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The Pharmacy Industry: Past, Present, and Future

The influence and impact of the profession of pharmacy casts a wider net than many have realized. Pharmacies are no longer brick-and-mortar locations dispensing medications, selling personal care items, and developing photos. They have grown to become an integral component of not only treating illnesses but preventing and managing them. In tandem, pharmacists themselves have evolved beyond white coat wearing clinicians who simply pass pills in bags. They’ve slowly become recognized (and appreciated) for the unique expertise and skills they bring - all of which allow them to sit at the center of the intersection of chemistry, care delivery, and personal engagement.

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 Pharmacy Profession Becoming Increasingly Diverse and Trending Younger, Survey Shows

The pharmacy profession continues to trend younger in its composition. In 2019, nearly half of practicing pharmacists—47.7 percent—are 40 years old or younger, compared to only 24.4 percent in 2009. This is likely due to the recent growth in pharmacy graduates combined with the retirement of older pharmacists. This has positive implications for patients as these practitioners are trained in new systems of care and will play key roles in the future of pharmacy practice.

Articles of Interest

Five Major Issues Facing Pharmacy

Two years ago, I wrote a column entitled “Megatrends in Pharmacy” in which I outlined the 10 key trends that I thought would transform the pharmacy profession during the coming decade. As I reviewed my 10 trends today, I felt pretty comfortable with what I suggested. If I were writing them now, I think I would keep most, if not all. Now, I want to discuss the future in light of 5 major issues I see facing pharmacy. How these issues get resolved will have a major impact on the future of pharmacy practice.

Megatrends in Pharmacy: What the Future Holds

We are only in our infancy of understanding how genetics affect drug actions. We only dose a few drugs based on the patient’s genetic makeup. But those who know this field predict that great opportunities for this science will emerge during this decade. Pharmacists are in a position to take a leadership role in introducing this science into practice. Will this be a new area for pharmacy graduate employment by the end of this decade?

Pharmacy Career Outlook: Is a Career in Pharmacy Worth It?

The healthcare industry continues to recognize the value of pharmacists in various clinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized healthcare facilities. Their expertise is increasingly sought in pharmaceutical research and drug development, where clinical knowledge translates into innovative treatments. The field of specialty pharmacy is also experiencing remarkable growth...

Pharmacy in the 21st century: Enhancing the impact of the profession of pharmacy on people’s lives...

There has never been a greater need for people to access high-quality expertise about the effectiveness, safety and use of medications. While drugs improve health and save lives, they are not without risk.

Physicians to Congress: Don’t expand pharmacists’ scope of practice

Physicians are encouraging congressional leaders to “protect the health and safety” of patients by opposing legislation that would inappropriately allow pharmacists to test and treat patients for certain illnesses.

The ethical challenges in pharmacy practice in community Pharmacies: A qualitative study

The pharmacy profession plays an important role in every health system. . Historically, the role of pharmacists has changed over time in parallel with the advancements in knowledge and technology from drug dispensing to providing pharmaceutical care. This advancement presents new definitions of philosophy and standards in pharmacy practice

The past, current and future problems of pharmacy as a profession

I am hopeful about the future of pharmacy and the role that all pharmacy professionals can play in shaping it. I believe that the future of pharmacy lies in innovation, digital health and empowering professionals to take on leadership roles within the profession.

Why Pharmacy?

As a pharmacist, you will have unique and specialized expertise about the composition of medicines, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties, as well as their manufacture and use. Other healthcare professionals will rely on you to select and administer medications that offer the best results and quality of life for a particular patient.

Resources

Pharmacy is Right for Me

Pharmacy is Right for Me is an educational campaign that aims to inspire and foster the next generation of pharmacy leaders in the United States.

Six common pharmacist challenges that can be solved by a single drug information resource

Gone are the days when pharmacists were only known for dispensing pills. With the emergence of new drugs and pharmacogenomics, and with many clinicians taking new roles on the front lines of public health efforts like COVID-19 vaccine administration, pharmacists are now recognized as a critical and essential part of a patient’s healthcare team.

Top Ten Reasons to Become a Pharmacist

Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients feel better and get well as quickly as possible. Patients do best when pharmacists are part of their healthcare teams because pharmacists are the medication specialists. Pharmacists improve medication adherence. They are culturally competent healthcare providers who communicate effectively to evaluate many factors that affect a patient’s ability to take a medication. These include diet, lifestyle, transportation, language barriers and much more.