Pharmacy School Shocks Everyone in Ultimate Quiz Showdown

“A challenge among champions”

As part of the HESA week celebration, interdepartmental quizzes were held during the late hours of Wednesday and Thursday. The event was commenced on Wednesday and concluded on Thursday, marking a successful and engaging competition. The quiz was open to all ten (10) departments under HESA; however, the Medical School did not participate. The participating departments included Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery, Physician Assistantship, Veterinary Medicine, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Medical Laboratory, Medical Imaging, Herbal Medicine, and Rehabilitation and Disability Studies.

The competition featured a range of topics designed to challenge the participants’ knowledge and skills. These topics included Basic Anatomy and Physiology, Healthcare in Ghana and the World, Mathematics and Chemistry. The selection of these subjects aimed to evaluate the participants’ understanding of fundamental health sciences, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities skills that are integral to the core curriculum of health-related disciplines.

The quiz was open to all undergraduate students enrolled in health-related programs under HESA. Each team was required to present with at least one first-year to ensure both foundational and advanced knowledge was tested. Prior academic performance and a demonstrated interest in health sciences were considered during the selection process. This ensured that the competition was both inclusive and challenging, attracting some of the brightest minds across the departments. The competition was evaluated by a panel of esteemed faculty members from various departments. The judging criteria included accuracy of responses, speed, teamwork, and the ability to handle challenging questions under time constraints. Each round was meticulously scored, with the results being closely monitored to ensure fairness and transparency.

The quiz competition was structured into three distinct stages: the preliminary round, the semi- finals, and the grand finale. Each stage was meticulously organized to ensure a fair and competitive environment, allowing participants to showcase their expertise and teamwork. The competitors demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and dedication throughout the event. Each team exhibited a high level of preparation, with lively discussions and quick responses during the quiz rounds. The Pharmacy department stood out with their rapid and accurate responses in the Chemistry segment, while the Nursing and Midwifery team excelled in the Healthcare in Ghana category. The atmosphere was electric, with teams cheering each other on.

The preliminary round tested the teams' foundational knowledge focusing on Basic Anatomy and Physiology, with all participating departments taking part in this round. The semi-finals saw the advancement of the departments: Physiotherapy, Herbal medicine, Physician Assistantship,  Nursing and Midwifery, Pharmacy and Medical Imaging. Here, more complex questions, particularly in Mathematics and Chemistry were introduced, challenging the teams' analytical skills. The grand finale featured the Nursing and Midwifery, Medical Imaging and Pharmacy Departments. This was a thrilling round including a mix of all topics and specifically requiring quick thinking and collaboration. The final question, a complex problem in Healthcare in Ghana, saw the Pharmacy team clinch the victory with a well-reasoned and accurate response. After a highly competitive finale, the Pharmacy department emerged as the overall winner, securing the HESA Quiz Champion title with the contestants receiving specially-recognized awards. Medals were however awarded to all finalists.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the well-organized event, noting that it was both challenging and educational. Many highlighted how the quiz reinforced their knowledge and fostered a spirit of healthy competition among the departments. Faculty members also praised the event for its role in promoting academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. The HESA Quiz was a resounding success, achieving its goal of promoting academic excellence and collaboration among health science students. Plans are already underway to expand the event next year, with the inclusion of topics to further enrich the competition. The organizers are committed to making the HESA Quiz an annual highlight, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and innovation among future healthcare professionals. 

Reported by – Mariam P. Agyemang (GPSA)

The Health Sciences Chronicle