V21e3 by EPSA

EPSALETTER

NEWS

bringing pharmacy, knowledge and students together Volume 21 | Edition 3 | April 2014 www.epsa-online.org

Buddy project success: True story

Collaboration with other professions: When does it start?

Subcommittees: Understated saviours

this newsletter is produced by EPSA and is distributed to all EPSA members, national pharmaceutical students’ organisations, faculties, ofﬁcial bodies and partners

European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association

Platform purpose:

Table of contents Presidential Words

4 EGA Internship

Annual Reception 2014

6 Young Pharmacy Poland

Advocacy

8 Organizing an Annual Congress 22 Case study on mHealth Personal Experience 24 Annual Congress Topic 10 A kind heart makes its way to Indonesia DIA/EAHP Congress

12 Alumni

EPSA-EAHP Student Award

13 Members’ Page

Subcommittees 14 Events

EPSA Infographic

18 Contact Info

Editor’s words Dear readers, This last edition of the EPSA Newsletter is supposed to give a summary of the mandate. We actually struggled with that task and considered to add more pages to this edition, as there are many, many stories to tell. We selected three main topics to share with you: We had a new approach on advocacy that resulted in the establishment of the EduProf platform, a new tool that gathers opinions from all our member associations. As a result, EPSA will release a position paper on mHealth, which was the topic of this year’s Annual Reception. In this edition, we will also elaborate on the topic of our upcoming congress, which will be taken up by the EduProf platform as well, as I may suspect. But also the inside of EPSA changed: We were facing a real challenge when the Annual Congress suddenly had to happen within six months so that the Chairperson gives us a little insight into the various solutions they found. We also established two subcommittees that will be of great use in the future. An infographic in the middle of this edition will show you where you can find all the information about EPSA.

EPSA is a lot about individuals, EPSA has the power to change lives; we asked several Alumni to share how the association affected their careers and where they are now. We have also asked two LSs to share their experiences on how students on a national level can get engaged and how a mind-set can change through international experiences. I hope you enjoy this last edition of the current mandate. My sincere gratitude to all the people that gave their share of input to the previous editions and, particularly, into this special one.

Stefan Rack EPSA Vice-President of Public Relations 2013-2014 vp.pr@epsa-online.org Special thanks to: Svenja Laarhuis - Design and Editing Maria Pace, Anne Downing, Aneeza Yusuf, Robert Nobrega, Daniel Barreira, Amalia Stroescu, Teresa Dominguez - Editorial Board 3

Presidential words First experience, only experience, worst experience This Newsletter will be published at the EPSA Annual Congress in Budapest. As the theme of the congress is interprofessional collaboration with a focus on interprofessional education, I thought I might share some of my own experiences regarding the topic to underline how important it is to bring to focus in discussion and develop further. My first experience of interprofessional education, within my pharmacy curriculum, together with other healthcare students, took place - oh wait - never. We did in fact have a course together with some nutrition students in the beginning of my studies,

but back then no one knew who was a pharmacy student or who was a nutrition one, therefore the added value of the interprofessional element was zero. Not only is it crucial to recognise the importance of interprofessional education but also that delivery matters - it needs to be purposeful. “Interprofessional” seems to be a bit of a fashionable word at the moment (everyone wants to be interprofessional), but how can we ensure that it goes further than skin deep? An attitude shift is needed. I was recently attending an event where a professor was proudly presenting an interprofessional course on patient safety established at his university - it had been a great success so far. I had just one question for him: “Why weren’t the pharmacy students also included?” He didn’t have an answer - he hadn’t thought about it before...

Tiia Metiäinen EPSA President 2013-2014 president@epsa-online.org

Annual Reception 2014 What can you take back home from a day in Brussels? Traditionally held in February or March every year at the European Parliament in Brussels, the Annual Reception (AR) is a highly anticipated occasion where many pharmaceutical students have the opportunity to gather. Lucas - no stranger to EPSA events, along with newbies Claudia and Dominique from Switzerland share their experiences from this year’s AR just below. LucaS besson It is the 11th of February - 3 PM, we leave PGEU’s (Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union) office and head to the European Parliament. It is raining, obviously - Brussels welcomes us in its own way. But what are we all doing so dressed up? EPSA is hosting its Annual Reception - the association’s event of excellence - it consists in the presentation of EPSA’s activities and achievements to external bodies and students followed by a panel discussion on a current hot topic with high renown speakers in the related areas of expertise. The event is open to everyone and is free of charge. This year’s topic,

The trainings were a great opportunity for social contact, since there was a limited number of people so that it was easier to get to know each other. This gave also us the chance to meet people from the EPSA team.

mHealth, provided us with a hot debate in which everybody was allowed to share their different views. As participants had to arrange their own accommodation, they spread the word to book the same accommodation. This year, together with some friends we booked a flat and the fellowship was great! Catching up with friends from different countries (7 represented!) and living altogether for a few days was a blast! Lots of fun, a lot of discussions - summing up, a lot of international spirit! The event develops with each passing year so that the Team is constantly putting big efforts both to improve its quality and increase its content! Besides the reception itself, two trainings and an LS meeting were also hosted this time. The Team meeting usually takes place before the same day of the AR and it is open to everyone, being a very good opportunity to witness and understand better how EPSA functions internally. Staying in Brussels the following day allowed me to visit the EPSA archive it challenged me to dig in the association’s life and weigh the progress it has made throughout the years. Now it is 7pm, we are still standing by the European Parliament lobby, enjoying the post - AR cocktail. Some speakers and externals are still here available for a chat; the discussions between all the students are rife, whether it is about the AR’s content or planning the social program. I realise I’ve just confirmed my decision to attend it again next year. P.S: Speakers’ slides are available on EPSA website!

Claudia Neuhaus & Dominique bruns The program started for us on Monday afternoon with a training held by Tiia Metiäinen on the topic “Health advocacy on European level from a student association perspective“. This was quite interesting and showed a whole new world of pharmacy matters to us, especially the functioning of the European Parliament- it was totally new for us, since Switzerland is like a soap bubble surrounded by the European Union and therefore we got a totally new insight over some jobs we had no information about before. After the training, we had a delicious Greek dinner and some Belgian waffles with other Annual Reception participants. On Tuesday morning, we took part in a soft-skills training named “Feedback and Conflict management” which was given by Lucas Besson. The trainings were a great opportunity for social contact, since there was a limited number of people so that it was easier to get to know each other. This gave also us the chance to meet people from the EPSA team. In the afternoon we met at the European Parliament

for the Annual Reception, where the topic of discussion was mHealth. This was amazing - Just the building itself is very impressive and makes you feel so lucky of attending an event at that venue. Citing the EPSA - “Mobile health or mHealth is the support for health outcomes, services and research through mobile devices, such as mobile phones and tablets“. We debated this topic with distinguished speakers, each of them having different opinions, yet passionate about this topic. This led to a very interesting discussion. Afterwards, we had a nice sandwich dinner and had the opportunity to talk, about mHealth, to people we had never met before. Annual Reception is an amazing opportunity to get involved in the world of EPSA.

Advocacy A Backstage Free Pass: Take a look at how the EPSA’s Statement of Opinion on Mobile Heath was made! EPSA has elaborated a position paper on Mobile Health (mHealth) using the inputs from its members through last year’s creative and innovative Education and Advocacy Affairs Platform (EduProf Platform). In this article you’ll get an inside look of the process to perceive how it all happened. Each year, topics of high interest for pharmacy students are selected. Each topic is discussed and researched by the Team and then brought to the EduProf Platform. Here we have all EPSA’s memberassociations present through their Platform Representatives – each association has selected two students to take part in the platform’s discussions on their behalf. The EPSA Team introduces the topic and addresses it to the representatives. Then, questionnaires to collect everyone’s inputs are made and the members’ opinions are assessed. Moreover, in order to allow all students to be directly involved, a poll was made on the EPSA website to collect statistics on student experiences with mobile health. All was collected and taken into consideration. After all the data is processed, we start drafting the statement using everyone’s point of view. There is no right or wrong, there are only opinions and they are all heard. At the Annual Reception, which took place in the European Parliament, students throughout Europe have teamed up with Professionals to discuss the future of mHealth. To start the discussion, the draft of the statement was presented, followed by a fruitful debate, which gave us even more inputs to include in the statement.

Now that the final stage has come, all inputs were taken in consideration and the draft of the statement is ready. The draft has now been shared for comments and the final version is to be voted upon by the platform. Once approved, this will be the first statement made by EPSA through the democratic, transparent and representative procedure we have recently established. This time, more than ever, we have a European Pharmacy Students’ Statement of Opinion.

Diogo Serpa Viana, EPSA Professional Affairs Coordinator 2013-2014 prof.affairs@epsa-online.org

Annual Congress topic Interprofessional Collaboration and Education A sneak peak of what is yet to come: In a world where the patients have today complex health needs, it is often required more than one discipline to address issues regarding patients’ health status. More concisely, looking at a patient case through only one perspective is now outdated and no longer meets the patient needs! That is why it is essential to approach ill health in a multidisciplinary intervention. How many of us noticed that during our curricula very few contact with other healthcare professionals is achieved? It seems that it is quite common, in European countries, that only in the integrated practice at the end of the studies, collaboration with other healthcare professionals (or students) is reached. If the aim is to have healthcare professionals working together with the same goal of increasing patient outcomes and safety, shouldn’t this be insured and transmitted a way earlier, during their higher studies? Interprofessional education (IPE) can be described as “a collaborative approach to develop healthcare students as

future interprofessional team members”. Can also be defined, according to the World Health Organisation, “as members or students of two or more professions associated with health or social care, that are engaged in learning with, from, and about each other.” It is proved that complex medical issues can be best addressed by interprofessional teams, and as such, training future healthcare providers to work in such teams will help facilitate this model resulting in improved healthcare outcomes for patients. This also means that it is more likely that those students – the future of their professions – will become collaborative interprofessional team members in the healthcare force, willing to show respect towards other professions, and positive attitude towards multidisciplinary teams. However, how can this special type of education be achieved and what are its benefits? IPE and collaborative practice can be defined in a process which includes decision-making and communication, enabling this way synergistic influence of grouped knowledge and skills from the various parties involved in the process. But also students have to bear in mind that crucial elements for success

comprise responsibility, coordination, cooperation, assertiveness, mutual trust and respect. All these skills and abilities blended together can create an interprofessional team that is then designed to work on common goals to improve patient outcomes. Interprofessional Collaboration and Education was then chosen as the topic of the 37th EPSA Annual Congress, and to reveal a bit of this theme, we decided to interview one of the Symposia speakers, Louise Winnecke Jensen, who has been involved in several activities relating interprofessional education and practice! Get a grasp of what can you learn in this Annual Congress with this short interview in the following lines: JB – Why do you think that Interprofessional Education is important? LWJ – I can hardly imagine a position where a pharmacist works independently of other professions. In the community, the hospital, the university, and the industry a pharmacist must be able to collaborate with many different associates with diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. There is a challenge in the different professional languages, roles, and competencies - and thus potential conflicts. There’s a HUGE need for soft skills and intercultural awareness! This ability to work in an interprofessional setting is something you need to practice - you need to learn with, from, and about the other professions. Hence the need for interprofessional education. JB – So how do you foresee that EPSA can help bridging this need then? LWJ – By choosing IPE as a focus, EPSA can help to put the topic on the agenda in different countries. Inspire and empower the students to push for the implementation of IPE in their universities. I used to say that the parties were the most important thing at an EPSA event, because this is where you learn the most: when you speak to other students about their country, their education, their future, you widen your horizons. You learn about geography, intercultural

communication, and you work on your language skills. But also, you learn what a pharmacist is in different countries. You mirror yourself and learn, not only about others, but also about yourself. It is the same with interprofessional education. It allows you to learn about the competencies of other professions, as well as your own. And the bonus is that interacting with the others builds relations, network, and respect. I believe that makes you a much better pharmacist. JB – That sounds great! As a closing remark and last question, how do you think that Interprofessional Education can contribute to a sustainable healthcare system? LWJ – As healthcare professionals, we have one overall goal: Ensuring patient safety. As pharmacists, we can greatly contribute to medication management - but only in collaboration with e.g. medical doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and others. So the better we are at working together, the better the healthcare is when it comes to safety - but the idea is that also expenditures can be reduced. You might call it an investment - I’ll say it’s inevitable! JB - Thank you Louise for your inspiring words! This is only a sneak peak of what you can learn not only from the Symposium of the Annual Congress in the beautiful city of Budapest, but also within all the activities during this event. Make sure you pack your bags with a dose of curiosity, a shot of open minded attitude and a portion of sharing and join us in the heart of Hungary for another unforgettable EPSA congress!

Jorge Batista EPSA Vice President of Education 2013-2014 vp.education@epsa-online.org

DIA/EAHP Congress Professional events from students’ perspective I attended the 19th EAHP Congress in Barcelona (Spain) and this was my very first time attending this congress. Earlier in the year, I was recommended to attend it, so I had high hopes for this congress - and indeed, it did not disappoint me. The exhibition hall was massive and there, beyond others, the delegates had the opportunity to talk to pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy organisations leaders from all over Europe who were willingly available to give their advice. I was particularly impressed by the volume and high quality of the research posters which were on display throughout the congress. I attended as many sessions as possible including the excellent students’ session which incorporated lots of clinical scenarios that got the student delegates thinking. Also, I found very useful both the anticoagulant workshop and the presentations on “New perspectives – hospital pharmacy in primary care”, “Taking control of costs; how can you harness the power of real data?” and “Novel insights into the Use of Biologics in Hospital Practice”. Mind on this aspect, events like EAHP, offering students special packages, are an excellent platform on which students can increase their professional network. Next year, EAHP takes place in Hamburg and I definitely recommend you to attend - you will not be disappointed! Brendan Murray (LS BPSA UK)

The 26th DIA (Drug Information Association) Euromeeting in Vienna was a great opportunity to explore the latest trends and hear expert opinions on the hot topics in the pharmaceutical field. DIA did an amazing job on the handling of the event and I could clearly see that the inclusion of students and young professionals is important for them. Everyone was eager to network and get to know each other, so you could find yourself talking with the head of a national agency in one moment, and the DIA president or your future employer in the next. It’s a brilliant event to attend and I recommend it to anyone who wants to get an overview of the pharmaceutical field and possibly kickstart a career. Patrick GASSENBAUER (LS AFÖP Austria)

EPSA-EAHP Student Award Healing pain from a broken heart EAHP and EPSA jointly organised an annual award to recognise the best student research contributing to hospital pharmacy. This year the award was given to Danika Agius Decelis from Malta on her research titled: “Pharmacist Intervention in Pain Management following Heart Surgery”. This was done ceremoniously during the closing ceremony of the EAHP Annual Congress in Barcelona 28.3.2014. As Michael Jordan once said ‘‘Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships’’. This research is based on teamwork done by the pharmacist, the doctor and other healthcare professionals whose common goal was to help patients getting relief from pain following their heart surgery. I was undertaking this research as part of my studies towards a pharmacy degree at the University of Malta. The award, not only gives justice to the hard work I did, the months I spent going back and forth to the hospital to interview patients and the stressful days spent evaluating results, but it also rewards the great team of experts I had to guide me, without whom the research would not have been successful.

Great thanks to the cardiothoracic surgeon at Mater Dei Hospital Mr Joseph Galea who introduced me to his patients, instructed me how to communicate with them at their bedside, helped me with the setting up of the project and the evaluation of the results. I wish to thank all the pharmacists who helped me with my project especially Dr Maurice Zarb Adami, my tutor and Professor Lilian Azzopardi from the Department of Pharmacy at the university, for their help and support. Last but not least, I am grateful to all the participating patients. It was a fantastic experience to be at the conference amongst all colleagues from around Europe. I have surely learnt a lot from them and it was also an excellent opportunity for me to get to know other pharmacists and build contacts with them. The conference and the award were very motivating on a personal level. This experience has given me food for thought about continuing a post-graduate professional doctorate in clinical pharmacy (PharmD) to pursue my studies. I encourage all students to do their best and submit their work for evaluation. It is a great privilege to be of help to fellow human beings and winning an award such as this crowns one’s achievement. The joy, honour and pride one feels when his or her work is appreciated are beyond words.

Danika Aguis Decelis

danika-decelis@hotmail.com

Subcommittees The essence of Public Relations and External Affairs The Editorial Board and Fundraising subcommittees have only been recently established. Their helping hand has proved to be vital to the departments they work in and are truly an extension of the team. Very professional and hard-working, meet these members now! Editorial Board: “Being on the Editorial Board for the past two years has been a worthwhile experience from which I have learnt a lot about Pharmacy throughout Europe (without even having to leave the comfort of my bedroom!), as well as developing useful communication skills. I applied initially as I wanted to become involved in EPSA, and now I feel proud to have made the publications presentable and clear for members and sponsors.” Anne Downing “I have had a brilliant experience as a member of the EPSA Editorial Board. It’s an experience which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed! Not only is it great to feel like I’ve contributed towards EPSA publications but I believe I’ve learned a great deal about relevant pharmacy issues and EPSA events, all whilst developing my own personal skills. Definitely think we’re a hardworking subcommittee and I hope EPSA and the editorial board continues to do all its hard work!” Robert Nobrega

“I was always interested in PR as I am curious about communication and disclosure related projects! So I joined the Editorial Board - to improve my language skills as well as to work in a multi-national team and develop some transitional competencies. Looking back, I feel it was the right decision to join this Board as it is really easy to work and high perform our tasks! I feel our intervention has high impact on EPSA’s work - it has been awesome fellow EddyBoarders! See you all in Budapest!” Daniel Barreira “EddyBoard made me aware of the scientific and multicultural environment. Very much like an info spot, you have all the directions in one place. PR department’s activity, staggeringly well organized, commences with the content strategy and ends with achieving quality of display, articles we proof-read being harshly analysed, while aiming to properly convey the writer’s message. I believe phrasing makes a difference on the association’s trademark. Coordination is taking its toll on progress, which is why spreading the change the appropriate way draws professional attainment near.” Amalia Stroescu

Fundraising Subcommittee: “My motivation to join this committee was driven by my desire to gain international experience and also by the strength that this group should have in order to achieve its aim. To me, EPSA-FRSC represents good team work; interesting and stimulating tasks; collaboration and interaction with other teams. But the most important is the will to accomplish one task and do it well.” Carolina Coelho

“I’ve always had a fondness for money and goods. Joining the FRSC was an ample opportunity to turn my materialistic vanity into work for a noble cause. But really though, to work with funding and sponsorship for an EPSA congress? Cooperate closely with the RC and External Affairs department? Ensure that we try as hard as possible to get Red Bull to sponsor us with delicious, caffeinated energizers? Sign me up!” Magnus Høie

“I’ve been a member since the end of last year. I signed up for this committee because I wanted to experience different cultures and especially different working environments. Working for a European Federation like EPSA lets me face a heterogeneous mix of opinions which lets me reconsider my own. Hope to meet you soon on the upcoming events!”

“Being part of this subcommittee provides me an opportunity to supplement my experience in this area of work, broadening my horizons and allowing me to work with other people from all over Europe. FRSC was my way to bring my passion for fundraising and professionalism to EPSA. I truly believe that this committee will make EPSA events more special and unique which ultimately will benefit both students and EPSA.”

Daan Huntjens

João Mendes

“After a few executive positions in The Netherlands, I was ready to broaden my view on an international scale. And how can it be better than with EPSA? When the K.N.P.S.V. got wind of this subcommittee, they almost immediately contacted me to ask if I was interested in the Fundraising Committee. I hope to bring my experience to the team and I hope that we can be a great addition to the EPSA Team.”

“I joined the Fundraising Subcommittee, being familiar with the area of collecting resources. I would like to improve my knowledge on an international scale and gain even more experience from this. A lot of my expectations have been fulfilled so far and I can hardly wait for even more challenges.” Jasmina Kokol

Brian van den Eshof

EGA Internship The EGA welcomes new EPSA interns At the EGA (European Generic medicines Association) annual conference in Athens in 2013 EPSA Vice-President of External Affairs, Gabriela ValentovĂĄ expressed the willingness of the EPSA team to become more involved in the generic medicines industry and the interest shown by young pharmacists in the Brussels arena on how an industry association plays a role in the EU political environment and collaborates with other stakeholders. The European Generic medicines Association represents the European generic and biosimilar pharmaceutical industries, which provide high-quality cost-competitive medicines to millions of Europeans. Companies represented within the EGA provide over 150,000 jobs in Europe. Generic medicines save EU patients and healthcare systems over â&#x201A;Ź35 billion each year and account for 54% of all dispensed medicines but for only 21% of the pharmaceutical expenditure in Europe. 7% of its turnover is allocated to innovative R&D. We are very pleased to shortly welcome the first EPSA intern at the EGA, who will start by taking a leading role in defining a strategy on how the generic medicines industry can contribute in the battle against anti-microbial resistance.

As the use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine is associated with the emergence of resistance, it is crucial that antibiotics are prescribed and dispensed responsibly and used correctly. Non-adherence to antibiotic therapies may result in antibiotic resistance, as suboptimal doses of antibiotic therapy can result in insufficient antibiotic exposure for eradicating infectious bacteria and potentially create an environment that promotes antibiotic resistance. Therefore understanding the correct use of antibiotics and the reasons behind poor adherence to antibiotic therapies is crucial if the developing phenomenon of antibiotic resistance is to be controlled. If EPSA members would be interested in learning more about the EGA or the generic medicines industry, we would like to welcome you to attend our annual conference in Madrid (www.egagenerics. com), or to follow us on twitter (@egagenerics).

Maarten Van Baelen Pharmacist; Medical Affairs Manager, EGA

Young Pharmacy Poland “Out of the grave” Once established in 2000, Young Pharmacy (YP), being still a pretty young association, gains more than 500 members and is comprised of nine chapters based in nine pharmacy schools across the country. Although it once hosted the EPSA Annual Congress in Kraków and the EPSA Summer University in Warszawa, the past few years proved that its activity on the European level visibly decreased. What is even more confusing is that our organisation still remained active on the international level – within the IPSF, as some of our members are present in the Executive Team and are also members of various committees. As far as I am concerned, what kept YP members not that involved in the EPSA environment anymore was simply the lack of enthusiasm and commitment. I am over the moon to encounter that the situation is changing right now! I must admit that the idea of becoming the Liaison Secretary for Young Pharmacy Poland only came into my mind after having received the negative response of our involvement from YP’s ODs after the EPSA Autumn Assembly in Valencia. It was that factor that motivated me to apply for the position and then improve the way EPSA perceives us as an association. Here in Poland we are getting more and more active– with a well organised flow of information between the Executive on the national and local levels; extremely motivated and active people doing Health Campaigns; getting involved in actions that would enhance the improvement over the perception of our future profession and developing

our skills as future healthcare professionals. My duty is to make it all visible on the European level and to make our members realise that EPSA is also about them - not only by showing them how to benefit from the Ordinary Membership, but also how they can contribute to the benefit of EPSA. The fact that now we have a vast interest in the work of EPSA, it is just because the information is spread effectively. Fast and outcome-oriented communication is what I reckon to be a key to the smooth run of the association. Here in YP, starting this year, we created at every local level the position of EPSA & IPSF Contact Person. The post is basically about spreading the information further to the belonging members on the local level via Facebook groups, google groups, as well as presentations at the association meetings. What crossed my mind while wondering how to improve YP members’ knowledge was to make a presentation about EPSA during one of our YP weekends. These are events which usually consist of a conference, seminars, workshops and the General Assembly. The Pharmaceutical Care Contest & 3rd Weekend in Łódź was an event of this kind, taking

My duty is to make it all visible on the European level and to make our members realise that EPSA is also about them - not only by showing them how to benefit from the Ordinary Membership, but also how they can contribute to the benefit of EPSA.

place from 21st to 23rd of March 2014. Some time ago, I approached my “EPSA Buddy” – EPSA Vice President of Public Relations, Stefan Rack, to ask him for advice on how to best present EPSA on such an occasion. Stefan offered to come here and make the presentation himself! The weekend was extremely fruitful, full of innovative ideas on running the association led by an YP & EPSA spirit.

So now you think it is all so easy to apply here in Young Pharmacy, but it will not work for other associations. I agree it is not easy, but it really can be transmitted to your level. Start in small steps by bringing EPSA structure and projects closer to those individuals; peer promotion will only take it one step further. The memories from EPSA events spread among your members and work as the best advertisement – keep that in mind. I would finally suggest to keep up the good work and never forget your enthusiasm about EPSA – that is the vital thing you need in order to invigorate your association; then sit back and feel proud to see your nationals so active on the European level.

What I would recommend to other EPSA members willing to broaden their knowledge is to share the enthusiasm by inviting an EPSA Team member to present EPSA from a familiar point of view, usually different from ours. The case concerning many YP members willing to attend EPSA events is that people know there is always at least one person attending the event as well, which is me, their Liaison Secretary for Young Pharmacy Poland. I believe it gives them the sense of safety because they will travel with someone they know, whom they can always poke to talk on the event or at least because we are the same nationality. Still, it is not only about this. People can be easily motivated if only they are approached the proper way - such as feeding them with information so it reaches the ones interested in it, yet have no idea of such an event happening somewhere in Europe.

Katarzyna Świderek Liaison Secretary for Young Pharmacy Poland ls.youngpharmacy@gmail.com

Organizing an Annual Congress And how to do it in 5 months? I became the president of HuPSA (Hungarian Pharmaceutical Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association) in November 2012. At that time I had already been a member of the association for 3 years and I could see how students were into going abroad and embracing new experiences. So when I handed my application with my goals, one of them was to bring an international event to our country. This was one of the many reasons why I went to Catania for my very first EPSA event. I was impressed by the wave of warm welcomes from people I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t met before. During those 6 days I got to know so many amazing people and I was also very lucky to have made some friendships that will last a lifetime. I immediately fell in love with EPSA and its events, I wanted to share this incredible opportunity with my fellow students. My team was extremely supportive throughout the application process, and our connection has been growing and growing. The team is made up of a

group of pharmacy students from Budapest. Most had already known each other for a long time but organizing this great event has brought them even closer. It is nice to see how everybody has a different personality but still manages to work together as a team on our common goal. Despite being students who like to enjoy their university life, when it comes to the congress, they all take their job very seriously. We knew that putting up the congress together

It is nice to see how everybody has a different personality but still manages to work together as a team on our common goal. Despite being students who like to enjoy their university life, when it comes to the congress, they all take their job very seriously. would be an enormous task, but to have arranged everything in 5 months proved to be really exhausting.

Time has been a huge pressure on all of us. First finding the dates and accommodation, which took a really long time, finding the best option, which fits both the Reception Committee and the EPSA Team. As soon as we had the basics, we needed to start taking care of the small details, how and what it should look like. Whenever we felt like ‘Yes, we did it!’, another problem that needed solving arose. During these five months, we would go to bed and woke up with the congress on our minds. But organizing the EPSA Annual Congress is not

there is a doubt or need for some help, they are the ones you can always turn to. Their experience and skills can be really helpful; counting on them is the

Whenever we felt like ‘Yes, we did it!’, another problem that needed solving arose. During these five months, went to bed and we woke up with the congress on our minds. best decision I ever made. Now that the congress is here, Budapest is waiting for you to explore the heart of the city and absorb its beauty. I can only hope that you will enjoy it, meet new people and make lifelong friendships, ignite the EPSA spirit, fall in love with this beautiful capital city and more importantly, fall in love with EPSA like I did

only about arranging accommodation, meals, transportation and so on: you also have to make sure you have financial support. Sponsorships are never easy to get, thus we needed to work hard on a brochure that had very detailed options for all of our potential sponsors. Fortunately, as always, the EPSA Team and Fundraising Subcommittee were there to help us. They were a great support to the RC whenever we needed them. Being part of this wonderful team was a dream come true. I had the chance to attend two team meetings and get to know all the nice people I had been in constant contact with. In the beginning, I realised that one of the most important things was to have a really good communication with the EPSA Team whenever

Judit Pajor Chairperson of the 37th EPSA Annual Congress 2014 congresschair@epsa-online.org

Personal experience Breaking the barriers Balance, economic growth and high sustainability, hence its wide learning potential. Close insight into Asian culture coming from a wandering pharmacy student. Interviewee: Andreea Sălăgean, Liaison Secretary FASFR for EPSA, one lucky traveller to Indonesia! 1. As EPSA LS for FASFR Romania to Indonesia: How did that happen? Everything started when I came across AIESEC’s internship program. As an exchange participant, I had to choose a suitable project. Why Indonesia? I looked for a country which could offer a real “culture shock” and at the same time be involved in an interesting project that would make an educational impact.

My first experience with EPSA Summer University 2012 in Braşov, revealed to me a whole new world and gave me the START in a marathon of constant exchange of ideas with people across the globe. All these led to gaining the courage to leave the odds behind, get out of my comfort zone and fly to the other part of the world.

2. What did you do on your trip? For 7 weeks I have lived at an Indonesian family’s house. During the working days, I held a few sessions about cultural awareness and cross cultural communication in Saint Agnes Catholic High School, Surabaya. I explored the natural beauty of Indonesia, visited famous places like Bali, Mount Bromo and Yogyakarta and noticed fantastic traditional rituals at the core of the country. I enjoyed the whole package with a magical location, warm friendly people, charming culture, great weather and fabulous food. 3. How did you perceive their pharmaceutical development? At the moment, the Indonesian pharmaceutical market is a bit underdeveloped due to tight regulations for pharmaceutical companies and a preference for cheaper, traditional cures, but they are trying hard to rebuild their healthcare system and I believe that in the following years their pharmaceutical market will become comparable to ours and we should all keep an eye on their development.

6. What is your favourite Indonesian word and its significance? It is actually a phrase: “Kamu cantik!“ - it means “You are beautiful!” - the first thing I learned from my students, making it impossible to forget. 7. What are your future plans?

4. Besides cultural and spiritual matters that I am sure that fed you along the way, what was the main thing you became aware of after returning from the Southeast Asia?

All these encounters, mainly the numerous EPSA activities I took part in, proved how many opportunities pharmacist students have and for the future I intend to attend as many as possible as they always proved very challenging and helpful to the plans we put forward. Thank you, Andreea, for providing us with over the top storytelling from further corners of the world!

Living just by myself for more than a month in a foreign land changed me in a radical way, gave me a new perspective on life. I returned to Romania convinced that the world is an extraordinary place where you meet amazing people who have a striking effect on you. 5. Since we’re so fond of chemistry, to what extent do you believe previous EPSA experience went as a catalyst while signing up for a crossing barrier exchange? My first experience with EPSA Summer University 2012 in Braşov, revealed to me a whole new world and gave me the START in a marathon of constant exchange of ideas with people across the globe. All these led to gaining the courage to leave the odds behind, get out of my comfort zone and fly to the other part of the world.

Andreea Salagean LS for FASFR, Romenia andreeasalagean11@gmail.com

Alumni Where are they now? EPSA lives long in the memory of the professionals working in the pharmacy world. Any student who was an EPSA official, part of the EPSA Team or is an EPSA Trainer will always be part of the EPSA Family - as Alumni. We caught up with a number of professionals working in different sectors of the profession and ask them about their experiences after being involved in EPSA. Aysha Blagolash Right now I am doing a traineeship at the European Medicine Agency (EMA) based in London. Thanks to the EPSA IMP project I applied to, I was accepted for a traineeship in 2011 in “Asphalion Ltd” an International Scientific and Regulatory Affairs consultancy firm based in Barcelona. Jules Heuberger I am currently working as a clinical scientist at the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) in Leiden, The Netherlands. CHDR is a clinical research organisation that performs clinical trials for the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies and self-initiated research, focusing on early clinical development, with many First in Man studies and

Proof of Concept studies. I am involved in designing the clinical study, protocol writing, contact with the Ethics Committee, managing logistics and communicating between all involved parties, data analysis (e.g. PK/PD modelling), report writing and the execution of the clinical study itself. It is a varying and sometimes challenging job. One of the best things about my work is that I am directly involved in the development and see them being tested and evolve in clinical practice! On top of that, the job is at the same time a PhD position but also the educational way in becoming a Clinical Pharmacologist, hoping to graduate both. The experience of being in EPSA gave me confidence and experience. In the pharmaceutical world, contact and communication is very important, and this is something that flourishes in EPSA. Additionally, the positive attitude that it possesses is very contagious and boosts confidence. Ema Paulino I am a community pharmacist at my own pharmacy in Almada, Portugal. I am also an accountant for the development and implementation of pharmaceutical services in a virtual chain of 140 pharmacies - Farmácias Holon. I am President of the Lisbon and South Branch of the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society and represent this organisation at various international groups. I have previously been a Secretary of the Community Pharmacy Section and Chairperson of the Young Pharmacists’ Group, whereas now I am the Professional Secretary of FIP.

As Secretary General in EPSA, I lived in Leiden as Permanent Officer for the organisation. To get funding for my accommodation and allowing us to use their facilities for the EPSA office, I was primary researcher in an international collaboration on identification of drug related problems in discharged patients, under the umbrella of the Stevenshof

The experience of being in EPSA gave me confidence and experience. In the pharmaceutical world, contact and communication is very important, and this is something that flourishes in EPSA. Institute for Pharmacy Practice Research (SIR) and the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP). That allowed me to meet several pharmacy practice researchers. In addition, my international experience was a great asset for my involvement on the board of the National Association of Pharmacies (ANF) and then the Pharmaceutical Society. Niamh Fitzgerald

While in EPSA, I learned to speak, write reports and study in a way that was different from university. I learned a lot about myself, particularly the things I am good at (or not so good at), I also learned how good it is to work with people you trust in something you believe it is important. I gained a lot of experience in leading an organization and team and thinking strategically about where to take them and how to get there! All of this represents lifelong learning that I carry with me daily. I still believe in the EPSA motto: work hard, party harder. Ion-Bogdan Dumitrescu Above all, working for EPSA as Publications Officer, meant being part of a large group of hearty volunteers that aimed at bringing ever closer the pharmacy students across Europe. Reminiscing about those times, I recalled that the first thing I ever did for EPSA was a Christmas card that was sent to all members. That gift returned to me at the end of my activity in EPSA. Even now, besides teaching at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Bucharest, the skills I learned while in EPSA helped a lot in my work for the editorial team of the top pharmaceutical journal in Romania.

Since my time in EPSA I have specialised in research and training on public health and since February this year I have a new post: Lecturer in Alcohol Studies at the Institute for Social Marketing at the University of Stirling, which is part of the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies. I am responsible for the teaching and the public engagement in alcohol policy and practice for UKCTAS. I also conduct research in this area especially on changing behaviours of patients, young people and practitioners.

Members’ page What’s going on in EPSA countries?

The 72nd BPSA Annual Conference has just taken place at De Montfort University in Leicester. This massive seven day event hosted over 200 students from the all over the UK and was also attended by the President EPSA, Tiia Metiäinen.

UBIpharma were quite busy having their “Skills4Us” training weekend. Rumour has it another EPSA executive and trainer delivered a couple of incredible training sessions and they danced and laughed. A lot.

Paris is always a good idea! Three of our EPSA Team made their way to the French capital in February to take part in their General Assembly.

Discussions heated up at FIPSA’s National Weekend Congress, where they talked about “Medicine abuse and problematic situations in pharmacies”.

The Nordic pharmaceutical students’ annual meeting: Pinsestevnet, dating back to 1937, took place in Uppsala, Sweden. The event gathered students from all the North, including a record amount of 4 Icelandic students.

Slovaks and Czechs met up the Polish in Krakow to participate in an SPC Leadership Camp. Later on, YP also organized their Annual Conference and a member of the EPSA executive also gave a training. Looks like Polish are always on the go!

Not only are preparations for the upcoming Summer University in getting very hot, MPSA (Macedonia) are also busy with their “First Macedonian and Fourth Adriatic Congress on Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research”. We hope a lovely swim in those crystal blue waters will cool off everything.

MPSA, this time from Malta, was busy organizing the Annual Pharmacy Symposium where students presented their theses among many professionals. A new executive was also elected and closed off the week by putting together a lovely Gala Dinner.

Read more about these and related stories on www.epsa-online.org/blog 29

Events page See what’s coming up the next months June

September

Rencontres Pharma d’Été

Expopharm

When? 29th of June - 5th of July Where? Villecroze, France What? 7 days of fun, parties, meetings, sport, games... If you want to taste the French spirit come to the RPE!! The event’s language will be French. How much? €190.Contact? Capucine: vp-international@anepf.org

July EPSA Summer University

When? 21st - 27th of July Where? Ohrid, Macedonia What? Over a hundred of international pharmacy students coming together for one week to enjoy a mixed program of EPSA soft skills trainings and social activities. How much? €220.Website? http://epsa-online.org/su2014/ Contact? Ivana: chairperson_su2014@hotmail.com

International Pharmaceutical Summer Camp

When? 15th - 20th of July Where? Srednji Radenci, Slovenia What? The project is intended to connect students from different countries through educational programs, different sports activities, cultural themed evenings and wild theme parties. This year’s theme is “skin”. The event’s language will be English. How much? To be announced. Contact? Eva: epsals.slo@gmail.com Get

to know more about these events via

When? 17th - 20th of September Where? Munich, Germany What? It is one of the biggest pharmaceutical trade fairs in Europe. Many interesting companies and institutions, most of them German, have their booth there. This way you can get informed about innovations and new offers in the European field of pharmacy. How much? To be determined Website? http://www.expopharm.de/en/ Contact? Kathrin: epsa@bphd.de

October EPSA Autumn Assembly

When? 28th of October - 2nd of November Where? Hradec Králové, Czech Republic What? Join EPSA’s second biggest event to learn during the Educational Symposium, interact during the workshops, develop during the Soft Skill Trainings, discuss during the General Assembly, get to know Czech culture and new people from all over Europe. How much? €220.Website? http://czechitin2014.scsf.cz/ Contact? Tereza: chairperson-aa@epsa-online.org

Event Calendar

on www.epsa-online.org

Would you like for your event know! events@epsa-online.org 30

to appear here?

Let

EPSA Executive Contacts EPSA President Tiia Metiäinen president@epsa-online.org

EPSA VP of Public Relations Stefan Rack vp.pr@epsa-online.org

EPSA VP of Education Jorge Batista vp.education@epsa-online.org

EPSA VP of External Affairs Gabriela Valentová vp.ea@epsa-online.org

EPSA Secretary General Rui Saldanha secgen@epsa-online.org

EPSA VP of Mobility Rita Figueira vp.mobility@epsa-online.org

EPSA Treasurer Srđan Radak treasurer@epsa-online.org

EPSA Office Rue du Luxembourg 19-21, 1000 Bruxelles, BELGIUM

Have you enjoyed reading this EPSA Newsletter? Now you can subscribe the EPSA Newsletter and receive it, three times per year, at your home, as a an Individual Member! How to do it? Go to www.epsa-online.org/, “Members” and check out the page about the Individual Membership. Fill in the application form and send it to the EPSA Secretary General (secgen@epsa-online.org). You should also send the proof of payment to EPSA Treasurer (treasurer@epsa-online.org) Keep yourself updated!

EPSANEWS LETTER

bringing pharmacy, knowledge and students together Volume 21 | Edition 2 | February 2014 www.epsa-online.org

mHealth Towards a brighter future this newsletter is produced by EPSA and is distributed to all EPSA members, national pharmaceutical students’ organisations, faculties, ofﬁcial bodies and partners

Advocacy Platform for pharmacy students

EPSA and EMSA Our professional collaboration starts now

European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association