Christian Peterson - reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
National Pharmacist Day falls on Sunday, Jan. 12. The goal of the day is to honor the contributions of pharmacists everywhere. The role of a pharmacist isn’t on many individuals' radars, but for others, especially the older population, pharmacists are some of the most important people they see on a regular basis.
First, what is a pharmacist? According to Mayo Clinic, “Pharmacy is a blend of science, healthcare, direct patient contact, technology, ethics and business. A pharmacist is a highly skilled and trusted medication expert. They know and understand everything there is to know about drugs. Pharmacists undergo extensive education to understand the role that drugs play in different situations. They are familiar with the biochemical makeup of drugs and how that impacts their use, side effects, interactions and implications of effectiveness. Their role revolves around dispensing prescriptions to patients, conducting health screenings, giving immunizations, and advising on the safe use of medicine.”
An interesting fact about pharmacists is that many are specialists in different areas. One way is to specialize in the pharmacists’ specific practice area. These areas include academia, community, government, hospital, industry, military, research and wholesale. Others choose to specialize themselves in a specific area of pharmacy practice, such as ambulatory care, critical care pharmacy, nuclear pharmacy, nutrition support pharmacy, oncology pharmacy, pediatric pharmacy, pharmacotherapy and psychiatric pharmacy.
Pharmacists are typically associated with businesses such as CVS or Walgreens. However, they can be found in many different places: hospitals, retail outlets, nursing homes, universities, government facilities, mail services and even internet companies.
How does one become a pharmacist? The first step is to understand the importance of a pharmacist. While it is a gratifying profession, it is also dangerous. Medication is not a toy, and one wrong dosage could seriously injure or even kill someone. The second step is to earn a Pharm.D. Degree. It takes four years to complete and requires at least two years of undergraduate college study. Most people enter the program with three or more years of college experience and some even have their bachelor’s degree. However, graduatingwith a degree doesn’t necessarily mean the end of education. Many pharmacists choose to go to a post-graduate residency training program. It is a yearlong program that “allows students to apply the skills learned in pharmacy school to real patients and situations.” This program allows prospective pharmacists to work as a clinical pharmacist in a hospital. However, some students can choose to complete a second year, allowing them to focus on a specialty.
The future for pharmacists is interesting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for pharmacists may decline overall, specifically for retail drug stores. However, the demand for pharmacists in hospitals or clinics is expected to grow. “With additional training and education, some pharmacists advance into management, research or teaching (preceptor) positions,” the Mayo Clinic website states. “Some pharmacists open their own pharmacies. Other opportunities for advancement are available by completing a residency in a particular specialization.”
Becoming a pharmacists seems like a boring career, but many would be surprised to know how influential the profession has been throughout history and continues to be today. According to Pharmacy Times, Coca-Cola was invented by a pharmacist named John Pemberton: “He carried the jug of the new product down the street to Jacob’s Pharmacy where it was sampled and pronounced ‘excellent’ and placed on sale for five cents a glass as a soda fountain drink.” Interestingly enough, he was not the only pharmacist who invented a soda that many people still drink today. Charles Alderton invented Dr. Pepper, Caleb Bradham invented Pepsi, and James Vernor invented Vernor Ginger Ale. All three individuals were also pharmacists by trade.
Another interesting fact is that the first licensed pharmacist was in the French Quarter. His name was Louis Dofilho Jr. of New Orleans, La., and he was America’s first licensed pharmacist in the early 1800s. Prior to that moment, a pharmacist did not need to be licensed.
This year, take a minute to think about people who serve in a role you don’t even notice. It may be harder to do than you think.