ABOUT US
History
- By Decree 676/30.06.1950 the Presidium of the National Assembly decreed the separation of the Pharmaceutical Department at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of Sofia University as an independent faculty of the newly established Medical Academy, and in 1951, it was separated as a faculty. On 12.07.1951, a founding meeting of the Council of the Faculty of Pharmacy was held under the chairmanship of the Rector of the Medical Academy, Prof. Marko Makov.
- The first Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Medical Academy was Prof. Dimitar Dalev, and his deputy was Assoc. Nikolai Karabashev.
- Since its establishment, the faculty, together with the Sofia Medical and Dental medicine Faculties, has gone through various administrative structures corresponding to the historical institutional continuum of the Medical University-Sofia:
– From 1951 to 1956, the faculty was under the jurisdiction of the Medical Academy “Valko Chervenkov”;
– From 1956 to 1972, it was in the structure of the Higher Medical Institute (HMI – Sofia);
– From 1972 to 1986, it was in the structure of HMI – Sofia, now within the Medical Academy (MA);
– From 1986 to 1991, it was within the structure of the Scientific Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology with the Faculty of Pharmacy at the MA;
– From 1991 to 1994, it was again within the structure of the University Medical Institute – Sofia
– Since 1995, continued in MU – Sofia.
The various stages related to the foundation, structure, and management significantly influence the core functions of the faculty, which primarily focus on teaching and research.
Pharmaceutical education in Bulgaria
The beginning of higher education in pharmacy in Bulgaria was set in 1942, when a decision was made to open a Pharmaceutical Department at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski“. In the academic year 1942/1943, the Departments of Pharmacognosy with Galenic Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry were founded. In 1947, a third department was established – Technology of Drug Forms and Galenic Preparations.
Over time, the concept emerged that the training of pharmacy students would be more effective if conducted in close collaboration with the departments of the Faculty of Medicine. This partnership would allow pharmacy students to receive instruction in various disciplines, including biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology. It is also believed that the core departments of the Faculty of Pharmacy—pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacognosy, and dosage form technology—would benefit from this collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine. As a result, new departments, such as Pharmacology (now known as Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy, and Toxicology) and Pharmacy Economics and Organization, were established.
In the academic year 1942-43, the newly established Pharmacy Department enrolled its first 52 pharmacy students. By 1950, this number had increased to 85. The training of foreign students began for the first time in 1951. English-speaking pharmacy education was introduced in the 2008-2009 academic year.
Over the years, students from various countries, including Angola, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Greece, Iraq, Iran, Mongolia, Syria, Sudan, South Korea, and Japan, have been trained. Additionally, a significant number of students have participated in courses through the Erasmus and Erasmus+ programs at partner universities in Spain, Italy, Latvia, and France, among others.
The Faculty of Pharmacy at the Medical University of Sofia is renowned as the leading institution for pharmacy education in Bulgaria, having trained over 12,000 master pharmacists. It boasts a strong expert and research potential and serves as a vital source of staffing for all pharmacy faculties in the country.
Our Mission
The Faculty of Pharmacy at the Medical University of Sofia plays a crucial role in training medical professionals who exemplify competence and knowledge, symbolizing excellence in pharmaceutical education and science.
The mission of the Faculty of Pharmacy is to enhance the nation’s health through:
- Training and developing highly skilled experts who can think critically about drug synthesis and analysis, the creation of new health technologies, their rational use, and effective communication with other medical professionals amidst the digital transformation of healthcare.
- Strengthening the faculty's reputation as a globally recognized research center.
- Providing high-quality education in a field enriched by scientific research.
- Graduating medical professionals who are adaptable to innovation and meet the evolving needs of employers across all areas of the health sector.
Goals
The Faculty of Pharmacy, MU-Sofia is committed to equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive environment, where a commitment to quality is crucial for success.
The Faculty of Pharmacy, MU-Sofia aims to instill values such as tolerance, responsibility, independence, and the ability to solve problems and make decisions autonomously. This approach enables MU-Sofia to effectively respond to the increasing needs of society.
The Faculty of Pharmacy, MU-Sofia emphasizes high-quality teaching, learning, and research, with a focus on healthcare and public service to benefit the community. The University seeks regional leadership while enhancing the quality of education both nationally and internationally.
75 YEARS OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION - 66 YEARS OF FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICALS OF MU-SOFIA
CONTACTS
Faculty of Pharmacy
Dunabe Street №2
Sofia 1000