present their research projects, participate in an interprofessional education (IPE) activity on smoking cessation and participate in a CPH outreach event on pain control. They also visited three Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hospitals (Al Khor, Al Wakrah and HMC Heart Hospital) to learn more about the pharmacy practice in hospitals.

Commenting on the students’ rotation, CPH Dean Dr Mohammed Diab said: “Student exchange programs offers broad based benefits and outcomes for students keen to embark on this international adventure. It is with great pleasure that we collaborate with Xavier University and to host their students at the College of Pharmacy Premises. This collaboration helps both our students and theirs to develop on the educational, personal and long-term levels.

Dr Bridget Javed, Director of Doctor of Pharmacy Program at CPH said: “It was a pleasure hosting the pharmacy students from Xavier University as it provided a platform to learn about pharmacy practice advancements between Qatar and the United States of America.” Dr Hazem Elewa, Clinical Assistant Professor at CPH said: “Student’s performance was outstanding and they were very keen to learn about the academic and clinical settings in Qatar. They also had great interactions with CPH students and exchanged knowledge. This was a true example of what international student exchange should be like.”

The visiting student Ahlam Ayyad said: “The experience at Qatar University is one that I will always cherish. From the students to the faculty and to the overall hospitality that my colleague and I received, was just phenomenal. During this experience we had the chance to visit different hospitals, pharmacy settings and develop relationships with everyone that we encountered with.” She adds, “I personally grew from this experience by learning from each faculty member, about new or unfamiliar concepts. I am really impressed with the research-intensive environment at Qatar University and hope that we continue to have this rotational experience. I highly recommend it as it was an opportunity to be a part of the University family.”

Ghazal Maghareh said: “My experience at Qatar University’s College of Pharmacy was unforgettable. I was able to have one-on-one meetings with the academic administrator to learn more about academia and clinical practice in Qatar. My mentors at Qatar University were dedicated to our learning experience and always provided constructive criticism. Besides the wonderful faculty and administrative staff, I spent a good portion of my time with the students at Qatar University. I cannot speak highly enough of the students for both their culturally versed and intelligent qualities. I was privileged to go to Qatar for my rotation and I hope to continue to strengthen the relationship between Xavier and Qatar University. I highly recommend this rotation for anyone that has the opportunity to go."