There's no other way I could've started this post without adding one of these. This in particular was made by yours truly way back when for a presentation about what I wanted to be and why..
I have so many plans for this Pharmacy section of SIMPLY. I want to discuss my journey along with others, career opportunities, pharmacy's growth, health care on a wider scale, I want to inspire young future pharmacists in the making.. And in jotting all of this down, I've come to realize that I'm so far ahead of myself.
I already wrote about those who have pharmacy as a prospective profession in mind (here) but how about the people on the fence? How about those who don't know much about what pharmacists do.. which is a lot more than just CVS or Walgreens
*claps* THERE'S *claps* MORE *claps* TO *claps* PHARMACY *claps* THAN *claps* COUNTER-WORK..
Something I don't mind shouting till kingdom come.
From education and research to pharmaceutical production and outpatient consulting the entire field of pharmacy spans far beyond traditional "pill-dispensing". So shall we explore..?
We've got, Academic Pharmacists who work in Colleges of Pharmacy as teachers, researchers and some as consultants for industry organizations
Ambulatory Care Pharmacists who manage/supervise patients with chronic diseases, including diabetes and asthma, and those unlikely to take their medication as prescribed or at all. Ambulatory pharmacists work in outpatient clinics, psychiatric wards and in specialties such as HIV or renal transplantation
Compounding Pharmacists prepare "customized" prescription orders made by physicians to meet individual patient needs
Consultant Pharmacists also known as long-term-care pharmacists, are mostly found working in geriatrics monitoring correct medication doses given at the right frequency and providing assistance in regards to medication use. More so medication regimen review than actual dispensing
Critical-Care Pharmacists play a major role in hospital intensive-care units, working with lifesaving drugs, optimizing each patient’s drug therapy and ensure the prevention of adverse reactions alongside the doctors.
Drug Information Pharmacists who help hospitals answer questions about the best use of drug therapies. Usually at an office, they also write and compile articles for scientific journals and continuing-education.
Hospice Pharmacists work with medications that include controlled substances prescribed for terminally ill patients at hospice agencies or pharmacies serving hospice patients.
Industrial Pharmacists oversee all aspects of drug research and development through to sales and marketing for pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Amgen, Johnson & Johnson to name a few. There's a possibility here to specialize in the production of a certain type of drug, such as aerosol or topical medications, tablets or capsules...etc
Infectious Disease Pharmacists also work in hospitals to drive decisions regarding the use of therapeutic antibiotics, as well as monitor the patients and enforce formulary restrictions on antibiotics.
Def: A formulary is a list of insurance-approved drugs and their proper dosages.
Managed-Care Pharmacists, provide cost effective and efficient drug therapy/pharmacy services under managed care organizations such as HMOs or PBM companies.
Nuclear Pharmacists compound, dispense, and distribute radiopharmaceuticals - most often in the treatment of cancer or to relieve its symptoms - in addition to monitoring safe and efficacious use
Nutrition Support Pharmacists design and modify the use of supplements or parenteral nutrition for cancer patients, diabetics, pregnant women and others needing special support services.
Oncology Pharmacistsare well versed in the pharmaceutical aspects of cancer treatment and care to produce optimal results.
Pediatric Pharmacists specialize in medications for children and focus a lot on weight and age-based dosing considerations.
Pharmaceutical Detailers Inform physicians about new drugs on the market and promote ethical drug use for pharmaceutical manufacturers. hopes that the physician will prescribe the company’s products more often
Pharmacist AttorneysThese pharmacists possess law degrees and the law as it applies to pharmacy, pharmacists, wholesalers, manufacturers, state and federal government and other interested parties deal with issues pertaining to pharmacists’ rights and duties. They work in various settings, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and corporations.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers Remember those PBMs mentioned earlier.. well these pharmacists act as third-party administrators for end payers, such as private insurers and Medicare Part D plans. They determine which drugs consumers can receive from their plan without racking up additional out-of-pocket costs. This also involves working closely with insurance companies to develop and maintain formularies as well as negotiating discounts and rebates with drug manufacturers
Poison-Control Pharmacists answer urgent level questions and suggest action plans regarding poisonous chemicals, hazardous toxins or harmful drug interactions with knowledge on how to treat various intoxications
Psychiatric Pharmacists manage drug treatment and care for patients with psychiatric disorders by dispensing medication, recommending treatment plans, monitoring/assessing responses to these treatments and recognizing adverse drug reactions.
Regulatory Pharmacists find jobs within state boards of pharmacy, state education departments, and state departments of health.
And the one we all know and love, your neighborhood RETAIL PHARMACIST, who is usually seen behind a designated store counter either on the phone, on the computer, or attending customers. Even in retail there's so much more going on behind the scenes than what is assumed. Retail pharmacists are usually the final window for patients between diagnosing at the physician's office, prescribed treatment, and receiving their medication. There's the last bit of drug counseling, utilization/interaction reviews, OTC help is given, etc.. I can go forever
The profession of pharmacy encompasses a widespread concept umbrella'd over medication. There's drug research and development, marketing, administration, review and counsel of use, regulation, etc.. it all continues to grow.
Now not all of these paths require the same amount of didactic and experiential training; some more and some less. However what interests you? That's usually where the journey starts.
If you have any questions/comments please leave them below and as always feel free to drop your own little words of wisdom and share your thoughts if there's anything I left out because I'm sure I did.
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