A nuclear pharmacist is a pharmacist who works in the field of nuclear pharmacy, which is concerned with the safe use of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Even in small doses, radioactive substances can be harmful, but when used properly, they can also be beneficial. The nuclear pharmacist’s job is to make sure that they are used to help patients and that any negative side effects are kept to a minimum.
In addition to the usual pharmacist training, a nuclear pharmacist must complete a significant amount of additional training. Nuclear pharmacists must learn how to safely handle radioactive materials without harming themselves or compromising the materials’ effectiveness. This usually entails time spent in both the classroom and the laboratory, as it is critical that radiation concepts are well understood on both a conceptual and practical level. In-depth study of the mathematics, physics, and chemistry of radiation as it applies to biological and pharmaceutical practices is typical of classroom time. The majority of the lab time is spent learning how to properly handle radioisotopes, or radioactive materials.
Throughout his career, a nuclear pharmacist is likely to complete a variety of tasks. Nuclear pharmacists are almost exclusively in charge of the radioactive materials present in most pharmaceutical settings and are responsible for keeping them safely stored. When necessary, they are also in charge of packaging and transportation of such materials. A nuclear pharmacist is responsible for filling all prescriptions containing radioactive drugs. Another important aspect of the nuclear pharmacist’s job is providing information to patients and coworkers about the various treatments available, particularly the risks and benefits of each.
Rather than working in a pharmacy or a hospital, many nuclear pharmacists choose to pursue a research career. A nuclear pharmacy researcher looks for new substances and methods to make nuclear medicine safer and more effective. This frequently necessitates extensive lab work and clinical trials. New substances are created and tested in the lab to see if they are suitable for clinical trials. A drug or procedure can be tested to see if it could be a viable replacement for previous drugs or methods after extensive lab work.
Nuclear pharmacy was first recognized as an official specialty for pharmacists by the American Medical Association in the early 1970s, and then by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties in 1978. In 1997, the International Pharmaceutical Federation established an international forum for the advancement of the field.