SOP Faculty Workshop: “Effective Medical Literature Searching for Evidence and Systematic Reviews”

The Lebanese International University, School of pharmacy and the extracurricular committee organized on 18 of January a workshop entitled “Effective Medical Literature Searching for Evidence and Systematic Reviews”. The objective of this workshop was to provide the SOP faculty the skills to search for reliable online resources. The workshop covered basic and advanced techniques for effective and efficient searching of the medical/health literature. The trainer also covered an introduction to evidence based medicine (EBM) and how to get information to design a systematic reviews.

Dr. Aida Farha, is the medical information specialist and the chief medical Librarian for the Saab Medical Library at AUB. In addition to the courses she teaches regularly at AUB, Dr. Farha conducted similar workshops at AUB, and in regional countries (Syria, Saudi Arabia, Morroco, Cairo, Cyprus and others).

The trainer was very impressed with the SOP faculty member “I have done many similar workshops in Lebanon and in the Region and I must admit that the workshop held at LIU School of Pharmacy was one of the best and most rewarding one I have done in more than thirty years! In particular the attendees - mainly LIU Pharmacy Faculty - were all keen to learn these new essential skills for effective medical literature searching, and this was something I rarely see and it was really impressive for me! This in addition to the comfortable setting and superb hospitality/food! Finally I would like to thank LIU administration and in particular, Dr. Etwal Bou Raad for inviting me”.

All of the 20 attendees who filled the workshop evaluation form highly agreed that workshop covered important information, and the trainer was knowledgeable. Moreover they all recommended similar workshops.

The school of pharmacy would like to thank Dr. Samir Abou Nassif for his continuous support to all activities that promote faculty evolvement. We also want to thank Dr. Mohamad Rahal for his trust and support and Dr. Marriam Dabbous for her help in organizing this workshop.