Teaching a new generation of pharmacists with AAH Healthwatch Services
03 March 2008
With the shift of emphasis moving in pharmacy from dispensing to patient care, the University of Reading is playing a pivotal role in training the pharmacists of the future.
Porsotam ‘Posh’ Leal, a practicing pharmacist since 1990 and owner of Stockbridge pharmacy has been a ‘teaching practitioner’ at the university for more than a year and has included AAH Pharmaceuticals’ Healthwatch services as part of the syllabus.
Posh said: “I believe that it is crucial that today’s students learn about pharmacy from the perspective of medicines management with its emphasis on patient-centred care. I have benefited from the Healthwatch services that AAH support me on, as has our community in Stockbridge.
“It was with this in mind that I brought all 15 Healthwatch services into the university so the pharmacists of the future will have a spectrum of understanding that stretches from simple consultation on blood pressure testing to medicines management and complete lifestyle assessments.”
As the pharmacy profession changes so does teaching and Posh believes that it is vital to learn new skills to be able to adapt to changing times.
At the University of Reading, the Healthwatch services allow the students to learn how to consult on a range of screening services from smoking cessation and weight management to diabetes testing and cholesterol screening.
Ajit Malhi, head of marketing services for AAH said: “Pharmacies now offer services to communities that allow a pharmacist to become a local health care provider. This is something that pharmacists have had to adapt to over the years as their roles have brought them from behind the dispensing screen.
“The students at Reading will hit the ground running when they qualify – this has to be a benefit to the profession.
For further press information, please contact:
Dean Enon
Gravitas Public Relations, 7 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GLOS GL50 1QB
Tel: 01242 211000
