College of Medicine and Public Health Professor Ross McKinnon recently attended a two-day strategic discussion hosted by the four Japanese member societies of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in Tokyo. The participating societies were the Japanese Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, Japan Pharmaceutical Association, and Academy of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology.

FIP is a global organization that represents pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmaceutical education, with over four million members worldwide through its 152 national organizations and academic institutional and individual members. Professor McKinnon currently serves as the Chair of one of FIP’s two boards, the Board of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and previously held the position of Vice-President for eight years.

The meeting was attended by the FIP President, Dominique Jordan, from Switzerland, along with the leaders of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan. The society, founded in 1880, boasts over 20,000 members. The discussions were highly strategic in nature and aimed at fostering collaboration and driving progress in the pharmaceutical industry. Professor McKinnon’s participation in these crucial talks speaks to the high esteem in which he is held in the sector and the important role he plays in shaping its future.