We’ve said it time and time again—pharmacists do much more than simply fill prescriptions in your local pharmacy. In fact, they are among some of the most trusted health professionals who work on the frontlines of healthcare every day.
We’re breaking down four unique pharmacy careers, how they put pharmacists on the frontlines of healthcare, and some of their benefits. Read on to learn more!
1. Pharmaceutical Research & Development
Each day, pharmacists all over the world use their knowledge to make important medical advancements through research and development (commonly known as R&D).
Research and development pharmacists work on the frontlines of healthcare by evaluating existing products, testing new drugs, creating new dosage forms, developing new medications, and more.
Some of the benefits of a career as a research and development pharmacist include job flexibility, a dynamic work environment, and work that is intellectually stimulating each and every day.
2. Pharmacy Education
Arguably one of the most impactful jobs in the pharmacy field is the job of educator. Academic pharmacists are responsible for conducting research and educating the world’s future pharmacists.
Some day-to-day duties of an academic pharmacist include speaking at industry events, contributing to science and education publications, and lecturing and advising PharmD students.
For those future pharmacists considering a career in pharmacy education, you’ll be happy to hear that the some of the job’s benefits include interaction with students, flexible schedules, and clear lines for advancement opportunities.
3. Medical Communications
Another pharmacy career on the frontlines of healthcare is medical communications. Pharmacists in the medical communications field are responsible for educating and communicating with the public and other health professionals regarding pharmaceutical products in a way that’s easy for their audiences to understand.
Without the work of pharmacists in medical communications, many pharmaceutical advancements might not get the recognition they deserve.
One of the main career benefits of a role in this area is the chance to communicate with a wide variety of individuals in many industries—from health professionals to consumers.
4. Hospital Pharmacy
Hospitals are the places people go when they’re in medical need. So, it’s only fitting that we turn our attention to another career that puts pharmacists on the frontlines of healthcare—hospital pharmacy.
Hospital pharmacists are responsible for working with a hospital’s other health professionals (like doctors and nurses) to ensure that patients receive the proper medications. They also often work directly with patients to discuss their medications during their time in the hospital and help them to better prepare for discharge.
The benefits of working as a hospital pharmacist include a fast-paced work environment and the chance to interact with like-minded health professionals on a daily basis.
As you can see, there are many career paths for pharmacists. But, no matter how they spend their career—whether they’re conducting research to advance the industry, educating future pharmacists, sharing innovative medical products with the public, or helping people when they need it the most—pharmacists work on the frontlines of healthcare each and every day.
Interested in pursuing a pharmacy career and want to know more about the possible career pathways? Check out our Career Pathways page for more information!