Medical University of Plovdiv is the organizer and host of the international intensive program on the topic “Green Pharmacy: Holistic and Phytotherapeutic Perspective”. The initiative, which takes place from July 6 to 17, combines virtual and face-to-face training in Plovdiv and brings together faculty and students of pharmacy from Europe, Asia and North America. The motto of the program – “Three Continents Meet to Share Wisdom for a Greener Pharmacy Future” – reflects the desire to exchange knowledge and good practices in the field of phytotherapy, natural medicinal products and the sustainable development of modern pharmacy. The training is attended by faculty members and experts from leading universities and organizations, including University of Porto (Portugal), Goce Delčev University (Republic of North Macedonia), İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa (Turkey), St. John’s University (USA), Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (Indonesia), Jagiellonian University Medical College (Poland), University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy (Slovakia) and other international partners.
“This is a very special event for us, because the program “Green Pharmacy – Holistic and Therapeutic Perspective” is the first such program organized in the history of the Medical University of Plovdiv. We are proud of this, we count on the active support of our participants and students. We hope that at the end of their stay here, they will leave our city and university with many new contacts, knowledge and valuable experience. One of the main goals of the Erasmus+ program is not only education, but also establishing of new friendships and the acquaintance with different cultures,” said Prof. Elena Firkova – Vice-Dean for International Cooperation and Foreign Students at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Institutional Erasmus Coordinator of MU-Plovdiv at the official opening of the in-person part of the program.
Three students from the Medical University of Plovdiv greeted the participants with a folklore performance at the opening ceremony . Victoria Todorova (2nd year, “Dental Medicine”) performed a set of Rhodope songs accompanied by bagpipes – Nikolay Tomov (2nd year, “Medicine”) and Dimitar Frenkev (2nd year, “Pharmacy”).
Prof. Neshka Manchorova – Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Student Integration expressed confidence that the upcoming days will be both fruitful in academic terms and unforgettable as a personal experience. “You are in one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, a place where ancient heritage and modern life coexist in harmony. Plovdiv is known not only for its rich history, but also for the numerous galleries, festivals, concerts and cultural events that reflect the unique spirit of the city,” Prof. Manchorova addressed the attendees. She encouraged participants to make the most of the international program – to learn from each other, exchange ideas and create professional contacts and friendships.
Blended Intensive Programs are one of the most innovative forms of mobility under the Erasmus+ program, introduced within the framework of the 2021-2027 programming period. Combining virtual learning and short-term physical mobility, they provide conditions for international academic exchange, joint learning and building sustainable partnerships between higher education institutions in Europe and beyond.
With the successful organization of the first BIP program, the university is launching a new form of international academic cooperation and expanding opportunities for mobility, exchange of good practices and joint training in the European educational space.
“Today, professors and students from Europe, Asia and North America are united around a common mission – the development of green pharmacy through the sustainable use of natural resources and the scientifically based application of medicinal plants in modern medicine and pharmaceutical science. For the Faculty of Pharmacy, this topic is of particular importance. Bulgaria is blessed with an exceptionally rich plant biodiversity and centuries-old traditions in the use of medicinal plants. Our scientific school in the field of natural bioactive compounds has taken a worthy place in the European scientific community, which makes this program a natural continuation of our academic strengths and research priorities,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Kalin Ivanov and added that science develops when knowledge is shared, when different perspectives meet and young researchers work side by side.
The program includes 31 hours of online training and 40 hours of face-to-face classes, for which participants receive 3 ECTS credits upon successful completion. The training combines lectures, practical exercises, interactive seminars, laboratory demonstrations, case studies and independent student projects. It includes 18 participants – students of pharmacy and medicinal chemistry.
The practical part of the training began with a task in which the participants were divided into three teams and within 10 minutes had to organize a presentation of the “secret” plant, which was part of their “welcome” package. The students made a short presentation of the medical application and interesting facts about the rose, lavender and elderberry.
A lecture “The Magic of Enyovden- Herbs, Healing & Bulgarian Traditions” by Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Shishmanova-Doseva from the Faculty of Pharmacy introduced the students to the most magical Bulgarian holiday and twelve of the most popular herbs in Bulgaria and their healing power.
During the attendance week, the participants visited the educational and scientific facilities of the Medical University of Plovdiv, including the Simulation Center, where they examined the various simulators and participated in solving three cases with virtual patients. Assoc. Prof. Elisaveta Apostolova guided the participants in working with an electronic standardized patient to “rescue” a woman found unconscious in her home. Under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Vesela Kokova, two case studies were solved on a high-tech mannequin with vital functions, simulating patients with acute respiratory and cardiological symptoms. The students had to “prescribe” the correct treatment to manage the critical conditions.
The program also includes a presentation of Bulgarian traditions related to medicinal plants, a visit to Old Plovdiv and a rich cultural program.
