DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE AND PHARMACOLOGY WELCOMES THE NEW HEAD OF THE PHARMACOLOGY DIVISION

To strengthen its academic and research competence, the Department of Internal Medicine and Pharmacololgy under the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences has appointed Professor Samuel Bamitale as the new head of Pharmacology.

Bamitale, a distinguished clinical pharmacology and drug development expert, officially began his tenure January.

"I am thrilled to join the Department of Internal Medicine and lead the Pharmacology Unit. My goal is to create an environment where both students and the department can thrive, innovate, and contribute to ground-breaking research in pharmacology,” said Bamitale.

Bamitale’s leadership is anticipated to drive significant improvements in the unit's educational programmes and research activities.

“My teaching and research are in the field of Pharmacology, Clinical Toxicology & Therapeutics and my current and future research interests include among others, learning and memory, and the neurobiological basis of behaviour,” said Bamitale.

His other interests include the study of the role of cholinergic system in health and disease particularly with reference to neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s diseases and motor disorders like ataxia.

Bamitale said his plan as a clinician and experimental pharmacologist is to build on what the unit already has, outlining an ambitious plan to enhance the training and development of postgraduate students in pharmacology.

“I intend to introduce a series of new initiatives such as bringing an experimental approach which may be a long-term goal because it involves a lot of stakeholders. I want to also see how I can help postgraduate students with training processes, particularly in Internal Medicine and also in the basic sciences of pharmacology,” said Bamitale.

Bamitale said that he also intends to promote interdisciplinary projects that allow students to work alongside peers from other departments, enhancing their research skills and broadening their scientific perspectives.

 “I plan to develop a succession plan through mentorship, ensuring that the progress and achievements we've made will continue seamlessly after my tenure concludes,” said Bamitale.

As Bamitale starts his new role, the Department of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology awaits a new era of excellence in pharmacology, with promising prospects for both research and teaching the professional development of its members.

By Anita Roji