"In addition to the traditional role of supplying the medicines the patient needs, pharmacists are taking on a new and growing clinical role in hospitals." This is the opinion of Ian Bates, Full Professor of the University of London, who participated in the seminar International Hospital Pharmacy Conference at the University of Navarra. The meeting was organized by the School of Pharmacy and the Pharmacy Service of the University Clinic.

Ian Bates noted that a new law has recently been passed that allows appropriately trained pharmacists to prescribe medicines directly to patients - at partnership with physicians. He said, "university students are ready to contribute to this new role within the hospital internship ."

The professor at School of Pharmacy at the University of London, where two or three students from the University of Navarra do internships every year, assured that there are new work opportunities for pharmacists, in particular, "new activities related to primary care". These are professionals "who are on contact with physicians, on the same plane, and who suggest and design information and committee in prescribing, and ensure that information flows easily between the different healthcare professionals."

Exciting times for pharmacy

"At final ," he added, "we are in an exciting time for pharmacy. But pharmacists, in his opinion, need to demonstrate that they are competent professionals: "The knowledge needs to be more strongly integrated with the training internship . We need better curriculum designs, curriculum plans programs of study. With the rise of scientific and technological innovations, knowledge in pharmacy has become important. Should students learn about everything? Is there too much subject matter and content at a university level?" this expert wondered. "These are difficult questions that we need to face. But the Education of a health professional should be prolonged outside the university, through a partnership between physicians, professional bodies and universities."

Also taking part in the seminar International Hospital Pharmacy Workshop were Professors Ana Ortega and Irene Aquerreta, from the Pharmacy Service of the Clínica Universitaria; and Dr. Catherine Duggan, from the National Health Service of Great Britain.