The College of Pharmacy of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) had the distinct honor of hosting Dr. Mohd Makmor Bakry, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, on 12 March 2025, at the OLFU RISE Tower.
Dr. Bakry’s visit was marked by a series of significant academic engagements, strengthening ties between the two institutions and enhancing educational experiences for both students and faculty members.
Formalization as Visiting Professor
Through a welcoming ceremony, Dr. Bakry officially assumed the role of Visiting Professor at the OLFU College of Pharmacy with the signing of a formal contract. This agreement outlines his commitment to delivering lectures, engaging in academic discussions on various pharmacy- and health-related topics, and contributing to research collaborations. Additionally, Dr. Bakry will provide mentorship and consultation to students and faculty members, further fostering an environment of academic growth and knowledge exchange.
Lecture on Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical Care
A key highlight of Dr. Bakry’s visit was his lecture on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pharmaceutical care. His presentation captivated students and faculty as he explored the use of AI in pharmacy, including the development of AI systems and the evolving role of pharmacists in an increasingly technology-driven field.
Dr. Bakry also examined various applications of AI in pharmaceutical care, such as medication management, drug-drug interaction prediction, clinical decision support systems, and precision medicine. He provided valuable insights into how AI can enhance patient care and improve decision-making processes within the pharmaceutical industry.
Encapsulating this section of his discussion, Dr. Bakry emphasized the need for a balanced approach to AI adoption in healthcare, highlighting both its benefits and ethical considerations. He underscored the importance of using AI responsibly to prevent over-reliance on technology in patient care. His insights sparked dynamic discussions among attendees, encouraging critical reflections on AI’s role in modern pharmaceutical practice.
Focus Group Discussion on Clinical Training
The Malaysian pharmacy leader also participated in a focus group discussion with OLFU faculty members, aimed at enhancing the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for students. This collaborative effort sought to refine assessment methods and improve clinical training, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future roles in the healthcare industry.
Strengthening Academic Collaboration
Dr. Bakry’s visit to the OLFU College of Pharmacy proved to be highly productive, fostering meaningful exchanges of knowledge and ideas. His contributions as a Visiting Professor will further enrich the academic environment at OLFU, paving the way for continued collaboration between the two institutions. The discussions and insights shared during his visit are expected to serve as a foundation for future advancements in pharmacy education and practice.
—Story by Raymond Lumagsao, based on a report by Associate Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Anbel M. Bautista
