"Pharmaceutical Education in Modern Conditions: Fundamental Foundations and Vectors of Priority Development of the Organizational and Managerial Direction"

As part of the business program of the V All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation "Pharmaceutical Science: Challenges and Solutions in the 21st Century," a section was held on "Pharmaceutical Education in Modern Conditions: Fundamental Foundations and Vectors of Priority Development of the Organizational and Managerial Direction."

The session moderators addressed the participants with welcoming remarks.

Oksana Nemyatykh, Professor of the Department of Management and Economics of Pharmacy at the St. Petersburg State Chemical and Pharmaceutical University (SPHFA) of the Ministry of Health of Russia, drew attention to the acute shortage of specialists in the industry, which reaches 30%. She called for an active dialogue to develop solutions aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical education and increasing its effectiveness. Igor Narkevich, Rector and Head of the Department of Management and Economics of Pharmacy at SPHFA, emphasized the need to determine strategic vectors for personnel training. He noted the particular importance of developing managerial competencies in specialists and the ability to apply fundamental knowledge in practice.

In her report, Victoria Presnyakova, Director of the Self-Regulatory Organization "Association of Independent Pharmacies," noted that a system of continuing pharmaceutical education has been implemented in Russia over the past 10 years; however, its effectiveness is declining due to a drop in the prestige of the profession and a professional crisis among specialists. She cited research data indicating that 42% of pharmacists want to deepen their knowledge of medicines, and the personnel shortage in the industry reaches 30%. Among the key challenges, the speaker highlighted the need to adapt educational programs to modern requirements, as well as problems with accreditation and the high cost of additional education.

Tatyana Litvinova, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) of the Ministry of Health of Russia, outlined key challenges for pharmaceutical education, including an acute personnel shortage (up to 35%) and an insufficient level of practical training for graduates. She emphasized that, within the framework of state strategies, particularly the "Pharma-30" program, the priority is to train specialists capable of responding to the modern demands of the industry and implementing innovative technologies.

Olga Makhova, Head of the Department for Organizing the Work of Pharmaceutical Institutions and Enterprises of the Committee for Health of St. Petersburg, spoke about the tasks of regional authorities in training pharmaceutical personnel. She noted the importance of licensing and staffing for the stable operation of the industry. Information was presented on the development of preferential drug coverage, the launch of new educational programs at the Obstetric College, and career guidance initiatives for schoolchildren. The speaker emphasized the importance of cooperation with the Chemical and Pharmaceutical University to improve the quality of personnel training.

Natalya Shchetinina, Head of the Pharmaceutical Activities Division of the Department for Organizing the Work of Pharmaceutical Institutions and Enterprises of the Committee for Health of St. Petersburg, noted the importance of certification for the professional growth of pharmaceutical workers. This procedure allows for improving qualifications and salary levels. The speaker detailed the stages of certification, including document submission, test control, and an interview, and also highlighted the role of certification commissions and expert groups in assessing the knowledge of specialists. In conclusion, recommendations were given on preparing reports and effectively interacting with commissions for successful completion of the procedure.

Lyudmila Terekhova, Head of the Pharmaceutical Department of TNC Silma LLC, emphasized the importance of synergy between business and educational institutions for the development of pharmaceutical education. She shared the results of large-scale studies that formed the basis for creating new educational programs and interactive materials, including educational quests and game simulators. The speaker also noted the successful experience of conducting online projects and plans to further expand interactive learning formats with a focus on marketing and sales.

At the conclusion of the conference, Oksana Nemyatykh noted changes in the staffing composition of pharmacies: an increase in the number of pharmacists alongside a decrease in the number of pharmaceutical chemists (provisors), who mainly work in public institutions. She emphasized that pharmacy managers face increasingly complex managerial tasks and the need to adapt educational programs to market requirements. The speaker also drew attention to the importance of scientific research, the modernization of postgraduate education, and the introduction of new standards of practical training for future specialists.