October is American Pharmacists Month
October is American Pharmacists Month and we thought we’d share some important facts about who pharmacists are, what we do, as well was the code of ethics and the oath that we take before serving our communities.
As a whole, the 290,780 pharmacists nationwide counsel patients 10 million times each day, serving as key players in the health care system.
Pharmacists are experts in drugs developed to treat and prevent human diseases. We advise doctors and patients on which prescription and over-the-counter drugs, medicines and therapies are appropriate for treating certain health conditions. We also prepare medications, fill prescriptions, and teach patients how to take their medication.
We are the most accessible healthcare professionals and know more about prescription and over-the-counter medications then any other member of the health care team.
Who we are and what we do:
- Pharmacists are experts on the properties and proper use of medicines.
- Pharmacists consult with physicians and other health-care practitioners on drug selection, dosage, interactions and potential side effects.
- Pharmacists are licensed to dispense prescribed medicines, and they advise patients on how to correctly use and benefit from their medications.
- Pharmacists help people get well and maintain their health through their expertise in monitoring drug therapy, knowledge of drug products, and providing drug information.
- Pharmacists are trained and considered expert in the composition of drugs and, when necessary, may compound medicines, mixing chemical ingredients to form powders, tablets, capsules, ointments or solutions.
- Pharmacists play an invaluable role among health care professionals and the community at large.
- Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.
- Pharmacists must understand the clinical effects and composition of drugs, interactions among medications, dosages to use, and any potential side effects.
- Pharmacists have become more involved in advising patients and making decisions about drug therapy.
- Pharmacists often maintain patient medication profiles, and advise physicians on the proper selection and use of medicines.
- Pharmacists supply and advise people on the use of non-prescription medicines.
- Pharmacists work as consultants to the medical team in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities.
- Pharmacists are health professionals who practice the art and science of pharmacy.
- Pharmacists are in great demand across the country and this demand will continue into the future.
- Pharmacist is the most accessible and most trusted health professional.
Pharmacist Code of Ethics:
A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship between the patient and pharmacist.
A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in a caring, compassionate, and confidential manner.
A pharmacist respects the autonomy and dignity of each patient.
A pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity in professional relationships.
A pharmacist maintains professional competence.
A pharmacist respects the values and abilities of colleagues and other health professionals.
A pharmacist serves individual, community, and societal needs.
A pharmacist seeks justice in the distribution of health resources.
Oath of a Pharmacist
At this time, I vow to devote my professional life to the service of all humankind through the profession of pharmacy.
I will consider the welfare of humanityand relief of human suffering my primary concerns.
I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal drug therapy outcomes for the patients I serve.
I will keep abreast of developments and maintain professional competency in my profession of pharmacy. I will maintain the highest principles of moral, ethical and legal conduct.
I will embrace and advocate change in the profession of pharmacy that improves patient care.
I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.
So remember all of these things and feel free to ask if you have any questions at all about medications that you may be taking. We’re here to serve you and value your trust.