V22e1 by EPSA

European Pharmaceutical Students' Association | www.epsa-online.org Bringing pharmacy knowledge and students together. Volume 22 | Edition 1 | October 2014

Summer University: Powering up of the City of Lights

Science: Three different interesting projects

Interprofessional Collaboration: Starting with yourself

As part of GSK and with access to a library of more than two million molecules, we combine skin science expertise with breakthrough innovation capabilities to deliver a portfolio of prescription and daily skincare products.

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Table of contents Editor’s words Presidential words

New team Member of the year LS and NIMP of the year

6 8 9

Annual Congress report Summer University

10 12

Science 14 Science Day winner 15 LLC 16

TWINNET 19

Where are they now?

EAFP-EPSA Collaboration Interprofessional Collaboration

24 26

Map of Europe Events Calendar EPSA Executive contacts

29 30 31

Dear readers, In front of you lays the first edition of the 22nd volume of the EPSA Newsletter, made by the EPSA Team 2014-2015. The creation of this new EPSA Newsletter has taken an important role in the work of the PR department over the last months. Ideas for a new diversion into different topics were implemented and a new design has been developed according to these plans. After the EPSA Editorial board was established, articles were proofread and the final shape was given. Inside you will find the usual reports from our last events, articles about the LLC project, Science and TWINNET. You can also find interviews with the winners of the Science Day, Member of the year award, LS and NIMP of the year award. For the external point of view we had an interview with our new board of trustees member Lilian Azzopardi about the collaboration with EAFP and an article about interprofessional collaboration with other European students’ health associations. The alumni section will be a returning topic, where alumni will explain where they are now and how EPSA helped them reach that point. I would like to thank all contributors to this Newsletter, EPSA team, LSs, external authors, but also the Editorial board, for their great efforts. Leaves it up to me to wish you much pleasure reading this first edition of the year.

Svenja Laarhuis

EPSA Vice President of Public Relations vp.pr@epsa-online.com

Special thanks to: Barbora Kadlecová - Design and Editing, Maria Pace - Coeditor Editorial Board: Teresa Dominguez, Zane Jūra, Sultan Khan, Emma Bates, Turlough Heffernan, Carolina Alves www.epsa-online.org | @EPSA_Online

Presidential words 4

New beginnings Dear EPSA friends,

Never had I thought, 4 years ago, when I was participating in a TWINNET exchange between Serbia and Czech Republic, that Hradec Králové would be the starting point of my EPSA adventure. Writing these words feels again like a starting point, as the first edition of the EPSA Newsletter for the mandate 2014-2015 is published in the same city. During these 4 years in EPSA I have seen projects developing and growing as well as people developing and growing; I have seen the change EPSA has made in me and I have seen the change we have made in EPSA. Hopefully, it was all for better. What have we improved since the last Newsletter edition and General Assembly held in Budapest? After two months of handover period, in July in Helsinki, where our first Team Meeting took place, Team 2014-2015 was ready to start the mandate. EPSA Team made a strategy for the upcoming year, detailing the plan of every individual and discussing how to bring EPSA closer to a national and local level, closer to students, closer to YOU. EPSAgoesLocal will be the motto of the Team 2014-2015 with the aim to engage more students into EPSA and EPSA’s projects by ensuring constant exchange of information and opinions between members.

To help facilitate that process, we have a brand new position in the EPSA Executive - Vice President of Internal Affairs - whose main task is to help in the management of EPSA’s internal affairs: our members, Alumni network and EPSA events. It is well known that EPSA events equal to good social programmes and even better educational programmes. The case was the same with this year’s Summer University held in Ohrid, Macedonia, at the end of July. EPSA Team was not only busy attending our events, but also external ones, providing continuity and further developing collaboration with our student and professional partners. You can read more about new initiatives in the pages to follow. However, do not stop at reading. Engage, get involved and make a change in yourself, in the people around you, in projects and in EPSA. Make this Autumn Assembly in Hradec Králové your starting point. And who knows, maybe you will be the one writing a page in EPSA’s history 4 years from now!

Yours in EPSA,

Svetlana Kolundžić EPSA President

president@epsa-online.org

European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association

EPSA Team 2014/2015 6

Meet the new team

European Pharmaceutical Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association

www.epsa-online.org | @EPSA_Online

Member of the year 8

NAPSer stands for friendship Why do pharmacy students in Serbia love NAPSer? Why do they join the organization? When we try to find answers to these questions, we always think of NAPSer congress and various other projects NAPSer implements, such as the patient counselling and clinical skill events, many public health campaigns, the inevitable TWINNET. However, while reading some old interviews with NAPSer’s founders, I came to the right answer - FRIENDSHIP. NAPSer was established on the basis of a great friendship between a few people, knowing that the voice of a group is louder than the voice of individuals. They wished to bring together pharmacy students who share the same interests by working in this organization. For years, it has grown into something much bigger and NAPSer has now developed into a strong and internationally respected organisation.

Today, to be a part of NAPSer means to be surrounded by friends, to learn while having fun during the several projects and motivational weekends, or just to have a great time at one of the open bars traditionally organized by each local

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office or at NAPSer barbecue, which brings together all members of NAPSer, from founders to current members. NAPSer breaks the monotony of studying, makes it more interesting and productive, once one gets the work experience that is not acquired at faculty. It teaches us we can move the limits with teamwork. With each completed project, students become richer, both in experience and friendship. The organization provides us with the opportunity to meet colleagues from abroad - through learning and fun we can get acquainted with other cultures, customs and gain friends for life. So when someone asks me why I love NAPSer, my answer is: “I love it because it has made my studying more interesting and because it expanded my horizons, because it allowed me to meet my best friend on a students’ exchange program in Zagreb and because of all the wonderful people I have met so far as well as the ones I‘ll meet in the future!”

Milica Jovanović

LS for NAPSer, Serbia ls@napser.org

LS and NIMP of the year

Meet our LS and NIMP of the year 2013-2014 Franjo Čaić

Raluca Radu

1. Why did you choose to become an LS?

1. How did you decide on becoming a NIMP?

International collaboration attracted me ever since I started learning foreign languages. Since I first thought about becoming an EPSA LS, I knew it was going to change my life in a positive way, and it did. My passion for CPSA is probably why I was proclaimed as LS of the Year. I love my job and I believe I do it well.

I owe that to my predecessor Monica, once she presented me with this opportunity and pushed me to apply. I still consider it one of the best decisions I’ve made so far.

2. Do you believe that Croatian students are now more aware of EPSA and the opportunities it can provide? They tell me they are. We had representatives in almost every international event. With CPSA celebrating its 20th birthday, I am honoured to be LS, and proud to say we will be organizing our first national congress in October. 3. How do you think that EPSA can keep developing and improve as an association? Hard work and small steps make big differences. I see ambitious students in every EPSA Team Member. 4. Do you have any advice or lessons for future Liaison Secretaries? Be a strong connection between EPSA and your association. Love and work for the benefits of your members!

Franjo Čaić

2. Do you think that Romanian students are now more aware of EPSA and the possibilities that IMP can offer? I would certainly like to believe so, with two Romanian students selected for a placement this year. However the promotion of EPSA and its opportunities is a work in progress. 3. How do you think EPSA can keep developing and improving as an association? Through the core of our organisation, its members. By helping them develop, you become more visible on the local and national level, and implicitly on the European one. You get better team members and better inputs from more motivated national officers. 4. Do you have any advice or lessons for future NIMP coordinators? Besides enjoying it? Promote the possibilities to students, make them aware of what they’re missing. Try to improve your position, and you might discover you improved yourself in the process as well!

Raluca Radu

LS for CPSA 2013-2014, Croatia

NIMP for FASFR 2013-2014, Romania

cpsa.ls@gmail.com

ls.epsa.ssfb@gmail.com

www.epsa-online.org | @EPSA_Online

37th EPSA Annual Congress 2014 10

The Hungarian experience

400 pharmacy students and Educational program pharmacists, altogether in one place, The next morning we had breakfast and left by for one week: Budapest. The topic of bus to the Semmelweis University, where at 9:00 this Annual Congress? “Interprofessional the first Symposium started. A major aspect of the Annual Congress was educational, with the inclusion Collaboration and Education”. It was my second time at an EPSA Annual Congress, yet I still was filled with the same excitement I felt prior to my first one, once the thought of trying to acquaint ourselves with everyone due to the shear number of participants arriving from all over Europe was a daunting prospect.

Firstly my friends from GPSF (Greek Pharmaceutical Students Federation) and I travelled by plane on 24th April to Budapest. We stayed at the Danubius Hotel Aréna, where all participants from the congress stayed and everything started on Friday 25th April. At 21:00 we went to the Congress Opening Ceremony. There I met friends who I had met for first time in the Autumn Assembly last year (which was my first EPSA congress).It was a pleasant night and we enjoyed every second of it. The occasion was a formal affair as it was a black tie event, and the food and drink provided included champagne and delicious finger foods. The ceremony was opened by the president of EPSA, along with the members of EPSA Team. At the end of the night we all danced together at European hits.

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of workshops, which were lead by teachers and experts in pharmaceutical science, training sessions and General Assemblies.

My favorite part of the Annual Congress were the elections. The official delegates elected the new EPSA Executive and decided who would host both the Summer University and Autumn Assembly in 2015. AEFFUL (from Lisbon, Portugal) was awarded hosting rights for the SU and MPSA (Malta) for the AA.

Social program

Every Congress day ended with a “theme night”. The second night was dubbed the “animal party” and all participants dressed like animals. Cats, mice and cows were the most popular choices but my favorite was definitely the donkey costume. It was

The inevitable ending of the congress was marked by the Gala night, which was an extravagant event to say the least. Boys dressed very formally, and the girls in their most dazzling dresses. However, it was a night of mixed emotions as everyone knew it was time to say goodbye. a night with much laughter and dancing, and a bit of alcohol. The third night was my favorite: the international night. The international night embraces different cultures, countries and nationalities. You could taste all the different national drinks and foods which people brought to the congress. Greece brought ouzo, tsipouro, olives and tzatziki and I hope everybody enjoyed it. We also took part in the traditional dances of each country like the macarena and the greek syrtaki! In my opinion, the most interesting night was the Hungarian night. We tasted traditional foods from Hungary (mainly soups) and we danced Hungarian dances! As part of the dress code we all had to wear moustaches.

Great experience The Annual Congress 2014 in Budapest was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I will cherish every moment of it. I cannot wait for the next EPSA Congress, the Autumn Assembly in Czech Republic!

Kyriaki Konstantakopoulou LS for GPSF, Greece

ls.gpsf@gmail.com

www.epsa-online.org | @EPSA_Online

16th EPSA Summer University 12

Ohrid, the City of Lights

When a friend told me about the EPSA “Summer University” in Macedonia I really wanted to go. It was my first EPSA event and I was wondering what an EPSA event is like, excited to meet other pharmacy students from all over Europe and also curious about learning something new. The topic this year was based on pharmaceutical business which was a relatively new field for me.

mountains to try a traditional Macedonian fish. For me the best part was when we finally arrived in our accommodation for the next two nights, located in a hut in the mountains of Ohrid with a breathtaking view over the city and it is lake.

The Pre-Tour The Summer University started with the pre-tour when I met twelve other people at Skopje. For the next three days we would visit the most beautiful places in Macedonia. I really enjoyed the pre-tour! I was nervous to go there because I was alone and didn’t know anyone. But just as soon as we started the tour in our small bus everybody started talking and so we got to know each other pretty quickly.

Our first stop was a vineyard, where we also had a huge and very delicious lunch and the opportunity to try some local wines. After that, we drove to Bitola (a city in the southwest of Macedonia), where we were given a tour guided by a local pharmacy student. For dinner we went to a restaurant hidden in the

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The second day we visited some monasteries and a national park nearby, followed by a very filling lunch and dinner. The last day of the pre-tour we spent hiking, swimming and watching the sunset at a beach, an experience I will always cherish.

The Event After an unforgettable and very well organised three days, I was even more eager to officially start the “Summer University” programme. On Monday we moved to the hotel where the whole event would take place. During the day more and more people arrived and everybody was really excited. At the opening night the RC introduced themselves and had a short speech. During some cocktails and snacks we had the chance to socialise. Every day started with workshops or training sessions for which we had applied for the day before. The speakers ranged from Professors to students. It was interesting to hear so many different points of view as we were given the opportunity to debate at the end of each workshop. On the other hand, the training sessions were more interactive than the workshops and this gave everyone a great chance to get acquainted.

The afternoons were filled with activities such as: diving, sightseeing, sailing, paragliding and a boat trip. There was always something to do, it was never boring and the weather was spectacular. One day we also had a public health campaign which was about hygiene and how to wash your hands properly.

Ohrid and – my favourite one - the Beach Party on the final evening.

Besides the education and free time program we also had some nice parties in the evenings. The International Night, where you could try typical food from the countries that the participants brought from home, the Gala Night, where everybody was dressed up for an amazing Macedonian dinner, the

“

Public Health Campaign The 16th EPSA Summer University was enriched with another activity - the Public Health Campaign which was held in the beautiful city of Ohrid. The main goal to us as future health care professionals, was to raise awareness and stress the importance of hygiene and how we can maintain health and prevent the spread of disease.

The participants were divided into a few groups, and each group was given leaflets, wet wipes and bacteria-shaped teddy bears which were to be given to the children. After that, we went around the city’s cafes and beaches. We all had a great time sharing knowledge and received great feedback from the public and many joyful smiles from the little ones.

”

All in all the trip exceeded each and every one of my expectations! The educational programme was very informative, I learned a lot of new things and the schedule was not too strict. I can not wait to go to the next EPSA event and meet up with all the friendly people I met and share all my new experiences.

Melina Kraus Participant of the 16th EPSA Summer University

Emilija Nikolovska

Club Night, where we had a look into the nightlife of

www.epsa-online.org | @EPSA_Online

Who said Science was boring? 14

Something for everyone

The upcoming Science Excursion will be held in Kuks Hospital where the Museum of Pharmacy is situated. We will walk through the evolution of the pharmacist’s profession and learn about it from a more intimate setting.

Science Day The EPSA Science Day has been established to give students the opportunity to present their research during the EPSA Annual Congress. Students do this in the form of an oral presentation and a poster competition. It is an amazing way to expand your personal skills in a very comfortable atmosphere but with a sufficient amount of professionalism. The posters and presentations are judged by a EUFEPS (European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences) representative, the Science Coordinator and a guest judge. The most recent winner was rewarded with a free ticket to a EUFEPS congress. Future Science Days will hand out even greater rewards thanks to the generosity of the PhP (Pharmaceutical Press).

Science Excursion The Science Excursion will be unveiled for the very first time during the 11th EPSA Autumn Assembly, Hradec Králové. The idea is to bring students closer to science and to broaden the Congress experience to an interactive and local surrounding.

European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association

ESSP The ESSP (EPSA Students’ Science Publication) is a publication presenting abstracts on research performed by students. It is a brilliant opportunity for students to begin their transition from student life to professional life as their abstracts are reviewed by experts from EUFEPS.

Janice Geers

EPSA Science Coordinator

science@epsa-online.org

Winner of the EPSA Science Day Interview with the winner During our 6th edition of the EPSA Science Day in Budapest 15 participants presented their research in front of a jury including a representative from EUFEPS. Janice Geers (LS at the time) won the competition. Read the interview with her on winning the award and running for Science Coordinator below.

4. What do you think about the EPSA Science Day? The EPSA Science Day is honestly an amazing opportunity to develop some great skills. It also helps you to expand your borders and to motivate yourself to bring your work to the next level.

1. Can you briefly and clearly explain to us what your research is about? My research is about a complex but essential cellular mechanism, called autophagy, which is crucial for the survival of the cell. Daily the cell clears up its content, but autophagy can also be induced during very stressful conditions. This process is very well regulated by many proteins. I tried to understand the potential role of ALG-2 (= a Ca2+-binding protein) in this process. This fundamental research could potentially open new doors for pharmaceutical drug development, as autophagy impairment has been seen in many pathophysiologies. 2. Where and for how long did you perform your research? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve performed 15 weeks of research at KU Leuven, in the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Leuven, Belgium. 3. What kind of personal skills have you learned? I think this period of research was one of the most interesting and self-fulfilling periods of my student curriculum up until now. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned how to work independently and how to manage having a lot of responsibilities, by having my own project, though I was working with very experienced people.

5. Was winning the Science Day for you a reason to run for the Science Coordinator position? I would rather say participating in the Science Day was one of the biggest motifs for me to run for this position. Winning definitely raised my self-confidence. 6. What are your plans for the future? I am now doing my last year of studies and I am currently working in a community pharmacy as an intern. I really like my internship, so my short-term vision now is to become an amazing pharmacist and to graduate successfully. In the long term, I would like to contribute to the evolution of the health care system, potentially by becoming a researcher, but I am planning to maintain the interaction with patients as a pharmacist. A combination would thus be great.

www.epsa-online.org | @EPSA_Online

Lifelong Learning 16

Your Journey in Becoming the Most Wanted What is your ambition? Do you wish to become a community pharmacist or perhaps a clinical pharmacist? Would you like to join the pharmaceutical industry and contribute in research and development of new pharmaceuticals? Or are you aiming higher and have a definite goal, such as becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Novartis? Sit back for a moment, get comfortable and think who you really wish to become. Do not limit yourself, set your goals high. Challenge yourself. Have you got it? Now think about how you will reach your ultimate goal. Is there anything that you can do now while being a student to come closer to your goal? It might take few years or even decades to become who you wish to be, but you must start now. But how?

Continuing professional development Start by being proactive, take part in various extracurricular activities during your degree. Find out what you are passionate about and continue exploring that area. Commit yourself to lifelong self-directed learning - Continual Professional Development (CPD). Continual professional development? Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t this start when I begin practicing as a pharmacist? Traditionally, yes. However, numerous schools of pharmacy across Europe have recognised the benefits of the CPD and are now implementing it into their curriculum. Does this mean that completing CPD at my school would suffice? No. As everyone has to complete their CPD portfolio at the school, there is nothing to separate you from your peers.

European Pharmaceutical Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association

EPSA has been working hard, developing a different model that will enable you to excel above your peers by demonstrating your competencies and being recognised for your efforts.

The EPSA Lifelong Learning Certificate (LLC) project is a dynamic learning tool that accompanies your active participation in learning activities which assist you in developing and maintaining continual competence, enhancing your professional practice, and supporting achievement of your career goals. Participating in our project demonstrates your personal ambition in developing yourself professionally.

Our approach We are committed to quality. Our educational programmes are competency based, reflect a vision for pharmacy practice and education developed through profession-wide consensus, are of high quality and meet the needs of our professional standards. Your LLC portfolio demonstrates how you have developed your competencies throughout your degree by documenting and evaluating your individualised educational plan, which is tailored towards your personal learning needs. LLC is progressive, meaning that you have to show a higher level of learning as you progress throughout your degree. We champion your commitment to change by rewarding you with the personalised LLC upon successfully demonstrating your competencies. Your LLC portfolio is your personal journey on becoming the most wanted pharmacist.

How do I start?

Any questions?

You can start by defining your goals and writing your personal action plan on how you will achieve them. You then participate in events that interest you, such as one of our events or accredited events that are organised locally/nationally. Reflect on what you have learned, the soft skills that you have developed or improved and identify your future learning needs in order to further enhance your competencies. You can map all of your activities on your portfolio. Once you feel you qualify for the certificate, send us a request to review it and we will assess it. The Educational Affairs Coordinator will provide you with feedback and if you have met the standards, we will reward you with a personalised certificate.

If you have any questions or if you require any further information on how to record your LLC online:

At this current stage, the LLC project is limited to the events organised by EPSA or EPSA accredited local/national events. However, we are developing a new model that will allow you to map other activities on your portfolio that relate to professional development.

Get your event accredited!

Organise an event

• Visit:

• Email the Educational Affairs Coordinator at: edu.affairs@epsa-online.org

“

Apply online (details of the event, event programme, CVs of speakers, event report)

If you or your local/national organisation is organising an event, you can accredit it by submitting an application form online. The Educational Affairs Coordinator will assess the application and you will be informed about the outcome (direct accreditation or request for additional information). In order to qualify for an accreditation, the event has to have a high-quality educational programme.

”

EPSA evaluates the application

Accreditation

David Kološič

EPSA Educational Affairs Coordinator edu.affairs@epsa-online.org

www.epsa-online.org | @EPSA_Online

Bayer & Society

Responsibility. We value your health and well-being, which drives us to perform at our best â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is our commitment.

Bayer Consumer Care AG, Peter Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4002 Basel www.healthcare.basel.bayer.com European Pharmaceutical Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association

TWINNET

Twinning Spain and Serbia TWINNET, a program implemented by EPSA a few years ago, has already proven to be very successful. For those who don’t know what TWINNET, is all about, it is simply a team mobility program that aims to enhance the exchanges among EPSA members. In other words, it offers a great opportunity for us to go on exchange trips to those countries that we find very interesting, which we have always wanted to visit or to meet up with friends made in the last Congress. Furthermore, it is an amazing way to learn more about how pharmacy works in other European countries. If you would like to organise a TWINNET, it would be very helpful for you to read about the experience of previous coordinators. Here are two accounts of previous TWINNETs written by the coordinators from Barcelona and Novi Sad:

Carlos:

“

Our TWINNET experience began with us being highly motivated and full of expectations. Our first step entailed contacting the EPSA Vice President of Mobility. Next, we organised a TWINNET committee in our association where we voted for the coordinator. As coordinator, it is important to make the team work efficiently. One must appoint the following officers: a treasurer who is capable of managing the budget; a publicity coordinator who creates all the advertising; an educational coordinator who ensures the quality of the workshops and training;

a social programme coordinator who secures the best venues and finally a committee that helps to get the project underway. Our first attempt at securing a partner was unsuccessful as it was impossible to synchronise the dates. We had much better luck on our next attempt and fixed the dates for the exchange - the first week of March in Barcelona and the first week of May in Novi Sad.

Finding sponsors for the TWINNET is essential. This is easier said than done. In our experience, there is no need to focus solely on pharmaceutical-related companies. One could also try food, tourism and leisure companies and even local banks. Finally, the day of the TWINNET arrived and we met our guests from Serbia. After the accommodation was sorted, we all went to a nearby pub to get to know one another. The following day, we introduced our guests to the representatives of the College of Pharmacists of Barcelona. During the week we had educational programs and soft skills activities in the morning; sightseeing, historical tours and entertainment in the evenings; and for those who like partying there were rock concerts and clubbing at night time. On free days, people could go shopping or visit a seaside town. And that marked the end of the first part of the TWINNET.

”

Nemanja:

“

First of all, I must say that this project benefitted me a lot, both as a participant and coordinator. It was my second time on the TWINNET project, but my first as coordinator. As my fellow coordinator said, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

It wasn’t so hard to organise the second part of TWINNET, as I already knew the people coming - their attitude, their interests and personalities. I started on time and always consulted with my colleagues about our plans. We were so happy to see and host our friends from Barcelona when they finally came. It was a great responsibility for me to keep everything in order and I believe I achieved that. I feel that I have the right to think so because of the feedback we received. I don’t want to bother you with the details but I think that our guests had a really good time in Serbia.

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In the end, I must give my personal opinion about this project. I think that the essence of this project is in forging new friendships and relationships that can sometimes last very long. As someone said, friends are those who make us rich - so it implies that this project is valuable.

”

We hope that reading our experiences will help you a lot in the preparations of your own TWINNET and encourage you to get involved. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a matter of confidence in your own capabilities that separates a failed project from a success. Accomplishing a TWINNET project will introduce you to both leading a team of motivated students and to organising events.

More information about the TWINNET project? Check the QR code below:

1. Contact the EPSA Grant Coordinator During the project, the connection grows between both associations. The participants are able to make strong friendships based on everything they have in common. We are all students and future pharmacists with high expectations about our futures. We learn to appreciate the things that differentiate each culture the lifestyle, food and character. A network has now been built between both associations based not only on the common project but also on the friendships between the members from both associations. That is one of the highest achievements of the TWINNET project. Of course, if you are thinking of making a Trino or a Quatrino then the reward is multiplied three or four times! Whatever you do, be ready to have a once-in-alifetime experience making your own TWINNET. The experience will really equip you with soft skills and will mould you into a student of exceptional versatility who can ably handle a wide variety of projects. Moreover, you will grow a close, friendly and cooperative network with the partner association and because of everything that has been stated it will help you to grow as a person.

2. Settle a TWINNET Organising Committee 3. Decide who is the TWINNET Coordinator 4. Decide the TWINNET Partner 5. Establish a regular communication 6. Establish a number of participants 7. Decide on the dates of the exchange 8. Decide the TWINNET Topic 9. Promotion of the event 10. Fundraising for the event 11. Final Programme

Where are they now? 22

Directly from the EPSA Alumni themselves João da Silva Duarte I started in EPSA back in 2009 as a Public Health Working Committee Director. In 2010, I was elected Vice President of Education and started working as a member of the RC of the 34th EPSA Annual Congress, in Lisbon 2011. In 2012, I succumbed to the EPSA Spirit call and joined EPSA again as Alumni Coordinator. Currently I am one of EPSA’s Honorary Life Members. Regarding my professional path, I started in a small pharmaceutical company in Lisbon as a scientific assistant in 2011, while I was still in EPSA. However, in the same year I applied to the Traineeship of

the European Medicines Agency in London, and was lucky enough to be selected, staying there for 9 months before boarding to Paris, where I have worked now for almost two and a half years as a Regulatory Intelligence & Policy Manager. The company, Lundbeck, is a Danish company developing medicines for use in the area of central nervous system. My advice to the younger generation would be to use your University years wisely: dare to step outside your comfort zone, travel, get involved in Associations like EPSA, meet fellow pharmacists from other countries. This will not only enrich your academic experiences but it will also help you develop personally and professionally to be a competent pharmacist and a better human being.

Gjoshe Stefkov I got my EPSA “infection” at my first General Assembly, in Bordeaux 1995. At the time, as a student, I was one of the founders of the Scientific Research Association, mainly organizing international pharmacognostic summer research camps in the mountains. Many Macedonian and European pharmacy students would participate in these events. In 1997, we also organized the First International Scientific Symposia for pharmacy students in Ohrid, Macedonia. These events were presumably the direct ancestors of the EPSA Summer University as you know it and I actively participated in three of them (in 2003, 2007 and 2014) as a lecturer and member of the RC, when they were held in Macedonia.

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Since my student years, my whole professional life has been dedicated to the academy and science. My fields of scientific research include: Medicinal and Aromatic plants (MAP), Natural Products, chemical characterization, essential oils, phenols, flavonoids and quantification, with the following biological effects: anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and hypolipidemic. I’m also interested in sustainable collection of MAP, MAP resource assessment, economic aspects and value added of wild natural products, and organic production of MAP. Of course, my greatest pleasure so far has been working with and teaching students. My advice to them would be to never forget the student days as they move forward in life, and to always stay in touch with other students!

António Valério I currently work as an International Area Manager for MEDINFAR, a Portuguese pharmaceutical company which is over 40 years old. The name of my position itself can let you guess the huge advantage of having EPSA so deeply ingrained in my life. My job is all about diversity and being able to work successfully with different cultures. EPSA basically gave me the boost to get here, as well as providing

23 me with vital skills that help me to succeed in my daily duties. Being a participant in more than 10 EPSA events, part of the EPSA team and RC of an EPSA Annual Congress were experiences that made me not only understand the complexity inherent to dealing with different needs, traditions, values and languages, but also how to thrive in such environments. My mission now is to create pitches to successfully expand the international business of MEDINFAR. To put it this way: EPSA is the pair of fins i use to swim in that ocean.

Jamie Wilkinson It has been four years since I qualified, and I am currently the Pharmaceuticals and Professional Affairs Adviser for the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU), based in Brussels, Belgium. After participating in a BPSA competition, my prize was to th attend the 5 Autumn Assembly 2007, in Istanbul,

Turkey. A week later I was co-opted onto the EPSA Executive team as Secretary General for the remainder of 2007/2008 and subsequently re-elected in Novi Sad, Serbia. During this time, I helped to establish the IMP in the UK with the first placement at GSK. Pharmacy students of today, the best advice I can give to improve your future is to engage in extracurricular activities, try to secure an exchange/study programme abroad and network with your peers.

Mara Lefter I am currently working as a Clinical Research Associate for a Clinical Research Association. I found out about their summer Global Internship Programme through EPSA. From being an intern there and graduating, I went on to my current CRA role. One of my first experiences with EPSA was in my third year of university as the Liaison Secretary for SSFB (Romania). After this, I was elected as Publications Coordinator during the AC, Catania 2013. I was also part of the RC for the 14th EPSA Summer University (2012). My last accomplishment was EPSA Students’ Science Publication

which was done in close collaboration with EPSA Science Coordinator, Rebwar Salar Nori Saleh, under the close eye of our VP of Public Relations, Stefan Rack, and let’s not forget Svenja Laarhuis, EPSA Design Coordinator, who made all the ideas fall into place. Reviewing my experience with EPSA, I learnt how to respond quickly to immediate challenges and gained management skills for projects. As much as it can be a cliche, take advantage of your days in EPSA, especially networking during EPSA and external events. There are so many more opportunities for organisers of EPSA events, from where the view is a bit more knowledge-worthy.

www.epsa-online.org | @EPSA_Online

EAFP-EPSA Collaboration 24

Interview with EAFP President Lilian Azzopardi EPSA and EAFP (European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy) have been collaborating for years. Our very own Maria Pace visits EAFP President Lilian Azzopardi’s office at the University of Malta (UOM) to find out more about the President herself and future plans for both associations. 1. Can you tell us about yourself? I studied pharmacy at the UOM and pursued my Masters and Doctoral Studies in the area of Pharmacy Practice. As a postgraduate student I started to look at pharmacy on the international level and this opened up new opportunities for me, which included participation in conferences, visits to pharmaceutical sites in different parts of the world. I received the International Award from the FIP and the Education and Research Award from the ESCP. I am a Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy at the UOM and the President of the EAFP. I enjoy the interactions with students from my academic career, keeping in touch with the profession through community pharmacy practice and keeping up with my international friends from pharmacy. I like cooking - particularly Mediterranean cuisine, gardening, reading history and current affairs books and listening to pop Italian music. I am a cat lover and back home I have two of them. 2. What is your favourite area in the extremely diverse pharmaceutical field? I believe that an important characteristic of a pharmacist is being the expert on medicines as well as recognising the processes of development and manufacturing to the use of medicines. Whilst I take an interest in the development of different aspects of manufacturing and distribution of medicines, my

European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association

main area of teaching and research is pharmacy practice. 3. You are known to be a very hands-on professor with your students at university. How do you manage to keep up with everything? I plan my day very carefully. When preparing this plan and schedule of work I do go by giving priority to students, their needs, and supporting them in their endeavours. I can manage it all also because of the good teamwork amongst the staff from the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Malta and the support from the administrative and technical staff. 4. You have a very impressive portfolio but what would you say is the highlight of your career so far? The highlights of my career are when I witness recognition of the work being carried out by my research group internationally. I am proud when I witness my students participating and presenting their work in international congresses. 5. What impression did the Annual Congress in Catania, where you were a key speaker, leave on you of EPSA? Were there any surprises? EPSA is an opportunity for students to meet and network. It allows the students to meet colleagues and leaders of pharmacy from outside of their ‘normal’ contacts who they come across during their studies at their home university. In Catania the students were coming from a number of countries and it was very encouraging to witness young people coming across cultural and national barriers for pharmacy. During the workshop which I led in Catania, the students were discussing and bringing to the table different realities and exchanging experiences.

6. You have been fully supporting Maltese Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (MPSA) in hosting EPSA’s 12th Autumn Assembly in Malta. What hopes do you have for this congress?

10. Last mandate, EPSA and EAFP worked on the methodology booklet survey. Were the results what you expected? What is the next step?

I do hope that the congress will host a large number of pharmacy students from different countries and that the congress will be a platform for these pharmacists-to-be to project themselves later in their career as leaders of our profession.

The survey provided a general overview of the teaching methods employed and student’s expectations. A large amount of data was generated from this survey and the next step is the compilation of a document that summarises the findings, defines the outcomes and identifies proposals for action.

7. EAFP and EPSA have been collaborating for years, how do you see this link strengthening? I would like to see the EAFP-EPSA collaboration extending beyond the one day session held within the EAFP Annual Meeting. Having the students participating during the Annual Meeting in the sessions to have also the student perspective is one example. Moreover collaboration on specific projects related to pharmaceutical education and the shaping of the profession for the future could be taken up.

11. Do you have any take-home messages for EPSA students? Grab the opportunities that come with EPSA participation - in a congress, a project or EPSA committees. These opportunities give you personal satisfaction and enrich your personality. We all learn from each other’s experiences no matter how old we are and at what stage in our career we are at.

8. How do you aim to involve more students within the EAFP? By attracting students as players in the conference programme. During the next EAFP Annual Conference in May 2015, we are having round table discussion sessions where students are invited to participate as speakers and to put forward student perspectives on topics being discussed. 9. EAFP has specifically developed a programme for students for its Annual Conference. What is the intent and how do you see it growing? Proposals to plan developments in pharmacy education with a student-focused approach that could be made available to pharmacy schools are developed by having a constructive approach and reflection from the students during these sessions.

Maria Pace

EPSA Publications Coordinator publications@epsa-online.org

www.epsa-online.org | @EPSA_Online

Interprofessional collaboration 26

In the end it is all about the people Intelligence is collective. Only by working together and sharing knowledge we are able to constantly develop, innovate and surpass our limitations. And where is that more important than in the healthcare field? Healthcare providers work towards the same direction, always putting the patient in the centre. The patient will have the opportunity to meet different professions during their healthcare treatment and should receive a clear and unified message from everyone. Interprofessional collaboration will be necessary during our working life, so why not start already, while we are students? The European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association finds ways to make collaborations with medical and dentistry students through joint projects and initiatives.

project, which was targeted at helping children overcome their fear of doctors. Over the course of the following year we are planning to further our collaboration by hosting two common events - an interprofessional Twinnet exchange, as well as the EPSA-EMSA Training New Trainers event. The EPSA-EMSA Twinnet will constitute our first interprofessional exchange between medicine and pharmacy students, thus laying the foundation for a better understanding and collaboration between our two professions by strengthening the bonds between students. Additionally both associations plan to extend the outreach and quality of their Training programme by hosting a common interprofessional Training New Trainers event in 2015.

EMS

EMSA The European Medical Students’ Association (EMSA) is also known as EPSA’s “sister organisation”, due to our intertwined professions. Thanks to our Memorandum of Understanding and active efforts in pushing for interprofessional collaboration, the relations between our associations are getting better and better each year. The collaboration with EMSA is exemplified by having representatives at each other’s events and activities in Public Health such as the Teddy Bear Hospita

European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association

Events and projects are not the only thing we are working on together with EMSA. During the last EMSA General Assembly, held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, we discussed collaboration on educational initiatives. Some of those include joint student sessions at the next conference of the Association for Medical Education in Europe and engagement of pharmacy students during EMSA European Week of Ethics. In addition to catalyzing our collaboration through cooperatively hosted events, we believe that by embarking on common initiatives in the professional world we will succeed in raising awareness of the importance and benefits of interprofessional collaboration across the healthcare field.

Finally, joint public health campaigns could be one of the collaboration points. For the future it would be great if we could even have interprofessional collaboration with the three European healthcare student Associations. The foundations have been made, the contacts have been established. Let’s now see how we will develop it!

SA EP

EDSA Our collaboration with the European Dental Students’ Association (EDSA) has started already in the last mandate. After writing a joint blog post about HIV for the world AIDS Day in December last year, it was time to take this collaboration to a higher level. This summer we were invited to the General Assembly of EDSA held in Riga, Latvia, to meet with the new executive and to learn from each other’s associations. A presentation about EPSA was given and projects to collaborate on were found. As EDSA has just started with advocacy and they are very eager to improve their knowledge on this area we are discussing the possibility of writing a joint position paper.

Attending the events of our partner student associations and contacting them throughout the year is not only beneficial for discussing collaboration and mutual activities, but also for sharing knowledge, experience and good practices. Through them we learn something about our work and profession, and only together do we have the power to change the European healthcare field for the better!

EDS

Another interesting point of collaboration could be organising joint webinars, where both a pharmacist and a dentist are invited to host a webinar for students from both professions, as well as joint exchange projects like we are currently establishing with EMSA.

Domen Kutoša Lucas Besson Magnus Høie Svenja Laarhuis Svetlana Kolundžić EPSA Team 2014-2015

www.epsa-online.org | @EPSA_Online

Map of Europe 28

An eager group of Norwegian Vikings travelled to Prague for the first ever Norwegian TWINNET, where they were welcomed by the Czech students who had everything from sleeping arrangements to food to one of the most exciting programs a TWINNET has ever prepared. During the few days they got to learn about the culture, city and best of all: each other. Now they are looking forward welcoming them north of the wall, to the northernmost university, The Arctic University of Tromsø!

The Rencontres Pharma d’Été (RPE) took place in July and brought together more than 400 French students from the 24 Schools of Pharmacy. Participants had the time of of their lives, taking part in numerous activities, such as: sport competitions, dance choreographies, local meals and theme parties. ANEPF invites you all with pleasure to the next edition, scheduled for July 2015.

The 4th edition of the APEF Training Project (ATP), focusing on ‘Employment’ just took place in Coimbra. Students engaged in some amazing workshops on LinkedIn and job interviews. Trainings tackled Personal Branding, Networking, Emotional Intelligence, Creative Thinking and Cultural Awareness, and were followed by a final exercise where students practised what was preached!

European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association

Our Polish members organised the VII National Congress of Young Pharmacy, an event where ideas, experiences and knowledge were shared. It gave attendees the opportunity to meet the future masters of pharmacy graduates from all over Poland in one place. The theme at the Pharmaceutical Department of the Jagiellonian University was “Pharmaceutical Care” and participants had the opportunity to meet and be inspired by the authorities coming from different sectors of pharmacy.

What do a medieval city, pharmacy students and cowboy hats have in common? The answer: the SSFB Summer School. Students from all over Romania met this summer for its 6th edition and gained the opportunity to write a new unforgettable story. We’re expecting you too next year!

As asep is hit its 40th anniversary, a fitting three day celebration was in order in Zürich. They had an alumni dinner, which was followed by the annual “National Pharmacy Students’ Weekend” with the symposium dedicated to the topic “Why are you studying Pharmacy in 2014?”. During the gala our Swiss students toasted to another 40 years asep.

BPhSA was super busy this year, participating in the 2014 Scientific Symposium of EIPG/BIPA on ‘’Clinical Trials Research’’. Lectures from different international speakers were delivered, including an EPSA workshop by Tiia Metiänen herself. They also had a Twinnet with SPSA - Slovakia, and organised a team building project with two Bulgarian pharmaceutical associations, Varna’s and Plovdiv’s.

Events Calendar 30

See what is coming up in the next months Ball of Pharmacy

3rd EPSA-ESTIEM TNT

When? 17th January 2015 Where? Vienna, Austria What? A traditional ball of Austrian pharmaceutical students, full of waltz, salsa and disco fox in a luxurious palace in Vienna. How much? 30€ for students More info? www.pharmacieball.at

When? 13th - 19th December 2014 Where? Belgrade, Serbia th What? 7 edition of EPSA Training New Trainers programme where you can develop soft skills, become the new EPSA trainer and share the experience! How much? to be announced More info? www.epsa-online.org

27th DIA Euromeeting

EAHP Congress

When? 13th - 15th April 2015 Where? Paris, France What? Annual meeting of more than 3000 healthcare professionals, with exhibitions, sessions for students and young professionals and an award for the best student poster. How much? Students 300€; fellowships for free More info? www.diahome.org/EM2015

When? 25 - 27 March 2015 Where? Hamburg, Germany What? The congress of the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists, one of the biggest congresses in Europe. This year, together with EPSA, there will be a student session entitled “Interactive workshop: ethical dilemmas and case-study examples related to patient safety and healthcare improvements”. How much? Students 110€, young professionals 300€ More info? www.eahp.eu/congresses th

EAFP Annual Congress When? 14th - 16th May 2015 Where? Athens, Greece What? It is the place where the deans from the European Faculties of Pharmacy meet up and discuss pharmaceutical education. As such, it’s an unique opportunity to see where the education is headed. How much? Student fee 50€ until 27th March and 75€ from 28th March until the event More info? www.eafponline.eu/conferences/ athens2015

ISCOMS 2015 When? 2nd - 5th June 2015 Where? Groningen, The Netherlands What? ISCOMS – the International Student Congress of (bio)Medical Sciences – is one of the world’s leading student congresses in the (bio)medical sciences. How much? basic fare - 40€, additional charges for parties and accommodation More info? www.iscoms.com

2015

European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association

Get to know more about these events via Event Calender on www.epsa-online.org. Would you like for your event to appear here? Write us to: events@epsa-online.org

EPSA Executive contacts 31

EPSA President Svetlana Kolundžić president@epsa-online.org

EPSA VP of Internal Affairs Miglė Škadauskaitė vp.ia@epsa-online.org

EPSA VP of Education Sandra Hočevar vp.education@epsa-online.org

EPSA VP of External Affairs Lucas Besson vp.ea@epsa-online.org

EPSA Secretary General Katarzyna Świderek secgen@epsa-online.org

EPSA VP of Mobility Domen Kutoša vp.mobility@epsa-online.org

EPSA Treasurer Catarina Nobre treasurer@epsa-online.org

EPSA Immediate Past President Tiia Metiäinen ipp@epsa-online.org

EPSA VP of Public Relations Svenja Laarhuis vp.pr@epsa-online.org

EPSA Office Rue du Luxembourg 19 bte.6, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium

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