Pharmacology

Best Practices

1. Academic

• Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) aligned teaching learning methods.
• Interactive theory lectures using audiovisual aids and digital learning resources.
• Small Group Discussions (SGD), tutorials, seminars, role plays and case based learning.
• Early Clinical Exposure (ECE) and integration with clinical departments.
• Practical sessions utilizing Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) for experimental pharmacology.
• Demonstration and hands on practice of clinical skills on manikins in the skill laboratory.
• Prescription writing exercises, problem based learning and clinical pharmacology case discussions to promote rational prescribing.
• Formative assessments with timely feedback and remedial teaching for slow learners while providing enrichment activities for advanced learners.
• Self Directed Learning (SDL) sessions to promote lifelong learning.
• Reflective writing and feedback sessions for students completing Pharmacology electives, encouraging critical thinking, self-assessment and professional development.
• Use of online and blended learning platforms whenever appropriate.
•  Development and maintenance of a Medicinal or Herbal Garden to familiarize students with medicinal plants, their therapeutic uses and their relevance in traditional and modern pharmacology, promoting experiential and integrated learning.

2. Research and Innovation

• Guidance and mentorship for undergraduate students applying for the ICMR Short-Term Studentship (STS) Programme.
• Encouraging undergraduate students to participate in research projects, scientific paper presentations and poster competitions.
• Promoting research methodology and ethical research practices.
• Encouraging faculty and students to participate in research activities.

3. Co-curricular Activities

• Regular organization of quizzes, seminars, integrated teaching sessions and case based discussions.
• Organizing guest lectures by eminent academicians and experts from academia, industry and Pharmacovigilance.
• Conducting Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes, workshops, webinars and faculty development activities.
• Guidance for postgraduate entrance examinations and other competitive examinations.
• Annual felicitation of students securing distinction in Pharmacology in the presence of junior MBBS batches to recognize academic excellence and motivate juniors to strive for distinction in the subject.

4. Student Development and Professionalism

• Structured mentorship programme for academic, personal and professional guidance.
• Career guidance sessions regarding higher education, research opportunities and career pathways in Pharmacology.
• Conducting Value Added Courses aligned with emerging areas in healthcare, including digital health, research, pharmacovigilance, artificial intelligence, communication skills, professionalism and ethics.
• Promoting reflective practice, ethical conduct, communication skills, teamwork and professionalism as envisaged in the CBME curriculum.
• Encouraging participation in community outreach programmes, health awareness activities and initiatives promoting rational use of medicines.
• Promoting student participation in cultural festivals, sports events and extracurricular activities for holistic personality development and well being. 

Future Plan

• To strengthen competency-based medical education (CBME) by incorporating digital learning platforms, artificial intelligence enabled educational tools and competency based assessment strategies.
• To establish a Centre of Excellence in Clinical Pharmacology by expanding activities in pharmacovigilance, medication safety, therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacoeconomics and antimicrobial stewardship.
• To strengthen the institutional research ecosystem by promoting investigator initiated and collaborative clinical research, with the Department of Pharmacology playing a pivotal role in protocol development, scientific review, ethical conduct of research through the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC), regulatory compliance and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• To facilitate the initiation and conduct of ethically compliant clinical trials at the institute by providing scientific, regulatory and pharmacological expertise in collaboration with clinical departments, research organizations and industry partners.
• To establish a Clinical Research and Regulatory Sciences Unit for training undergraduate students, postgraduate students, interns and faculty in clinical trial methodology, pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, research ethics and evidence based medicine.
• To strengthen interdisciplinary research by fostering collaborations with clinical, para-clinical and basic science departments for patient oriented research addressing regional and national healthcare priorities.
• To expand community outreach activities promoting rational use of medicines, antimicrobial stewardship, medication safety, ecopharmacology and public awareness regarding responsible use of drugs.
• To upgrade the departmental museum, skill laboratory and digital learning resources into an interactive competency based learning facility supporting simulation, prescription skills and clinical pharmacology training.
• To encourage faculty and student participation in funded research projects, national and international collaborations, publications and continuing professional development programmes.

Other Information :

ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY

Academics

•The Department of Pharmacology was established in the year 2004.

•The Department is involved in teaching activity to various courses like MBBS (U.G), and CCMP (Modern Pharmacology).

For MBBS

•The goal of teaching undergraduate students in Pharmacology is to develop the rational and scientific basis of therapeutics into clinical practice.   Also, to enable students capable of using drugs in clinical practice with scientific awareness by means of integrated teaching with clinical and pre-clinical departments.  

•The students are also taken to industrial visits during their course for giving a practical awareness on manufacturing of various forms of drug formulations.  

•Students are also encouraged in bilateral participation in academics by conducting Seminars and Quiz competitions.