江苏留学网

The first International Symposium on the Development of Pharmacy Schools gets underway at the China Pharmaceutical University in Nanjing, Jiangsu province on Nov 16-17. [Photo/cpu.edu.cn]

Some 40 principals from pharmacy schools in 12 countries and regions gathered in Nanjing, Jiangsu province on Nov 16-17 to explore the possibilities of pharmaceutical education.

They were attending the first International Symposium on the Development of Pharmacy Schools, which was held at the China Pharmaceutical University (CPU), a school leading domestic pharmaceutical education.

He Xinchu, head of the division for international cooperation and exchange at Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, addressed the audience at the opening ceremony and shared his hopes that colleges will put more emphasis on international ties.

"Enhancing the capability of international communication is of greater importance for our schools nowadays," he said.

He Xinchu, head of the division for international cooperation and exchange at Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, addresses at the opening ceremony on Nov 16. [Photo/cpu.edu.cn]

Lai Maode, president of CPU, said the school's pharmacy education will shift from its current focus on cultivating scientific research personnel to training more clinical pharmacists.

"Smooth communication between clinical pharmacists and doctors will be beneficial for patients," Lai said.

The round-table discussion, held on Nov 17, engaged global pharmacy school heads and encouraged them to share their ideas on topics such as drug discovery, pharmacy personnel training, and international cooperation.

They also reached a consensus on a framework agreement concerning the details of an international pharmacy school development alliance.

"Pharmacy professionals will play a pivotal role in the shaping and developing of our 'global village'," said James Dalton, a professor at the University of Michigan in the United States.

Participants share ideas at the symposium. [Photo/cpu.edu.cn]