I was in South Africa in May 2023 to attend the Third Excellence Course for Oncology Pharmacy Conference.
I was delighted to represent Ghana as the only participant among the seventy attendees at the conference. It was an honour to engage with esteemed professionals, industry experts, and fellow pharmacist from around the world who shared their insights and experiences in the field of oncology pharmacy. I gained valuable insights into various aspects of Oncology pharmacy.
One remarkable experience was the demonstration in the preparation of cytotoxic with a florescent material. This showed that there were always spills or leakage that were not seen by the naked eye. Therefore, we should always put on our PPE’s when preparing cytotoxics .
The knowledge and skills I acquired at the conference undoubtedly contribute to the improvement of my practice as an oncology pharmacist. Furthermore, I will share these insights and experiences with my colleagues and up-and-coming oncology pharmacist in Ghana.
Samuel Obiri-Yeboah
Chief Oncology Pharmacist Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital
Accra. Ghana
I attended the 3rd ExCOP in Joburg and it was so informative and answered most of my questions in oncology issues.
It offers a platform for learning and sharing experiences with other pharmacist from other southern African countries including resource limited settings, government as .well as private facilities .
This was coupled with presence of companies involved with Oncology drugs and medical supplies
Polo Seshea
Maseru – Lesotho
ExCOP was a well organized and enriching experience. It not only provided a platform for learning but also allowed for association with fellow oncology professionals.
From Norah Mbanje- Harare Oncology Pharmacy-Zimbabwe
Attending the ExCOP Oncology Conference 2023 for the first time in South Africa was an incredible experience. As a pharmacy master’s student, I found the event to be highly insightful, with an abundance of valuable information that significantly enriched my understanding of oncology. The conference featured dynamic speakers whose depth of knowledge and expertise in the field were truly outstanding. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, all of which were delivered with clarity and precision, making complex concepts accessible and thought-provoking. The discussions and presentations provided me with a deeper appreciation of the advancements in oncology and their impact on patient outcomes. I left the conference feeling inspired and more knowledgeable, with insights that will undoubtedly contribute to my academic and professional journey in pharmacy. Overall, EXCOP was an outstanding event, and I look forward to attending future editions to continue learning from such esteemed experts in the field.
Naadira Essack (Moosa)
Johannesburg
What a pleasant experience to attend ExCOP 2023! Topics and content are relevant and very practical. A must if you’re new in oncology!
Thank you to all involved in arranging and executing a successful event!
Marileen Botha
Klerksdorp
“I had a fantastic experience attending the Excellence Course in Oncology Pharmacy in May 2023. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old industry friends and meet new ones. I was especially pleased to see some of my colleagues, who are new to Oncology Pharmacy, benefit from an official oncology course. The event was well-organized, with practical and relevant topics, a great venue, and excellent food. It was also great to see pharma company representatives there and appreciate their sponsorship in making this event such a success. The organizers were professional, understanding, and always available. I’m already looking forward to the next ExCOP!”
Marthie Hendriksz
1 Military Hospital
Pretoria
This training program offered a remarkably comprehensive curriculum, directly applicable to pharmacy practice. The inclusion of oncopsychology was especially enlightening. The chosen location provided a superior learning environment, and the dinner offered a relaxed and productive networking opportunity for oncology professionals.
Jacqueline Kamunchuluh
Aga Khan Hospital
Nairobi
Cancer is a growing public health concern globally & in South Africa. Being an oncology naive pharmacist, practicing in the public sector, I was looking to further my knowledge in this field. The Excellence Course in Oncology Pharmacy (ExCOP) provided a unique platform to better understand best local and global practices. Moreover, the opportunity to engage with other key oncology roleplayers & stakeholders added to the appeal of attending.
The ExCOP 2023 event held at the iconic Discovery building, in Sandton, definitely lived up to my expectations. This collaborative effort between SASOPh & EUSOP added real value to both my personal and professional development as a pharmacist. The event organizers took meticulous care to ensure that we had an enjoyable learning experience throughout. Can’t wait for the next one!
Sameshin Reddy
Durban
I really enjoyed the course; it was just a lot of information to absorb. The course gives you a very good idea of oncology pharmacy, but you need to do self-study afterwards to recap what you have learned. I haven’t gotten to the exams yet, but it’s still one of my goals.
Martie Dumini- Hermanus South Africa