A clinical pharmacy specialist assists patients and their doctors in learning about various medications in order to ensure that they receive safe and effective treatment. He or she explains what a drug is and does, why it should be prescribed, the risks associated with it, and the expected outcomes. A clinical pharmacy specialist is a highly involved member of a treatment team, unlike retail pharmacists who fill prescriptions and provide basic patient education. Most professionals work in hospitals and clinics where they can interact with physicians, nurses, and patients on a personal level.
Many doctors turn to clinical pharmacy specialists for assistance in determining the best treatment options for their patients’ current illnesses and medical histories. A doctor’s ability to stay current on the latest pharmaceutical breakthroughs is often limited, and a specialist can answer any questions he or she may have about a new drug. The specialist can also relieve a doctor’s workload by providing a list of potential drug interactions, appropriate dosage amounts, and treatment outcomes.
A clinical pharmacy specialist may meet with a patient directly in addition to working closely with other health-care professionals. He or she can emphasize the importance of adhering to a strict dosing schedule and avoiding foods, activities, and other medications that may interact with the medication. Patients who have questions about their medications during treatment are frequently referred to specialists rather than making appointments with their doctors.
Even if a clinical pharmacy specialist does not directly assist doctors or patients, he or she contributes to the advancement of health-care. Many experts participate in research projects on a regular basis, collaborating with other experts to test and analyze new pharmaceutical products. Some work as resident advisers for new pharmacists or as instructors at local pharmacy schools, helping to train the next generation of clinical specialists.
A person who wants to work as a clinical pharmacy specialist in most countries must first obtain a doctorate in the specialty and then complete a one- to two-year residency or fellowship training program. Some workers advance to clinical positions after gaining experience in retail pharmacies, while others enter the field right after finishing their education. A new specialist needs on-the-job training to ensure that he or she develops the skills needed to succeed in the job. A pharmacist with several years of experience in a hospital pharmacy division may be able to advance to the position of lead administrative supervisor.