PHOTO // Republic of Moldova hosts 25th edition of EPSA Summer University for first time

Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF) brought together pharmacy students from 10 European countries for the 25th edition of EPSA Summer University. For the first time, the Republic of Moldova hosted this event, organized by the European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (EPSA), which unites young people who share a passion for research, pharmacy, health and professional development.

The topic of this year’s edition was Expanding Role of the Pharmacist: Medication Safety and the Responsible Use of Medicines.

First Vice-Rector, Vice-Rector for Teaching Activity and Academic Management Olga Cernețchi emphasized that hosting the EPSA Summer University in the Republic of Moldova for the first time represents an opportunity to acquire new knowledge, exchange experience and develop academic partnerships.

“International cooperation is one of our institutional priorities. We are convinced that mutual learning and building strong academic relationships are indispensable for the future of medical and pharmaceutical education,” stressed Olga Cernețchi.

Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Livia Uncu noted that the topic reflects the evolution of the pharmacist’s profession, which goes beyond the traditional role of preparing and dispensing medicines.

“The modern pharmacist contributes to preventing medication errors, promotes the safe and responsible use of medicines, educates patients, supports healthcare professionals and actively participates in research, innovation and public health. Every medicine can improve a patient’s life only if it is used safely, correctly and responsibly,” underlined the Dean.

Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy “Vasile Procopișin” and Vice President of the Association of Pharmacists of the Republic of Moldova Stela Adauji expressed the special honor felt by the pharmaceutical community in our country in hosting this prestigious event for Europe’s future pharmacists.

“The pharmacy profession is based on science, responsibility and compassion. In a healthcare system that is constantly changing, the pharmacist plays an essential role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines, in improving patient care and in promoting public health. The future of our profession depends on people who are curious, dedicated to continuous learning and open to international collaboration, values that EPSA has successfully promoted for more than two decades,” remarked Stela Adauji.

EPSA President Nadene Giosa highlighted that the mission of the European association is to strengthen a united community of future pharmacists and to promote inter-institutional collaboration. She encouraged participants to make the most of the experience offered by the Summer University, to learn, ask questions and build new friendships.

“We are here to learn and discuss, but also to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. At events like this, lifelong friendships are born, and I am happy that we are sharing this experience together in the Republic of Moldova,” concluded Nadene Giosa.

Bogdan Lungu, President of the Association of Pharmacy Students of the Republic of Moldova (ASFRM) appreciated the support of strategic partners in organizing the Summer University, emphasizing that “training future pharmacists is an investment in the future of healthcare systems.”

The event also marked 11 years of ASFRM activity, on which occasion the founders of the organization and its former presidents – pharmacists Alexandru Lațani and Victor Cura, as well as head nurses Radu Lațani and Sorina Nicolaic – were honored for their contribution to the development of the organization and to the integration of pharmacy students from the Republic of Moldova into the European EPSA community.

EPSA Summer University brought together pharmacy students from the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Turkey, Romania, the Republic of Moldova, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Bulgaria, all driven by the desire to develop their professional skills, exchange experience and strengthen international cooperation.