The 24th EPSA Summer University of the European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (EPSA), one of the most significant international events for pharmacy students, was held this year from August 10 to 14 in Ohrid. This annual edition, organized by the Student Union of Pharmacists of Macedonia (SSFM) and the Scientific Research Association (NIZ) at the Faculty of Pharmacy, took place at the UKIM Congress Center in Ohrid and brought together over 80 students from North Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Portugal, Romania, Malta, Egypt, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey, as well as professors from the Faculty of Pharmacy at UKIM, and EPSA lecturers and trainers.

The event was held under the slogan “Health Communication in the Era of Misinformation”, focusing on contemporary challenges in health communication and the role of future pharmacists in combating misinformation. Through a combination of lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and training sessions, students explored the challenges of health communication in an era of misinformation and digital noise, gaining new knowledge and skills.

The Summer University was officially opened with addresses by the Vice-Dean for Science and International Cooperation of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. Gjose Stefkov, the Event Chair and SSFM member Jovana Stojcheska, as well as a representative of EPSA.

Educational Program

The educational program began with the panel discussion “Navigating Trust and Truth: The Future of Health Communication in the Digital Age”, featuring three professors from the Faculty of Pharmacy at UKIM: Prof. Dr. Zorica Naumovska, Prof. Dr. Gjose Stefkov, and Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Grozdanova. Topics of major importance were addressed, including the role of artificial intelligence in pharmacy, ethics in pharmaceutical education and research, and the role of healthcare professionals in addressing vaccine-related misinformation. The panel sparked lively discussion and strong interest among participants, enabling the exchange of experiences and best practices from different countries and enriching the international perspective of the attendees.

Lectures, Workshops, and Trainings

The Summer University featured numerous interactive workshops and expert lectures led by assistant professors, teaching assistants from the Faculty of Pharmacy, and EPSA trainers:

“The Influence of Social Media on Public Perception of Medicines: How to Communicate in a Digital World” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duško Šalabalija, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology

“Misinformation in the Age of Innovation: Challenges in Communicating New Nanomedicines” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ljubica Mihailova, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology

“Debunk, Defend, Deliver: Building Strong Pharma Messages in the Era of Misinformation” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duško Šalabalija and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ljubica Mihailova

“Internship with Purpose: Communication, Onboarding and Development in a Real-World Work Environment” – HR professionals Tane Murgoski and Angela Simovska (Alkaloid AD Skopje)

“Infodemic Overload: Separating Science from Noise” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evgenija Mihajloska and MSc Pharm. Darija Kržovska

“Misinformation in Online Health Marketing” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olga Gigopulu, Institute of Applied Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis

Virtual Workshop: “Analytical Data as a Tool Against Misinformation: Ensuring Quality and Authenticity of Medicines in the Marketing Authorization Procedure” – Prof. Dr. Katarina Brezovska

“Interprofessional Infodemic Simulation” – Ljupka Pavlova (EPSA) and Jovana Stojcheska (SSFM)

Public Health Campaign – conducted by EPSA Public Health and Social Services Coordinators

Special attention was given to Ms. Kim A. Jung, Regional Director of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS), who delivered an inspiring presentation on regulatory systems and the global fight against misinformation in pharmaceutical practice.

EPSA Trainings

The educational program also included interactive trainings conducted by EPSA trainers, focusing on soft skills development:

Stress Management in Communication

Active Listening in Patient Care

Team Dynamics in Healthcare

Team Building in Healthcare

Visual and Non-verbal Communication

Conflict Management

Social Program

In addition to the educational activities, participants enjoyed a carefully designed social program organized by SSFM, including several themed evenings: a formal Macedonian traditional night, open-air party, international evening, traditional evening, and Cuban-themed night.

The social program also included an unforgettable boat excursion to the Monastery of St. Naum, followed by a walk through the old town of Ohrid. During the cruise on Lake Ohrid, participants enjoyed breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and the region’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, students explored the rich history of the monastery complex, the legends of St. Naum, and the architectural heritage reflecting Macedonia’s centuries-old spiritual tradition.

Organizing Team and Acknowledgements

Through the successful realization of the Summer University as a prestigious European event, SSFM and NIZ reaffirmed their significant contribution to professional development, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting student activism within the pharmaceutical community.

Special thanks go to the Organizing Committee, led by:

Jovana Stojcheska – Chair
Alex Jačovski – Treasurer, President of SSFM and NIZ
Bojan Georgiev – Vice Chair, President of the Faculty Student Assembly (FSS-FF)
Gala Stojanova – Secretary
Adriana Velkovska – Registration Coordinator
Magdalena Petrushevska – Educational Events Coordinator
Evgenija Dobreska – Public Relations and Multimedia Coordinator
Nevena Akimovska – Public Relations and Multimedia Coordinator
Aleksandra Petrovska – Sustainability Coordinator
Dimitrij Stefkov – Social Events Coordinator
Filip Karajanovski – Logistics Coordinator
Iva Anchevska – Sponsorship Coordinator
Filip Todorov – Support Team Coordinator
Jovana Angelova – Support Team
Kamenka Nikolova – Support Team
Marija Dimitrova – Support Team
Angela Petreska – Support Team.

The organizers also express gratitude to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olga Gigopulu (Alumni Officer), Prof. Dr. Gjose Stefkov, Prof. Dr. Ana Poceva Panovska, and all professors, associate professors, and assistants for their dedication and support.

Special appreciation is extended to the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. Zoran Sterjev, for his outstanding commitment to the successful organization and promotion of the Faculty and the University.

Finally, sincere thanks are extended to all supporters and sponsors who enabled the successful realization of the event, especially the Faculty of Pharmacy at UKIM, ICSA, the Congress Center, and the companies Ramus, Pliva–Teva, Galenika, and Eurofarm. Their continued support of education, student development, and advancement of the pharmaceutical profession represents a strong encouragement for future generations of pharmacists.