Pharmacist

What is a pharmacist?

A pharmacist is a healthcare provider and medication expert. They make sure your medications are safe and the right ones for your needs. Some pharmacists also:

• Perform health and wellness screenings
• Give you vaccines, like the flu shot
• Help you keep track of your medications
• Provide advice on leading a healthy lifestyle

Pharmacists can help you manage and improve your health. They work with your primary care physician and other providers to make sure you receive the best possible care.

Are pharmacists doctors?

Yes, pharmacists are doctors. They earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. In this role, they become experts in all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. A PharmD makes sure all of your medications are safe and effective.

Pharmacists aren’t medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). They can’t diagnose or treat illnesses and other health conditions. But they are doctors who are an important part of your healthcare team.

What do pharmacists do?

Pharmacists have many different responsibilities. Depending on the type of pharmacist, they may:

• Confirm you’re getting the correct medication and the right dose
• Make sure any new prescriptions won’t interact with other medications you’re taking or other foods
• Tell you how and when to take your medicine
• Let you know about any possible side effects of a medication
• Provide preventive care, like vaccinations
• Work with your insurance company to make sure you get the medication you need
• Teach you ways to eat healthy, stay physically fit and manage stress
• Answer any other questions you may have

Types of pharmacists

There are many different types of pharmacists. These are some of the main ones.

Community pharmacists

A community pharmacist works in a retail store, like a chain drug store or an independently owned pharmacy. Community pharmacists give you your medications. They also answer any questions you may have about your prescriptions. They can answer questions about over-the-counter (OTC) medications and any health concerns you may have, too. Community pharmacists also provide services, like giving vaccines.

Clinical pharmacists

A clinical pharmacist works in a hospital, clinic or another healthcare setting. Clinical pharmacists usually don’t spend time filling prescriptions. They’re more involved in direct patient care. They may work with your doctor or other members of your healthcare team while you’re in the hospital. They may also care for you one-on-one in an outpatient office to help you manage certain conditions, like having high blood pressure or diabetes. Clinical pharmacists recommend which medications you should get. They can also oversee how much and when you should take those medications.

Hospital pharmacists

A hospital pharmacist works in the pharmacy at a hospital. Hospital pharmacists focus most of their time checking orders and preparing medications. They work with doctors and nurses during your hospital visit to make sure your medications are right for you. This may include medications that you take while you’re in the hospital (including IVs). Or it may be medications your doctor prescribes for you to take when you leave the hospital.

Consultant pharmacists

A consultant pharmacist advises healthcare companies and insurance providers on patient medication use. They also work to improve pharmacy services at hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Consultant pharmacists may also give healthcare advice. For example, they may help people over the age of 65 manage their prescriptions.

Nuclear pharmacists

A nuclear pharmacist prepares and delivers radiopharmaceuticals for use in nuclear medicine tests and procedures. Radiopharmaceuticals contain radiation, but they’re safe. Radiopharmaceuticals are an important part of nuclear medicine imaging. They help treat certain medical conditions. A nuclear pharmacist has years of training in radiation safety and handling radioactive materials.

Where do pharmacists work?

Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including:

• Drug stores
• General merchandise stores
• Grocery stores
• Hospitals
• Primary care offices
• Specialty clinics
• Other healthcare facilities

Pharmacist vs. pharmacologist — what’s the difference?

Pharmacists and pharmacologists both work with medications. But their jobs are very different. Pharmacists prepare and give you your medications. Depending on the type, they may provide direct patient care. Pharmacists have to earn a PharmD degree to practice.

Pharmacologists are research scientists. They focus on developing and discovering new drugs. They design and run clinical trials. They learn about how drugs will affect bodies. They may also help create safety guidelines for new medications. Pharmacologists usually earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in pharmacology.