In the Garden City of West Africa, where innovation meets tradition, a gathering of brilliant minds illuminated the path to excellence in pharmacy. On May 8th, 2024, the RX Symposium Series unfurled like a vibrant tapestry at KNUST, woven with the wisdom and vision of pharmacy’s finest. Organized by the Ghana Pharmaceutical Students Association (GPSA-KNUST) in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation, Ghana (PSFGh), this event heralded a new dawn in hospital pharmacy practice, setting the stage for the 10th anniversary of the PSFGh.
The symposium was honoured by the presence of Professor Samuel Asare Nkansah, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FPPS) at KNUST, and the President of the Federation, H. E. Samuel Tenkorang Acheampong. Their participation voiced the importance of the event and its relevance to the future of pharmacy in Ghana.
The lineup of speakers featured notable experts in the field.
Dr. Emmanuel Sarkodie, a Cardiology Specialist Pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy at KNUST Hospital, shared his experience and insights. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing patient care over financial gain: “Coming into the pharmacy profession, your focus should be on what you can do to help the patient even if you’re not being paid.”
He also encouraged new pharmacists to seek opportunities in underserved areas, noting, “If you want your impact to be felt, don’t go to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital or Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital because they have enough pharmacists. Go to the remote areas.”
Dr. Paul Gyan, Regional Director of the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency for the Ashanti Region, highlighted the role of technology in enhancing patient safety: “Embracing technology enhances patient safety in streamlining pharmacy practice.” His speech revealed the need for modern tools and systems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of pharmacy practice.
Dr. Nana Kwaku Bugyei Buabeng, a Clinical Pharmacist at University Hospital, KNUST, with a research focus on drug-resistant mechanisms, spoke about the importance of continuous learning and communication in the field. He stated, “Learning does not end in the 6th year. There’s more to learn after pharmacy school.”
Dr. Emmanuel Oppong, a Clinical Pharmacist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and an executive member of PSGH also shared his thoughts on the need for pharmacists to continuously develop their knowledge and communication skills: “In clinical pharmacy, your communication skills will determine whether the medical doctor will take your contribution or not.”
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion centered on the theme, “Navigating through Pharmacy Practice: A Road Map to Attaining Excellence in the Hospital Setting.” This discussion provided a platform for exchanging ideas and strategies to advance the practice of pharmacy in hospital settings.
The symposium concluded with a focus on the vital role of continuous education, technology adoption, and effective communication in advancing pharmacy practice. As the 10th anniversary of the PSFGh approaches, the RX Symposium Series stands as a testament to the commitment of pharmacy professionals to excellence and patient-centered care.
For pharmacy students, the symposium was a source of inspiration and a call to action to engage in lifelong learning, embrace technology, and prioritize patient care in their future careers. The event not only acknowledged the achievements of the past but also set a forward-looking agenda for the future of pharmacy in Ghana.
Reported by: Yaa Otchere Tiwaah (Rx 27)