The Field of Pharmacy
Pharmacy is a branch of science that fuses chemistry and medical science. It is responsible for the discovery and production of medications. It also oversees their use and disposal. Essentially, the job of a pharmacist is to make sure medications are safe for patients and can be used correctly and effectively. It is a rewarding and challenging field, and can lead to a successful career.
The field of pharmacy covers a wide range of scientific knowledge, from chemistry and physics to biology. A basic five-year curriculum at a pharmacy college includes coursework in chemistry, physics, biology, bacteriology, physiology, and pharmacology. Pharmacists also receive specialized training in merchandising, accounting, computer techniques, and pharmaceutical jurisprudence.
The field of pharmacy also encompasses the development, manufacture, and distribution of medications. Pharmacists also perform research on new drugs. These professionals can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, medical clinics, and government institutions. Although people have used natural substances as medicines for thousands of years, pharmacy as a profession only emerged as an independent field during the mid-nineteenth century.
There are many organizations dedicated to the advancement of the field of pharmacy. The Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain was founded in 1841 and the American Pharmaceutical Association in 1852. Both organizations are concerned with all aspects of the field. A new organization, the Federation Internationale Pharmaceutique, was founded in 1910 and is supported by 50 national societies. A third organization, the Pan American Pharmaceutical and Biochemical Federation, is a network of pharmaceutical societies in the western hemisphere.
As the population continues to age, there is a growing demand for pharmacists who are experienced in working with older patients. This group of patients has a higher incidence of chronic diseases and require complex drug regimens. Pharmacists help patients navigate these complicated situations and minimize their financial burden. Those who work in this field are often known as geriatric, consultant, or long-term care pharmacists.
The profession of pharmacy requires professionals to maintain knowledge about new drugs on the market and the latest changes in health care systems. A pharmacist also oversees systems for medication error prevention and education, interprets test results, and counsels patients about their medication use. Pharmacists also perform point-of-care tests, administer immunizations, and provide wellness services.
A pharmacist’s work is varied and rewarding. Whether working in a hospital, research institution, or in a retail pharmacy, pharmacists help patients treat their illness or health concerns. Their knowledge of the science of medicine allows them to identify dangerous drug interactions and recommend safe alternatives. Pharmacists are trusted health care professionals and often the first point of contact for patients with medical concerns.
In order to become a pharmacist, students must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited college. Typically, a pharmacy student will need a bachelor’s degree, although some programs will accept students with only two years of undergraduate study. During their graduate studies, students will learn pharmacology and other relevant courses. They will also participate in supervised work experience in various settings to practice pharmacy.
Pharmacy is a branch of science that fuses chemistry and medical science. It is responsible for the discovery and production of medications. It also oversees their use and disposal. Essentially, the job of a pharmacist is to make sure medications are safe for patients and can be used correctly and effectively. It is a rewarding and challenging field, and can lead to a successful career. The field of pharmacy covers a wide range of scientific knowledge, from chemistry and physics to biology. A basic five-year curriculum at a pharmacy college includes coursework in chemistry, physics, biology, bacteriology, physiology, and pharmacology. Pharmacists also receive specialized training in merchandising, accounting, computer techniques, and pharmaceutical jurisprudence. The field of pharmacy also encompasses the development, manufacture, and distribution of medications. Pharmacists also perform research on new drugs. These professionals can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, medical clinics, and government institutions. Although people have used natural substances as medicines for thousands of years, pharmacy as a profession only emerged as an independent field during the mid-nineteenth century. There are many organizations dedicated to the advancement of the field of pharmacy. The Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain was founded in 1841 and the American Pharmaceutical Association in 1852. Both organizations are concerned with all aspects of the field. A new organization, the Federation Internationale Pharmaceutique, was founded in 1910 and is supported by 50 national societies. A third organization, the Pan American Pharmaceutical and Biochemical Federation, is a network of pharmaceutical societies in the western hemisphere. As the population continues to age, there is a growing demand for pharmacists who are experienced in working with older patients. This group of patients has a higher incidence of chronic diseases and require complex drug regimens. Pharmacists help patients navigate these complicated situations and minimize their financial burden. Those who work in this field are often known as geriatric, consultant, or long-term care pharmacists. The profession of pharmacy requires professionals to maintain knowledge about new drugs on the market and the latest changes in health care systems. A pharmacist also oversees systems for medication error prevention and education, interprets test results, and counsels patients about their medication use. Pharmacists also perform point-of-care tests, administer immunizations, and provide wellness services. A pharmacist’s work is varied and rewarding. Whether working in a hospital, research institution, or in a retail pharmacy, pharmacists help patients treat their illness or health concerns. Their knowledge of the science of medicine allows them to identify dangerous drug interactions and recommend safe alternatives. Pharmacists are trusted health care professionals and often the first point of contact for patients with medical concerns. In order to become a pharmacist, students must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited college. Typically, a pharmacy student will need a bachelor’s degree, although some programs will accept students with only two years of undergraduate study. During their graduate studies, students will learn pharmacology and other relevant courses. They will also participate in supervised work experience in various settings to practice pharmacy.