Dr.Fedelic Ashish Toppo is the Principal of pharmacy at RKDF University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. His education qualifications include a B. Pharm from the Department of Pharmacy Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar (M.P.), an M. Pharm from the Department of Pharmacy, Barkatullah University, Bhopal (M.P.), and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, RGPV University, Bhopal (M.P.). He is a member of the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India, the Society of Pharmacognosy, and Innopharm- Innovare Academic Sciences. He has published many research papers and has actively participated in many paper presentations and workshops.

RKDF University

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/department that will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

A successful career in pharmacy requires complete education, real-world experience, professional networking, regulatory knowledge, and soft skills, all of which are provided at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at RKDF University in Ranchi. Gaining expertise in these fields can make students stand out in the changing pharmacy workforce and instill in them the qualities of leadership and entrepreneurship.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt for?

Students' decision to major in pharmacy is influenced by several factors, such as their interest in science, their desire for financial stability, their desire to help others, their desire for a high-paying career, and the influence of certain people (such as a family member, pharmacist, friend, or guidance counselor). Whatever the reason for selecting pharmacy as a major, students are embarking on a career path once they make that decision.

What are the best practices in the course you’re offering? 

Our nation offers a wide range of course choices. Choosing a unique course for your career possibilities is tough. According to my personal experience, pharmacy is a noble profession that advances society by acting as the backbone of the healthcare system and building the nation. Finally, I conclude that being a pharmacist is a highly competitive, career-focused, respectable, and fulfilling career.

What are some valuable insights into the program that you are offering at your institute/department?

Our organization prioritizes best practices by defining precise learning goals, using active learning techniques like case studies, and utilizing technology to create a more engaging learning environment. Programs that combine pharmacy with healthcare management foster interdisciplinary collaboration and prepare students for leadership positions.

Students who concentrate on public health and global health are better prepared to handle problems in healthcare on a larger scale. The development of practical skills through experiential learning—which includes research opportunities and internships—gives pharmacists a competitive advantage in the industry.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Pharmacy graduates from RKDF University, Ranchi will be not only academically strong but also well-equipped to take advantage of the opportunities and challenges that the future of healthcare holds. Pharmacy education is a smart investment that will help one's job be future-proof in the rapidly changing healthcare industry, not just a way to earn a degree. A complete education prepares pharmacists not only for the present but also for the future, allowing them to lead and prosper as patient care models, technology, and global health issues continue to shape the profession.

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How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

It takes an aspirational mind for teachers to recognize and apply the appropriate technology as a teaching aid to inspire young brains to understand the principles of any pharmaceutical specialization. Teaching strategies used twenty years ago to instruct pharmaceutical students are no longer appropriate because the demands and expectations of today's students have completely altered. We have added newer applications and software to spark students' interest in the subject and add color to the teaching of pharmaceutical subjects by incorporating concepts to teach through digitalized smart environments and visualizing with animations.

How do you tend to build an industry connection with this program?

Student "Industry Connect" programs are becoming a popular and practical paradigm for bridging the knowledge gap between theory and practical application. Through internships in the industry, students can take on real-world business difficulties in real-time with real stakes. Internships in the industry enhance learning by establishing connections between ideas and practices. It improves comprehension of analytical ideas and instruments, boosts self-assurance when using them, and hones the abilities necessary for their effective use. Through industry-based internships, students are prepared for a wide range of jobs, including management roles at sizable multinational corporations and entrepreneurial roles at high-tech start-ups.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program into your curriculum?

The different means of teaching and learning have positive and negative attributes concerning both faculty and learners. Therefore, time was spent on conducting “learner development” to prepare them to interact in a group, the challenges of group dynamics, and, most importantly, how this will benefit their education.

The integration of new competency skills in the curriculum and traits that define a professional in their pharmacy sector was decided by consulting with peers and professional groups. Incorporating student-centered learning into a curriculum by the faculty of the institution, the first and largest barrier to incorporating case-based learning has been overcome.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

The knowledge and skills that students gain through various programs and projects of pharmacy curriculum help to prepare them for careers planning experiments, conducting investigations, performing quality assurance, and a variety of other operational roles at pharmaceutical companies and in the government. A career in pharmacy is likely to be highly profitable due to the growing demand for professionals in the pharmaceutical sector, such as pharmacists, drug inspectors, quality control associates, medical writers, and clinical research associates. 

Therefore, pursuing a career in pharmacy is an excellent choice for those looking to secure a successful future.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

It is expected of pharmacy students to acquire a professional ethos, or philosophy, that encompasses moral, ethical, and compassionate practices. Pharmacy, like other professions, has its own set of standards and values for professionalism. These include expertise and skills specific to the field; self-improvement; service orientation; pride in the profession; a commitment to patient care; creativity; conscience and reliability; accountability for one's work; and leadership. Professional pharmacy education is receiving a lot of attention as a means of preparing upcoming medical professionals to meet the objectives of efficient, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable healthcare.