What is a Pharmacist?

A pharmacist is so much more than a dispenser of medications. They are custodians of safe medication practices and patients' wellness. Positioned in a variety of healthcare settings, their accessibility and vast knowledge make them indispensable. But what exactly does a pharmacist do?

Pharmacists possess a wide range of responsibilities that vary across their chosen specialties. In community pharmacies, they are on the frontline, ensuring patients leave with not just their prescriptions but the knowledge to use them safely. Their role is to prevent harmful drug interactions and empower patients and their caregivers with essential information about medication use. In hospitals, acute care pharmacists delve into a patient's medical history, craft medication treatment plans, and collaborate with the broader healthcare team. Ambulatory care pharmacists specialize in chronic disease management, aiding those with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and even HIV. But that's not all. Pharmacists also engage in administering vaccines, participating in rounds at hospitals, conducting drug trials, and even compounding customized medications. Their close partnership with insurance companies enables them to facilitate the development of health plan benefits, ensuring a seamless connection between pharmaceutical breakthroughs and patient well-being. Moreover, they actively engage in mentoring the next wave of pharmacists.

According to clinical pharmacist and associate professor Shari Allen, a pharmacy career can take you from hospitals to clinics, or even into the realms of academia and nuclear pharmacy. It's a journey that starts with a robust education, encompassing classroom lessons, laboratory studies, and on-the-ground training featured in PCOM's 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree program.

For those contemplating a career in the pharmaceutical industry, PCOM is dedicated to serving as a reliable guide. Our mission is to help you transform into an outstanding professional, equipped with extensive pharmaceutical expertise and a strong dedication to providing exceptional patient care. For more insights and detailed explorations into the world of pharmacy and beyond, visit pcom.edu/pharmacy.