University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

University of the Sciences played host to a delegation representing the China State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) on Monday, Dec. 19, 2011. After participating in a 10-day educational training program at Yale University, the delegation is touring pharmaceutical industry related institutions such as USciences, Novartis, FDA New Jersey District Office, Drug Information Association (DIA), and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

“We heard about this University, it’s the first (school of) pharmacy in the United States. Most of our members (have) a pharmacy background,” said Dr. Youchun Wang, Deputy Director-General of the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) of the SFDA (and pictured at left). “In the last 10 days, we studied at a retreat at Yale University about drug investigations. After that course, we visit different organizations…so when we come back, we should (relay) this kind of information to our colleagues at different universities (and to the) different (people at) the food and drug administrations…Thank you very much for inviting our group.”

The 19 delegates had an opportunity to hear briefly from each of the University’s deans and senior leadership, followed by additional background and information about USciences that was translated into Chinese by four USciences faculty members.

“It is a great honor and a privilege for us to have you visit today,” Interim President Marvin Samson remarked to the group. “Our mission is really to educate healthcare professionals, not only for this changing healthcare environment here in the U.S., but also on a global basis. We are very honored that you are with us here today. We hope that at some point in time, you can talk to your colleagues in China, your friends, your family, and talk about the experience that you have had here today.”