Pharmacist in clinical
The pharmacist in the hospital works closely with the doctors to decide on the most cost-effective medicine for different disease conditions. Pharmacists check on the dose and type of medicine prescribed by the doctors, providing an essential screen against medication errors. They fill prescriptions and counsel patients on the right way to take medicine, to improve patient compliance so as to ensure therapeutic success and to reduce adverse effects due to inappropriate use of the drug. Sometimes if certain prescribed medicine is very expensive, pharmacists can help doctors look for a cheaper but equally effective generic substitute.Pharmacists do therapeutic drug monitoring to help doctors provide more effective treatment, with lesser drug-induced adverse effects.
Pharmacists in hospitals also do small-scale formulation and manufacture of special dosage forms when requested by specialists in the hospitals.
Pharmacist in community/retail
The community pharmacist not only dispenses doctors' prescriptions for medicines, they also manage, procure, store, sell, counsel and advice patients and consumers on the use of over-the-counter drugs, herbal medication, food supplements and cosmetics. Pharmacists also counsel patients on the use of certain medical devices and perform certain diagnostic tests. They participate in the distribution of health information and advises consumers on disease prevention and the promotion of wellness.Community pharmacists either own their own pharmacies or work as managers for pharmacies owned by a chain pharmacy or a non-pharmacist owner.
Pharmacist in industrial
Generally, an industrial pharmacist will involve in the process of production, research and development of new medicines thus ensuring their safety and quality. One can opt for a role in any of the functions mentioned below: • Marketing
• Research and product development
• Quality control
• Sales and administration
Other than that, many industrial pharmacists also service the medical community as medical representatives. These representatives meet medical practitioners and introduce them to various drugs, its benefits and how they must be administered. Medical representatives play a very vital role in successful marketing and sales initiatives of pharmaceutical companies.
Pharmacist in enforcement and regulatory sector
Regulatory and enforcement pharmacists work for Government bodies which protects public health. Their job is to ensure that import, manufacture, sale or supply of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health-care products and controlled chemicals are conducted in accordance to existing legislation. It is also to ensure that all of the above products are safe before they can be manufactured and marketed to the public.Pharmacists in acedemia
The pharmacy graduate can also choose an academic career. With additional Master and Doctorate qualifications in appropriate pharmacy disciplines, the pharmacist can become a lecturer in the university in pharmacy, medical, dental, nursing or biomedical science departments. The pharmacy graduate can also do research and drug development in the creation of new drugs or new formulations of drugs in universities research centers or drug companies. For more information, please refer to the link below:
http://www.cornerstone-msc.net/new_mps/html/pharmacy_of_career.htm
http://www.pharmacy.gov.my/html/about_us_f.htm
http://www.pharmacy.gov.my/index.cfm?&menuid=137
http://portal.bpfk.gov.my/bpfk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacy#Community_pharmacy
