August 28, 2010
School of Pharmacy, Kochi
 

Ms. Sabitha M., Vice Principal and Assistant Professor at the Amrita School of Pharmacy recently spent one month in the United States at the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers and at the University of Michigan, College of Pharmacy.
 

Considered as one of the best colleges in the world for medical and pharmaceutical training, the University of Michigan invited Ms. Sabitha to undergo advanced training in the practice of clinical pharmacy. She was only one of two scholars invited from India.
 

At Michigan, Ms. Sabitha received extensive exposure to the educational programs and curriculum in Pharm D programs, residencies, and fellowships. The Amrita School of Pharmacy recently began Pharm D programs.
 

“During the time of this interchange, I was able to participate in a variety of clinical pharmacy experiences with faculty from the University of Michigan,” stated Ms. Sabitha.
 

“The discussions with different clinical pharmacists and participation in patient rounds helped me gain an idea about the significant role of clinical pharmacy services,” she added.
 

“There were sessions on status of community pharmacies in USA and extemporaneous preparations in community pharmacy, etc.”
 

“The discussions with members of the curriculum committee, Associate Dean and the Director of Experimental Training were an eye opener for me; I learned about the type of practice-based training to be provided to Pharm D students.”
 

Ms. Sabitha’s visit was made possible through the Pharma-bridge program of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Financial support was received both from the FIP and the University of Michigan, College of Pharmacy.
 

Mr. James G. Stevenson, Director of Pharmacy Services at the University commented on Ms. Sabitha’s participation.
 

“Ms. Sabitha was able to learn about and observe pharmacy services, clinical pharmacy education, interdisciplinary models of practice and interaction, and the pharmacy systems that support these activities.”
 

“She discussed methods that are used by our faculty to provide both didactic and experiential education to Pharm D students as well as residents and fellows at the University of Michigan.”
 

Ms. Sabitha joined Amrita in 2000. Together with her teaching and administrative responsibilities, she is also a registered Ph.D. scholar at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.
 

Undoubtedly, this training program will help reap several benefits for the scholar as well as the department in the field of practice.