Purdue University, based in Indiana, U.S.A., has opened a pioneering off-campus education programme in Dubai to provide leading-edge training for pharmacists in the Gulf region.
Hamid Abbaspour, a registered pharmacist and managing director of Gateway Medical Institute (GMI) FZ-LLC, Purdue's education partner here, said the programme aims to teach pharmacists in the region how to take care of the patient rather than just filling prescriptions.
"This is the first time that an ACPE (American Council for Pharmacy Education)-accredited Doctor of Pharmacy programme is being offered outside the U.S. The courses, degree and programme offered here are exactly the same as everyone else going through the programme in the States," Abbaspour said.
GMI, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, started a 'pilot programme' in Dubai last week with five students, said Abbaspour.
"These guys in Dubai are all pioneers and will be the leaders in their profession. We are expecting to register up to 25 qualified pharmacy graduates by next fall," noted Abbaspour, who is based at the Media Business Centre in Dubai's Media City.
"This is part of the continuing education activity of Purdue University, an equal access, equal opportunity institution," he added.
Until recently, pharmacists, both local and expatriates, have been searching for a post-graduate programme in the Gulf.
Purdue University, approved by the ACPE as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education, offers the Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy programme designed for those who already have received their bachelor's degree.
"It teaches the pharmacists how to communicate with physicians for the better outcome for patients," explained Abbaspour, who is also a facilitator of a post-graduate degree course offered by the University of Strathclyde Graduate School of Business in Dubai, which is administered by the British Council.
Purdue University's Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy Program, designed according to the Accreditation Standards and Guidelines of the ACPE, integrates advanced course work with case application exercises, advanced clinical clerkship experiences and individual project activities.
Abbaspour explained that graduates of the programme are prepared with knowledge, skills and practice capabilities to enter a general practice role as a clinical pharmacist in acute care, long-term care, or ambulatory care practice settings, or to enter postgraduate specialised residency and fellowship training programmes.
Subjects under the programme include Pathophysiology and Therapeutics and Principles of Drug Information and Literature Evaluation.
"Part of the training course for the candidates will be done in the U.S. Until we find the proper clinical rotation sites in the UAE, Gateway's base in Indianapolis will also be used for that purpose," he added.
Purdue University launches off-campus education course
Purdue University, based in Indiana, U.S.A., has opened a pioneering off-campus education programme in Dubai to provide leading-edge training for pharmacists in the Gulf region.