Events

 Amity Institute of Pharmacy (AIP) organized a guest lecture of Prof. (Dr.) Vandana Patravale, Professor of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai on Friday, 21^st March 2025 at the City Office, Amity University Mumbai, Kurla-West, Mumbai – 400070. Prof. (Dr.) Suneela Dhaneshwar, Director, AIP welcomed the gathering and felicitated the speaker.  Dr Vrushali Bhalchim introduced the speaker. A motivational talk was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Vandana Patravale on the topic “From Classroom to Community: The Journey of a Pharmacist.”, highlighting the real-world impact of pharmaceutical knowledge, the evolving responsibilities of pharmacists, and the significant role they play in the healthcare ecosystem. Prof. Vandana Patravale discussed the emerging scope and career opportunities for pharmacy students. She inspired the students by citing her own journey as an academician and researcher. She emphasized the importance of conducting meaningful research that has commercial potential, keeping in focus the needs of Indian population first. The case studies and technology transfers done by her in collaboration with industries like drug eluting stents which are marketed all over the world in 65 countries created a buzz and lot of interest among the students and faculty. The talk was followed by question & answer session where Prof. (Dr.) Vandana Patravale addressed the queries of first-year B. Pharmacy students & faculty and inspired them to become compassionate healthcare providers, informed advocates, and responsible contributors to community well-being. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vrushali Bhalchim.

Objectives of program:

· To bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world pharmaceutical practice.

· To highlight the evolving role and responsibilities of pharmacists in the healthcare system.

· To inspire students to view pharmacy as a community-centered and service-driven profession.

· To provide insights into career opportunities and diverse roles pharmacists can undertake beyond the   

   classroom.

· To emphasize the importance of research, innovation, and continuous learning in the field of

   pharmacy.

· To motivate students to become compassionate, ethical, and responsible healthcare professionals.

· To create awareness about the contribution of pharmacists to public health and community well-being.

· To engage students in interactive discussions and address their queries related to academic and

   professional growth.

Behavioral Impact:

Students gained a deeper understanding of the pharmacist’s evolving role in the healthcare system, fostering a stronger sense of responsibility toward serving the community. The session encouraged students to be ethical in practice and socially accountable, instilling values of integrity, transparency, and service orientation. Exposure to advanced research facilities and discussion on innovation, motivated students to explore research opportunities and think beyond conventional pharmacy roles. Interactive discussions led to increased student engagement, with students asking thoughtful questions and showing eagerness to learn more about practical applications of pharmacy knowledge. The lecture helped students align their academic learning with future career goals, making their study efforts more focused and purposeful.

Feedback:

Feedback by students

Students were particularly impressed by the emphasis on research and innovation in pharmacy, which ignited curiosity and encouraged them to explore new dimensions of their career path. The interactive Q&A session was also well-received, allowing students to clarify doubts and gain valuable insights. Overall, students described the lecture as inspiring and eye-opening, a perfect blend of academic learning and real-world application, encouraging us to think beyond textbooks and focus on community impact, a great motivation to pursue pharmacy with a renewed sense of purpose.

Feedback by Guest speaker

Prof. (Dr.) Vandana Patravale mentioned that it was heartening to interact with such a vibrant and inquisitive group of budding pharmacists, and Dr. Vandana was particularly impressed by the students interest in learning about research opportunities, real-world challenges in pharmacy, and their willingness to serve the community. Dr. Vandana also emphasized that such interactive and thought-provoking platforms are crucial in shaping future-ready pharmacists who are not only academically sound but also socially responsible.  Dr. Vandana Patravale concluded by congratulating the institute for nurturing a generation of compassionate, ethical, and community-focused pharmacy professionals, and conveyed her best wishes for the continued success of Amity Institute of Pharmacy.

Conclusion:

The guest lecture on “From Classroom to Community: The Journey of a Pharmacist” proved to be a highly enriching and inspiring experience for the students of Amity Institute of Pharmacy. The session successfully bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice, offering valuable insights into the evolving role of pharmacists in the healthcare system. The motivational talk delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Vandana Patravale not only emphasized the importance of community engagement and ethical responsibility but also highlighted the significance of research, innovation, and continuous learning in the field of pharmacy. Her interaction with the students fostered a renewed sense of purpose, compassion, and professionalism among budding pharmacists. The session encouraged students to reflect on their role beyond the classroom and embrace their responsibilities as future healthcare providers and community advocates. Overall, the lecture served as a powerful reminder of the profound impact pharmacists can have on individual lives and society at large.

Recommendations:

·      The guest lecture on “From Classroom to Community: The Journey of a Pharmacist” was highly impactful, informative, and well-received by students and faculty alike. It is strongly recommended that such insightful sessions be conducted on a regular basis to further enrich students’ academic and professional development.

·      This lecture served as a powerful platform to broaden students' horizons beyond classroom learning and instilled in them a deeper understanding of their role in the healthcare ecosystem.

·      Future guest lectures should continue to focus on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, inspiring students to pursue excellence in pharmacy practice, research, and community service.

·      Additionally, it is recommended to expand the scope of such lectures by including interdisciplinary themes, interactive components, and collaboration with industry and academic experts. This will ensure a more holistic learning experience and better prepare students for the dynamic demands of the pharmacy profession.

Point wise Outcome Report:

1) What was the Inspiration behind taking up this Particular Subject for the Programme? 

The inspiration behind selecting the topic “From Classroom to Community: The Journey of a Pharmacist” stemmed from the need to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world professional responsibilities in the field of pharmacy. The aim was to help students realize that pharmacy is not just limited to theoretical concepts or laboratory work, but is a dynamic, service-oriented profession that plays a crucial role in improving community health and well-being.

2)  Who were the Distinguished Guest Speakers Invited for the Event. Kindly give their Names.         

     Designations, Organisation, Qualifications, Area of Expertise and any Honours and Awards received   

     by them.

Prof. (Dr) Vandana Patravale, Professor of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai, India is a fellow of Indian National Science academy (INSA)and Indian National academy of engineers (INAE). She has more than 30 years of teaching and research experience. She has over 200 refereed publications with over 14000 citations (H index 59, i10 148), 30 granted patents , 20 patents in pipeline and 2 trademark registries. She has published 5 books and 45 book chapters with international publishers. Dr.Patravale has been active in teaching, research and service throughout her career and is listed consecutively in top 2% of World Scientist’s in pharmacy on basis of publications and citations from the time the list is published by Stanford University. Her areas of research include development of nanocarriers with major emphasis on infectious diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders; medical device development, nanodiagnostics and nanovaccines. She was awarded Distinguished Aluminus Award, UDCT(2024),Most Iconic healthcare (Global) leader award 2023,Topmost healthcare leader Global award(education) 2022,Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship 2021,Fellow of Indian Chemical Society 2020, Kukreja Oration award 2020,APTIs Dr. Manjushree Pal Best Pharmaceutical Scientist Award 2019, Shri Amrut Mody distinguished researcher award 2018, OPPI women scientist award 2015, Bill Melinda Gates grant award 2015,Best Pharmaceutical Scientist award 2014, VASVIK award 2013, Veneto nanotech award 2013, APTI best teacher award 2012, Fellowship of Maharashtra Academy of Sciences, 2011and K.H. Garda Distinguished researcher award 2009. She is Convener, APTI Women forum, President-CRS Indian chapter, Vice President-Paediatric Medicine healthcare initiative (PMHI), editor CRS IC and APTI women forum newsletters, Associate editor of Elsevier’s JDDST and on editorial board of many peer reviewed journals. She is actively collaborating with researchers as well as industries within country and abroad and has completed Indo-Swiss, Indo-Ireland, Indo-Japan, Indo-UK projects. She is executing all major grants from Indian Government focusing on product development besides projects from USA and Europe being currently undertaken. She has transferred about 20 + technologies to industry.

3) What was the Criteria Considered for inviting the Various Individual Guests, Internal as well as  

    External? 

The experience, impressive academic and research profile and standing the scientific community.

4) Were the guests informed in advance and if yes, from what previous interaction?  Were the guests    

    recommended by someone. If yes, who?  

    Prof Dr Vandana’s name was recommended by Prof Dr Suneela Dhaneshwar who has worked with Dr Vandana as associate editor of APTI women Forum’s newsletter and have collaborated for research. They both have shared dais as speakers many times in various symposia, webinars and conferences.

5) Who all attended the program? Also, if possible, give the numbers.  

    All the 12 students of first year B. Pharm and faculty members attended the guest lecture.

    List of attendees as given here under.

6) What were the ‘Take Homes’ for the Guests and the Attendees in the form of knowledge, facts,            

    information etc.? Please give the Salient Novel Points Covered by the Guest Speakers, in Bullet   

    Points Format.     

    Do not just be pharmacists by qualification, but to be a compassionate healthcare providers, informed  advocates, and responsible contributors to community’s  well-being.

7) Has the Guest lecture been able to generate any Tangible Gains for the Faculty, Researchers and  

    Students of Amity. If yes, what are these?  

    Yes, definitely session was very insightful with respect to real-world impact of pharmaceutical      

    knowledge, the evolving responsibilities of pharmacists, and the role we play as healthcare   

    professionals.

8) What are the ‘Progressive Outcomes /Way Forward’ planned, based on the event of the event. Please   

     give them pointwise, with timelines and names of the persons responsible for their execution.

    Introduction of a community pharmacy awareness program, student mentorship & career guidance   

    sessions, collaboration with research institutes & industrial visits, student-led community health

    outreach campaigns.

9) Have we Followed-Up with the Guests to consider Various Collaborations such as Joint Research

    Papers and Publications; Joint Funded Projects; Student Internships and Placements; Participation

    in National/ International Seminars/Conferences,/Workshops ; Student/Faculty Exchange

    Programmes ; Post Doctorate tie ups etc.   

   Yes, future collaborations with Institute Chemical Technology, Mumbai for joint research work, funded projects, research publications and participation in various workshops and student/faculty exchange program have been discussed.

10) What are the plans for utilizing the contacts developed with the Invited Guests, for future cooperation     

     to meet the targets of ‘Mission: Connect’ and Mission: Synergy of Brains? Please give a roadmap

     with timelines.  

     Increasing future collaborations for student research interest to carry out research, utilization of  

     research lab facilities for innovation and research for betterment of effective therapeutic and

     diagnostic solutions.