By Nora Alkhudair (SOPA / ISOPP 2021 Conference Chair), Majed Alshamrani (SOPA / ISOPP 2021 Organizing Committee Member) and Alexandre Chan (SOPA / ISOPP 2021 Scientific Committee Member and ISOPP Liaison)
In collaboration with the Saudi Oncology Pharmacy Assembly (SOPA), International Society of Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) conducted its first regional hybrid conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The scientific program was delivered over 3 days from the 18th to the 20th of November, 2021.Two masterclasses were conducted, pre-conference along with students' boot camp & competition, where physical attendance exceeded 100 learners. The scientific program was presented by a total of 34 esteemed international speakers and moderators, where they deliberated new updates in oncology pharmacy therapeutics, practice management, and research. SOPA/ISOPP regional conference 2021, succeeded with the active participation of a thousand practitioners attending both virtually and physically. Additionally, SOPA hosted a multinational exhibit that included more than twenty pharmaceutical, industrial, healthcare solution companies, and student clubs.
Professor Alexandre Chan was appointed as the ISOPP representative for the organization of the regional meeting. Additionally, a number of ISOPP members including Marliese Alexander, Melanie Bernhardt, Harbans Dhillon, Emma Foreman, and Shaun O’Connor were speakers for the main conference. ISOPP has also organized two masterclasses for the meeting, with Alex Chan and Emma Foreman being the speakers for the two masterclasses.
Dr. Majed Alshamrani, SOPA Chairman, stated “The main goal of this unique conference is to advance the knowledge and skills of oncology pharmacy practitioners in the Kingdom, which will reflect on the quality of the pharmaceutical care provided to cancer patients in alignment with the 2030 vision of advancing the healthcare system and quality of life.” Dr. Nora Alkhudair, the conference chair, expressed her gratitude “Grateful for providing advanced materials that were delivered by excellent practitioners in this collaboration ISOPP. The program was targeting all oncology pharmacy practitioners, from the proper preparation and dispensing to counseling and follow-up”.
With the huge success of this regional meeting, ISOPP looks forward to further collaboration with SOPA and to advance the practice of oncology pharmacy practice within the Middle East region.
