Clinical pharmacy specialists educate patients and doctors about medications, assist in treatment plans, and provide information on drug interactions and dosing schedules. They work in hospitals and clinics, and may also participate in research projects and teach at pharmacy schools. A doctoral degree and residency or fellowship training is required.
A clinical pharmacy specialist helps patients and their doctors learn about different medications to ensure safe and effective treatment. He or she explains what a drug is and does, why it should be prescribed, what risks are involved, and what results to expect. Unlike retail pharmacists who fill prescriptions and provide basic patient education, a clinical pharmacy specialist is a highly involved member of a treatment team. Most professionals work in hospitals and clinics to have close personal interaction with doctors, nurses and patients.
Many physicians rely on clinical pharmacy experts to help them choose the best treatment plans for their patients’ current illnesses and past medical histories. It is often difficult for a physician to keep up to date on the latest advances in the pharmaceutical industry, and an expert can answer any questions you may have regarding a new drug. The specialist can also greatly ease a physician’s burden by providing a list of possible drug interactions, appropriate dose amounts, and likely treatment outcomes.
In addition to working closely with healthcare professionals, a clinical pharmacy specialist may also meet directly with a patient. He or she can explain the importance of following an accurate dosing schedule and avoiding certain foods, activities, and other medications that may interfere with your prescribed medication. It is common for patients who have questions about their medications during treatment to be referred directly to their specialists rather than scheduling appointments with their physicians.
When a clinical pharmacy specialist does not actively participate in the services of physicians and patients, he or she still contributes to the advancement of healthcare. Many experts regularly participate in research projects, working with other experts to test and analyze new pharmaceuticals. Some also serve as resident consultants for new pharmacists or as instructors at local pharmacy schools to prepare the next generation of clinical specialists.
In most countries, a person who wants to work as a specialist in clinical pharmacy must first earn a doctoral degree in the specialty and complete a one- to two-year residency or fellowship training program. Some workers move into clinical positions after gaining experience in retail pharmacy positions, while others enter the field immediately after completing their education requirements. On-the-job training is important for a new specialist to ensure he or she develops the necessary skills to be successful on the job. With several years of experience, a pharmacist can become a lead administrative supervisor in a hospital pharmacy division.
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