Jane Fern's Pharmacists Guide
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Stressing the Importance of Patient-Pharmacist Relationships
By Adella Klein
One of the reasons why the medical industry is (and always has been) one of the busiest sectors of today's economy is because of high demand. So many individuals are in dire need of prescription medication that it's hard for pharmacists to keep up with the demand of their consumers. As a result, most pharmacists are left with little time to foster relationships with their patients - which can be very detrimental when it comes to prescription meds.
Why is it Important to Talk to Your Pharmacist?
Discussing your prescriptions with your pharmacist before taking your medication is important for a number of reasons. First of all, you need to know the method of taking each pill. Do you need to drink water, eat, take it on an empty stomach etc? You also need to make sure that your new prescription isn't going to affect any other medication you may be taking at the time. Likewise, it's always good to know the side effects associated with the prescriptions you're about to take. This leads us to our next topic...
What Questions Should You Ask Your Pharmacist?
As we mentioned above, questions like "how should this medication be taken?" or "will this medication affect any of the other prescriptions I am currently taking?" are both really great questions to ask your pharmacist. Inquiring about the side effects, dosage requirements and ingredients in the medication (especially if you're prone to allergic reactions) are all very important questions to ask your pharmacist before taking your medication as well.
Why Can't I Just Ask My Doctor?
We encourage you to ask your doctor as many questions as you can during your appointment. Unfortunately, once you leave it can be difficult to get in touch with him/her again once you've obtained your medication. In this case, asking your pharmacist is just as good (if not better) than asking your doctor. Pharmacists are experts in prescription ingredients, reactions, dosages etc. so your pharmacist may be more insightful than your doctor anyways.
Never be afraid to ask your pharmacist questions - it's what they are there for. It's better to ask beforehand than to end up in a detrimental situation that could have been avoided had you taken a few minutes to speak with your pharmacist. And remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question - so ask away!
Adella Klein has been taking Prescription Medication for years and wants to stress the importance of communication between pharmacists and their patients. In her spare time she shares her expertise on Medication by writing articles for OneHealthyLifestyle.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adella_Klein
One of the reasons why the medical industry is (and always has been) one of the busiest sectors of today's economy is because of high demand. So many individuals are in dire need of prescription medication that it's hard for pharmacists to keep up with the demand of their consumers. As a result, most pharmacists are left with little time to foster relationships with their patients - which can be very detrimental when it comes to prescription meds.
Why is it Important to Talk to Your Pharmacist?
Discussing your prescriptions with your pharmacist before taking your medication is important for a number of reasons. First of all, you need to know the method of taking each pill. Do you need to drink water, eat, take it on an empty stomach etc? You also need to make sure that your new prescription isn't going to affect any other medication you may be taking at the time. Likewise, it's always good to know the side effects associated with the prescriptions you're about to take. This leads us to our next topic...
What Questions Should You Ask Your Pharmacist?
As we mentioned above, questions like "how should this medication be taken?" or "will this medication affect any of the other prescriptions I am currently taking?" are both really great questions to ask your pharmacist. Inquiring about the side effects, dosage requirements and ingredients in the medication (especially if you're prone to allergic reactions) are all very important questions to ask your pharmacist before taking your medication as well.
Why Can't I Just Ask My Doctor?
We encourage you to ask your doctor as many questions as you can during your appointment. Unfortunately, once you leave it can be difficult to get in touch with him/her again once you've obtained your medication. In this case, asking your pharmacist is just as good (if not better) than asking your doctor. Pharmacists are experts in prescription ingredients, reactions, dosages etc. so your pharmacist may be more insightful than your doctor anyways.
Never be afraid to ask your pharmacist questions - it's what they are there for. It's better to ask beforehand than to end up in a detrimental situation that could have been avoided had you taken a few minutes to speak with your pharmacist. And remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question - so ask away!
Adella Klein has been taking Prescription Medication for years and wants to stress the importance of communication between pharmacists and their patients. In her spare time she shares her expertise on Medication by writing articles for OneHealthyLifestyle.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adella_Klein
Labels: healthy living, medication, medications, onehealthylifestyle.com, pharmacists, prescription medication
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Why You Should Consider Becoming a Pharmacist
According to American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Pharmacy is the third largest health profession in the U.S. It is a career with a blend of science, healthcare, patient care, computer technology and business. The demand for Pharmacist is extremely high. The opportunities are unlimited and with the population aging, and new drugs coming out the employment future for Pharmacists is good.
There has been an increase in the shortages of pharmacists not only in the United States but around the world. According to US dept of Health and Human Services, the factors causing the shortage are not likely to abate in the near future. Because of this employers are offering jobs to final year students even before their graduation.
This has created a competition among employers seeking the services of Pharmacists and as a result more incentives and big bonuses are being offered. Pharmacists salary is outstanding, compared to market standards with a very comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, 401k, supplemental insurance and more
Pharmacists also enjoy:
a. Job security.
b. Recession proof employment.
c. Well paid job.
d. Ability to open your own business.
e. Working with other health professionals.
f. Financial security.
Pharmacists also have so many choices of different areas of practice like:
Community Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, Industrial Pharmacy, Government Agencies, Academics, Hospice And Home Care, Hmo's, Medical And Scientific Publishing,Trade And Professional Associations, Managed Care,Long Term Care And Much More...
Finally:
If you want secure future financially,
If you want to take control of your life,
If you want to have a comfortable life,
If you want to give your family a better quality of life,
Then you should seriously consider becoming a Pharmacist.
To learn more about how to become a Pharmacist click on the link http://www.beapharmacist.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Frank_Buachie
There has been an increase in the shortages of pharmacists not only in the United States but around the world. According to US dept of Health and Human Services, the factors causing the shortage are not likely to abate in the near future. Because of this employers are offering jobs to final year students even before their graduation.
This has created a competition among employers seeking the services of Pharmacists and as a result more incentives and big bonuses are being offered. Pharmacists salary is outstanding, compared to market standards with a very comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, 401k, supplemental insurance and more
Pharmacists also enjoy:
a. Job security.
b. Recession proof employment.
c. Well paid job.
d. Ability to open your own business.
e. Working with other health professionals.
f. Financial security.
Pharmacists also have so many choices of different areas of practice like:
Community Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, Industrial Pharmacy, Government Agencies, Academics, Hospice And Home Care, Hmo's, Medical And Scientific Publishing,Trade And Professional Associations, Managed Care,Long Term Care And Much More...
Finally:
If you want secure future financially,
If you want to take control of your life,
If you want to have a comfortable life,
If you want to give your family a better quality of life,
Then you should seriously consider becoming a Pharmacist.
To learn more about how to become a Pharmacist click on the link http://www.beapharmacist.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Frank_Buachie
Labels: pharmacists, pharmacy
Monday, October 12, 2009
Considering a Career As a Pharmacist
By Amy Nutt
A pharmacist is a professional responsible for dispensing medications and handling prescriptions. The role of the pharmacist is as important as that of any other medical professional. The relationship that pharmacist's share with their patients is an important part of the care-giving circle. That relationship ensures that patients take their medications as prescribed so they may enjoy healthy lives.
The pharmacist of an age ago was seen as an individual who donned a white coat, dispensed root beer floats, and Coca-Cola at the same rate in which they prepared prescription orders. The days of the pharmacist and the soda jerk are gone but the pharmacist maintains their standing as the individual responsible for maintaining the well-being of a doctor's patients.
To become a pharmacist, an individual must attend a 4-year baccalaureate program and complete a set of additional requisites to in order to receive their Doctorate in Pharmacology or PharmD degree. An individual who desires to become a pharmacist must be strong in science and math as a lot of their certification is based on a study of chemistry, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology. Although pharmacists do not operate on patients, they must have an understanding about how the body works and the basic chemical make-up of the human body.
Pharmacists are board certified practitioners who must pass a rigorous licensing examination in order to be able to practice. Once these requirements have been met, a pharmacist begins practicing their profession. Pharmacists are licensed by the state in which they do business, but are subject to both state and federal laws with respect to the dispensing medication.
Pharmacists are employed by hospitals, retail chains and pharmacy stores or work as consultants on policy regarding prescription medicines. It is the role of the pharmacist to understand the make-up of the human body and the chemical interaction between certain drugs and the body. This understanding may be the difference between life and death in certain circumstances.
A pharmacist earns a little more than $100,000 a year in salary. When you consider that, the pharmacist does not complete quiet as much training as a medical doctor that number translates into a heath amount. The trade-off is the amount of scrutiny and oversight that a pharmacist faces, from state officials up to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
If you are planning a career as a pharmacist, you should spend some time at your local pharmacy and get a feel for the type of work that goes on from day to day. If you are old enough, you may consider a summer position in the pharmacy as a way to gain a first-had perspective. You should also take care to make sure that your chemistry and mathematical skills are very good.
The field of pharmacology is growing as the baby boomer population ages, requiring an urgent need for additional trained professional pharmacologists. This need promises a good paying career that comes with the added benefit of being part of the community.
Staffing agency offering full time and part time pharmacy jobs. Visit us to learn more about the wide range of pharmacist jobs opportunities.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt
A pharmacist is a professional responsible for dispensing medications and handling prescriptions. The role of the pharmacist is as important as that of any other medical professional. The relationship that pharmacist's share with their patients is an important part of the care-giving circle. That relationship ensures that patients take their medications as prescribed so they may enjoy healthy lives.
The pharmacist of an age ago was seen as an individual who donned a white coat, dispensed root beer floats, and Coca-Cola at the same rate in which they prepared prescription orders. The days of the pharmacist and the soda jerk are gone but the pharmacist maintains their standing as the individual responsible for maintaining the well-being of a doctor's patients.
To become a pharmacist, an individual must attend a 4-year baccalaureate program and complete a set of additional requisites to in order to receive their Doctorate in Pharmacology or PharmD degree. An individual who desires to become a pharmacist must be strong in science and math as a lot of their certification is based on a study of chemistry, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology. Although pharmacists do not operate on patients, they must have an understanding about how the body works and the basic chemical make-up of the human body.
Pharmacists are board certified practitioners who must pass a rigorous licensing examination in order to be able to practice. Once these requirements have been met, a pharmacist begins practicing their profession. Pharmacists are licensed by the state in which they do business, but are subject to both state and federal laws with respect to the dispensing medication.
Pharmacists are employed by hospitals, retail chains and pharmacy stores or work as consultants on policy regarding prescription medicines. It is the role of the pharmacist to understand the make-up of the human body and the chemical interaction between certain drugs and the body. This understanding may be the difference between life and death in certain circumstances.
A pharmacist earns a little more than $100,000 a year in salary. When you consider that, the pharmacist does not complete quiet as much training as a medical doctor that number translates into a heath amount. The trade-off is the amount of scrutiny and oversight that a pharmacist faces, from state officials up to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
If you are planning a career as a pharmacist, you should spend some time at your local pharmacy and get a feel for the type of work that goes on from day to day. If you are old enough, you may consider a summer position in the pharmacy as a way to gain a first-had perspective. You should also take care to make sure that your chemistry and mathematical skills are very good.
The field of pharmacology is growing as the baby boomer population ages, requiring an urgent need for additional trained professional pharmacologists. This need promises a good paying career that comes with the added benefit of being part of the community.
Staffing agency offering full time and part time pharmacy jobs. Visit us to learn more about the wide range of pharmacist jobs opportunities.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt
Labels: clinical pharmacy, pharmacist, pharmacists, pharmacology
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Top 50 Pharmacist Blogs Online
The blogosphere is full of information and commentary for people of all walks of life, and pharmacists are no exception. What follows is a list of the Top 50 Pharmacist Blogs that focus on a wide variety of topics, from opinionated postings to the health and well-being of patients. Pharmacy Opinion Blogs Just like with other jobs, pharmacists have to deal with a lot each day that stresses them out and bogs them down. The following blogs discuss issues that pharmacists have to face on a daily basis and hold nothing back in regard to how they feel about everything from patients to paperwork. Get ready to laugh, cry, or be shocked by what these bloggers have to say about what they deal with in the profession.
1. The Angry Pharmacist: For opinionated posts about drugs, patients, and pharmacy in general, read through this blog and see how this blogger earned his name.
2. Jim Plagakis: This pharmacist’s blog discusses current trends and problems in the world of pharmacy.
3. Drug Monkey: According to this blog, ”your pharmacist my hate you.” Take a look and find out why.
4. Drugs R Phun: This pharmacist blows off steam from the stress of the job by telling anecdotal stories about patients that come to her pharmacy.
5. Fast Food Pharmacy: This blog is dedicated to the in and out, fast paced pharmacy world. Laughs and strange patient stories are guaranteed when you visit.
6. The Angriest Pharmacist: This blog is not for the faint of heart. For real, unadulterated opinions on the day to day life of a pharmacist, browse through the posts on this blog.
7. And You Wonder Why Your Pharmacist Never Smiles: This blogger focuses on the pharmacist-patient relationship and certainly has a lot to say on the matter.
8. The Frantic Pharmacist: Take a look at what this pharmacist has to say about the profession, and the ups and downs that come along with dealing with patients as well as colleagues.
9. Farmacy is Fun: Farmacy is Fun takes a lighthearted approach to dealing with patients and their care.
10. A Day at the Pharmacy: The posts on this blog come from a provincial UK Pharmacist who discusses dealing with annoying, as well as ”occasionally lovely” patients and their needs.
11. Pharmacy Slave: Think you have it bad? Read this blogger’s humorous posts and breathe a sigh of relief.
12. Pharm Barbie: Read the musings of this pharmacy student who works ”twiddling her thumbs in a chain pharmacy.”
13. Pharmer Jane: For a good mix of humor, advice, and discussion related to daily life in the pharmacy, take a peek at what Pharmer Jane has to say.
14. Pissed Pharmacist: The tagline says, ”I think I need a new job.” That’s just the beginning. For curt, abbreviated humorous posts and rants about being a pharmacist, check this blog out.
15. SomePharmacyGuy: Find musings on the daily grind of pharmacy, from interpreting doctors’ handwriting to dealing with irritating patients when you visit this Australian pharmacist’s blog.
16. Soul Sucking Pharmacy: Read humorous posts from a pharmacist who guarantees that his blog is not HIPAA compliant.
17. Pharmacy God: This retail pharmacy veteran relates tales of being a pharmacist in a time when the job entails far more than just filling prescriptions.
18. The Politically Incorrect Pharmacist: This blogger strives to ”tell it like it is,” without holding back. Amuse yourself with his fearless posts about the world of pharmacy.
19. The Ole’ Apothecary: This blog is about ”pondering what pharmacy is and where it’s going.” The posts range from serious, to humorous, to raving rants.
20. Pharmacy Chick: Another retail pharmacist blogs about the daily goings-on at a pharmacy. The posts on this site are eloquently written and humorous, and give some insight to the reader in the process.
Pharmacy News and Informational Blogs All pharmacy blogs are not about just the day-to-day dealings with patients. The following blogs are about helping other pharmacists to stay informed, whether about the latest recall, HIPAA compliance, or a whole host of other pharmacy-related issues.
21. Pharmacist Daily: Find current and relevant information for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and contribute to the discussions related to a constantly-changing profession.
22. The Blonde Pharmacist: News and information on the latest pharmacy issues can be found on this blog, along with some strongly-voiced opinions regarding some hot-button issues.
23. Pharmacy and Health Blog: This blog has many posts related to new and cutting-edge treatments and articles related to patient care as well as the profession itself. See what you can learn about the latest health trends, or comment on an existing post.
24. Online Pharmacy News: Find interesting stories, features, and the latest developments in pharmacy news when you visit this blog.
25. RaPharmacy (Canadian Pharmacy News): Take a look at this blog to learn more about drugs for male sexual health and news related to this topic.
26. Online Pharmacy Technician Schools: The goal of this blog is to help keep pharmacists in the know regarding key issues related to giving excellent patient care. Check out what other pharmacists have to say and gather tips, advice, and best practices as well.
27. Fierce Health IT: For up-to-date news related to the world of patient care and pharmacy in a technological context, look no further than Fierce Health IT.
28. PRIME Pharmacist Case Studies: Stay abreast of what’s going on in the world of case studies involving various frequently-prescribed medications and their interactions. Find common side effects and more when you look into the latest case studies on this blog.
29. Bioethics.net: Be informed of current ethical dilemmas facing medical professionals and pharmacist, and see how your peers are responding to these dilemmas.
Professional Development Blogs Staying on top of all of the information and technology in any field can be quite a chore. See what these bloggers have to say in relation to the professional development of a pharmacist.
30. Transitional Committee Blog: Read this blog for views on pharmacy as a profession that is in constant flux. Articles and editorials regarding the role of the pharmacist are primarily featured
31. Pharmacist’s Place: Check out this blog for important discussions, from whether certification is more important than experience, to the value of continuing your education in the field of pharmacy.
Pharmacology Blogs Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with living organisms to produce a change in function. The following blogs feature articles related to drug interactions of various kinds.
32. Pharmacology Journal: Pharmacists may gain some insight about clinical pharmacology by visiting this site.
33. Indiana Systematic Thinking: Posts related to mental health pharmacology, as well as other pharmacology-related posts are available through Indiana Systematic Thinking.
34. Ask a Scientician: This blog, posted by an online pharmacist, has valuable information on drug interactions and pharmacology.
35. My Dominant Hemisphere: Find in-depth articles and best practices related to various pharmacological issues, among other things when you visit this blog.
36. Lancashire Care Library and Information Service: Browse through this blog’s treasure trove of pharmacy and pharmacological posts.
Pharmaceutical Blogs Once a drug’s ability to change an organism’s function is established as having medicinal value, it is then considered a pharmaceutical. Take some time to look through these blogs for more information on specific pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals in general.
37. Eye on FDA: Get the latest news and information related to the Food and Drug Administration’s impact and relationship with pharmaceuticals and the companies that produce them.
38. Black Triangle: Join discussion groups or peruse the articles related to drugs and their effects on patients.
39. Pharma Marketing Blog: Opinions on pharmaceutical companies and their marketing practices, as well as the effects of their drugs on the public is the focus of this blogger’s attention.
40. WSJ Health Blog: Sift through Wall Street Journal’s authoritative collection of articles on pharmaceuticals and health care.
41. Pharma Blogosphere: As the site it self declares, this is ”a blog about blogging in the pharmaceutical industry.”
42. Hooked: Ethics, Medicine, and Pharma: Updated posts on ethical issues and news related to big pharmaceutical companies can be found on this particular blog.
43. In The Pipeline: This blog is hosted by a man who has worked for several major pharmaceutical companies over the last nineteen years. For an informed, insider opinion about the inner workings of pharmaceutical companies, visit his blog.
44. The IN VIVO Blog: Browse through an amazing amount of articles and research on a wide variety of topics related to the pharmaceutical industry on The IN VIVO Blog.
45. Jim Edwards’s NRx: Look to the blog for news and information on the drug business that ”the media hasn’t written yet.”
46. Fierce Pharma: Turn to Fierce Pharma for daily updates related to big pharmaceutical companies and their products.
47. Prescription Access Litigation: Stay informed regarding consumer education, class action lawsuits, and drug industry accountability issues by visiting this blog.
48. Nurse Practitioner Program: Keep heathly with drug awareness tips from a nurse practitioner blogger.
49. Drug Injury Watch: Drug Injury Watch provides readers with new and information related to side effects and interactions of prescription drugs.
50. Pharmalive: This blog is the self-proclaimed ”pulse of the pharmaceutical industry. Articles, information, commentary and much more related to pharmaceuticals are available for readers to look through.
1. The Angry Pharmacist: For opinionated posts about drugs, patients, and pharmacy in general, read through this blog and see how this blogger earned his name.
2. Jim Plagakis: This pharmacist’s blog discusses current trends and problems in the world of pharmacy.
3. Drug Monkey: According to this blog, ”your pharmacist my hate you.” Take a look and find out why.
4. Drugs R Phun: This pharmacist blows off steam from the stress of the job by telling anecdotal stories about patients that come to her pharmacy.
5. Fast Food Pharmacy: This blog is dedicated to the in and out, fast paced pharmacy world. Laughs and strange patient stories are guaranteed when you visit.
6. The Angriest Pharmacist: This blog is not for the faint of heart. For real, unadulterated opinions on the day to day life of a pharmacist, browse through the posts on this blog.
7. And You Wonder Why Your Pharmacist Never Smiles: This blogger focuses on the pharmacist-patient relationship and certainly has a lot to say on the matter.
8. The Frantic Pharmacist: Take a look at what this pharmacist has to say about the profession, and the ups and downs that come along with dealing with patients as well as colleagues.
9. Farmacy is Fun: Farmacy is Fun takes a lighthearted approach to dealing with patients and their care.
10. A Day at the Pharmacy: The posts on this blog come from a provincial UK Pharmacist who discusses dealing with annoying, as well as ”occasionally lovely” patients and their needs.
11. Pharmacy Slave: Think you have it bad? Read this blogger’s humorous posts and breathe a sigh of relief.
12. Pharm Barbie: Read the musings of this pharmacy student who works ”twiddling her thumbs in a chain pharmacy.”
13. Pharmer Jane: For a good mix of humor, advice, and discussion related to daily life in the pharmacy, take a peek at what Pharmer Jane has to say.
14. Pissed Pharmacist: The tagline says, ”I think I need a new job.” That’s just the beginning. For curt, abbreviated humorous posts and rants about being a pharmacist, check this blog out.
15. SomePharmacyGuy: Find musings on the daily grind of pharmacy, from interpreting doctors’ handwriting to dealing with irritating patients when you visit this Australian pharmacist’s blog.
16. Soul Sucking Pharmacy: Read humorous posts from a pharmacist who guarantees that his blog is not HIPAA compliant.
17. Pharmacy God: This retail pharmacy veteran relates tales of being a pharmacist in a time when the job entails far more than just filling prescriptions.
18. The Politically Incorrect Pharmacist: This blogger strives to ”tell it like it is,” without holding back. Amuse yourself with his fearless posts about the world of pharmacy.
19. The Ole’ Apothecary: This blog is about ”pondering what pharmacy is and where it’s going.” The posts range from serious, to humorous, to raving rants.
20. Pharmacy Chick: Another retail pharmacist blogs about the daily goings-on at a pharmacy. The posts on this site are eloquently written and humorous, and give some insight to the reader in the process.
Pharmacy News and Informational Blogs All pharmacy blogs are not about just the day-to-day dealings with patients. The following blogs are about helping other pharmacists to stay informed, whether about the latest recall, HIPAA compliance, or a whole host of other pharmacy-related issues.
21. Pharmacist Daily: Find current and relevant information for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and contribute to the discussions related to a constantly-changing profession.
22. The Blonde Pharmacist: News and information on the latest pharmacy issues can be found on this blog, along with some strongly-voiced opinions regarding some hot-button issues.
23. Pharmacy and Health Blog: This blog has many posts related to new and cutting-edge treatments and articles related to patient care as well as the profession itself. See what you can learn about the latest health trends, or comment on an existing post.
24. Online Pharmacy News: Find interesting stories, features, and the latest developments in pharmacy news when you visit this blog.
25. RaPharmacy (Canadian Pharmacy News): Take a look at this blog to learn more about drugs for male sexual health and news related to this topic.
26. Online Pharmacy Technician Schools: The goal of this blog is to help keep pharmacists in the know regarding key issues related to giving excellent patient care. Check out what other pharmacists have to say and gather tips, advice, and best practices as well.
27. Fierce Health IT: For up-to-date news related to the world of patient care and pharmacy in a technological context, look no further than Fierce Health IT.
28. PRIME Pharmacist Case Studies: Stay abreast of what’s going on in the world of case studies involving various frequently-prescribed medications and their interactions. Find common side effects and more when you look into the latest case studies on this blog.
29. Bioethics.net: Be informed of current ethical dilemmas facing medical professionals and pharmacist, and see how your peers are responding to these dilemmas.
Professional Development Blogs Staying on top of all of the information and technology in any field can be quite a chore. See what these bloggers have to say in relation to the professional development of a pharmacist.
30. Transitional Committee Blog: Read this blog for views on pharmacy as a profession that is in constant flux. Articles and editorials regarding the role of the pharmacist are primarily featured
31. Pharmacist’s Place: Check out this blog for important discussions, from whether certification is more important than experience, to the value of continuing your education in the field of pharmacy.
Pharmacology Blogs Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with living organisms to produce a change in function. The following blogs feature articles related to drug interactions of various kinds.
32. Pharmacology Journal: Pharmacists may gain some insight about clinical pharmacology by visiting this site.
33. Indiana Systematic Thinking: Posts related to mental health pharmacology, as well as other pharmacology-related posts are available through Indiana Systematic Thinking.
34. Ask a Scientician: This blog, posted by an online pharmacist, has valuable information on drug interactions and pharmacology.
35. My Dominant Hemisphere: Find in-depth articles and best practices related to various pharmacological issues, among other things when you visit this blog.
36. Lancashire Care Library and Information Service: Browse through this blog’s treasure trove of pharmacy and pharmacological posts.
Pharmaceutical Blogs Once a drug’s ability to change an organism’s function is established as having medicinal value, it is then considered a pharmaceutical. Take some time to look through these blogs for more information on specific pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals in general.
37. Eye on FDA: Get the latest news and information related to the Food and Drug Administration’s impact and relationship with pharmaceuticals and the companies that produce them.
38. Black Triangle: Join discussion groups or peruse the articles related to drugs and their effects on patients.
39. Pharma Marketing Blog: Opinions on pharmaceutical companies and their marketing practices, as well as the effects of their drugs on the public is the focus of this blogger’s attention.
40. WSJ Health Blog: Sift through Wall Street Journal’s authoritative collection of articles on pharmaceuticals and health care.
41. Pharma Blogosphere: As the site it self declares, this is ”a blog about blogging in the pharmaceutical industry.”
42. Hooked: Ethics, Medicine, and Pharma: Updated posts on ethical issues and news related to big pharmaceutical companies can be found on this particular blog.
43. In The Pipeline: This blog is hosted by a man who has worked for several major pharmaceutical companies over the last nineteen years. For an informed, insider opinion about the inner workings of pharmaceutical companies, visit his blog.
44. The IN VIVO Blog: Browse through an amazing amount of articles and research on a wide variety of topics related to the pharmaceutical industry on The IN VIVO Blog.
45. Jim Edwards’s NRx: Look to the blog for news and information on the drug business that ”the media hasn’t written yet.”
46. Fierce Pharma: Turn to Fierce Pharma for daily updates related to big pharmaceutical companies and their products.
47. Prescription Access Litigation: Stay informed regarding consumer education, class action lawsuits, and drug industry accountability issues by visiting this blog.
48. Nurse Practitioner Program: Keep heathly with drug awareness tips from a nurse practitioner blogger.
49. Drug Injury Watch: Drug Injury Watch provides readers with new and information related to side effects and interactions of prescription drugs.
50. Pharmalive: This blog is the self-proclaimed ”pulse of the pharmaceutical industry. Articles, information, commentary and much more related to pharmaceuticals are available for readers to look through.
Labels: pharmacist blogs online, pharmacists, pharmacy
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Nature of Work of Pharmacists
Historically, the fundamental role of pharmacists is to distribute drugs that have been prescribed by a medical practitioner to patients. In more modern times pharmacists advise patients and health care providers on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications. Pharmacists monitor the health and progress of patients to ensure the safe and effective use of medication. In some cases, pharmacists may practice compounding (mixing ingredients to form medications); however, most medicines are produced by pharmaceutical companies in a standard dosage and drug delivery form. In some jurisdictions, pharmacists have prescriptive authority to either independently prescribe under their own authority or in collaboration with a primary care physician through an agreed upon protocol.
Pharmacists are trained in pharmacology, pharmacognosy, chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, microbiology, pharmacy practice (including drug interactions, medicine monitoring, medication management), pharmaceutics, pharmacy law, physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, drug delivery, pharmaceutical care, nephrology, hepatology, and compounding medications. Additional curriculum covers diagnosis with emphasis on laboratory tests, disease state management, therapeutics and prescribing (selecting the most appropriate medication for a given patient).
One of the most important roles that pharmacists are currently taking on is one of pharmaceutical care[citation needed]. Pharmaceutical care involves taking direct responsibility for patients and their disease states, medications, and the management of each in order to improve the outcome for each individual patient. Pharmaceutical care has many benefits that include but are not limited to:
* Decreased medication errors
* Increased patient compliance in medication regimen
* Better chronic disease state management
* Strong pharmacist-patient relationship
* Decreased long-term costs of medical care
Pharmacists are often the first point-of-contact for patients with health inquiries. This means that pharmacists have large roles in the assessing medication management in patients, and in referring patients to physicians. These roles may include, but are not limited to:
* clinical medication management
* the assessment of patients with undiagnosed or diagnosed conditions and for decisions about the clinical medication management required.
* specialized monitoring of disease states
* reviewing medication regimens
* monitoring of treatment regimens
* delegating work
* general health monitoring
* compounding medicines
* general health advice
* providing specific education to patients about disease states and medications
* oversight of dispensing medicines on prescription
* provision of non-prescription medicines
* counseling and advice on optimal use of medicines
* advice and treatment of common ailments
* referrals to other health professionals if necessary
* dosing drugs in renal and hepatic failure
* pharmacokinetic evaluation
* education of physicians and other health care providers on medications and their proper use
* limited prescribing of medications only in collaboration with other health care professionals
* providing pharmaceutical information
* promoting public health by administering immunizations
The job of pharmacist is considered a profession and professional registration or possession of a license to practice pharmacy is universally required. Pharmacists are sometimes (often, in numerous countries in Europe) small-business owners, owning the pharmacy in which they practice. Their specialized knowledge as skilled professionals makes them a vital part of any health care team. They act as a learned intermediary between patients and other health care providers to ensure that proper medical therapy is chosen and implemented in the best way possible.
In the United States, as of 2006, there were 243,000 persons employed as pharmacists in 2006. Of these, 62 percent worked in community pharmacies, either as salaried employees or self-employed owners; 23 percent worked in hospitals; the rest worked for mail-order pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, offices of physicians, or government agencies.
A pharmacist in the US averages 125000/year salary. This is mostly due to a shortage, that is predicted to turn into a surplus in 2015. Pharmacist salaries will then decrease to be more inline with Physical therapist, Optometrist and Occupational therapist.
Source: Wikipedia
Pharmacists are trained in pharmacology, pharmacognosy, chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, microbiology, pharmacy practice (including drug interactions, medicine monitoring, medication management), pharmaceutics, pharmacy law, physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, drug delivery, pharmaceutical care, nephrology, hepatology, and compounding medications. Additional curriculum covers diagnosis with emphasis on laboratory tests, disease state management, therapeutics and prescribing (selecting the most appropriate medication for a given patient).
One of the most important roles that pharmacists are currently taking on is one of pharmaceutical care[citation needed]. Pharmaceutical care involves taking direct responsibility for patients and their disease states, medications, and the management of each in order to improve the outcome for each individual patient. Pharmaceutical care has many benefits that include but are not limited to:
* Decreased medication errors
* Increased patient compliance in medication regimen
* Better chronic disease state management
* Strong pharmacist-patient relationship
* Decreased long-term costs of medical care
Pharmacists are often the first point-of-contact for patients with health inquiries. This means that pharmacists have large roles in the assessing medication management in patients, and in referring patients to physicians. These roles may include, but are not limited to:
* clinical medication management
* the assessment of patients with undiagnosed or diagnosed conditions and for decisions about the clinical medication management required.
* specialized monitoring of disease states
* reviewing medication regimens
* monitoring of treatment regimens
* delegating work
* general health monitoring
* compounding medicines
* general health advice
* providing specific education to patients about disease states and medications
* oversight of dispensing medicines on prescription
* provision of non-prescription medicines
* counseling and advice on optimal use of medicines
* advice and treatment of common ailments
* referrals to other health professionals if necessary
* dosing drugs in renal and hepatic failure
* pharmacokinetic evaluation
* education of physicians and other health care providers on medications and their proper use
* limited prescribing of medications only in collaboration with other health care professionals
* providing pharmaceutical information
* promoting public health by administering immunizations
The job of pharmacist is considered a profession and professional registration or possession of a license to practice pharmacy is universally required. Pharmacists are sometimes (often, in numerous countries in Europe) small-business owners, owning the pharmacy in which they practice. Their specialized knowledge as skilled professionals makes them a vital part of any health care team. They act as a learned intermediary between patients and other health care providers to ensure that proper medical therapy is chosen and implemented in the best way possible.
In the United States, as of 2006, there were 243,000 persons employed as pharmacists in 2006. Of these, 62 percent worked in community pharmacies, either as salaried employees or self-employed owners; 23 percent worked in hospitals; the rest worked for mail-order pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, offices of physicians, or government agencies.
A pharmacist in the US averages 125000/year salary. This is mostly due to a shortage, that is predicted to turn into a surplus in 2015. Pharmacist salaries will then decrease to be more inline with Physical therapist, Optometrist and Occupational therapist.
Source: Wikipedia
Labels: distribute drugs, fundamental role, medical practitioner, pharmacists
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
What are Pharmacists?
Pharmacists are health care professionals who are trained and licensed to take requests for medicines, dispense various medicinal drugs, and give out advices on how to properly intake medicinal drugs. The primary task of pharmacists is to ensure the safe and effective use of medicinal drugs. As such, the service of pharmacists in many clinics, hospitals, and community pharmacies throughout the world are indispensable. Find out more about pharmacists and their job by reading the articles on this site.
Wikipedia defines Pharmacists as health professionals who practice the science of pharmacy. In their traditional role, pharmacists typically take a request for medicines from a prescribing health care provider in the form of a medical prescription, evaluate the appropriateness of the prescription, dispense the medication to the patient and counsel them on the proper use and adverse effects of that medication. In this role pharmacists act as a learned intermediary between physicians and patients and thus ensure the safe and effective use of medications. Pharmacists also participate in disease-state management, where they optimize and monitor drug therapy or interpret medical laboratory results – in collaboration with physicians and/or other health professionals. Advances into prescribing medication and in providing public health advices and services are occurring in Britain as well as the United States. Pharmacists have many areas of expertise and are a critical source of medical knowledge in clinics, hospitals, medical laboratory and community pharmacies throughout the world. Pharmacists also hold positions in the pharmaceutical industry as well as in pharmaceutical education and research and development institutions.
In much of the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth pharmacists are customarily sometimes referred to as chemist (or dispensing chemists),[1] a usage which can, especially without a context relating to the sale or supply of medicines, cause confusion with scientists in the field of chemistry. This term is a historical one, since some pharmacists passed an examination in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (PhC) set by the then Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain in 1852 and these were known as "Pharmaceutical Chemists". This title is protected by the Medicines Act 1968 section 78.
The 1852 Pharmacy Act, June 30 established a Register of Pharmaceutical Chemists in Great Britain , restricted to those who had taken the Society’s exams. However, the Act did not restrict the practice of pharmacy to examined and registered people, nor provide a legal definition for the trade and practice of pharmacy. This was first done by the Pharmacy Act of 1868.[2]
In the near future it is proposed by the Draft Pharmacy Order 2009 that the title "pharmacist" be restricted to those who register with a new Regulatory body the General Pharmaceutical Council due to the established to take this role over from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of GB in 2010.
Wikipedia defines Pharmacists as health professionals who practice the science of pharmacy. In their traditional role, pharmacists typically take a request for medicines from a prescribing health care provider in the form of a medical prescription, evaluate the appropriateness of the prescription, dispense the medication to the patient and counsel them on the proper use and adverse effects of that medication. In this role pharmacists act as a learned intermediary between physicians and patients and thus ensure the safe and effective use of medications. Pharmacists also participate in disease-state management, where they optimize and monitor drug therapy or interpret medical laboratory results – in collaboration with physicians and/or other health professionals. Advances into prescribing medication and in providing public health advices and services are occurring in Britain as well as the United States. Pharmacists have many areas of expertise and are a critical source of medical knowledge in clinics, hospitals, medical laboratory and community pharmacies throughout the world. Pharmacists also hold positions in the pharmaceutical industry as well as in pharmaceutical education and research and development institutions.
In much of the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth pharmacists are customarily sometimes referred to as chemist (or dispensing chemists),[1] a usage which can, especially without a context relating to the sale or supply of medicines, cause confusion with scientists in the field of chemistry. This term is a historical one, since some pharmacists passed an examination in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (PhC) set by the then Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain in 1852 and these were known as "Pharmaceutical Chemists". This title is protected by the Medicines Act 1968 section 78.
The 1852 Pharmacy Act, June 30 established a Register of Pharmaceutical Chemists in Great Britain , restricted to those who had taken the Society’s exams. However, the Act did not restrict the practice of pharmacy to examined and registered people, nor provide a legal definition for the trade and practice of pharmacy. This was first done by the Pharmacy Act of 1868.[2]
In the near future it is proposed by the Draft Pharmacy Order 2009 that the title "pharmacist" be restricted to those who register with a new Regulatory body the General Pharmaceutical Council due to the established to take this role over from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of GB in 2010.
Labels: health care professionals, health professionals, pharmacists
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Simple Definition of Pharmacy
The mortar and pestle, an internationally recognized symbol to represent the pharmacy profession.What is Pharmacy?
Pharmacy is the art and science of preparing and dispensing medications, and the provision of drug and health information to the public. Pharmacists are vital members of healthcare teams. They work with patients to determine their medication needs and the care required to best meet these needs. This is called “pharmaceutical care”, the goal of which is to improve an individual patient’s quality of life. Source: University of Saskatchewan, Canada http://explore.usask.ca/programs/nondirect/ph/
Wikipedia defines pharmacy as the health profession that links the health sciences with the chemical sciences, and it is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of medication.
The scope of pharmacy practice includes more traditional roles such as compounding and dispensing medications, and it also includes more modern services related to patient care, including clinical services, reviewing medications for safety and efficacy, and providing drug information. Pharmacists, therefore, are the experts on drug therapy and are the primary health professionals who optimize medication use to provide patients with positive health outcomes. Pharmacy is also the term for an establishment where pharmacy (in the first sense) is practice (synonym: drugstore). The first pharmacy in Europe (still working) was opened in 1241 in Trier, Germany.
The word pharmacy is derived from its root word pharma which was a term used since the 1400–1600s. In addition to pharma responsibilities, the pharma offered general medical advice and a range of services that are now performed solely by other specialist practitioners, such as surgery and midwifery. The pharma (as it was referred to) often operated through a retail shop which, in addition to ingredients for medicines, sold tobacco and patent medicines. The pharmas also used many other herbs not listed.
In its investigation of herbal and chemical ingredients, the work of the pharma may be regarded as a precursor of the modern sciences of chemistry and pharmacology, prior to the formulation of the scientific method.
The field of Pharmacy can generally be divided into three primary disciplines:
* Pharmaceutics
* Medicinal chemistry and Pharmacognosy
* Pharmacy practice
The boundaries between these disciplines and with other sciences, such as biochemistry, are not always clear-cut; and often, collaborative teams from various disciplines research together.
Pharmacology is sometimes considered a fourth discipline of pharmacy. Although pharmacology is essential to the study of pharmacy, it is not specific to pharmacy. Therefore it is usually considered to be a field of the broader sciences.
Other specializations in pharmacy practice recognized by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties include: cardiovascular, infectious disease, oncology, pharmacotherapy, nuclear, nutrition, and psychiatry. The Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy certifies pharmacists in geriatric pharmacy practice. The American Board of Applied Toxicology certifies pharmacists and other medical professionals in applied toxicology.
Source: Wikipedia
Labels: health care professionals, medicinal drugs, pharmacies, pharmacists
