Alumni of The Month

1. Introduce yourself? 

I'm pharmacist Wesal AlHaqaish the Technical Assistant to the Director General at Jordan Food and Drug Administration JFDA, a position held since January 2021. before this, I served in several key roles within JFDA, including Director of the Drug Directorate from July 2017 to January 2021, and with five years of experience as the Head of the Drug Registration Department.

During my career at JFDA, I played a crucial role in developing and establishing regulatory instruments, supervising the implementation of institutional policies and procedures, training and qualification of employees, as well as taking over the responsibility of supervising pharmaceutical manufacturers & products in the market, as a team lead of several projects, also chaired and vice-chaired multiple committees, honored to have been a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy Councils at several universities in Jordan, including my own, the University of Jordan.

Participated as a member in the national medicine policy in 2014 and again 2024.

Also have experience working with international organizations( USAID ,WHO,ICH ,FAO ) , leading Jordan's (JFDA) accession to the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) which is a unique international organisation that bring together regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical industry worldwide to discuss the scientific and technical aspects of pharmaceuticals and develop guidelines , then I'm assigned as assembly representative member for JFDA , while I qualified a team to participate as well.

Gained two years' experience in the private sector where I worked in UAE as an External Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research specialist in a major company.

Holds B.Sc. Pharmacy from Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, and MSc.in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Applied Science Private University. I've also completed a professional diploma in supply chain management, and a regular speaker at regional and international workshops and conferences, further, have publications related to my work.

I could say that I'm dedicated, hardworking , organized, focusing on continuous learning and developing best practices to manage routine activities efficiently and effectively, as well as seeking innovative forms of organizational work.

2. Share your fondest memory from your time at Jordan University?

At university, there are many memories and important milestones that will stay with you in your practical life, and I would like to mention one of the most important ones, as we were the first batch in the College of Pharmacy to receive practical training in a hospital as part of the Therapeutics course in our last year of graduation. Honestly, it was one of the most important moments we have ever experienced. We realized after how important it was, practical learning enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills ,that is something will be acquired in your professional life later by trail .

3. In one word, how would you describe Jordan University?

Crown

4. Explain how your experiences at UJ shaped you?

Personally, I believe that quality education is the priority of any human being because education has brought us where we are today.

I truly believe, and I may be biased, that studying pharmacy hones analytical thinking that is furnished with science.

5. Discuss what fascinated you about your chosen course of study?

The role of the pharmacist in the community has been a motivation for me in my chosen path of study, I believe it offers promising career prospects.

6. Offer advice to graduating students preparing to enter the workforce?

Early in my career in the civil service, I was fortunate to receive two pieces of advice that have stayed with me in my work, and I will share them with you. The first was from my uncle who advised me to be friendly and kind, to show respect to employees at all levels, and to establish a renewed spirit of cooperation and joint work among them. The second was from a senior employee at my workplace who advised me not to deal with things superficially, but rather to understand and search for the basis and the rational for any procedure or process, from here my journey in practical life began.

7. Reflect on what you wish you had known during your time as a student?

Engaged more with real life experience in addition to textbooks and classes,and participate more in  co-curricular  activities.

8. Identify the person who has had the greatest impact on your career?

It's so important to look back and be grateful for the people who have helped us throughout our career. No one does it alone. There are managers, friends, and family, the collective influence of all of these people makes a difference in my career every day.

For me personally, although there are many people I am grateful to, there are a few who stand out from the rest. I had the privilege of working with ​Dr. Salah Al-Mawajdeh, the first former director of the JFDA; I still remember the first presentation he gave to the staff at that time, where he gave the example of “an experienced pigeon leader who has a close relationship with the flock members and succeeds in flying high in the sky." And his excellency Dr. Hayel Obeidat, former director of JFDA, with his management ,advice, encouragement and keenness to provide the best to employees was exceptional. Both of them had the greatest impact by providing an example of successful management, valuable lessons I learned that contributed to my successful career.​​