Pharmacy School

When looking at the history of pharmacy, it is important to understand that there are multiple facets of this industry ranging from a certified technician to someone who has completed an MBA in healthcare management to a Pharm.D, which is actually a licensed doctor of pharmacy.  In addition to the different roles within the pharmacy field, the actual history of pharmacy is also multifaceted.  Below, we have broken down information specific to history, as well as the various opportunities available.

The actual word “pharmacy” is Greek, originating from the word “pharmakon”, meaning a drug that connects the health profession with both chemical and health sciences.  The ultimate goal of pharmacy is to provide patients with prescription medication that is not only safe, but also effective.  People working in the pharmaceutical field are specialized by going through special training and education so they can accurately provide patients with information as to the origin, form, design, dosage, benefits, and possible side effects/interactions of drugs.

• Muslim – When it comes to the history of pharmacy, significant advances were made starting back in 754 in Baghdad.  At this time, pharmacies as we know them today were actually apothecary shops.  Several Muslim doctors worked together to create pharmacology, which resulted in the creation of various types of medicine used for patients.  However, the actual preparation of medication did not come until sometime between 936 and 1013 at which time distillation and sublimation were introduced.
•  Chinese – The history of pharmacy also comes from the Chinese who have for thousands of years been creating and using various concoctions.  Using hundreds of different herbs for testing, along with animals, plants, and minerals, more than 365 medications were developed.  Even today, many of the medicines used were derived from creations from the history of pharmacy coming out of China.
• Japanese – Japan is another Asian country that had a huge impact on the history of pharmacy.  Interestingly, the roles and responsibilities performed by Japanese “pharmacists” were very similar to what we still see being offered today.  In addition to high ranking pharmacists, the Japanese history of pharmacy was also impacted by trained assistants.  These professionals, as well as actual doctors and acupuncturists worked hand-in-hand to provide patients with the best possible solution from a medicinal standpoint.
• Europe – There is also a direct link to the history of pharmacy with Europe.  In fact, Trier, which was the very first pharmacist to open in Europe in 1241, is still open and operating, providing customers with outstanding service from trained professionals.

As mentioned, along with the history of pharmacy, are the various positions that have evolved over time.  As you will see from the information below, anyone interested in a solid career that offers stability and good income should consider one or more opportunities within the field of pharmacology.

• Community – The community type of pharmacy is one found in grocery stores, retail stores, or as standalone businesses.  When looking at the history of pharmacy, the current day “community pharmacy” was originally known as apothecary shops.  In this case, the pharmacy must meet strict and mandated legislation and typically maintains a large selection of medication for dispensing.
• Hospital – Although some think of hospital pharmacies as another type of community pharmacy, there are some differences.  For one thing, most of the pharmacists who operate a pharmacy located within a hospital not only have the necessary education but also expertise in issues relating to management and administration.  Additionally, the history of pharmacy also shows that people working in this environment usually work with more complex drugs and have a firmer understanding of origin, effectiveness, dosage, and safety.
• Clinical – Technicians and pharmacists working in a clinical pharmacy provide direct care to patients.  As a result, the patient’s health and wellness, as well as prevention are optimized through one-on-one education.  The history of pharmacy in a clinical setting includes the pharmacists having a close working relationship with doctors and nurses.
• Consultant – This particular role of the pharmacy world is somewhat new.  In this role, the pharmacist concentrates primarily on reviewing regimens for medication instead of dispensing drugs.  In addition to providing consultation services in person, you will now find many online consultants who are qualified to provide the same high level of service.
• Compounding – A pharmacist who works in a compounding pharmacy has a very unique job, one that involves developing new forms of drugs.  For example, if a pharmaceutical company created a specific medication in tablet form, the compounding pharmacist would determine how to make that same drug in gel, capsule, or perhaps liquid form.
• Nuclear – Obviously, the history of pharmacy for nuclear medicine is not as old as others, but still very interesting and effective.  In this position, the main focus in on the preparation of radioactive materials that will eventually be used for the treatment of some diseases, as well as for diagnostic testing.