What Does My Pharmacist Actually Do?

     While talking to my seven year old niece recently, she asked me a very simple question "What does a pharmacist do?"  I actually have never been asked that question before and was definitely not prepared to answer.  I know that sounds strange coming from a future pharmacist but it is the truth; the fact of the matter is there is not a simple answer to that question.  Pharmacists are found in clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, research labs, poison control centers, government  agencies, pharmaceutical companies, nuclear settings, and in academia.  What makes this answer complex is that the pharmacist's roles in these capacities differ greatly.  I told my niece a much simpler answer, of course, and then showed her a YouTube video that emphasized pharmacists’ goal of improving health and well-being of their patients.

     This question still resonated with me; it became a personal pursuit of knowledge to obtain a more comprehensive look into the various roles of a pharmacist.  As I searched online, I came across a definition of a pharmacist that I felt captured the many roles encompassing this career.  It was a role description by PharmCAS that stated:

 “Pharmacist responsibilities include a range of care for patients, from dispensing medications to monitoring patient health and progress to maximize their response to the medication. Pharmacists also educate consumers and patients on the use of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, and advise physicians, nurses, and other health professionals on drug decisions. Pharmacists also provide expertise about the composition of drugs, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties and their manufacture and use. They ensure drug purity and strength and make sure that drugs do not interact in a harmful way. Pharmacists are drug experts ultimately concerned about their patients' health and wellness.” 
     Although a long definition, I felt it was the perfect description.  However, something was missing, it did not capture the most meaningful role a pharmacist has.   I have always understood the unique position pharmacists hold because of how accessible they are throughout the community.  Pharmacists directly bridge the gap between the community and health care.  Thus, pharmacists are essential health care providers advocating on their patients behalf, to promote the best quality of life.

- http://www.pharmcas.org/advisors/roleofpharmacist.htm