By Frances Batara, STRATCOM Correspondent

Gaining insights from leading pharmacy experts worldwide, 13 Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy students from the MMSU–College of Health Sciences (CHS) participate in the 2025 Asian Association of Schools of Pharmacy–Pharmacy Education Council of Thailand (AASP-CPDT) Summer School, held from July 15 to 28 at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.

Representing the Philippines, the MMSU delegation includes ten first-year students, Shyza Joy Alcoriza, Ena Izabel Callejo, Ruth Danielle Emnace, Waylan Kantrel Guiang, Mark Angelo Ibasco, Gabrielle Angela Madrid, Lorraine Pulveras, Mikylla Respicio, Alexandra Reyes, and Alliah Lerize Rosal, and three second-year students: Kara Alexa Mikaela Crisologo, Trisha Ann Duldulao, and Angelyka Zendy Fiesta. They are accompanied by Prof. Janelyn Rojas of the Department of Pharmacy.

“Our participation in the summer school provides us with valuable insights into best practices in pharmaceutical care, the Thai healthcare system and culture, and cross-cultural learning essential to pharmacy education and practice,” Prof. Rojas says.

Aside from the MMSU delegates, the program is attended by 38 international students from Thailand (15), Indonesia (15), Japan (4), Cambodia (2), and Malaysia (2).

The 14-day program tackles foundational pharmacy topics, including community prescription practices, multidisciplinary approaches to chronic disease management, the role of pharmacies in smoking cessation, and the clinical pharmacist’s role in chronic kidney disease care. It also promotes case-based learning in the rational use of antimicrobials and pharmaceutical nutrition, and covers regulatory frameworks and consumer protection in medicinal and healthcare products.

Co-organized by the AASP and the Council of Pharmacy Deans of Thailand, the summer school also features scientific and cultural activities, providing opportunities for participants to network globally.