Successful premiere for the Bachelor of Science Programme in Pharmacy student symposium

2023-03-22

In the fall semester of 2020, the Faculty of Pharmacy launched its newly revised Bachelor of Science Programme in Pharmacy, but in the midst of an ongoing pandemic, the first batch of students had to be welcomed online. Today, almost three years later, the future experts of pharmacy have gathered on campus for R-POPS, a new tradition where the students present their degree projects.

(Image removed) Maes Al-Khameesi wins the Swedish Pharmacy Association Award for best presentation of degree project

“These students had the toughest possible start to their education but have shouldered the task in an impressive manner. I have just listened to the first presentations at the Bachelor of Science Programme in Pharmacy 's Popular Science Symposium, R-POPS, and everyone really succeeds in conveying complex knowledge at an accessible level, which is a necessary skill when they enter professional life,” says Emma Lundkvist, coordinator of the Committee for the Bachelor of Science Programme in Pharmacy.

(Image removed) Ghadeer Jalbout on the podium

On the podium, Ghadeer Jalbout presents her degree project Vacation can risk your life, where she, by comparing a selection of previous studies, has analysed whether the use of thiazide, a drug with, among other things, blood pressure-lowering effects, can contribute to the development of skin cancer in connection with sunbathing.

“Thiazides are affected by intense light, but where studies conducted in Denmark and Australia indicate an increased risk of skin cancer, a Taiwanese study finds no connection whatsoever. The result of my project is therefore that no general conclusions can be drawn based on currently available research.”

Fredrik Boström, Chief Pharmacist at the Swedish Pharmacy Association and Pharmacy Profile of the Year 2022, is also on site at the Biomedical Center. His position includes handing out the Association's annual award for Best presentation of a degree project at the Bachelor of Science Programme in Pharmacy. A prize that includes, among other things, meetings with several of the large pharmacy chains.

“This assignment is one of my most enjoyable as Chief Pharmacist. I get to listen to all these interesting presentations, which are undoubtedly of high quality, and also get to hand over the award that gives the winner opportunities to build a unique network for a future professional career.”

(Image removed) Mimmi Johansson on pollen allergy during pregnancy

In the auditorium, Mimmi Johansson is just finishing the presentation of her project with a focus on counseling regarding drug treatment for pollen allergy during pregnancy. Out of 66 visited pharmacies, a majority advised against it, thus, going against the recommendations given by 1177. Therefore, states Mimmi Johansson, common guidelines are required to ensure that the answer will be the same regardless of which pharmacy you ask. With this conclusion, it is time for the jury to deliberate and Anja Sandström, Deputy Dean for first and second cycle education, enters the stage.

“I want to thank you for the work you have done and the presentations you are giving. It is clear that you bring with you the ability to communicate and explain as you now start the work-based part of your education. The next time I meet you will be in the Uppsala University Main auditorium at the Faculty of Pharmacy's graduation ceremony, where you will receive your diplomas before entering professional life, and I am convinced that you will all make many important contributions to a good use of drugs.”

It's almost three o'clock and the premiere of R-POPS is coming to an end. The jury returns to the lecture hall and it is time to announce the first winner in what will hopefully be a long-standing tradition at the Faculty of Pharmacy. It was not an easy decision, says Fredrik Boström, but a decision has been made. And the winner is... Maes Al-Khameesi for the presentation of her degree project Use of painkillers during pregnancy.

(Image removed) Maes Al-Khameesi, pharmaceutical expert soon to be

“Many pregnant women use paracetamol and ibuprofen against headache and fever as it is considered kind to a pregnant body. But is it as harmless to the fetus? I have compiled twelve international studies and concluded that yes, the unborn child is at risk of harm that might manifest itself much later in life. On the other hand, this requires at least four weeks of continuous medication. So my conclusion is that paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used. But do it with sense,” summarizes Maes Al-Khameesi.

(Image removed) All participants at the premiere of R-POPS

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CONTACT

(Image removed) Emma Lundkvist, Lecturer
Department of Pharmacy
Emma.Lundkvist@farmaci.uu.se

(Image removed) Karin Svensberg, Lecturer
Department of Pharmacy
Karin.Svensberg@farmaci.uu.se

Text & photo: Magnus Alsne