Pharma Now Proudly Partnered With IACP Leadership Educators’ Summit To Inspire Growth In Pharmacy Education

Hyderabad, India- The Indian Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (IACP) recently hosted the transformative Leadership Educators’ Summit on January 20-21, 2025, in partnership with Pharma Now as a proud media partner. This two-day event brought together leaders in pharmacy education and over 1,000 aspiring pharmacy students to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and drive growth in the pharmaceutical sector.  

Day 1 of the summit took place at Hotel Avasa, where the focus was on uniting educators to elevate the quality of pharmacy education. Prof. B. Suresh, Pro-Chancellor of JSS Academy of Higher Education and former President of the Pharmacy Council of India, delivered an impactful keynote titled “The Leader in You—Have You Found Him?” Using chess as a metaphor, he highlighted the strategic mindset required for leadership, emphasizing adaptability, forgiveness, and the ability to thrive in challenging situations. Quoting Garry Kasparov, he noted, “Great champions need great enemies,” underscoring the importance of learning from competitors. Prof. Suresh also reflected on how true leaders focus on solutions rather than complaints when facing unexpected situations. 

The day’s sessions featured other prominent speakers, including Michael J. Rouse and Arijana Meštrović, who discussed the critical role of educator competence in improving the quality of pharmacy education. They introduced attendees to the FIP Global Competency Framework, guiding them through professional development and burnout management exercises. Toyin Tofade further enriched the discussions by exploring essential leadership qualities, such as trust, compassion, and stability, and shared strategies for building a culture of leadership. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, she remarked, “Leadership today means getting along with people." 

On Day 2, the spotlight shifted to inspiring young leaders at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTUH), where over 1,000 students from across India gathered to explore how they could drive innovation in the pharmaceutical field. Prof. B. Suresh encouraged students to prepare for future challenges with determination and adaptability. Toyin Tofade introduced her SOAR framework—Set goals, observe leaders, act promptly, repeat—to guide students in crafting their career paths. The Chief Guest, Prof. Balakista Reddy, Vice-Chancellor of JNTUH, discussed the influence of globalisation, privatisation, and intellectual property on pharmaceutical innovation, while Registrar K. Venkateshwar Rao emphasized the importance of real-world readiness beyond academic achievement.  

Post-lunch sessions led by experts Michael J. Rouse, Arijana Meštrović, and Kevin Ben Laurence provided students with valuable insights into global pharmacy practices and the role of innovation in shaping the future. As a young nation with immense potential, India was celebrated as a fertile ground for rising leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Pharma Now was honored to serve as the official media partner for this prestigious event, amplifying its mission to drive progress and collaboration in pharmacy education. The Leadership Educators’ Summit was a testament to the power of collective efforts in shaping a brighter future for pharmacy professionals worldwide.