Joseph Miles Azurin is a final-year PharmD candidate at the Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.
In September, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. FIP brings together pharmacists and student pharmacists from more than 100 countries to explore and discuss the latest developments in the world of pharmacy.
This is also special thank you to the APhA Foundation, as I was able to attend World Congress through the Ton Hoek Scholarship Award I received at the 2024 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition this past March!
Leadership Development Workshop
A highlight of my experience was participating in the Leadership Development Workshop. This program allowed me to collaborate with pharmacy leaders from various countries, such as Nigeria, South Africa, Philippines, and Malaysia, and work through scenarios and presentations focused on enhancing leadership skills within the health care team.
Global networking
World Congress provided an excellent platform for networking with national leaders from U.S. associations, including APhA, ASHP, ACPE, BPS, and USP. I gained so much knowledge and advice from talking with many of the current and past CEOs and presidents.
Educational sessions
I attended numerous workshops and presentations addressing current issues and trends in global pharmacy practice, including updates on artificial intelligence, international immunization implementation, and climate health. These sessions offered insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our profession worldwide.
There were also social gatherings and events to network with other students and newly graduated pharmacists like the international night when each country was able to share their cultures with everyone else.
Exploring South Africa
Beyond professional development, the meeting offered opportunities to experience Cape Town's natural beauty. I participated in excursions showcasing the region's diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. I got to see so many penguins and other African animals like ostriches!
Why students should attend
World Congress offers a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective on pharmacy practice. Students can learn about different health care systems, innovative practices, and challenges faced by pharmacists worldwide. Here are some key reasons to attend in the future:
- Networking: The event provides unparalleled networking opportunities with pharmacy professionals and students from diverse backgrounds. These connections can lead to future collaborations, research opportunities, or even international career prospects.
- Professional development: Workshops, presentations, and interactive sessions help students develop crucial skills and knowledge on pharmacy at the global scale.
- Cultural exchange: Attending an international congress allows students to immerse themselves in a different culture and even make friends with other students or pharmacists from other countries!
- Inspiration: Exposure to global leaders and innovators in pharmacy can allow students to think creatively about their future roles in health care and motivate them to pursue different career paths. Students can learn about cutting-edge research and technological advancements in international pharmacy, potentially inspiring their own research interests.
Looking ahead
Mark your calendar for the next FIP World Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, from August 31 to September 3, 2025. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this global exchange!