Korea's anti-drug agency runs hands-on training for Ewha pharmacy students

The Seoul Together One Step Center of the Korea Anti-Drug Movement's Seoul branch conducted an administrative field practicum for 95 Ewha Womans University pharmacy students on Friday, the organization announced Tuesday.

Two certified drug prevention instructors from the Korea Anti-Drug Movement led in-depth lectures at the session, covering the organization's prevention and social rehabilitation programs, the mechanisms and harms of cannabis, and the symptoms and side effects of controlled substances.

Students went beyond passive listening by designing and producing their own prevention education materials, presenting them to the class and then refining their work based on feedback from the instructors.

Participants said the combination of lectures and hands-on exercises left them highly satisfied, deepening their scientific understanding of drug risks and giving them a foundation in the professional ethics and drug-control knowledge expected of future pharmacists.

The practicum carries particular significance given growing social concern over the misuse and illegal distribution of narcotics such as fentanyl. It helps train pharmacy students — who handle medications directly — to serve as a frontline community safety net for drug surveillance and prevention.

"This year's practicum went a step further than previous formats by having students actively produce their own prevention education materials, building practical skills as engaged participants in the learning process," said Seoul Branch Head Chu Yeon-jae. "We will continue to expand practicum opportunities so that pharmacy students can develop the expertise the field demands and establish their role as future pharmacists."