Pharmacist
Summary
Pharmacists supply, dispense and manufacture medicines and pharmaceutical products in hospitals and community pharmacies, and advise on their appropriate use. They also conduct research into the formulation, production, storage, quality control and distribution of medicines and pharmaceutical products.
Duties & Tasks
Pharmacists may perform the following tasks:
- prepare or supervise the dispensing of medicines, ointments and tablets
- advise patients on how their medicines are to be taken or used in the safest and most effective way in the treatment of common ailments
- advise members of the public and other health professionals about medicines (both prescription and over-the-counter medicines), including appropriate selection, dosage and drug interactions, potential side effects and therapeutic effects
- select, advise on and supply non-prescription medicine, sick room supplies and other products
- develop legally recognised standards, and advise on government controls and regulations concerning the manufacture and supply of medicines
- work in the research and development of medicines and other health-related products
- manage pharmaceutical companies.
Specialisations
Community Pharmacist
A community pharmacist is involved in dispensing prescriptions, providing advice on drug selection and usage to doctors and other health professionals, providing primary healthcare advice and support, and educating customers on health promotion, disease prevention and the proper use of medicines. They usually have a high level of contact with the public.
Consultant Pharmacist
A consultant pharmacist is employed by community pharmacies or hospitals, or self-employed and contracted by community pharmacies, to provide medication reviews for residential care or ambulatory care patients and/or other medication-related cognitive services.
Government Pharmacist
A government pharmacist is involved with the regulatory control of pharmaceutical and medical products at state, territory or federal level.
Hospital Pharmacist
A hospital pharmacist operates as part of a healthcare team and is involved in monitoring medication usage, counselling patients, providing drug information and advice to health professionals and the community, conducting clinical trials and preparing products for patient use. They usually have a lot of contact with other health professionals and members of the public.
Industrial Pharmacist
An industrial pharmacist is involved in research and the development, manufacturing, testing, analysis and marketing of pharmaceutical and medical products.
Personal Requirements
- careful and methodical
- able to work independently
- good communication skills
- able to deal sensitively with clients' needs.
