Two Pharmacy students have recently been awarded for their research projects.
Through collaboration agreements between the Department of Pharmacy of the University of Malta and the pharmaceutical industry, prizes are given to recognise projects of impact and relevance to the industry.
The best presentation from the final year pharmaceutical technology students was awarded to Ms Naomi Delia for her project entitled “Point-of-Care Medical Devices in Cardiac Disease Diagnostics and Monitoring” under the supervision of Dr Francesca Wirth.
The research reviewed and compared point-of-care testing devices used for cardiac disease diagnosis and monitoring. The devices selected were those used in the measurement of blood pressure, lipid profile, myocardial infarction markers, congestive heart failure markers, coagulation markers and platelet function. Test principle, accuracy, reliability, sensitivity, specificity, sample type and volume, quality control, storage conditions, time for result, costs and limitations were reviewed and compared. This prize was supported by Aurobindo Pharma.
The best presentation from the students completing their Master of Pharmacy degree, supported by Combino Pharm, was presented to Ms Maia Zarb for her presentation on the study entitled “Comparative Analysis of Lipid Profile Management in Ischaemic Heart Disease” under the supervision of Professor Lilian M. Azzopardi and Dr Francesca Wirth. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology at Mater Dei Hospital. The study reviewed the outcomes of the use of statins in patients with ischaemic heart disease with a particular focus on achievement of target blood lipid levels and control of hyperlipidaemia.
Final year Pharmacy students following the course leading to a degree in either pharmacy or pharmaceutical technology, as well as all the 14 pharmacists completing their studies for the Doctorate in Pharmacy, had participated in the Annual Pharmacy Symposium, held earlier this year. Presentations were adjudicated by an independent panel.