The College of Pharmacy at Dubai Medical University (DMU) marked an outstanding presence at the 2^nd Community Pharmacy Conference, organized by the IVPN-Network and held in Dubai on 12 September 2026. The College’s participation was distinguished by faculty leadership in the scientific program, expert presentations on contemporary pharmacy practice, and multiple awards secured by DMU faculty and students across the conference competitions.

A major highlight was the leadership role of Dr. Ahmad El Ouweini, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Interim Program Director of the Master of Clinical Pharmacy at the College of Pharmacy, who served as Co-Chair of the Conference. Dr. El Ouweini also contributed to the scientific program as a speaker, addressing the important role of community pharmacists in combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting the rational use of antibiotics. His presentation highlighted the increasingly important contribution of community pharmacists to antimicrobial stewardship and responsible medication use.

Prof. Sharif Khalifa, Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Dubai Medical University, also played a prominent role in the conference. He moderated the session titled “Professional Growth in Pharmacy: Core Skills, Clinical Reasoning, and New Frontiers” which brought together five speakers to explore professional development, leadership, and the evolving responsibilities of pharmacists in community practice.

Adding to the College’s scientific contributions, Dr. Bassam Atallah, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Program Director for the postgraduate PharmD program at the College of Pharmacy, delivered a presentation on “Management of Dyslipidemia: Pearls for Community Pharmacists.” His session focused on practical considerations relevant to community pharmacists and their expanding role in supporting the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.

DMU faculty and students achieved notable success in the conference’s scientific poster competition. From 30 abstracts submitted, 18 were accepted for presentation, with representatives from the College of Pharmacy earning awards across professional, postgraduate, and undergraduate categories.

Prof. Sathvik Sridhar, Professor and Chair of Pharmacy Practice Department, secured second place in the Professional Poster category. In the Postgraduate Pharmacy Poster category, DMU Master of Clinical Pharmacy Student, Basma El-Khooli, was awarded third place under the supervision of Dr. Doaa Kamal. DMU undergraduate students also distinguished themselves, with Sarah Abdel Fattah, Aya Muslih, Ranim Alrefai, and Souzan Almokdad securing second place in the Undergraduate Poster category.

The College of Pharmacy achieved further success in the conference’s Talent Show Competition, in which participants were challenged to deliver a five-minute presentation on a novel topic related to community pharmacy practice.

Among 10 participants, two College of Pharmacy students claimed the top two positions. Mariam Etri, a fifth-year pharmacy student, secured first place, while Fabina Keloth, a second-year pharmacy student, secured second place.