Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 1995

CUHK pharmacy student in a quality control/quality assurance laboratory CUHK pharmacy student in a pharmaceutical analysis laboratory chairman of the CUHK Department ofPharmacy on 1st June 1992. Other staff arrived in the next few months, and detailed dialogue with the pharmacy professionals in Hong Kong yielded a tentative programme of undergraduate studies. The first Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree programme in Hong Kong came into effect in September 1992 with the enrolment of 32 students. The main aim of the programme is to 'provide quality, relevant and comprehensive integrated training in innovative modem-day pharmacy, with a sound training in pharmaceutical sciences as its base'. A pharmacist's education has to be broad-based. It involves an understanding of chemistry, material sciences and human biology — the body in states of health and disease. This knowledge is applied to the properties of medicinally effective molecules, their sources and action on the body. There are also studies in the formulation of dosage forms and evaluation of effective medicinal products. Behavioural and social sciences are taught in the context ofthe pharmacist's interaction with patients and other healthcare professionals. The practice ofpharmacy in relation to the healthcare needs of Hong Kong forms a strong theme throughout the course at the University. Since the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and consequently its practice, is perhaps more widespread in Hong Kong than the use of orthodox Westernmedicine, at CUHK the students are taught pharmacognosy (a study of drugs from natural, particularly plant sources) and given courses in TCM. This should help promote its proper use, and ensure patient safety. Pharmacy Internship Training The three-year degree course at CUHK is followed by a year of training in practice under the direct 1995: An Important Year in the History of Pharmacy in Hong Kong 13