Behind the Scenes: Orientation Day for Pharmacy Students at the Egyptian Russian University
Dr. Sherif Fakhry Mohamed Abdel-Nabi, President of the Egyptian Russian University (ERU), announced that the Faculty of Pharmacy organized a welcome day for first-year students enrolled in the “PharmD” and “PharmD Clinical” programs. This event reflected the Faculty’s commitment to welcoming new students, introducing them to the Faculty and its academic programs, and preparing them for university life by familiarizing them with various aspects of the academic and student experience. The event was supported by Dr. Mohamed Kamal Mostafa, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, and aligned with the University’s strategy to facilitate the orientation process from the very first day of classes. This approach aims to ensure the rapid integration of new students, thereby fostering an inclusive educational environment that supports academic excellence from day one.
In this context, Dr. Mohamed Ehab Fattouh, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at ERU, explained that the day’s activities began with welcoming remarks addressed to the new students, followed by an overview of the Faculty and its programs. He emphasized the importance of taking full advantage of the various educational opportunities and activities offered by the Faculty throughout the students’ academic years.
The Dean also noted that heads of the Faculty’s various academic departments participated in the orientation event. Each department head introduced their respective department, its areas of focus, and its role in preparing pharmacy students, while also familiarizing them with the locations of the various departments within Buildings A and B. Additionally, the day featured an introductory session on the college’s electronic systems—conducted by the college’s IT engineer—aimed at ensuring a comprehensive, innovative educational experience that leverages interactive technology. This approach facilitates academic achievement and student integration from day one through the use of the university’s digital platforms and modern electronic systems.
Dr. Mohamed Ehab Fattouh reported that students were introduced to the use of various electronic platforms and systems—including the “Moodle” learning management system and the “SIS” student information system—and were familiarized with key electronic services and procedures required throughout their studies. He noted that senior students played a role in supporting their new peers, helping them integrate and be acquainted with university life.
For his part, Dr. Gamil Abdullah, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Egyptian Russian University, stated that students were introduced to the various student activities offered by the faculty—such as the Egyptian Pharmacy Students’ Federation (EPSF-ERU). Emphasis was placed on the importance of participating in non-academic activities and their role in character building, as well as the development of communication, teamwork, leadership, and time-management skills. He added that organizing this event reflects the faculty’s commitment to providing a comprehensive university experience for new students—one that combines academic preparation, personal development, student engagement, and early exposure to the job market—thereby supporting the graduation of qualified pharmacists capable of keeping pace with scientific and professional advancements.
The Vice Dean also revealed that the faculty hosted Dr. Ahmed Ramah, Head of personnel and Culture at Utopia Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Ramah provided students with a comprehensive overview of the various work fields and career paths available to pharmacists within the pharmaceutical industry, covering areas such as research and development, production, quality control, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, sales, marketing, pharmacovigilance, and other professional avenues.
In this context, Dr. Ahmed Ramah, Head of Personnel and Culture at Utopia Pharmaceutical Industries, emphasized the importance of early preparation for the labor market and the development of scientific, professional, and personal skills from the initial years of study, thereby helping students form a clearer vision of their career futures and the opportunities available to them after graduation.









