Faculty Member Represents AUIS at Prestigious Pharmacy Workshop in Dubai
Dr. Mohammed Nawzad Sabir, Interim Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS), recently participated in the 8th Regional Pharmacy Faculty Development Workshop held on January 10 and 11, 2025, in Dubai, UAE. Hosted by the Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls, this annual academic event is organized under the auspices of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), USA, and targets Middle East pharmacy programs seeking accreditation.
The two-day workshop featured an intensive program designed to enhance faculty expertise and address key areas in pharmacy education. The agenda included the following topics:
Workshop Topics and Presenters
1. Pharmacy Practice Preceptor Development Program
- Presented by Craig D. Cox, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS
- Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Division Head of Medicine
- Regional Dean, Lubbock Campus, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Lubbock, TX, USA
2. AI in Pharmacy Education and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Presented by Timothy A. Aungst, PharmD
- Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
3. Student and Program Assessments
- Presented by Erika Kleppinger, PharmD, BCPS
- Associate Clinical Professor, Pharmacy Practice
- Auburn University, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn, Alabama, USA
Key Insights from the Workshop
The workshop fostered engaging discussions, practical training sessions, and collaborative dialogues aimed at advancing pharmacy education. The sessions provided valuable insights into:
- Enhancing preceptor development programs to better integrate pharmacy practice into academic settings.
- Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to innovate and improve pharmaceutical sciences education.
- Implementing effective strategies for student and program assessments aligned with ACPE accreditation standards.
Dr. Sabir emphasized the relevance of these topics for enriching pharmacy education at AUIS and beyond. "This workshop was a valuable platform for gaining new perspectives on implementing best practices in pharmacy education and aligning them with international accreditation standards," he noted.
The workshop also highlighted critical steps in preparing ACPE Self-Study Reports, a core requirement for accreditation processes. Dr. Sabir’s participation underscores AUIS’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and ensuring that its pharmacy program adheres to global standards.
As a hub for innovation and collaboration, AUIS continues to encourage its faculty members to engage in such impactful academic events. Dr. Sabir’s active involvement in the Dubai workshop not only enriches his professional expertise but also contributes to the university’s mission of providing high-quality education in the region.
