3 answers
Jabria
Student
Miami, Florida
6
Questions
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What is a day in the life of a Pharmacist like?
#medicine #pharmacist
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3 answers
Anthony Petrello
Pharmacist
49
Answers
Medford, New York
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Jabria,
Your question is excellent. As mentioned above, the scope of pharmacy is so enormous and ever-growing, the answer to this question truly depends on what type of pharmacist you are practicing as.
Clinical pharmacists are members of a healthcare team who work side-by-side with other healthcare workers to improve patient care. These pharmacists generally work in an in-patient environment such as a hospital. Therefore, their days usually revolve around clinical work, such as attending rounds with physicians in a hospital and checking medication orders.
When someone thinks typically of a pharmacist, they generally think of those who work at a community retail pharmacy or grocery store. Although these pharmacists receive the same schooling as clinical pharmacists, their job and healthcare roles are very different from those mentioned above. These pharmacists are typically referred to as community pharmacists and work to dispense out-patient medications to their patients sent to them by prescribers. When receiving a new prescription, community pharmacists ensure medication, and its directions are safe and appropriate for the patient. They also work with pharmacy technicians to fill the medicine promptly. Additionally, because they are the most easily accessible healthcare professionals, these pharmacists answer patient medications and basic triage questions. Further, pharmacists have also taken a significant immunizing role in their communities due to the pandemic.
These are only two broad roles pharmacists can play. The pharmacy field is so vast that the role of pharmacists can vary significantly between positions. Medication is everywhere in healthcare, and being medication experts, pharmacists can play a role in nearly all healthcare environments.
Your question is excellent. As mentioned above, the scope of pharmacy is so enormous and ever-growing, the answer to this question truly depends on what type of pharmacist you are practicing as.
Clinical pharmacists are members of a healthcare team who work side-by-side with other healthcare workers to improve patient care. These pharmacists generally work in an in-patient environment such as a hospital. Therefore, their days usually revolve around clinical work, such as attending rounds with physicians in a hospital and checking medication orders.
When someone thinks typically of a pharmacist, they generally think of those who work at a community retail pharmacy or grocery store. Although these pharmacists receive the same schooling as clinical pharmacists, their job and healthcare roles are very different from those mentioned above. These pharmacists are typically referred to as community pharmacists and work to dispense out-patient medications to their patients sent to them by prescribers. When receiving a new prescription, community pharmacists ensure medication, and its directions are safe and appropriate for the patient. They also work with pharmacy technicians to fill the medicine promptly. Additionally, because they are the most easily accessible healthcare professionals, these pharmacists answer patient medications and basic triage questions. Further, pharmacists have also taken a significant immunizing role in their communities due to the pandemic.
These are only two broad roles pharmacists can play. The pharmacy field is so vast that the role of pharmacists can vary significantly between positions. Medication is everywhere in healthcare, and being medication experts, pharmacists can play a role in nearly all healthcare environments.
Paria Sanaty Zadeh, PharmD
Pharmacist
3
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Paria’s Answer
Great question, Jabria!
There are so many different types of pharmacists with vastly different work days! You might find it interesting to explore how pharmacists’ work varies based on the individual practice setting (community, hospital, clinic, specialty pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, insurance company, etc.), clinical specialty, and role/position. The diversity of pharmacist career paths is just one of many aspects that makes the field of pharmacy and pharmacist profession so exciting!
If you’d like to further explore this topic, TranspharmD has a catalogue of free informational videos featuring pharmacists in a wide range of roles who describe their daily work and responsibilities. Visit YouTube.com/TranspharmDCareers or TranspharmD.com to access these educational resources and to learn more about a day in the life of a pharmacist!
All the best,
Paria Sanaty Zadeh, Pharm.D.
There are so many different types of pharmacists with vastly different work days! You might find it interesting to explore how pharmacists’ work varies based on the individual practice setting (community, hospital, clinic, specialty pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, insurance company, etc.), clinical specialty, and role/position. The diversity of pharmacist career paths is just one of many aspects that makes the field of pharmacy and pharmacist profession so exciting!
If you’d like to further explore this topic, TranspharmD has a catalogue of free informational videos featuring pharmacists in a wide range of roles who describe their daily work and responsibilities. Visit YouTube.com/TranspharmDCareers or TranspharmD.com to access these educational resources and to learn more about a day in the life of a pharmacist!
All the best,
Paria Sanaty Zadeh, Pharm.D.
Matthew Raye
38
Answers
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Honestly, you should go ask a pharmacist!
It's always fun to talk with service providers in interesting professions; most people are friendly and open to a small conversation if they're not busy.
Next time you're in a grocery store and notice that the pharmacy doesn't have a line, go and talk to the technicians and pharmacist about their day-to-day. They'll be flattered that you're interested. I guarantee it.
It's always fun to talk with service providers in interesting professions; most people are friendly and open to a small conversation if they're not busy.
Next time you're in a grocery store and notice that the pharmacy doesn't have a line, go and talk to the technicians and pharmacist about their day-to-day. They'll be flattered that you're interested. I guarantee it.