Ask Your Pharmacist First Promoting the role of pharmacists as providers of healthcare in the community Across Europe, Governments and the general public are expecting pharmacists to play a more active role in the provision of healthcare in the community. More than ever before, pharmacists have a primary care role and are the first port of call for consumers with a minor health problem. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare is working with pharmacists across Europe to support their role as primary care experts through its “Ask Your Pharmacist First” initiative.
Ask your Pharmacist First is a unique partnership between GSK and pharmacists currently operating in more than 20 countries in Europe. Its objectives are to: • Help promote pharmacists as experts • Encourage people to visit pharmacies more frequently • Provide training for pharmacists and assistants so they can offer the best professional advice to their customers
This support programme incorporates consumer advertising and extensive pharmacy training materials. The most recent example of GSKs Ask Your Pharmacist First initiative in action can be seen in the area of obesity. In January 2009 GSK received a non-prescription licence for alli (orlistat 60mg). alli is the first non-prescription weight loss aid to receive a licence from the European Commission. The centrally granted marketing authorisation means alli is being launched in all EU member countries by the end of this year followed by its launch in other European countries as well.
Facts on obesity The prevalence of obesity has risen three-fold or more in many European countries since the 1980s. In 2005, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that by 2010, 150 million adults in Europe would be obese1. Obesity is fast becoming a public health issue of epidemic proportions and presents pharmacists with an unrivalled opportunity to support those wanting to lose weight, helping to elevate their role in public health.
What is alli? alli is a weight loss aid for adults who are overweight with a BMI of 28kg/m2 or more and should be used with a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet. alli can help people lose 50 percent more weight compared to dieting alone. So for every two kilograms lost by dieting, alli could help lose one kg more. Pharmacists are ideally placed to help provide customers with information and support whilst they are undertaking a weight-loss programme.
Pharmacy support and training through Ask Your Pharmacist First GSK is offering comprehensive training to ensure that pharmacists and pharmacy assistants are fully informed about alli and the support programme. To date more than 182,000 pharmacy staff in over 57,130 pharmacies across Europe have been trained, whole training has also taken place in more than 14,212 “Ambassador” pharmacies. The training includes workshops, distance learning and comprehensive detail aids.
This is a great example how GSK is working closely with European pharmacists to help people to live a healthier and longer life.
! References 1WHO. The challenge of obesity in the WHO European region. Fact sheet Euro/13/05. 2005. Available from: www.euro.who.int/document/mediacentre/fs1304e.pdf
2 Table of contents
------Presidential words 4 EPSA trainings 19 ------Improving soft skills all over Europe ------11th Summer University 5 Crete, Greece - July 2009 Cultural Awareness!!! 20 How to behave in international settings ------SSFB Summer Camp 6 Patents, generics and counterfeits 22 Third edition - facing the pharmaceutical challenges of today ------First European Parkinson’s Disease How to obtain a pharmaceutical license Summer School!! ! 7 in different European countries 24 ------Leadership Summer School 8 EPSA’s voice heard at the EAFP Split, Croatia - July 2009 Conference in Oslo 26 ------The first EPSA - IFSA - IAAS Joint Statement 27 «Preparing the Pharmacist for a Future in the joint symposium of medicinal herbs 11 Delivery of Pharmaceutical Care» ------eYouwins 2009 12 Interview with Timo Mohnani 28 Another great intercultural event Alumni corner ------Our favourite LS 14 Interview with Hans Lindén 30 ------EPSA Board of Trustees member NoPSA - Rising from the dust 16 ------Norwegian Pharmaceutical Students’ Association EPSA Contacts 31 ------
Dear Reader, The first edition of the 17th volume of the EPSA Newsletter is the first newsletter I have had the honour to make in my mandate. I have put a lot of effort into collecting different kind of articles so that there is something interesting to read for everyone. You can find articles about different events that has happend during the spring and summer, such as the 11th EPSA Summer University, and an article about this years’ theme on patents, generics and counterfeits. You can also find interviews with Hans Linden, who is the Executive Director of EUFEPS, and a famous EPSA Alumni, Timo Mohnani, who was EPSA President in 2003 and is now an EPSA HLM. In addition you can find interesting training articles written by our Training Officer, a Statement of Opinion worked out in collaboration with EAFP - and still there is more to discover in this edition of the EPSA Newsletter! I would like to thank António Valério for his great design work on this newsletter. I hope you will enjoy your reading!
Edited by: Anette Aaland Krokaas EPSA Vice President of Communication 2009/2010 [email protected]
Photography on the front page: Bojan Davinić 3 Presidential words
Dear EPSA Friends,
It is a great pleasure for me to extend to all of you some words as introduction for the first newsletter of the EPSA team 2009/2010. It happens just few days before the 6th EPSA Autumn Assembly in Genoa, Italy, so I guess I have the right adrenaline and motivation, both necessary to hold successfully the upcoming first GA of my team, to spread you all the positive energy and good forecasts I have gained during the first part of my mandate.
Almost half of my mandate is gone and now it is finally arrived the time to speak about results and new dreams. Since April my 2) The confirmation that the Commissioner mandate as president undertook as primary for Health, Vassiliou, will write an article responsibility to increase the EPSA networks for the next EPSA newsletter. The most among professional organizations, in order important authority on health of the to raise the number of our joint projects European Commission will increase the and trigger an increase of sponsors. The credibility and prestige of our publication. EPSA Team was present to all the most important conferences in the domain of Anyway, this is not all. The networking Pharmaceuticals within Europe. EPSA approach brought also a lot of new ideas attended numerous conferences at the and contacts and straightened the already European Parliament and at the European existent good collaboration with externals. Commission. We also participated at the We have also numerous undergoing project most influential events of the “Pharma” and the IMP is continuing to grow. We have stakeholders: The EGA Annual Conference, applied for a new grant and we are planning the Girp Annual Meeting, the PGEU Annual to apply for more. Let’s say that we are Congress, the EAFP Annual Meeting, the working in each direction with the intent to PharmasciFair 2009 and the FIP annual make EPSA bigger for its members. meeting. All these travels and meetings triggered several important achievements To conclude I want to wish you an exciting that were never accomplished before. Autumn Assembly in Genoa that I hope will figure out the great work that the EPSA The two most important goals we reached as team 2009/2010 did until today and to make a result of the above-mentioned strategy a promise: At the end of the year EPSA will are: be bigger, stronger and more prestigious 1) The obtainment of a new sponsor. MSD than ever before! (Merck, Sharp & Dhome) entered in EPSA in the most prestigious way signing a Sincerely yours in EPSA, Platinum Package and bringing at our Autumn Assembly an amazing session, the Tomaso Piaggio “Risky Business” training. EPSA President 2009/2010
4 11th Summer University Crete, Greece - July 2009
The 11th EPSA Summer University was held in Chania, Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, from 16th-22nd July 2009. 200 European pharmacy students from 24 different countries decided to attend this amazing event. The topic of this year's Summer University was
'Skin care / Sun protection'.
During the Summer University we enjoyed various types of Greek meals and the most beautiful sunsets.
Besides the educational program, we were offered a great and diverse social program. We had a bus transfer to the social activities, which was great opportunity to meet a lot of new people and to learn the most famous Portuguese song. The opening ceremony was held in one part of Chania, the old Venetian Harbour, where we got the chance to experience Greek traditional dance and music, and afterwards a party was arranged in the old town of Chania. Of course that was not the only party we attended, we had a Greek myth beach party where we enjoyed dancing on a beautiful sand beach, and the already famous European evening where we had the opportunity to taste for example some great French wines, Spanish sangria, Bulgarian The participants were accommodated in one the jam of roses, and strong drink from Balkan. nicest hotels in the region: Five star Perle Hotel. All the lectures and EPSA Workshops were held During the afternoons, after a morning of study, at this beautiful hotel with a magnificent view of we went to some of the most beautiful sand the sea. During the days of the Summer beaches on Crete, and got the chance to see the University we enjoyed a great educational water park. program, where we got the chance to learn Summer University is the perfect combination about 3 essential topics by invited experts: Skin between education and a summer holiday. Here & sun, melanoma and sun protection & tanning you have the opportunity to meet a lot of new by. There were lot of interesting lectures such as people and different cultures. 'Apivita sun care products: How the nature becomes effective', after which we got product samples so that we could try it on ourselves under the extremely hot Greek sun. Iva Klarica
5 SSFB Summer Camp Third Edition 9 – 14 August 2009, Bran
Bucharest Pharmaceutical Students’ Besides all this, there was also the ‘Patient Counseling Competition’ which was designed to Society (SSFB) is proud to announce test the communication skills of the future you that this year it held the Third pharmacists and the ability to make themselves Edition of the SSFB Summer Camp. understood by the patients. The social program meant to approach the All the plans laid long before the beginning of participants and included team-building games the event, the extended meetings during the and parties (for example Karaoke night, SSFilm, exams period, the days running around the campfire, Gala Dinner). country and the sleepless nights spent in front of the computer were some of the sacrifices made The Complex "Vila Bran" from the mountain by the organizing committee just to make sure resort called Bran, the place where the summer that the participants would get the best possible school was held, came to our support so that all treatment during the event. the recreational activities in the complex stayed at our disposal during the event. SSFB Summer Camp was designed to combine an educational program with a social program. The topic of this year’s summer school was ‘Patient Counseling’. The participants could attend various presentations and debates regarding this year’s topic and got access to very useful information in their training as future pharmacists. The Educational program was realized with the support of the Discipline of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest. The Scientifical Coordinator of this year’s Summer School was Ms. Conf. Dr. Farm Simona Negres. SSFB wants to thank her for her great support!
We are proud to announce that we have held another successful event! And this is not just from our side as the Organizing Committee, but also from the feedback that was received from the participants at the 3rd Edition of the SSFB Summer Camp.
We hope to see you all next year for another great experience!
Anca Cioroianu EPSA LS for SSFB, Romania
6 First European Parkinson’s Disease Summer School
The joint project organized by EPSA, EMSA, ENSA and EFPSA took place at the Çukurova University in Adana, Turkey from July 20th to July 29th 2009 – the First European Parkinson’s Disease Summer School.
The event gathered 15 students, PhD students and fresh absolvents of healthcare studies: Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, Psychology and Biology from 8 European countries.
Young researchers were working intensively for 9 days in international and interdisciplinary teams.
In the first day participants focused on things The fruits of the event are three research that are already known about Parkinson’s proposals, which were highly estimated by disease. Later they tried to find issues still not international experts who agreed to review clear enough for scientists. Each team chose a them. different research topic and worked on it the next days. The participants, who had a possibility to take part in a research project together with Every day in the late afternoon participants representatives of different fields of studies for presented and consulted their outcomes with the first time, were very enthusiastic about it. international experts who deal with Parkinson’s The organizers therefore decided to run the Disease in their work: neurologists, a second edition of the European Parkinson’s psychiatrist, a neuropharmacologist. There was Disease Summer School. The event will take th also a meeting with a biostatistician who gave place in Ljubljana, Slovenia from July 19 to th valuable advices about choosing right research July 27 2010. methods. You can find all the details about the event and registration on the website: www.parkinsonsummerschool.com
Join us in Ljubljana in 2010!
Krzysztof Nesterowicz EPSA Annual Congress Chairperson 2010
7 Leadership Summer School Split, Croatia - July 2009
The Leadership Summer School, an event During these amazing eight days of Leadership that is annually organized by IFISO (Informal Summer School the participants went through great trainings that covered some of the most Forum of International Students’ important subjects regarding soft skills and Organizations) was held in June in the leadership: beautiful city of Split, in Croatia. It was a week full of new experiences, where new • “Being a Leader”, where the participants explored the definition of a leader and the friendships took place and where new ideas, main characteristics today’s leaders should new collaborations and even new have in order to succeed in any area. conclusions were reached. Of course EPSA took part in this amazing event with some of • “Effective Feedback”, where the participants its representatives. learnt how to distinguish between a critical opinion and a structured feedback that has the main goal to improve the work of someone.
• “Presentation Skills”, where the trainers gave useful tips to the participants on how to effectively present a communication and where the participants became aware of their mistakes in presenting by simulating a presentation.
• “Leadership Styles”, where the participants became aware of the fact that leadership is not a single notion but a complex and non- linear definition, which depends on a wide variety of personal characteristics of the person and the situation itself. More than 80 students discussed the subject of leadership, as well as correlated issues like motivation, effective feedback and project planning. The students were of a big diversity, and represented areas from Pharmacy and Medicine to Electronic Engineering and Geography. This multidisciplinary approach made the event a unique place to exchange ideas, raise visions and find new ways to improve us as individuals and as team members. The participants always had the help and support of the young and motivating trainers of IFISO, who were always enthusiastic in giving new trainings full of new teachings and personal experiences.
8 • “Team Management”, where the participants were split into groups and given a project to take care of. The final result depended directly on how good the team made it through the challenge and overcame the obstacles.
• “Emotional Intelligence”, where this subject was explained and explored by the participants in order to understand that intelligence is much more a balance of emotion and reason rather than the knowledge we get from our daily lives.
• “Conflict Resolution”, where the participants discussed how to overcome a conflict and how to prevent a team from splitting and thereby harming its good work together.
• “Motivation”, where the participants explored what motivates them to be a part of Some collaboration took also place here: EMSA, their associations and to perform well with IFMSA, EPSA, IPSF, EESTEC, among others, talked their jobs, as well as how the motivation about cooperating in several projects, opening factors can be the key to a successful many doors to face the future with much more outcome of the work. enthusiasm. It was certainly an unforgettable week that everyone in EPSA should experience in order to improve. • “Facilitation and Decision Making”, where the participants learnt the importance of this process and the necessity of having a The participants from EPSA were Ana Puia (Vice facilitating behaviour in a team. President of Education), Riccardo Hesse (Vice President of Partnership Development), Nuria Peiro (Member of the Financial Sub-Committee), • “Project Management”, where the João Duarte (Public Health Working Committee participants were challenged to develop a Director), Katja Srpan (LS for Slovenia and project from zero and improve it step-by- EPSA’s representative in the WHSS Joint Working step, defending the final result in front of an Group), Louise Druedahl (Member of the IFISO jury and putting all their efforts at Professional Development Working Committee), work. Samy Jebrini (President of CPSA), Marina Kusevic (member of CPSA) and of course Louise Winnecke Jensen (EPSA Training Officer), who However, the Leadership Summer School was participated in this Summer School as an IFISO much more than a simple formation or workshop: Trainer. The participants created bonds between them also by having a great social programme and good breaks on the amazing beaches of Split, enjoying the sun. The interaction between trainers and trainees was, not only fruitful, but João Duarte also of great importance in order to see this EPSA Public Health Working Committee Director event as a relaxed yet serious activity. 2009/2010
9
The first EPSA - IFSA - IAAS joint symposium of medicinal herbs Can you imagine students of pharmacy, the work of such an important institution. They showed us the laboratories where the final control of forestry and agriculture gathering in one medicinal herbs as well as herbal products is carried place? Exactly such kind of gathering of out. The second part of our visit included a visit to the young people took place in May in plantation of the institute near Belgrade. An Belgrade, Serbia this year. agronomy engineer explained all the necessary parameters that should be fulfilled in order to get In the period of May 22-24 2009 Belgrade was the host good quality herbal raw material, the basis for an of the participants of this first joint symposium. EPSA herbal drug .We saw also some exotic species such as representatives in charge of organizing this symposium rosemary and rheum. We were told that it was the were my predecessor, Stevan Aleksic, and I, Uros result of the work of the institute’s agronomists that Cakar, on behalf of the organizing board and as future those herbs are successfully raised in such climate director of scientific committee. The dean of the conditions. Faculty of Pharmacy, prof. Dr Nada Kovacevic, greatly Our guests spent the rest of the day touring Belgrade. supported us in organizing the symposium, by which After a long but pleasurable stroll down Belgrade’s the Faculty of Pharmacy in Belgrade once again longest street, King Aleksandar’s Boulevard, known for confirmed its leading position in educating its beautiful tree-lines and, of course, cafes, we pharmacists in Serbia – the fact that the Faculty has reached the Nikola Pasic Square where we saw two been known for for 70 years. magnificent buildings, Parliament and City Hall. After The opening day of the congress was approaching and a short walk on the Republic Square we were proudly we were impatiently waiting for our friends to come… welcomed by the horseman’s statue of Prince Mihajlo. nd The greatest impression on all the guests was made by May 22 , Friday Prince Mihajlo’s Street with its magnificent edifices After exhaustive preparations from the early morning, and people who reflect the spirit of the city. everything was ready for the reception ceremony at The end of the day and early evening took us to the noon. The reception of the participants took place at famous Belgrade’s club “Korcagin” where we the ceremony hall of the Faculty of Pharmacy along continued with partying. with the appropriate cocktail and welcoming address of the dean. After that the professional part of the May 24th, Sunday symposium ensued. The dean of the Faculty of The last day of the symposium was meant for a visit to Pharmacy, prof. Dr Nada Kovacevic, held the first the botanical gardens “Jevremovac”. This beautiful lecture, with the topic Modern Research in piece of nature, which is located in the heart of Pharmacognosy - Characterization of Herbal Drugs. Belgrade, was founded in the mid-nineteenth century. Our second lecturer was a professor-assistant at the Faculty of Forestry in Belgrade, Ivana Bjedov, whose Here it is possible to get acquainted with medicinal topic was Herbal drugs in horticulture. herbs in their natural habitat. The gardens are abundant with species from Orient such as gynco Our stay at the faculty continued at the Museum of biloba, Iranian iron tree and Himalaya’s pine-tree. In Pharmacy, the unique institution of this kind in Serbia. the glasshouse we could see exotic species such as Our friends were astonished by the display of the bananas, avocado and various sorts of palms. museum which visualized with its interior a typical pharmacy of the 19th century with numerous vessels In the afternoon we were in Belgrade’s bohemian for medicines made of wood, glass and marble. street called Skadarlija..During the visit our guests Enormous museum's heritage is the bibliographical could briefly feel the spirit of the old times for its collection of pharmacopeas from the 18th and 19th numerous restaurants. centuries, as well as the replica of the Babilonian clay The participants were delighted with traditional plate with a prescription for a medicine whose original Serbian hospitality, the country and Belgrade as its is kept in Washington. capital and that was one of the main reasons for a We continued our associating in a proper way – the next visit. This congress once again showed that there Serbian way. Everyone enjoyed traditional specialties are no hurdles whatsoever for associating and of the Serbian cuisine, especially grilled meat and cooperation of young people who will practice there was also ever-present red wine. different professions in future. May 23rd, Saturday We had a pre-planned visit to the Institute for the Uros Cakar Research of Medicinal Herbs “Dr Josif Pancic”. Our Pharmaceutical Sciences Working Committee hosts cordially welcomed us and acquainted us with Director 2009/2010
11 eYouwins 2009 Another great intercultural event
Since last year EPSA started collaborating with KEC (Creative Educational Center), which is responsible of the organization of the Youth week in Novi Sad, called eYouwins, and we successfully continued working together this year.
The event of 2009 counted around 100 participants from 16 countries, with ages from 18-28, and the theme “Innovate to Integrate”. The concept of the festival was built around a few key-points. The first one was lectures based on the stories of professor Hugo van Veghel on how to use creativity in various areas of life, like work, social life, love, studies and so on. He was explosive and very easy to follow in his lectures, and as a result we had many questions and inputs from the listeners. Considering the fact that the majority of participants were quite young people who are starting their studies they Of course this wouldn't be a festival to mention surely have gotten a good base for creative way without the third key-point, which is the parties! of thinking when solving problems and going Probably the main days were Friday and Saturday through life. when a drum-group made a round through the streets of Novi Sad playing cool tunes followed by a firing-poi actor making an exciting show, followed by a DJ that was playing in the city center where we installed a small stage in front of a square where participants danced together with random passengers. I should not forget to mention the International evening, quite similar to EPSA European night, where different food and drinks from all 16 countries could be experienced.
The second key-point was workshops where we could learn about photography, video making, theatre play making and journalism. After several sessions all participants, who were split in groups, presented the results of their work. We witnessed fantastic pictures made mainly with amateur cameras, video clip that made us laugh to tears, and the same effect came after a theatre play about stories from Serbia, and an intriguing article about the whole festival.
12 One of the days was organized in the woods with an orienting competition - the participants were given maps with goal-points marked, and they had to find them. Another day was in the field with games without borders, where 15 pharmacy students, who were at IPSF SEP program joined in.
Pharmaceutical Students’ Association of Novi Sad (PSANS) was participating in the organization. Ana Sarcevic, Jovana Sumar, Nina Bukumirovic, Aleksandra Burkanovic and myself had a great time helping and joining the activities! I would like to invite ALL EPSA people to join next year, it is worth coming to Serbia!
Bojan Davinic
13 Our favourite LS Serbia brings home the title
The LS that has been awarded to be Serbia probably motivates me the most. Bringing EPSA to Serbian students means bringing them the “Favourite LS” in this edition of the Europe, European values, ideas, and a lot of EPSA Newsletter is the LS from different projects, which they wouldn’t be able NAPSer, Jovana Češljević. She is a to experience without EPSA. 25 year-old pharmacy student from Novi Sad in Serbia. She is studying at Have you held any positions earlier in your the Medical Faculty in the University of local/national association or in EPSA? Novi Sad, where she is finalizing her Yes of course. Firstly I was member of the Mobility Working Committee for one year, and pharmacy studies this year. With the that was actually my first contact with EPSA. For title comes an award, which is the my work, I was awarded with the Certificate for outstanding performance after the 2007/2008 great EPSA t-shirt. mandate. I also held the position of Local Exchange Officer (LEO) and after that I became the LS for my local association PSANS. Now I am LS, temporary National IMP coordinator and Here is what Jovana has to say about Member of Executive Board of NAPSer as well as being an LS in EPSA: a member of Parliamentarian board of PSANS.
Is there any particular situation that you Why did you become the LS for NAPSer? remember from your time as an LS that is especially worth mentioning? Before the creation of NAPSer as a united national association, I was the LS of our local Well, I remember a lot of different either nice or association (PSANS) for one year. I’ve seen funny situations, but unfortunately the EPSA myself in this position since my first EPSA event, Newsletter doesn’t have enough pages for all of st which was the 31 EPSA Annual Congress in Novi my stories :) Sad. It was a big challenge for me - taking one step forward and upgrading my local activities with the ones on the national level. Why would you recommend someone to become an LS?
What does it mean to you to be an LS? Being LS expands your views, brings you a lot of different experience and skills and the possibility I am very proud of being the LS of NAPSer, and to meet your colleagues all over Europe. By I’m quite sure this position fits the best for me, spending time with them, you can discover a lot concerning my character, interests and about other countries: Their cultures, university motivation. As LS, I’m being the most important systems and professional opportunities. Some of link between my country, its students and EPSA. the people I’ve met during my involvement in Unfortunately, as you all probably already know, the work of EPSA, I cannot consider my Serbia is one of the least developed countries in colleagues anymore, because they became my Europe, with lack of opportunities for young friends for life. This is certainly the most people. Therefore, the fact that I come from valuable thing I gained from EPSA!
14 Which event was your favourite EPSA event and why?
My favourite EPSA event was the 31st AC, held in my hometown Novi Sad, although it was definitely the most exhausting one for me, since I was a member of the Reception Committee. This was my first real contact with EPSA, I can call it “my big boom”. Despite the fact that I hardly slept during those days, adrenaline was what kept me alive, smiling and enjoying every minute of this EPSA event.
Are you planning to continue working in EPSA after your LS mandate?
Unfortunately I’m not planning to continue my EPSA work, since I’ll graduate in 2 months. But, I’m sure this won’t be my final goodbye! I’m very interested in the EPSA Alumni project and IMP as well. There are so many things that EPSA can offer, not only to pharmacy students but even to young, recently graduated pharmacists! You won’t get rid of me that easily :)
On a scale from 1-10 Jovana thinks the LS position looks:
- Experience: 10
- Fun: 8
- Time consuming: 5
- Headache: 2 What do you do to promote EPSA to the students in your country? - Responsibility: 9 Serbia has four pharmaceutical faculties. In each of them, there is one coordinator who helps me with promotion of EPSA on the local level. I regularly forward all EPSA material to NAPSer Interview by: news and upload it on NAPSer website. My favourite way of promotion is of course face to Anette Aaland Krokaas face one, during our meetings and congresses. EPSA Vice President of Communication Serbian students are crazy about EPSA and its 2009/2010 events, as you’ve probably already noticed, so this part of my job is really the easiest one!
15 NoPSA - Norwegian Pharmaceutical Students’ Association Rising from the dust
The activity in NoPSA has been low or non existing for many years. Some students have attended EPSA events in the past, but no one wanted to take charge and increase the activity in our association. No one promoted NoPSA and EPSA, we did not have an executive and few students were motivated to join in.
The former NoPSA President ended her mandate after this congress and I assumed full responsibility for the association. My aim was to reach all the Norwegian pharmacy students, form an executive, improve the promoting of EPSA and increase the communication between our faculties. I started to promote NoPSA and EPSA at my faculty in Tromsoe and as a result we had 11 Norwegian delegates attending the EPSA AC 2008 in Serbia. At the LS workshop I addressed the problem I had with motivating students and myself to increase the activity in our association. During this congress I got some good ideas from the other LSes and the EPSA team on how to solve this problem. With newborn spirit and motivation I decided to promote NoPSA and EPSA to the two other In Norway you can study pharmacy in Tromsoe, faculties in Norway. I invited students from all Bergen and Oslo. Norway is an extended country faculties to the first general assembly in Oslo with a great distance between the faculties and where we formed the first NoPSA executive in there are only 500 pharmacy students. the history.
My involvement in the association started in This was the big turnover for NoPSA. The new 2006, and in 2007 I participated at my first EPSA executive managed to promote NoPSA and EPSA event, the Annual Congress in the Haag. I was at every faculty and we got students to apply for totally overwhelmed by the EPSA spirit and all the EPSA AC in France. At this congress NoPSA the amazing people I met. Then I understood had participants attending from all the three that this was going to be the beginning of faculties. NoPSA was also present at the EAFP something great. congress in Oslo, June 2009.
16 around me that have motivated me all the time, NoPSA would never be what it is today.
I have learned that with some effort and hard work you can make it happen! Never give up, and believe in what you are doing, because no one can form an association in one day.
In the future we will try to build and maintain a sustainable structure for our association. NoPSA will continue to promote EPSA to the pharmacy students in Norway and we will be present at all the EPSA events.
Now NoPSA has a well-functioning executive, we have just joined EPSAs IMP project and we have a Norwegian student in EPSA’s executive. This is just the beginning. NoPSA will continue to de- velop and improve our association and we will explore our possibilities to collaborate with other associations in Norway and Europe.
Stine Figenschau NoPSA President 09/10
In October 2009 we arranged the second NoPSA GA at the University of Tromsoe. In order to de- velop the association, we had to reorganize the structure of the executive and improve our regu- lations. We had a discussion on how to improve the communication between students at the three faculties and what NoPSA can offer to the students. After this GA we have brought NoPSA to a new level and we will continue to evolve our association until the next GA.
It has been a long process, starting with nothing and ending up where we are now. I am so proud of our association. Without the hard working ex- ecutive, the EPSA spirit and all the people
17
EPSA trainings Improving soft skills all over Europe
When studying for a scientific degree, we spend And now… hours and hours on studying hardcore science. And of course as pharmacists we need to know With the TNT the possibilities for planning all there is to know about medicinal chemistry, trainings around Europe exploded! Instead of a pharmacology and pharmacotherapy – but few, we now have more than 10 people who can honestly, what is a pharmacist without empathy conduct trainings in many different topics, and and good communication skills? How competent therefore we now need to start planning the is a manager with no clear idea about leadership trainings! We have the trainers and for sure the and project management? Such skills are called trainees, but we need the link in between – the “soft skills” and are rarely in focus in the organizers. Therefore now, whoever you are, you universities. That is why EPSA is now building a need to consider, if you need to be trained in training system, which will benefit pharmacy something. In the box you can find suggestions of students all over training topics, but if Europe! During the you have other last few years ideas, please feel trainings and free to let me know! workshops have been conducted in EPSA events, but without a s t r u c t u r e a n d Examples of topics overall aim. With the - Communication new EPSA Training - Leadership Project we can and - Cultural awareness thus improve not - Conflict only the quality but management also the quantity of - Group dynamics the EPSA Trainings. - Time management - Stress management The first step
To have trainers, you need basically two things: Would you like to have a training? A trainer and participants. The latter is the easy one, as many pharmacy students across Europe If so, contact your LS or me or anyone else from are eager to improve their skill set. With regards EPSA! Together we will work out a solution and to trainers, the first step was taken in make sure that the training happens. A lot of Copenhagen, September 25th-27th, where the enthusiastic people are already working on this first EPSA Training New Trainers (TNT)-event was project, and we need to channel all this energy held. Here 8 participants from 5 different to all of you out there! Take advantage of this countries were trained by two experienced offer, and improve your skills ASAP! trainers from other international student organizations, which already have had Topics covered in TNT training structures - Personality test for a long time. The - Adult learning style program of the event - How to plan, design was intense and and deliver a training demanding, but also Louise Winnecke Jensen - Training challenge! extremely interesting EPSA Training Officer 2009/2010 and a lot of fun! [email protected]
19 Cultural AwarenessSOFT SKILL CORNER How to behave in international settings
We are all different. Interpersonal The paradigm is not something which we can easily put away when we are taken out of the communication will always be affected area where these “rules” apply, and put into a by our personality and background. different setting - for instance internationally. Here our paradigm might not fit, and But one thing in particular can give misunderstandings and awkward situations rise to challenges in communication quickly arise. Just consider how we greet each other: 1, 2 or 3 kisses? A hug? Shaking hands? and team work cultural differences. Many other factors can give rise to unfortunate assumptions: Perception of time, way of communicating, personal space, and so on.
Through our life we are influenced by our Avoid misunderstandings. The phrase “When in surroundings to adopt a certain set of beliefs of Rome, do as the Romans do!” refers to the fact what is right and wrong, our cultural paradigm so that rules and venue goes together. You might to say. want to do things your way, but if you work abroad you will often have to adapt to the local way of behaving. So how to tackle such difficulties? It is not easy, mainly because we often don’t speak openly about them.
EPSA diversity - Representing around 30 countries
20 Consider these 3 strategies: Say cheers!
- Passive – leaving the others to take the lead Be polite and cheer your - Gorilla – my way or the high way friends in their language: - Assessing – read the others and act accordingly - Bulgarian: Na zdrave Most people will agree that the gorilla approach can quickly lead to conflicts, whereas the - Croatian/Serbian: Živjeli passive approach will result in a uniform solution to challenges. Probably more interesting results - Czech: Na zdravi will arise with an assertive approach, where - Finnish: Kippis everyone can work together, acknowledging each others’ different traits. - French: Santé Cultural intelligence will help you accept and - German/Dutch: Prost understand the cultural differences which surround us. Being aware of those and how you - Greek: Jamas handle them will make your life easier in - Hungarian: Egèszsègedre multinational settings, and allow you to avoid misunderstandings and embarrassing situations. - Italian: Salute Be open-minded towards the differences, and get the best out of the situation. Consider the - Maltese: Saha greeting-situation: Taken with humor, the - Romanian: Noroc awkwardness is diminished. - Poland: Wiwaty Don’t be afraid to talk about cultural differences – as long as you don’t dig deep in taboos most - Portuguese: Saúde conversations tend to be funny! Let people know - Scandinavian: Skål if they behave inappropriately, no one likes to be embarrassed. - Spanish: Salut
And in the end: Learning about other cultures is - Turkish: Şerefe for sure a great way to learn about your own!
Remember: What about yourself? - Internationally, common - How do you think foreigners perceive sense does not exist! you? - ”When in Rome”… Respect - When was the last time you experienced the local ways of behaving! cultural diversity? - Be aware of how you might - What will you do next time you work appear to others. with other nationalities? - Be open and observe how the - Wanna know more? people around you behave. Check out “European Business” by Mary Watch and learn! Kate Bosrock.
Share your opinions about cul- tural diversity in the forum: Louise Winnecke Jensen (Denmark) www.epsa-online.org EPSA Training Officer 2009/2010 [email protected]
21 Patents, generics and counterfeits - facing the pharmaceutical challenges of today
We live in a world that is becoming more and more globalized each day. The economy is evolving, borders are shrinking, and the health domain is being highly affected by the challenges that the society is facing today. Patents get more and more criticized because of the fact that they are impending evolution of a certain drug formula, generics get new commercial “faces” and counterfeits are threatening the pharmaceutical industry… These are just a few of the concerns that will be discussed further through this article.
A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor or his assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for a disclosure of an invention. European patents are granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) under the legal provisions of the European Patent Convention (EPC).
The London agreement is a patent law agreement concluded in London on 17 October 2000 and aimed at reducing the translation costs of European patents granted under the EPC. The agreement entered into force on 1 May 2008. Before this date, once a European patent was granted, the patent had to be translated into the official language of each country in which the patentee wanted patent protection; if the translation was not provided to the national patent office within the prescribed time limit, which is 3 months (6 months in Ireland), the patent was deemed to be void from the beginning in that state.
A generic drug (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection. The generic drug may still have a patent on the formulation but not on the active ingredient. The preservation of exclusivity rights on medications prevents generic alternatives to enter the market and thus maintains a high price of drugs treatments. This can have significant effects in the developing world as those who are the most in need of basic essential medicines are unable to afford
The challenges generics are facing today: Generics companies are currently facing a Growing presence of branded companies: Branded pharmaceutical number of major companies are increasingly involved in production of generics in order to win back revenues that would otherwise be lost due to patent challenges including expiry. continued pricing pressure, authorised Rising pressure on pricing: The long-term sustainability of generic pharmaceutical companies is coming under threat after government generics, a lack of initiatives to promote low cost generics have contributed to product patient awareness and devaluation and reduced profit margins. distrust among Increased consolidation: Generic manufacturers are consolidating in healthcare order to compete with rising numbers of specialty pharmaceutical prescribers. companies who possesses greater scale and research and development capabilities.
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A counterfeit medication, or a counterfeit drug, is a medication or a pharmaceutical product, which is produced and sold with the intent of deceptively represent its origin, authenticity of effectiveness. It may also be a safe and effective drug, which is falsely labeled, likely in violation of trademark laws and in violation of drug regulations, which attempt to assure accuracy in labeling.
Since around year 2000, a growing number of Internet pharmacies have been established worldwide. Many of these pharmacies are similar to community pharmacies, and in fact, many of them are actually operated by brick-and-mortar community pharmacies that also serve consumers online. However, in addition to legal pharmacies there are also a large number of illegal providers. The main risk of the Internet lies in the inability of the customer and even the experts to distinguish between legal and illegal providers. Many websites appear legitimate, but in fact they are a front for illegal operations. It is very difficult to detect these pages as they are generally well written and presented in such a way to gain the confidence of the consumer. Some illegal web sites may also have faked safeguards on their sites.
WHO estimates that medicines purchased over the Internet from sites that conceal their actual physical address are counterfeit in over 50% of cases.
Activities lead to stop counterfeit medicines: WHO and IMPACT Europharm Forum: Did a short work on the draft Guidelines on counterfeit medicines. Initiated in October 2007, the working group on counterfeit medicines of the Europharm Forum has developed this framework for guidelines on counterfeit medicines. Council of Europe Since 2003, the Council of Europe has established a working group on counterfeit medicines, known as the Committee of Experts on minimizing public health risks posed by counterfeiting of medical products and related crimes (CD-P-PH/CMED). In September 2005, it organized a seminar on Counterfeit medicines in Strasbourg entitled “Counteract the Counterfeiters! Limiting the risks of counterfeit medicines to public health in Europe by adequate measures and mechanisms“. In October 2006, the Moscow Declaration on counterfeit medicines was adopted following an international conference organized by the Council of Europe. Finally, in April 2007, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted two documents related to counterfeit medicines: Recommendation 1794 (2007): The quality of medicines in Europe and Report: The Quality of medicines in Europe - Doc. 11193 (5 March 2007). The Council of Europe is currently working for a convention on counterfeit medicines and related crimes.
Ana Maria Puia EPSA Vice President of Education 2009-2010
23 How to obtain a pharmaceutical license in different European countries Professional Development Working Committee
The Professional Development Working Committee has decided to investigate the procedure of obtaining a pharmaceutical List of questions: license in different European countries, 1. When do you have to apply for firstly in accordance to the tendency to a license to practice as a define standards of pharmaceutical pharmacist? Is if before practices across Europe within one single graduation, or during your rulebook, secondly due to the vaguely defined practice period? way of obtaining a license for graduate 2. How long does it take to get a pharmacists in some countries, and finally in license? order to ensure that all graduates of 3. Where do you get the license pharmaceutical faculties can freely and form? A website or do you have equally do their jobs in any chosen country. to apply in person? 4. What documents are required to get a license? Birth Defining the way of obtaining a license for certificate? EPSA card? graduate pharmacists is marked as very important for European countries with not very 5. Does the license allow you to clear licensing process. The answers can be used practice in all areas of for showing the ministries of health, or similar pharmacy? Is it separate for structures, how it works across Europe. community/hospital etc? 6. How long does it last and if you The answers are collected from the following have to renew it, what do you countries: Holland, Poland, Norway, France, need to do? Bulgaria, Germany, Czech Republic, Turkey, Serbia, Finland, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy.
24 Outcomes: congresses and conferences. During a 5 years period they have to collect 100 points (50 hard In the following text you will find some results points and 50 soft points). Each conferences and from countries that gave some specific answers training is payable. If the license is lost, they to the following questions: have to repeat the practise period for half a year in community pharmacy. 1. When do you have to apply for a license to practice as a pharmacist? Is if before Norway and Croatia have the similar way of graduation, or during your practice renewing of the license after 65 years of age: period? Croatia: After 65 years of life the pharmacist applies each year for renewal of permission and Holland compulsory approval of physician about medical Has two kinds of registrations: Registration as fitness of the pharmacist. This procedure can being a pharmacist, this is right after the continue until 75 years of life. studies. After this they have a registration of the Norway: If you get a student licence that is valid specialisation. There are currently registrations for 1 – 1,5 year you have to apply once again as community and hospital pharmacists, and they when you graduate, and then you will get a are also working on a registration for the permanent one. If you want to work after you industry pharmacists. The first registration are 75 years old you have to renew your license. application is just before graduation (BIG registration), the specialisation licence is years Turkey after graduation. The license is valid as long as the pharmacist lives. Norway They have to apply after graduation, after the final exams. Students do the practice in the 3rd As you can see, the licensing process for a or 4th year. After they finished their practice, graduated pharmacist across Europe is variable, and if they have passed all the previous exams, and documents like this one may help as a first they can apply for a student license, which is step of solving the problem of licensing in some valid for 1-1,5 year, depending on which faculty countries. Also, as the second step it can help in they study at. the procedure that every pharmacist can do his- her job without any prohibitions across the Serbia Europe. Young pharmacists can work independently without a license for the first seven years, but it For further information about this survey, do not is important to be in a procedure of licensing. hesitate to contact me.
Slovenia There has recently been a change in this system. For generations starting studies in 03/04 and Kristina Jovanovic earlier, they have to apply for a licence after Professional Development Working Committee graduation, but younger students acquire this Director 2009-2010 license after completing their pharmaceutical [email protected] practice as part of the study.
6. How long does it last and if you have to renew it, what do you need to do? The complete table with Poland This is a quite complicated matter in Poland. If you get the licence, you are obliged to pay a results can be found at membership fee each month. Furthermore, to not lose it you have to collect points. There are www.epsa-online.org 2 kinds of points: Hard points, which are collected during trainings that end with an exam or test and soft points, which are gained during
25 EPSA’s voice was heard at the EAFP Conference in Oslo Oslo 18 - 20 June 2009
EAFP (European Association of Faculties of education. It is a big success for EPSA that EAFP Pharmacy) is the representative body of the supported the EAFP-EPSA joint position paper higher education in pharmacy profession in "Preparing the Pharmacist for a Future in the Europe. This year the EAFP Annual Conference delivery of Pharmaceutical Care" which was chose the topic "New issues in Postgraduate / accepted at the Conference in Oslo. post-registration Pharmacy Education". The conference focused on the third level of Bologna education – into the further education and EPSA will try to have the outcomes of the survey specialization beyond the master level. The PhD and questionnaire published in a scientific degree is the only Bologna framework for the journal in the coming months. The EPSA post-graduate education in Europe. Dr. Karen presentation at the EAFP conference is available Marie Ulshagen, the head of the organizing on demand from your Liaison Secretaries. committee and also the Dean of School of Pharmacy in Oslo, stated that educational needs for the pharmacists to be able to practice as Another success of EPSA was receiving the award specialists in various fields do not always fit into for the best poster submitted to the conference the current PhD programs. A larger toolbox is (authors: Aja Petrikova, HLM; Marisabelle needed. Currently it includes specializations, Bonnici, Immediate Past President; Kristina internships, continuing professional development Jovanovic, Professional Development WC (CPD), master on master degrees, clinical and Director). The poster referred about the industrial PhDs and many other options. Continuing Professional Education (CPD) scheme for undergraduate students and pharmacists. The EPSA poster is available for download at the The conference was attended by over 120 EPSA website. academics from 28 European countries. EAFP recognizes students to be important partners to them and it is a good tradition that EPSA On behalf of the students participating in the members represent the students’ voice. In Oslo, EAFP conference I would like to thank EAFP for EPSA was represented by the historically largest the invitation, and to the School of Pharmacy in delegation of students, supported by the Oslo for organizing such interesting conference. reception committee from the Norwegian And last but not least, we would like to thank association NoPSA. NoPSA, the Norwegian Pharmaceutical Students' Association for the amazing social and cultural program they prepared for us. On behalf of EPSA, Aja (Alena) Petrikova (EPSA Honorary Life Member) contributed to the conference program by the presentation about the Pharmaceutical Care Education in faculties throughout Europe. In the last autumn EPSA performed a large survey on the differences in the education of pharmaceutical care, and in addition EPSA asked the participants of the Aja (Alena) Petrikova EPSA-ESCP Students' Symposium (October 2008, EPSA Pharmaceutical Care Education Working Dubrovnik, Croatia) via a questionnaire about Group Director 2008-2009 their opinion on the pharmaceutical care EPSA Honorary Life Member
26 Joint Statement “Preparing the Pharmacist for a Future in the Delivery of Pharmaceutical Care”
Background
EAFP has helped to expand the thinking about the pharmacy university curricula over the past ten years through a Task Force (1999) publication and a series of declarations made at subsequent conferences. In those declarations EAFP has committed to harmonisation of undergraduate courses facilitated by accreditation to agreed quality criteria; while maintaining curriculum variation that allows for educational experimentation. EAFP has argued that the highest quality course will provide for unknown futures.
EPSA has consistently argued for a modern curriculum that reflects a medicines-focussed and patient- centred professional education that prepares the student with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to deliver pharmaceutical care.
University professors recognise the exciting evolution of a pharmacy profession that is actively addressing the needs of patients served by an expanding 21st century high technology knowledge base. This joint recognition is forming changes in the curriculum required to advance teaching and research to match the professional and scientific aspirations of those entering the profession.
Joint Statement
1. Pharmaceutical care is an outcome of pharmacists’ services that reflects effective quality assurance of medication use. Pharmaceutical care adds to the definition of the pharmacist’s consistent application of the pharmaceutical sciences to the quality of medicines that are developed, prepared and used in society. Pharmaceutical care (quality of medication use) is what patients in the 21st century can reasonably expect from a healthcare system. Clinical pharmacy is the taught subject which relies on the actions and expertise of pharmacists needed to advance and maintain pharmaceutical care standards in medication use within a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
2. The continuous improvement of services provided by pharmacists in society depends upon undergraduate and postgraduate educational programmes serving the education and research needs of a progressive profession. EAFP and EPSA are committed to the continuing definition of pharmaceutical care and to that definition being the mission of pharmacists globally.
3. The student’s curriculum (5 years) must reflect this aspiration at entry to the profession and the pharmacist’s continued professional education must support pharmaceutical care delivery. Pharmaceutical care reflects skills and attitudes acquired by students from increased exposure to real-life patient problem-solving situations. The expertise needing to be acquired can be achieved by combining clinical experience with scientific understanding.
4. The curriculum of a School of Pharmacy requires more clinical experience in pharmaceutical education and research to show the best achievement of educational outcomes. Graduating pharmacists are required to be prepared adequately to participate in practice, teaching and research in order to provide innovative services which continuously improve quality in the use of medications. Post-registration practitioner educational development should address patients’ needs and more research activity into those needs is required. The life-long formation of the practitioner should be structured to provide logical progression through a career pathway designed to address patients’ needs.
27 Alumni Corner Interview with Timo Mohnani
Our student days are probably the years I remember working hard to get the Annual were we do most socialising. After Questionnaire filled in from Finland. That year (2001) I also attended my first EPSA congress in graduation we may come to realise that we Portugal. It was a great experience. have lost touch with many friends, especially if those friends live in different countries. Unfortunately time and distance have a way What did you like about being involved in EPSA and your EPSA Experience? of putting dents in relationships that you once thought would never end. But let’s face I love the European part of EPSA. It was so much it; our lives are fuller with friends and fun travelling around Europe and meeting all kinds of different people and pharmacy students. although we become busier every day, it’s a Spending time with different people really opens fact that we can be close with our friends, your eyes to the diversity of Europe. One of the even if they live far away. The first step is to best times to see this diversity is the European commit to keeping the friendships you have evening at the congresses. gained through EPSA alive! The Alumni project is the perfect way for all of us to keep in contact with old EPSA friends.
Timo Mohnani was President of EPSA in 2003; he has contributed a lot to the organisation and was awarded the title of Honorary Life Member by the General Assembly. Below you can read a short interview I had with Timo.
In which year did you get involved in EPSA and what was the nature of your involvement?
The first time I was involved was when I become elected EPSA LS, in the national executive of FiPSA (Finnish Pharmaceutical Students' Association). I had no idea what EPSA was at the time, but the thought of European stuff sounded good.
28 I also loved the work of being part of the EPSA What is your fondest memory from the years of executive. Sometimes it really pushed you to your involvement? your limits. It was challenging hard work. Being part of a team that is spread out across Europe I think I have to say that it is the fun times we and with little resources does make things hard had. We worked very hard but we also played but it was nice to see things getting hard. I remember some executive meetings going accomplished. on late into the night after which we would go out. The congresses were really great too. But I think I have to say that my best event was the What are you doing now? Summer University in Genoa. All my EPSA friends were there and we had so much fun together! These days I work as a Clinical Research Unforgettable event!! Associate for a Contract Research Organisation (CRO) called PAREXEL. Essentially I manage clinical trials. It's an interesting job, and I Do you have any last words for the current and definitely recommend it. future EPSA generations?
I would definitely recommend taking part How has EPSA contributed to your life and to actively in EPSA. Don't hesitate. At times it will your professional career? be hard and challenging but ultimately it is an investment in your own future that will pay itself I really believe that I can thank EPSA for my back many many times later on in your career. current job. Unfortunately it is very hard for somebody with no experience to get a job in the pharmaceutical industry. You definitely need Thank you very much for your time some luck. However I think my current boss (who hired me) saw the potential in me due to my history with EPSA, despite my lack of experience. I think she realised that my work in EPSA Truly changes your life – I encourage all of an international team would help me adapt to you reading this newsletter to take your future my new job very quickly. Especially since my job into your own hands and shape it through your involves working in an international experiences as Timo has done. environment.
If you had the opportunity to do it over again would you? Yours in EPSA always,
Definitely!! Marisabelle Bonnici EPSA Immediate Past President 2009 - 2010
29 Interview Mr. Hans Lindén - Executive Director, EUFEPS
When did you hear about EPSA for the first platform to run it and people to support it, since time? the program is excellent. The question is if EPSA could be considered to be able to run it?! - Many, many years ago! In 1994, when I was Sustainability is a key word here. I think there is involved within EUFEPS, I was very active a need for activities like this, but you will need towards EPSA. EPSA was always invited for our 3-5 years to see if it can continue to run or not, annual council meeting, and it was a standard and to see the results. operating procedure to invite the EPSA President. That is the way I really heard about Would you ever compare student associations and got to know EPSA. from Your time with todays’ student associations? How can you stay in the area of students’ associations when you become a professional? - It has not only been a couple of years since my time, it has been decades :-) There are not much - The way to stay in those associations is to difference between how the students operate, become member of the association first, so as just the questions they ask and their projects being a member you can be available to the and activities. association and be able to engage yourself in projects and activities. In every association there are people who wants to engage.
Is there any way EUFEPS and EPSA can increase their collaboration and develop it to a higher level?
- We actually offered EPSA to be classified as a member of EUFEPS. Still realizing that EPSA could not pay the membership fee (1200 euros a year), we offered that we can list EPSA as our member. I do not know why that did not work so far, maybe it is because of the short period people are engaged in EPSA. I still like this idea, and I will discuss it with the executive and maybe we will support EPSA to become a What about the relations between students member, as a part of the family. and universities? Did you also have a slight non-understanding between students and The IMP project, what do you think about it? universities?
- Excellent initiative!! - I was running those revolutionary years, and I think it is kind of soft these days, if you Is it dangerous for us to involve in IMP? Do you understand my point? Some people did some think we can be able to make all the good things, some did not so good things, but universities, the industry and students accept students are a movement themselves, in any it? time. Students pick up new ideas and new technology, and it grows among all of us, and it - First of all is that you need to make it accepted will grow more than we think. by the EPSA members, and people need to know that EPSA is running it. But, people may think that it is not sustainable since EPSA is continuously changing. I do not think that the Bojan Davinić program will fail though, if you are provided a Vice President of Communication 2008/2009
30 EPSA Annual Congress
Krakow, POLAND 26th of April - 2nd of May 2010 www.epsa-congress2010.com
Executive Contacts
EPSA President EPSA VP of Communication Tomaso Piaggio Anette Aaland Krokaas E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
EPSA VP of Education EPSA VP of EU Affairs Ana Maria Puia Fokion Sinis E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
EPSA Secretary General Charalampos Nakos E-mail: [email protected]
EPSA Treasurer Lionel Vidoudez E-mail: [email protected] EPSA Office EPSA VP of Partnership Development Rue du Luxembourg 19-21, Riccardo Hesse 1000 Bruxelles, E-mail: [email protected] BELGIUM EPSA VP of Mobility [email protected] Dan Daneasa www.epsa-online.org E-mail: [email protected]
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