Home Safe in USA

We have arrived safely in Philadelphia, PA, USA. I hope all of you have enjoyed this documentation of our Cairo, Egypt adventure.  I have enjoyed sharing my experiences!

One Chapter Closed

As we sit here in Cairo airport, we would like to thank many who have made this journey possible: Temple University School of Pharmacy, Dean Peter Doukas, Associate Dean Michael Borenstein, Professor Magid Abu-Gharbia along with The Future University in Egypt, Dean Osama, Vice-Dean Mervat, Professor Sophy, Madame Gihan, and Dr. Mohamed. We would also like to thank each of our colleagues for all the assistance they have provided us in preparation for this experience. Our Families and Loved Ones, who have stood by us with support and encouragement, all the while missing our presence during special occasions such as Birthdays (Dave) and New Years Day, We Love You and are looking forward to safely returning! During the past 9 days, we have proudly brought OUR culture (United States of America and the region of Philadelphia) to the people of Egypt. We have uniquely showcased the talents of Temple University School of Pharmacy around the globe and hope our efforts have made Temple Pharmacy shine brightly in the eyes of the world!!!!!

Cliff Le- Egypt

Spending time in Cairo, Egypt has given me the opportunity for much reflection. The culture in Egypt reminds me of the fortunate culture in my own life. Cairenes people have told me many things, but the basis for all of those things boil down to Family, Caring, and Warmth. I have spent nearly 9 days, 6000 miles apart from my roots, but as you can see, I have not forgotten where I come from! I carry my roots with me everywhere. I proudly display MY culture to everyone I meet across the globe. The symbiotic relationships I have developed in Cairo will never be forgotten, neither by me, or my new Friends in Egypt! I had many wishes when I prepared for my journey in Cairo:  First, that I could Teach my Pharmacy Knowledge and share my Professional Experiences with students at FUE in a manner that was acceptable in both clarity and speed. Second, to plant seeds of enthusiasm for the pursuit of advancing Clinical Pharmacy to the students, and Thirdly, to learn, develop and grow as a Person, Pharmacist, and Educator! I can only hope that I accomplished the first two wishes. I am certain, however, that regarding my third wish, I have exceeded my own expectations!

Tour of Citadel, Old Cairo and Khan al Khalili

Today was another amazing tour provided by our hosts at The Future University in Egypt. As you can see, I am proudly representing Temple Pharmacy across the globe. Our first stop was The Citadel, an original fortress built for protection in ancient times. Within The Citadel, is the most famous, Mohamed Ali Mosque. In Old Ciaro, there is an astounding area designed to unite many religions from around the world, including Judiasm and Coptic Christianity. Today, January 7, 2011 is the feast of The Coptic Christmas. We were fortunate enough to visit The Coptic Christian Church that holds a Temple, which is said to be the place where the Holy Family sought refuge during their journey to this region. To be close to the sight where The Holy Family once traveled was a spiritually humbling moment. This moment provided me with a tremendous sense of Inner Peace! We then traveled to Khan al Khalili, which is a type of market place (bizarre) existing for more than 600 years. Within this bizarre we had a wonderful traditional Egyptian lunch at Mr. Abu Abdalla's Cafe. The quality of the cafe was excellent, but the kindness and generosity given to us by the owner Abu Abdalla was exquisite. Abu Abdalla said to me "I promise never to forget you Charlie, and if you return, and I do not remember you, you can eat and drink all your stay for free". For some reason I dont think he will forget. Finally to explain the market place is difficult for words, I recommend all visit at some point. It is a bizarre that has many shops and cafes, selling many things. However, they enjoy the process of bargaining for items, and as long as you are willing to share in the bargaining experience, you will not only purchase many unique Egyptian memories, you will be get a genuinely gratifying and satisfying experience. Finally we visited a typical Egytian Pharmacy. Pharmacy in Egypt many times is the first place Egyptian people go for health advice and medicinals. The role of the Pharmacist is unique that they can communicate often with the patient, perform a type of health assessment, and if appropriate make a recommendation for medicinal therapy. They have, at their availability, many medicinals that would require a prescription in the Unites States. The people of Egypt are very fortunate to have access to so many dedicated and talented Pharmacists!

Emotional Farewell to our new extended Academic Family at FUE!!!

As you may have surmised from revieiwing this blog, the Students at The Future University in Egypt embraced us as members of their own faculty. It was an emotional conclusion to our lectures at FUE. The group photographs, of course, came with a sense of emotion, connection, and the development of an additional Academic Ayla (Family)!!! Each and every student sends many Shokran (Thank You) to Temple University School of Pharmacy, Dean Doukas, Associate Dean Borenstein, and Professor Abu-Gharbia. Most importantly, the studetns send warm Hello and Best wished to the Students at Temple University wishing much success, satisfaction and happiness in their chosen Profession of Pharmacy. Many of them describe the feeling of closeness with the Temple Students through the short, but impresive interaction with 2 members of The Faculty from Temple. They wanted me to tell all the students from Temple University School of Pharmacy an Ancient Egyptian Saying: That If You Drink Once From The River Nile, God Willing, You Are Guarenteed To Return And Drink Again!!!  This invitation exists for all of the new "Brothers and Sisters" in Pharmacy to visit their glorious country and experience Pharmacy Practice the Egyptian Way!!!!!!

January 7, 2011

Today much of Cairo, Egypt will celebrate the Coptic Christian Christmas! A Very Merry Christmas to all our friends celebrating Christmas in Egypt!!!!!!

Media/Press Day

Today was Media/Press Day arranged by The Future University in Egypt Department of Media Relations. The only way to describe today was similar to the few days prior to the Superbowl!!! They brought in TV cameras and Professional Photographers. The event started with a portrait photo in front of the The Grand Theater with Dean Osama, Professor Solpi, and the entire student body. Following the photo, there was a formal press conference in which we were interviewed about our experiences in Cairo, at The Future University, and our time lecturing. During the press conference, students were interviewed about their satisfaction with the Pharmacy Industry and Clinical Pharmacy modules and what impact these have had on their professional growth and future career goals. Students were ecstatic about both course modules and displayed immense enthusiasm for a bright, promising career in Pharmacy. An overwhelming applause arose at the conclusion of the event, enough to make us feel that our goals of teaching and sharing our professional experiences were accomplished! Tomorrow will be the final day of lectures at FUE and I am sure an emotional departure from our new students and colleagues!!

Day 6

LUGGAGE ARRIVED!!!!!

River Nile Cruise

Through kind generosity, Dr. Mervat, Vice-Dean of The Future University in Egypt and her son, Asser, treated us to an exciting evening aboard The M/S Aquarius. The cruise sails along the scenic River Nile and provides a wealth of cultural entertainment including traditional Egyptian musicians and singers, and of course no entertainment would be complete without belly dancing.    Our most sincere thanks to Dr. Mervat for sharing in this enlightening experience with us.

Second day of Lectures at FUE

Today was the second day of lecturing at FUE. Our Arabic is slowly improving, so much that we were able to begin the lecture by asking Zayak? (How are you?) and answering aNa Quise (I am doing fine). Its very hard to explain how the student body has accepted us as Visiting Professors. Embraced us to the point of requesting "our autograph" and wishing to have formal pictures taken with us. That was definitely the first time for providing a requested "autograph". It never fails that after each lecture, students line up to ask the most interesting questions about the material taught and many general questions about Clinical Pharmacy Practice in the United States of America. A few comparisons: Pharmacy at FUE is a 5-year program offering a Bachelors in Pharmacy, the current curriculum has intense training in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Medicinal Chemistry, and Pharmacy Manufacturing. Students are exposed to Clinical Pharmacotherapy "Case Studies" and are required to complete a research project involving Patient-Care and Clinical Pharmacy controversies. Many of the medications, which would require a prescription in the USA, are available to the general public through consultation with the Pharmacist. The concept of Clinical Pharmacy Practice is in early stages in Egypt, however, the fact that there is a common practice of a thorough, one-on-one consultation with the Pharmacist, and the ability to recommend many medications, is already an important piece of the general framework that defines Clinical Pharmacy. 

Day 3 (Lectures at FUE)

Today we started our lectures at The Future University in Egypt. The University Campus is fascinating!!! The architecture of the buildings, including the Main Theater Lecture Hall, has a modern yet historic look and feel.   The Faculty and Administration greeted us with wonderful hospitality. The students were eager and enthusiastic of the topics we covered today.   Lectures were provided in the English language. There was absolutely no communication barriers, since the students' English is far superior to Our Arabic. Many insightful questions arose from the student body, especially regarding the effectiveness of Clinical Pharmacy Services in The United States. The lectures generated much interest in pursuit of Clinical Pharmacy training in America. They are an amazing group of students who assured us that the clarity and pace of Our lectures was perfectly delivered.  There was a surprising and interesting similarity between the Pharmacy Students studying at FUE and the Doctor of Pharmacy Students studying at Temple University! Exam stress, group dynamics, and the occasional groan from long days!!!  Students will be students, no matter the distance separating them.  We are excited about continuing Our series of lectures for the remainder of the school week!

Tragedy In Alexandria, Egypt

We are deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Alexandria, Egypt. Our hearts go out to all the victims and their families!!!

The incident occurred at a Church in Alexandria, Egypt, about 100 miles North of our location.

For our Loved Ones, We are located in Cairo, Egypt and are taking all the needed precautions through The University, the Hotel, and Our Tour Guides.

Day 2 (1-1-11)

Our New Years Day was spent in Giza. The 3 Great Pyramids were built in approximately 3500 B.C. They are an awe inspiring sight, One of the Seven Wonders of the World! The Sphinx, built to protect the tombs within the Pyramids, is an amazing structure carved out of a single block of limestone.   Then of course, I had to test my skills at riding a camel. All went excellent!!! Our tour guides, set up through The Future University in Egypt, are most welcoming, knowledgeable, and patient!!! In addition to imparting close to 6000 years of history to us, they are attempting to sharpen our skills at the Arabic Language. Shokran and Salen. (Thank You and Goodbye) for now.

P.S. Happy Birthday to Dave Lebo!!!!! We will be celebrating tonight at Fayruz Lebanese Restaurant!!!