Text by Martin Racza
National Scientist and former UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita D. Padilla delivers her keynote address during the 9th Philippine Pharmacy Summit on September 21, 2024, at the Heritage Hotel Manila.
Hundreds of pharmacists and pharmacy students converged at the Heritage Hotel Manila on September 21, 2024 to attend the 9th Philippine Pharmacy Summit, hosted by the UP College of Pharmacy (CP).
Themed “COALESCENCE: Converging the Roles of Next Generation Pharmacists Towards Universal Healthcare,” the summit featured messages delivered by medical luminaries headlined by National Scientist and former University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Chancellor Carmencita D. Padilla as the keynote speaker.
Delivering knowledge on the current issues, trends, and future possibilities for pharmacy and how it can leverage today’s technologies and innovations were Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations President Yolanda Robles, Engine Biosciences Senior Director Michael Winther, Prof. Margarita M. Perez of the Department of Clinical, Social, and Administrative Pharmacy of UP Manila, Intercare Chiropractic Center Chief Executive Officer Martin Camara, Mahidol University Thailand Professors Chonlaphat Sukasem and Usa Chaikledkaew, and Paul Darrel O. Meneses of the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation.
The topics included Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine, Community Pharmacies as Centers for Health and Wellness, Fostering Sociocultural Competence through Education, Digital Health-Enabled Precision Medicine, Health Technology Assessment, and AI-Enabled Precision Medicine.
Besides increasing their knowledge in the latest issues and trends in pharmacy, the summit participants were able to enjoy the booths of the event sponsors and participate in activities and games, winning prizes and receiving giveaways.
After the plenary session, the professional pharmacists convened for the 11th Southeast Asian Pharmacogenomics Research Network (SEAPharm) Meeting, while the “NextGen Pharmacists” participated in lectures and activities facilitated by pharmacy student leaders.#
