Clinical pharmacy in Syria at a crossroads: challenges, opportunities, and pathways for post-conflict reform

Following more than a decade of conflict and humanitarian crises, Syria's health and higher education systems have experienced profound disruption, with lasting consequences for the pharmacy profession. Clinical pharmacy, in particular, remains underdeveloped despite its well-established potential to improve patient outcomes and support an overstretched healthcare system. This commentary critically examines the current landscape of clinical pharmacy education, training, and practice in Syria, highlighting the structural, regulatory, and cultural barriers that have constrained its advancement. Drawing on available evidence and the authors' professional expertise in clinical pharmacy education and workforce development, the commentary examines the persistent theory-practice gap across undergraduate and postgraduate training and identifies key areas for reform. Building on this analysis, the commentary proposes context-sensitive future directions to strengthen clinical pharmacy in Syria. These include reforming competency-based curricula at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, establishing hospital pharmacy residency programs accredited by pharmacy specific hospital organisations, investing in clinical pharmacy units within governmental hospitals, developing and supporting pharmacy preceptors and mentors, and fostering a culture of clinical and practice-based research. The role of professional pharmacy bodies and the Syrian diaspora in capacity building and mentorship is also emphasised as a bridge to achieving such desired outcomes. Ultimately, transforming clinical pharmacy in Syria will require coordinated leadership and sustained commitment from both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education. If aligned reform is pursued, clinical pharmacy can evolve from a marginalised practice into an essential pillar of Syria's post-conflict health system, contributing to improved patient outcomes and long-term system resilience.