The Role of a Pharmacist
Pharmacy is an interdisciplinary field of science that encompasses everything from drug research to dispensing and monitoring of medications. As a career, it provides a great combination of healthcare, business, science, technology, and counseling. Its scope encompasses all aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, from discovering and synthesizing chemicals to their eventual delivery in a form that will counter disease without harming normal biological activity. Pharmacy is a fascinating field that blends the sciences with a practical approach to medicine and healing, making it an ideal career choice for those who love the challenge of solving complex problems.
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, pharmacists are shifting from a traditional role focused on drug preparation to new activities and responsibilities that emphasize the safe and cost-effective use of drugs. They are also addressing new patient care challenges by working closely with physicians and nurses to deliver medical care.
Pharmacists may work in hospitals, private practice settings, or government agencies. Their specific duties depend on the type of setting in which they work, but generally include verifying prescriptions, confirming that new medications will not interact with existing ones, and educating patients about how to take their medications correctly. Pharmacists also provide wellness services, such as immunizations and counseling on healthy lifestyles.
In order to become a licensed pharmacist in the United States, you must complete a degree program and obtain your license from your state’s board of pharmacy. Many states have additional requirements, such as background checks and continuing education courses. You must also pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).
Once you have your license, you can start your career. Pharmacy research is generally conducted using nonexperimental methods such as surveys, observations, and secondary data analysis, rather than experimental methodologies. However, there is a growing interest in incorporating experimental design into the field of pharmacy.
In addition to traditional retail pharmacies, virtual pharmacies are a great way for businesses to expand their healthcare offerings and create new revenue opportunities. The key to a successful virtual pharmacy strategy is finding the right partner for your needs.
Austin Sacks, Product Management Director at CoverMyMeds:
When looking for a virtual pharmacy solution, it is important to choose a provider with the right experience. Look for a partner with deep expertise in delivering virtual pharmacy, central fill, and distribution services. In addition, look for a partner that has a national network of fulfillment centers to ensure prompt and efficient medication delivery. And, most importantly, look for a partner that integrates virtual care with primary care to deliver a holistic and complete patient experience. This will lead to improved patient outcomes and a broader range of new revenue opportunities.
Pharmacy is an interdisciplinary field of science that encompasses everything from drug research to dispensing and monitoring of medications. As a career, it provides a great combination of healthcare, business, science, technology, and counseling. Its scope encompasses all aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, from discovering and synthesizing chemicals to their eventual delivery in a form that will counter disease without harming normal biological activity. Pharmacy is a fascinating field that blends the sciences with a practical approach to medicine and healing, making it an ideal career choice for those who love the challenge of solving complex problems. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, pharmacists are shifting from a traditional role focused on drug preparation to new activities and responsibilities that emphasize the safe and cost-effective use of drugs. They are also addressing new patient care challenges by working closely with physicians and nurses to deliver medical care. Pharmacists may work in hospitals, private practice settings, or government agencies. Their specific duties depend on the type of setting in which they work, but generally include verifying prescriptions, confirming that new medications will not interact with existing ones, and educating patients about how to take their medications correctly. Pharmacists also provide wellness services, such as immunizations and counseling on healthy lifestyles. In order to become a licensed pharmacist in the United States, you must complete a degree program and obtain your license from your state’s board of pharmacy. Many states have additional requirements, such as background checks and continuing education courses. You must also pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Once you have your license, you can start your career. Pharmacy research is generally conducted using nonexperimental methods such as surveys, observations, and secondary data analysis, rather than experimental methodologies. However, there is a growing interest in incorporating experimental design into the field of pharmacy. In addition to traditional retail pharmacies, virtual pharmacies are a great way for businesses to expand their healthcare offerings and create new revenue opportunities. The key to a successful virtual pharmacy strategy is finding the right partner for your needs. Austin Sacks, Product Management Director at CoverMyMeds: When looking for a virtual pharmacy solution, it is important to choose a provider with the right experience. Look for a partner with deep expertise in delivering virtual pharmacy, central fill, and distribution services. In addition, look for a partner that has a national network of fulfillment centers to ensure prompt and efficient medication delivery. And, most importantly, look for a partner that integrates virtual care with primary care to deliver a holistic and complete patient experience. This will lead to improved patient outcomes and a broader range of new revenue opportunities.