What is a Pharmacy?
In the US, a pharmacy is represented by a mortar and pestle. In France and Argentina, a pharmacy is represented by the medical prescription character (typically “Rx”). In the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain, the pharmacy logo may feature a green Greek cross. In the Netherlands, a pharmacy’s symbol is the Bowl of Hygieia, a conical measuring vessel. In Germany and the Netherlands, the pharmacy logo often incorporates a red stylized letter A. Despite the common use of a green Greek cross, it is not as common in the Netherlands.
Although most pharmacists work in a retail or community pharmacy, they can find varied employment opportunities in other settings. Many pharmacy graduates work in research, education, health care management, or even childcare. A pharmacy degree is particularly advantageous for those with a passion for science, and if you are a good student of biology or chemistry, this may be the right career for you. Aside from the job opportunities, a pharmacy degree combines both quantitative and qualitative study.
One of the most exciting roles in the pharmacy industry involves dispensing medicines. In some cases, pharmacists can also create custom drugs, which are customized to the individual needs of a patient. For example, a pharmacy can make a special drug for someone with a severe allergy, or one that is difficult to swallow. This type of work is particularly useful for those in an increasingly automated world. These jobs require special training and expertise, so make sure you’re qualified to work in the pharmacy.
Pharmacy professionals are the experts in medicine. They counsel patients and prescribe medications based on their needs and conditions, prevent adverse drug interactions, and manage pharmacy systems. In addition, pharmacists perform other activities, such as assessing patient health and risk factors, as well as helping patients make safe selections of OTC and herbal medicines. They also work with doctors and other health care professionals to develop a medication treatment plan. The role of a pharmacist has expanded dramatically over the years.
In terms of patient care, pharmacists play a variety of roles. They may own a pharmacy, or work in a hospital or clinic. Pharmacologists study the chemical properties of medicines, their metabolism, and their physiological effects. They also know the mode of action of different drugs and use this knowledge to tailor drug treatment for individual patients. They may be members of a representative body called the Health Systems Pharmacy Executive Alliance. These professionals are also able to write policies and guidelines for specific patient populations.
The first recorded history of pharmacy dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Various papyri from the 1550 BC Ebers Papyrus and the Edwin Smith Papyrus provide evidence of the use of medicines by the ancient Egyptians. Similarly, pharmacy was already in existence in China in the first century AD. A mythical Shennong, the Chinese god of medicine, attributed a role to the pharmacist in the first century AD. Earlier literature contains lists of drugs for various ailments and is known as the Shennong Bencao Jing.
In the US, a pharmacy is represented by a mortar and pestle. In France and Argentina, a pharmacy is represented by the medical prescription character (typically “Rx”). In the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain, the pharmacy logo may feature a green Greek cross. In the Netherlands, a pharmacy’s symbol is the Bowl of Hygieia, a conical measuring vessel. In Germany and the Netherlands, the pharmacy logo often incorporates a red stylized letter A. Despite the common use of a green Greek cross, it is not as common in the Netherlands. Although most pharmacists work in a retail or community pharmacy, they can find varied employment opportunities in other settings. Many pharmacy graduates work in research, education, health care management, or even childcare. A pharmacy degree is particularly advantageous for those with a passion for science, and if you are a good student of biology or chemistry, this may be the right career for you. Aside from the job opportunities, a pharmacy degree combines both quantitative and qualitative study. One of the most exciting roles in the pharmacy industry involves dispensing medicines. In some cases, pharmacists can also create custom drugs, which are customized to the individual needs of a patient. For example, a pharmacy can make a special drug for someone with a severe allergy, or one that is difficult to swallow. This type of work is particularly useful for those in an increasingly automated world. These jobs require special training and expertise, so make sure you’re qualified to work in the pharmacy. Pharmacy professionals are the experts in medicine. They counsel patients and prescribe medications based on their needs and conditions, prevent adverse drug interactions, and manage pharmacy systems. In addition, pharmacists perform other activities, such as assessing patient health and risk factors, as well as helping patients make safe selections of OTC and herbal medicines. They also work with doctors and other health care professionals to develop a medication treatment plan. The role of a pharmacist has expanded dramatically over the years. In terms of patient care, pharmacists play a variety of roles. They may own a pharmacy, or work in a hospital or clinic. Pharmacologists study the chemical properties of medicines, their metabolism, and their physiological effects. They also know the mode of action of different drugs and use this knowledge to tailor drug treatment for individual patients. They may be members of a representative body called the Health Systems Pharmacy Executive Alliance. These professionals are also able to write policies and guidelines for specific patient populations. The first recorded history of pharmacy dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Various papyri from the 1550 BC Ebers Papyrus and the Edwin Smith Papyrus provide evidence of the use of medicines by the ancient Egyptians. Similarly, pharmacy was already in existence in China in the first century AD. A mythical Shennong, the Chinese god of medicine, attributed a role to the pharmacist in the first century AD. Earlier literature contains lists of drugs for various ailments and is known as the Shennong Bencao Jing.