While others may analyze the data, pharmacists remain accountable to patients.

In the context of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology dramatically transforming all aspects of life, the pharmaceutical industry is also entering a period of profound change. From research, production, and distribution of drugs to clinical pharmacy, big data, AI, and digital platforms are opening up unprecedented opportunities.

However, a major question arises: As technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, what do pharmacy students need to prepare for to avoid falling behind?

This was also one of the topics that attracted the attention of delegates and was discussed enthusiastically at the "Application of Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence in the Pharmaceutical Field" workshop organized by the Department of Science, Technology and Training - Ministry of Health in collaboration with Dai Nam University and other specialized units.

The event brought together managers from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Training, provincial health departments, leading experts, representatives from hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, training institutions, and a large number of lecturers and students.

Training pharmacists in the AI era: Not just knowing about medicine, but also understanding technology.

In his opening remarks at the workshop, Professor Dr. Dao Van Dong, Vice Rector of Dai Nam University, stated that AI and digital transformation are no longer trends of the future but are already present in every aspect of the pharmaceutical industry today. According to him, this change places entirely new demands on training institutions.

"Schools should not only train students with specialized knowledge but also prepare them with the ability to adapt to the digital work environment, the capacity to apply technology, and a lifelong learning mindset," he emphasized.

This perspective is also the spirit of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) that Dai Nam University is implementing. In the OBE model, the most important question is not "what students learn" but "what students will be able to do after graduation".

Therefore, keeping up with the latest industry trends while still in university becomes a mandatory requirement if we want to train human resources that meet the practical needs of society.

Sharing the same view, Dr. To Hong Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Information, Ministry of Education and Training, believes that digital transformation and AI are profoundly changing the way universities are taught. According to him, educational institutions need to shift strongly from knowledge transmission to competency development, enabling learners to adapt, innovate, and engage in lifelong learning.

"AI can greatly assist in the learning and research process, but it cannot replace critical thinking, decision-making abilities, and professional responsibility of learners. Therefore, educational innovation must place learners at the center, while strengthening the application of technology to improve the quality of training," emphasized Dr. To Hong Nam.

AI is changing the pharmaceutical industry faster than we think.

At the workshop, experts from the Ministry of Health, the National Center for Health Information, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and many large enterprises presented a comprehensive overview of the digital transformation process in the pharmaceutical industry.

From digitizing drug registration processes and building a healthcare data ecosystem to applying AI in clinical pharmacy, smart pharmaceutical factories, blockchain in drug traceability, and smart pharmaceutical supply chains – what were once considered stories of the future are now gradually becoming a reality.

Dr. Ta Manh Hung, Deputy Director of the Drug Administration Department, Ministry of Health, stated that the pharmaceutical industry is witnessing a strong transformation across the entire value chain, from drug research and development, registration, production, distribution, to drug usage monitoring.

According to Dr. Ta Manh Hung, the application of AI, big data, and digital technologies not only helps improve the efficiency of state management but also contributes to ensuring quality, transparency, and safety in drug use.

"In this new context, the pharmaceutical industry's workforce needs to be equipped with solid professional knowledge, digital skills, and the ability to adapt to the rapid changes in technology," he emphasized.

Dr. Nguyen Van Quan, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Training, Ministry of Health, believes that digital transformation and AI are creating huge opportunities to improve the quality of management, research, production, and use of medicines in Vietnam.

"However, technology is only truly effective when combined with high-quality human resources. The pharmaceutical industry needs pharmacists who are not only highly skilled professionally but also capable of using technology, exploiting data, and willing to learn to adapt to the constantly changing realities of the profession," emphasized Dr. Nguyen Van Quan.

He also suggested that training institutions need to continue innovating their programs, strengthening ties with businesses, hospitals, and practical training facilities so that students can gain early access to the real-world professional environment while still in school.

Businesses don't hire based on qualifications; they hire based on competence.

One of the topics that received much attention at the workshop was the perspective from businesses on the requirements for human resources in the pharmaceutical industry in the digital age.

Representatives from Pharmacity shared insights into the modernization of their pharmacy chain and the development of a smart pharmaceutical supply system. Meanwhile, CPC1 Hanoi introduced its smart pharmaceutical factory model and the application of Blockchain technology in drug traceability.

A common theme in the discussions was the increasing demand for human resources in the pharmaceutical industry. Businesses no longer just need people with strong theoretical knowledge, but also require personnel capable of working with data, using technology, solving problems, and adapting to a modern work environment.

According to Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuan, Chairman of the Hanoi Pharmaceutical Business Association, the gap between schools and businesses is narrowing through cooperation, internships, and collaborative training activities.

"Businesses want to be more deeply involved in the training process so that graduates can immediately adapt to the job, instead of having to be retrained from scratch," he shared.

That is also why Dai Nam University continuously expands its connections with businesses, incorporates professional practice into its training programs, and creates opportunities for students to gain early exposure to the real working environment.

True competence is what will help you thrive in the AI era.

One message that was repeatedly emphasized throughout the conference was that AI will change the way humans work, but it cannot completely replace humans.

While AI can assist in data analysis, suggest solutions, and predict risks, professional responsibility, ethical conduct, and decisions directly related to human health must still be left in the hands of those with genuine expertise and competence.

For pharmacy students, the important thing is not to worry about whether AI will replace them, but to proactively equip themselves with knowledge, skills, adaptability, and a lifelong learning mindset to master the technology.

That is also the spirit of OBE education that Dai Nam University is pursuing: training not only stops at imparting knowledge but aims to help learners be able to work, adapt to change, and possess genuine professional competence.

Because in any era, especially in the age of AI, only genuine competence can help individuals stand firm on their career path and in life. This is also the commitment of Dai Nam University to its students: Genuine competence - A solid life.