A Conceptual Model for Unpacking the Dimensions of Pharmacy
Pharmacy is an important part of the health care system. Pharmacists are highly trained and knowledgeable about medications. They work closely with doctors and other health care professionals to ensure that patients get the best possible treatment. Pharmacists verify prescriptions, dispense medication, educate patients about proper use and side effects of medications and provide advice on healthy living. They also help in research and testing of new drugs. Pharmacists can work in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, hospitals and medical clinics.
Pharmacy has evolved into a discipline with many facets, each with significant implications for policy and practice. Consequently, there is considerable confusion about the meaning of terms used to describe the broad spectrum of activities that constitute pharmacy practice and its related research and education. This article proposes a conceptual model for unpacking some of the dimensions that comprise pharmacy. This model does not claim to be comprehensive but is intended to initiate dialogue and facilitate a move toward consistency and rationalization of terminology that describes the global pharmacy sector.
Traditionally, the field of pharmacy has included an array of basic and biomedical sciences. Its training embraces a broad curriculum that includes physics, chemistry, biology, bacteriology, physiology and pharmacology. Medicinal chemistry is a distinct field that combines chemistry with the biological and chemical sciences to create new medicines for the treatment of disease. Many pharmacists have dual degrees in both medicine (a clinical science requiring scientific method) and pharmacology, which are separate disciplines that require specialized training.
In recent years, the emergence of a broader range of health care professions, such as audiologists and physiologists, has challenged traditional boundaries between the various aspects of pharmacy. In particular, some academics and researchers have argued that pharmacy should be separated from pharmacology, which involves the study of chemical, physical and biological properties of natural products and their medicinal effects. The arguments for separating and merging these two disciplines are complex and have been made from both theoretical and practical standpoints.
While most pharmacists specialize in dispensing medications, others may also provide general health counseling and educate patients about healthy lifestyles. Some may even perform diagnostic tests to identify certain diseases or illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. In addition, some may work in the research and development of new medications, either in a pharmaceutical company or government laboratory. Some may also serve as clinical consultants and advisors to physicians. These jobs usually require a degree from a college of pharmacy or a graduate program in the health sciences, such as a master’s in pharmacology. In some countries, pharmacists are also required to obtain a license to practice. To avoid illegal online pharmacies, customers should always choose a legitimate pharmacy with a valid prescription from a healthcare professional before purchasing any drugs. Legitimate sites will offer contact information and a padlock icon in the browser bar, which indicate that your personal information is protected. In addition, it is recommended to shop only with pharmacies that have a secure website and a verified SSL certificate.
Pharmacy is an important part of the health care system. Pharmacists are highly trained and knowledgeable about medications. They work closely with doctors and other health care professionals to ensure that patients get the best possible treatment. Pharmacists verify prescriptions, dispense medication, educate patients about proper use and side effects of medications and provide advice on healthy living. They also help in research and testing of new drugs. Pharmacists can work in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, hospitals and medical clinics. Pharmacy has evolved into a discipline with many facets, each with significant implications for policy and practice. Consequently, there is considerable confusion about the meaning of terms used to describe the broad spectrum of activities that constitute pharmacy practice and its related research and education. This article proposes a conceptual model for unpacking some of the dimensions that comprise pharmacy. This model does not claim to be comprehensive but is intended to initiate dialogue and facilitate a move toward consistency and rationalization of terminology that describes the global pharmacy sector. Traditionally, the field of pharmacy has included an array of basic and biomedical sciences. Its training embraces a broad curriculum that includes physics, chemistry, biology, bacteriology, physiology and pharmacology. Medicinal chemistry is a distinct field that combines chemistry with the biological and chemical sciences to create new medicines for the treatment of disease. Many pharmacists have dual degrees in both medicine (a clinical science requiring scientific method) and pharmacology, which are separate disciplines that require specialized training. In recent years, the emergence of a broader range of health care professions, such as audiologists and physiologists, has challenged traditional boundaries between the various aspects of pharmacy. In particular, some academics and researchers have argued that pharmacy should be separated from pharmacology, which involves the study of chemical, physical and biological properties of natural products and their medicinal effects. The arguments for separating and merging these two disciplines are complex and have been made from both theoretical and practical standpoints. While most pharmacists specialize in dispensing medications, others may also provide general health counseling and educate patients about healthy lifestyles. Some may even perform diagnostic tests to identify certain diseases or illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. In addition, some may work in the research and development of new medications, either in a pharmaceutical company or government laboratory. Some may also serve as clinical consultants and advisors to physicians. These jobs usually require a degree from a college of pharmacy or a graduate program in the health sciences, such as a master’s in pharmacology. In some countries, pharmacists are also required to obtain a license to practice. To avoid illegal online pharmacies, customers should always choose a legitimate pharmacy with a valid prescription from a healthcare professional before purchasing any drugs. Legitimate sites will offer contact information and a padlock icon in the browser bar, which indicate that your personal information is protected. In addition, it is recommended to shop only with pharmacies that have a secure website and a verified SSL certificate.