3, 2, 1… INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE!

Hello all, my name is Matthew and I am the BPSA’s European Officer for 2017-18. This is a little introduction about me, what I hope to accomplish by the end of this article and what I hope to provide our members.

 I am a newly qualified pharmacist working up in Leeds Teaching Hospitals and I graduated from the University of Nottingham, carrying out my pre-reg at Nottingham hospitals as well.

After reading this, I hope you will have learnt a little bit more about what the European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (EPSA) is, the amazing opportunities on offer to you as students and created a little bit of excitement about what your plans might be for the coming year.

What is EPSA?

Like the BPSA, EPSA is a representative body for pharmacy students, all across Europe (this still includes us, do not panic!). Each year they host four events around Europe, providing the opportunity to meet around 100-300 students each time from over 37 different countries. At each event there is the chance to get involved with lively debates surrounding the current topics in pharmacy and an opportunity to network with employers, universities and other student organisations.

 All of the above can also be achieved back here in the UK by hosting an exchange called a Twinnet. This activity is one of EPSA’s more rewarding projects and has created lasting friendships all across Europe. However, if travelling isn’t your thing, EPSA offers the chance to get involved with really active public health campaigns and spread enthusiasm for pharmacy within your university!

 This was just a brief overview of EPSA’s activities but do not hesitate to contact myself or ask your BSPA Reps within your school for more information.

 So how can I get involved with EPSA?

This is exactly the question I was asking myself only just over a year ago. My journey with EPSA started in my 4th year of university attending EPSA’s Annual Congress in Helsinki, Finland but I can only wish that I had got involved sooner! I have never looked back and only strived to get more involved, hence my role now! So, if you fancy a new European beginning to your university experiences this year, come to EPSA’s Autumn Assembly which is happening from the 31st October to 5th November in Brno, Czech Republic at the following link: www.epsaaa17.com/. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the digitalisation of healthcare and experience Czech culture like no other!

 I hope this little round up has got you all excited about the year to come and I cannot stress enough how rewarding attending these conferences are. I hope to see you all around Europe this year at an EPSA event and don’t be afraid to try something that little bit new and adventurous, you won’t regret it!

 For more information about EPSA and their awesome events go to www.epsa-online.org or contact myself at europeanofficer@bpsa.co.uk or tweet @MJBPharm.