Many studies done throughout the world show that pharmacists prevent problems by helping to institute rational drug therapy. Patients feel more in control of their situation with an understanding of their medical treatment provided by the pharmacist. Our interactions, interventions and consultative services are instrumental in saving the healthcare system big bucks with minimal expenditure.

Pharmacists are highly underutilized. We are much more than just pill counters, immunization specialists and consultants. We have the education and ability to be the best prescribers of medications of any healthcare professional.

Listed below is just some of the courses that are taken by students attending Long Island University’s Pharmacy School in New York.

General Chemistry Part I
General Biology Part I
Introduction to Psychology
General Chemistry Part II
General Biology Part II
Organic Chemistry I
Physiology/Anatomy I
Organic Chemistry II
Physiology/Anatomy II
Microbiology

Pathophysiology/Immunology
Pharmaceutics I (Pharmaceutical calculations)
Pharmaceutics II (Basic theories in pharmaceutics)
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Principles of Pharmacology/Medicinal Chemistry/Toxicology
Biostatistics
Introduction to Pharmacy Practice
Principles of Physical Assessment and Medication Administration
Human Genetics
Modular Organ Systems Therapeutics Sequence I
Modular Organ Systems Therapeutics Sequence II
Modular Organ Systems Therapeutics Sequence III
Drug Information and Literature Evaluation
Pharmaceutics IV (Dosage forms and principles of compounding)

Compounding Laboratory I
Pharmacy Practice Laboratory II
Modular Organ Systems Therapeutics Sequence IV
Modular Organ Systems Therapeutics Sequence V
Health Care Informatics
Pharmaceutics V (Dosage forms and principles of compounding)
Compounding Laboratory II
Pharmacy Practice Laboratory II
Practical Applications of the Biological Sciences
Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacoepidemiology
Modular Organ Systems Therapeutics Sequence VI
Modular Organ Systems Therapeutics Sequence VII
Practice Management
Public Health & Patient Safety
Pharmacogenomics
Clinical Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacy Law and Ethics
Modular Organ Systems Therapeutics Sequence VIII
Modular Organ Systems Therapeutics Sequence IX
Acute Care
Ambulatory Care
Community Practice
Institutional Practice
Internal Medicine

With all intense learning where students study everything relating to a medication’s effects on the body, why don’t pharmacists prescribe? Because pharmacy organizations and pharmacists haven’t fought hard enough to convince medical organizations that working together would serve to increase the quality of medical care. In addition, this team approach would serve to focus both pharmacists and other medical professionals on what they know best.

How can this be done? Physicians work specifically on the physical examination, testing and diagnoses. Pharmacists work on prescribing and consulting with the patient. Physicians working hand in hand with pharmacists within their facility. Video conferencing can also play a valuable role in this scenario. Patients can relax in the comfort of their homes discussing their drug therapy with the pharmacist.

The time is NOW for this significantly beneficial scenario.

Students attend six years of pharmacy school that is now exceeding, a total expense of 250,000 dollars. There are now many more schools of pharmacy than in the past, graduating more and more students per class. So the supply of pharmacists vastly exceeds the demand for pharmacists. Why? Older pharmacists are not retiring because of the economy and their financial situations. In addition, pharmacy schools have significantly increased both in number and amounts of graduating students. Also, the major pharmacy chains have been eliminating many positions due to consolidation and technology.

Why spend the money and waste six years of your life if you can’t find a full-time position after you graduate? It’s a win-win if we are able to prescribe medications and then consult directly with patients. Pressure is taken off the current prescribers so they can keep up with new technologies in testing and physical diagnosis.

Think about the significant changes in the US that have happened in the last 8 years. First time that a black president was elected. Now, for the first time in the history of our country, a woman has become the nominee for president for the Democratic party. The Affordable Care Act is now available for all Americans to be offered health care. Isn’t it time we made the professionals that know the most about medications legally allowed to practice what they know best by prescribing?

Categories: Health