The Role of a Pharmacist
Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medicines for the safe and effective use of patients. It is a multidisciplinary field that links health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences. The basic five-year curriculum of a pharmacy school incorporates a variety of science courses such as physics, chemistry, biology, pharmaceutics and pharmacodynamics. Many pharmacy schools also offer additional specialized courses, including clinical pharmacy, pharmacy practice, pharmacy law and pharmacy administration.
A pharmacist has a unique position to provide patients with a wealth of healthcare information. This can include the correct dosage for each drug, how to take a medicine and what side effects to expect. This can help to avoid drug-drug interactions and reduce the risks of adverse reactions to medications. In addition to providing information about the medicine, a pharmacist can advise patients on lifestyle changes that may help improve their health.
There is a growing demand for pharmacies to help people manage their medication. This is partly due to the increase in the number of drugs available, with multiple medications often available for a single disease. It is the pharmacist’s job to help prescribers and patients decide which medication will have the most beneficial results.
The role of the pharmacy has evolved from the ancient Greek and Roman apothecary, who provided physicians with the raw materials for their treatments. The European herbalists of the middle ages were a major influence, and by the 17th century, the profession had become more focused on its pharmaceutical skills. In America, Benjamin Franklin acted as a catalyst by keeping the roles of physician and pharmacist separate, and this was further formalized when it became illegal to prepare or dispense medicine without a doctor’s prescription.
Today’s modern pharmacies are highly specialized and offer a range of services. They are also very accessible for patients as there are numerous online pharmacies that can be accessed via computers and smartphones. This allows patients to order their medicines through a web or mobile app, and the pharmacy will then deliver them to the patient in a sealed container. The online apps are regulated by registered pharmacists, who check each medicine to ensure that it meets the prescribed dose and condition.
Licensed pharmacies are also required to carry out regular inspections of their premises, equipment and record-keeping. They must also comply with the law regarding advertising. Unlicensed pharmacies are not regulated and could be selling illegally imported or expired medicines. It is therefore important to always shop with a reputable, regulated pharmacy.
Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medicines for the safe and effective use of patients. It is a multidisciplinary field that links health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences. The basic five-year curriculum of a pharmacy school incorporates a variety of science courses such as physics, chemistry, biology, pharmaceutics and pharmacodynamics. Many pharmacy schools also offer additional specialized courses, including clinical pharmacy, pharmacy practice, pharmacy law and pharmacy administration. A pharmacist has a unique position to provide patients with a wealth of healthcare information. This can include the correct dosage for each drug, how to take a medicine and what side effects to expect. This can help to avoid drug-drug interactions and reduce the risks of adverse reactions to medications. In addition to providing information about the medicine, a pharmacist can advise patients on lifestyle changes that may help improve their health. There is a growing demand for pharmacies to help people manage their medication. This is partly due to the increase in the number of drugs available, with multiple medications often available for a single disease. It is the pharmacist’s job to help prescribers and patients decide which medication will have the most beneficial results. The role of the pharmacy has evolved from the ancient Greek and Roman apothecary, who provided physicians with the raw materials for their treatments. The European herbalists of the middle ages were a major influence, and by the 17th century, the profession had become more focused on its pharmaceutical skills. In America, Benjamin Franklin acted as a catalyst by keeping the roles of physician and pharmacist separate, and this was further formalized when it became illegal to prepare or dispense medicine without a doctor’s prescription. Today’s modern pharmacies are highly specialized and offer a range of services. They are also very accessible for patients as there are numerous online pharmacies that can be accessed via computers and smartphones. This allows patients to order their medicines through a web or mobile app, and the pharmacy will then deliver them to the patient in a sealed container. The online apps are regulated by registered pharmacists, who check each medicine to ensure that it meets the prescribed dose and condition. Licensed pharmacies are also required to carry out regular inspections of their premises, equipment and record-keeping. They must also comply with the law regarding advertising. Unlicensed pharmacies are not regulated and could be selling illegally imported or expired medicines. It is therefore important to always shop with a reputable, regulated pharmacy.