Blended Intensive Programme

My name is Mary Lugemba and I had the privilege of taking part in this year’s Blended
Intensive Programme (BIP). This programme was a great opportunity to learn about the role
of a clinical pharmacist in general practice whilst participating in practical activities and
meaningful conversations.
From undertaking two weeks of online teaching led by various experienced professors and
one week of in person activities, I gained a deeper understanding of the diverse world of
pharmacy and the ever-expanding role of a pharmacist. The week of in person activities
enabled me to also learn from the international French and Italian pharmacy students. I had
the chance to exchange cultures and discuss how pharmacy differs within each jurisdiction.
This programme has personally made me have a greater appreciation for the pharmacy
profession and the impact a pharmacist can make within their respective pharmacy setting. It
is an experience I’ll never forget!

Mary Lugemba

BIP 2025 Dublin

Hey everyone, my name is Kirsten, and I took part in the blended intensive programme 2024 hosted
by Université Paris-Saclay. This program covered a wide range of topics including pharmacogenetics,
antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, digital pharmacy, interculturality, pharmaco-economics,
and vaccinations.
We began with virtual seminars alongside students of “Université Paris-Saclay” and “Università di
Pavia”, where we delved into theoretical foundations and built a strong conceptual understanding of
our subject. The in-person segment took place in Paris, at the host university, where we had the
opportunity to apply our knowledge in practical settings. One of the many highlights for me included
the two hospital visits we carried out in “Hôpital européen Georges-Pompidou” and the “Gustave
Roussy” institute.
Professionally, this program broadened my knowledge and skills in critical areas of community and
hospital pharmacy practice. The learning in pharmacogenetics and antimicrobial resistance
sharpened my clinical decision-making abilities, while the digital pharmacy sessions equipped me
with the latest technological advancements in the field. The interculturality sessions and hospitalvisits offered invaluable insights into the healthcare systems of Ireland, Italy, and France, highlighting
both the differences and similarities in pharmacy practice across these countries. Meeting and
collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds expanded my professional network and fostered
a deeper understanding of global pharmacy practices.
Personally, the program was equally impactful. The intercultural interactions and social events were
great fun and allowed me to develop a greater appreciation for cultural diversity. These experiences
enhanced my adaptability and communication skills, crucial for working in multicultural
environments.
Overall, the program not only advanced my professional capabilities but also contributed to my
growth in culture awareness and versatility

Kirsten Soney-Ituen

BIP Paris 2024

My name is Katie O Donnell Byrne and over a period of three weeks between May and June 2024 I had the honour of participating in the second year of the Blended Intensive Erasmus Programme involving Trinity College Dublin, Université Paris-Saclay and Università di Pavia titled ‘Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy in Europe’.
The course commenced with two weeks of online lectures covering topical areas such as digital pharmacy, antimicrobial stewardship, and pharmacogenomics. It concluded with a week of in-person activities in the beautiful city of Paris. These activities included lectures on expanding the role of pharmacists with point-of-care testing, as well as onsite visits to local hospitals- The Gustave Roussy Institute, Europe’s leading cancer research hospital, and Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, where the pharmacists play an essential role in the supply chain management and traceability of medical devices.
The highlight of the experience was culminating the course in person, which provided me the opportunity to build lifelong connections (and friendships!) with such a diverse and amazing group of students and coordinators from the other participating colleges. At the outset of the week, we engaged in multiple ‘interculturality’ sessions to enhance our communication skills, understand and celebrate each other’s differences, and identify common ground. These experiences were complemented by brilliant social events organised by Universite of Paris Saclay, ranging from crepe and pizza parties to party buses and cruises on the Seine!
Collaborating with students and professionals from France and Italy on internationally relevant topics such as expanding the role of pharmacists and antimicrobial resistance was extremely insightful and valuable. Each country contributed unique experiences and perspectives, fostering mutual learning and potential improvements in our respective healthcare systems.

Katie O’Donnell Byrne

BIP Paris 2024

It was an honour to be selected to participate in the Blended Intensive Programme “Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy in Europe” over the past month.
Following two weeks of online lectures from Ireland and Italy, we travelled to Paris for a week of in person activities. It was an incredible, hands on experience that has increased my understanding of hospital pharmacy and use of various medical devices. I met so many wonderful students and healthcare professionals from Italy and France. The stimulating learning environment allowed me to improve my communication skills and immerse myself in interculturality.
Social activities were integrated into the week (party bus tour of Paris, crepe party, etc) which allowed us to really get to know the other students and share our experiences with them.
My personal highlights of the course include attending the Gustave Roussy Institute; the leading cancer research hospital in Europe, attending the Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou and getting the opportunity to use various medical devices, all while being in the beautiful city of Paris!
I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved in organizing such an insightful, interesting course.

Ruby Pereira

BIP Paris 2024

My name is Lokesh and I took part in the BIP 2024 in Paris. The two weeks of lectures prior to the trip were really interesting and encompassed themes of antimicrobial resistance, clinical pharmacy and interculturality. During my time in Paris, I had the opportunity to immerse myself deeply in French culture and gain valuable insights into the state of clinical pharmacy in both France and Italy. The week was filled with fascinating lectures on point-of-care testing, ECGs, pharmacoeconomics, and vaccination practices, which enriched my understanding of contemporary pharmacy practice. We even got to design and test out our own OSCE stations. We toured several hospitals with state-of-the-art oncology treatment facilities, including one that used 3D printing to produce custom dosage forms, showcasing the cutting-edge advancements in medical technology. Beyond the professional experiences, it was also a fantastic opportunity to bond with my peers from Ireland, strengthening our connections and shared knowledge. The journey was not only educational and socially rewarding, but it also culminated in a magical visit to Disneyland where I got to witness the incredible fireworks display. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that blended professional growth with cultural exploration and personal connections (and a trip to Paris too which can't hurt!).

Lokesh Satish

BIP Paris 2024

I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) 2025—an experience that was truly eye-opening and broadened my perspective.
We had the opportunity to see the differences in pharmacy practice across three European countries. We received specialised training in key areas such as vaccinations, substandard and falsified medicines, pharmaceuticals, food supplements, and more.
Collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds, we engaged in hands-on activities including OSCE role plays and gained insight into cutting-edge medical devices developed by esteemed pharmaceutical companies.
One of the most rewarding aspects of BIP was building meaningful connections with the students and instructors from across Europe. Beyond pharmacy, we immersed ourselves in different cultures and formed lasting friendships.
The BIP is a one-of-a-kind experience, and I’m truly grateful to have been part of it.

Greatness Agawaze

BIP Paris 2024

My name is Holly Kavanagh, and I recently participated in a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) co-organised by Trinity College Dublin, Université Paris-Saclay and Università di Pavia, concerning the area of clinical and hospital pharmacy in Europe.

The programme commenced with two weeks of daily online lectures, followed by a week of in-person activities in Paris. The online segment covered a wide array of topics including antimicrobial resistance, pharmacogenomics, and the pharmacist's role in managing diverse vulnerable populations such as patients with long-COVID, intellectual disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. These lectures gave me the opportunity to explore and consider new topics not extensively covered in the standard MPharm curriculum. As a result, I gained a greater insight into the influence of clinical pharmacy in the evolving notion of patient-centred care.

The in-person activities at Université Paris-Saclay were very engaging. We took part in valuable practical sessions such as basic vaccination training and OSCE practice, which provided us with hands-on experience, that I personally believe will be invaluable in my future career. Visiting prestigious Parisian hospitals like Gustave Roussy and HEGP allowed us to observe advanced dispensary operations and medical device management in operation. These visits highlighted the intricate and essential role of clinical pharmacists within multi-disciplinary healthcare teams. Additionally, the intercultural activities provided us with fantastic opportunities to connect with pharmacy students from other institutions and exchange our own experiences of pharmacy in our respective countries.

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in this BIP. It offers students a great balance of theoretical knowledge, practical training and cultural exposure, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Holly Kavannagh

BIP 2024 Paris

My name is Megan and I’m a 5th year pharmacy student. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to participate in the 2024 BIP in ‘Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy in Europe’ in Paris-Saclay University.

The first two weeks consisted of online lectures given by Irish and Italian speakers. These covered a broad range of topics relating to clinical pharmacy and provided an insight into the differing structures of hospital pharmacy between our three countries. This helped to build our clinical knowledge before our arrival in Paris, and we covered some niche topics such as pharmacogenomics and long Covid which I had limited knowledge on prior to the lectures.

Our week in Paris was filled with many different activities relating to both pharmacy and culture. We visited one of the largest cancer centres in the world, Gustave Roussy, and learned about the vital role the hospital pharmacists play as part of the oncology MDTs. We also visited the Georges Pompidou Hospital in the city centre to learn about their sterilisation units and their pharmacists’ involvement in the hospital’s medical devices. Throughout the week we had various other activities within the college, including a practical on vaccination, demonstrations on pharmacist-led ECGs and other point-of-care tests, and intercultural activities. This helped us to understand the differences in the role of the clinical pharmacist in Ireland, Italy and France and highlighted which services each country should strive for progress in.

I had an incredible time during this BIP, and I know all of my Irish peers felt similarly. I learned a huge amount both clinically and culturally. It was fascinating to learn how hospital and community pharmacists work in both Italy and France, and to identify qualities and competencies in their pharmacists which are lacking in the Irish system, and vice versa.

Megan O’Connor

BIP Paris 2024