The Role of a Pharmacist
Pharmacy is the science and practice of preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring drugs used in the treatment of disease. It encompasses all aspects of drug discovery, production and use — including the cultivation of plants that are used as medicinal drugs, the synthesis of chemical compounds with medicinal properties, the analysis of medicinal substances and the preparation of various dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, injections and sterile solutions.
It is a profession that requires a high level of scientific knowledge and an aptitude for practical work. Pharmaceutical research, development and production are complex processes involving a wide range of disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. A pharmacist must also be able to understand the interaction between drugs and the human body. In addition, a good understanding of the law is essential for the correct and safe administration of drugs.
The role of the pharmacist is becoming increasingly important, as a growing number of people are being prescribed multiple medicines for a variety of different conditions. This is resulting in an increase in adverse drug reactions and other health problems associated with the incorrect use of medications. The pharmacist is well placed to advise prescribers and patients on the use of medicines, and can make a real difference to the patient’s quality of life.
A pharmacist is trained to provide a wide range of services that include advice on self-care, the use of over-the-counter medication and adherence with medical treatment plans. Pharmacists can also help you decide whether or not to take a supplement, herbal medicine or other alternative therapy and can answer any questions you may have about your medication.
In the United States, a person who wishes to become a pharmacist must complete at least six years of college-level study. This includes two years of general education classes and four years of pharmacy school. A successful graduate will receive a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D). Many colleges also offer postgraduate degrees, such as master of science and doctor of philosophy in pharmacy and pharmacology.
Pharmacy is an intellectually challenging and rewarding career. There are several different types of pharmacy knowledge – formal, tacit and implicit – and it is essential that this knowledge be used effectively in the service of patients. There are those who argue that separating pharmacy from medicine will reduce conflict of interest, unnecessary health care and costs, whilst others say that it is only through the joint efforts of both professions that patient outcomes can be optimised. This model aims to expose the issues that surround this debate and create dialogue about the future of pharmacy. The implications for policy, education and practice are expected to be significant. The aim is to move toward clarity and consistency of definition and meaning across the sector, locally, nationally and internationally.
Pharmacy is the science and practice of preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring drugs used in the treatment of disease. It encompasses all aspects of drug discovery, production and use — including the cultivation of plants that are used as medicinal drugs, the synthesis of chemical compounds with medicinal properties, the analysis of medicinal substances and the preparation of various dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, injections and sterile solutions. It is a profession that requires a high level of scientific knowledge and an aptitude for practical work. Pharmaceutical research, development and production are complex processes involving a wide range of disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. A pharmacist must also be able to understand the interaction between drugs and the human body. In addition, a good understanding of the law is essential for the correct and safe administration of drugs. The role of the pharmacist is becoming increasingly important, as a growing number of people are being prescribed multiple medicines for a variety of different conditions. This is resulting in an increase in adverse drug reactions and other health problems associated with the incorrect use of medications. The pharmacist is well placed to advise prescribers and patients on the use of medicines, and can make a real difference to the patient’s quality of life. A pharmacist is trained to provide a wide range of services that include advice on self-care, the use of over-the-counter medication and adherence with medical treatment plans. Pharmacists can also help you decide whether or not to take a supplement, herbal medicine or other alternative therapy and can answer any questions you may have about your medication. In the United States, a person who wishes to become a pharmacist must complete at least six years of college-level study. This includes two years of general education classes and four years of pharmacy school. A successful graduate will receive a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D). Many colleges also offer postgraduate degrees, such as master of science and doctor of philosophy in pharmacy and pharmacology. Pharmacy is an intellectually challenging and rewarding career. There are several different types of pharmacy knowledge – formal, tacit and implicit – and it is essential that this knowledge be used effectively in the service of patients. There are those who argue that separating pharmacy from medicine will reduce conflict of interest, unnecessary health care and costs, whilst others say that it is only through the joint efforts of both professions that patient outcomes can be optimised. This model aims to expose the issues that surround this debate and create dialogue about the future of pharmacy. The implications for policy, education and practice are expected to be significant. The aim is to move toward clarity and consistency of definition and meaning across the sector, locally, nationally and internationally.