Since its inception, the Faculty of Pharmacy Novi Sad has operated in accordance with European education standards, satisfying the demands of the market and profession while keeping pace with healthcare innovations and trends, says Dean Nataša Jovanović Lješković
This faculty has recognised students’ needs by opening a Higher Education Unit (HEU) in Niš, launching a programme taught in English and inaugurating a new, modern building that provides an inspiring environment to help students achieve their goals. We spoke with the dean of this pioneering faculty about these initiatives and other key topics related to the educating of healthcare professionals.
The Faculty of Pharmacy Novi Sad is Serbia’s first private pharmacy faculty. Are you maintaining leadership in your continuing mission of training 21st-century professionals?
Yes, we are continuing the mission we started 12 years ago. We created a strategic development plan and defined our key operational principles: a modern curriculum aligned with EU programmes, clear leadership and an outstanding team, strong ties to the profession, as well as a regional and international focus. As of this year, we also have a new building: a modern, inspiring space that will enable us to achieve our goals even more effectively.
Unlike most educational institutions, where knowledge is transferred one-way in a traditional manner, the Faculty of Pharmacy Novi Sad is recognised for its relevance, flexibility and innovation, in terms of both knowledge and methodology. Educational institutions must be flexible and provide modern knowledge and skills in response to the rapid changes in society.
We designed our programmes according to European education standards, considering the needs of the market and profession, as well as innovations and trends in healthcare. We were the first healthcare faculty in this region to introduce courses like Digital Pharmacy, Rare Diseases, Biological Medicines, Oncology Pharmacy and Professional Development.
We collaborate with over 70 scientific, educational and healthcare institutions, as well as industry and professional organisations
Our focus is on practical experience. The study concept at the Faculty of Pharmacy Novi Sad is designed according to modern educational principles, allowing our students to acquire the knowledge and skills required for career advancement. We place a strong emphasis on practical work, underpinned by essential theory, so students can fully understand and retain practical knowledge. We collaborate with over 70 research, educational and healthcare institutions, as well as industry and professional organisations. Alongside faculty members, our educational model includes representatives of the industry and healthcare institutions who provide students with real-world experiences and insight into professional practice.
You often emphasise that high-quality people are the key resource, while AI and new technologies will compensate for the rest. Do many of the initiatives and successes that your faculty is proud of stem from the work of these quality individuals?
— Yes, at our Faculty, as in all educational institutions, high-quality people are the essential resource. Their knowledge, expertise and dedication are the foundation of successful education and research. Although new technologies enhance educational and research processes, the human factor remains irreplaceable in creating innovations, making decisions and leading projects. As futurist Gerd Leonhard once said, “the value of being human is to be human,” and I believe strongly in people and the power of teamwork to create a stimulating, sustainable and empathetic working environment.
I would emphasise that our faculty’s professors and associates are experts in their fields, both in Serbia and internationally. Many professors come from prestigious universities abroad and bring extensive professional and practical experience to prepare our students for their future careers.
You accredited a Higher Education Unit in Niš two years ago, while you this year opened a new faculty building. What’s next, given the awareness that you’re expected to contribute to advancing pharmaceutical practices in Serbia and the region?
— The opening of the new building of the Faculty of Pharmacy Novi Sad is of great importance – not only for our faculty, but also for Serbia’s academic community. The building was designed according to the highest European standards, providing numerous opportunities for education, research and collaboration. We responded to students’ needs and recognised the necessity to open our HEU in Niš, which has proven to have been the right decision over these two years.
Although new technologies enhance educational and research processes, the human factor remains irreplaceable in driving innovation, decision-making and project management
We also identified the importance of English-taught programmes on a global scale, which is why we last year launched the Pharmacy and Nursing study programme in English. As for future developments at our faculty, I would highlight the establishment of specialised development service centres. The Faculty has always had a strong connection with the industry, and I personally believe that science and industry are naturally intertwined. Through these centres, I aim to strengthen this connection by focusing on specific collaborations and fostering new joint projects.
We plan to open centres for dietary supplements, cosmetics, computer modelling and pharmaceutical engineering. There are additional exciting service initiatives planned, but I’ll save those for another time.
How do you see the future of pharmacy and the education of pharmacists who are already learning about gene therapy, immunotherapy, biological medicines and personalised medicine?
— The future of pharmacy, like all other fields, lies in collaboration. The digital revolution is blurring the lines between disciplines and sciences, calling for a multidisciplinary approach. In order to keep pace with incredible changes across all areas of society, we must collaborate, connect, learn from and support one another. The future is already here—we just have to be open and ready to see it.