Winds of Change : An interview with the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, MAHSA University

Winds of Change : An interview with the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, MAHSA University

Professor Dr. Munavvar Zubaid bin Abdul Sattar took over as Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy of MAHSA University on 22 April 2017. The professor was previously the Dean of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). MAHSA Scholars caught up with him recently.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Pharmacy?

Back then, very few students chose pharmacy. USM was the only institution. I was also offered a place in the Bachelor of Medicine but I saw a better future in pharmacy. I therefore enrolled in and obtained my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from USM and my PhD from the Medical School, University of Birmingham, England.

Tell us about your family.

I am married and we have a daughter who is now a medical doctor in Selayang Hospital.

Tell us about the early years in your career.

After graduating with the Bachelor of Pharmacy, I began my career at the Kuala Terengganu Hospital as a hospital pharmacist. Two years later, I was offered the chance to pursue the Master of Pharmacy by research and I completed this in a record time of one and a half years. That was practically unheard of. While I was undertaking my Master’s degree, I worked as a graduate assistant and research officer, assisting in the teaching of Pharmacy students. I definitely had my hands full. Upon obtaining the MSc, I was appointed as a lecturer at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at USM.

Later, I went on to do my PhD at the University of Birmingham, England. I am always thankful for this opportunity to do the PhD. The findings from my PhD research were one of the first in the world to pinpoint the role of the subtypes of alpha adrenoceptors in the regulation of kidney function in various pathological states. This helped develop newer approaches in the treatment of hypertension.

Upon returning to Malaysia, I was then appointed Associate Professor and Head of Physiology at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM, and later promoted to Professor.

You have a phenomenal passion in research and have published more than 160 papers. Tell us more about that.

I strongly believe that research is the future of healthcare education. The industry is so exciting and dynamic. There are countless new developments in medication that will change how we take and use medicines in the future. I have published more than 160 original research papers in highly reputed academic journals, secured grants worth millions of ringgit from both international and local agencies, presented many papers locally and internationally as an invited speaker. I will always encourage my students to do research. The exploration and discoveries are often what makes them better students and better pharmacists. I am indeed very proud to have graduated dozens of Masters and PhD students from numerous countries.

What do you think of the pharmaceutical profession in Malaysia?

The pharmaceutical profession in Malaysia is very dynamic. I am convinced that pharmacists will be the leading healthcare professionals responsible for providing optimal medication therapy outcomes. We will soon have the authority and autonomy to manage medication therapy and will be accountable for patients’ therapeutic outcomes. Pharmacists are already receiving public recognition that we are essential to the provision of effective health care.

What brings you to MAHSA?

I have heard a lot of good things about MAHSA whilst I was the dean at USM. In the time that I have been here, I must say that this is truly a great faculty with very committed staff and exiting students.

Is there a visible difference between your old place and MAHSA?

A private university is quite different from a public university. Students are much more intentional and purposeful. They are certainly very driven learners. Of course in a public university, there is more research activities. This is definitely a change that I can bring. In terms of infrastructure and facilities, MAHSA has all the bells and whistles. It is truly second to none. All our 23 laboratories are GLP accredited and that says a lot about the quality that is here.

What are your plans for the Faculty of Pharmacy in the next three years?

The pharmacy programmes in MAHSA are very good really. We offer from pharmacy programmes from diploma and all the way to PhD. I am very proud of my team and the commitment they bring to the class.

Therefore teaching quality aside, I would like to give some focus on strengthening research. There are already plans to have stronger industry linkages such as Vitacare Pharmacy, Nova Laboratories, Abbvie Pharmacy, to name a few. We have also established research collaborations with very reputable universities like USM and Geongyang University.

I would also like to build on the current programmes to offer specialized pharmacy at postgraduate level, for example geriatric, renal, cardiovascular.

I am confident that an education in Pharmacy at MAHSA University will equip students with the ability. I know MAHSA is particularly well poised to be a leader in pharmacy education, providing the best talents in pharmaceutical expertise. The philosophy guiding the curriculum is holistic. Pharmacists trained at MAHSA will have a commitment to patients; an in-depth knowledge of medications and other sciences; the ability to apply evidence-based therapeutic principles and guidelines; up-to-date knowledge of evolving sciences and emerging technologies; and awareness of all the legal and socio-cultural issues relating to contemporary pharmaceutical practice.