Why Pharmacy

Modern medicines are very powerful and have a great potential for relieving suffering and curing disease, but also for misuse and inducing dangerous side effects. The pharmacist is the focus for all strands of knowledge which support the rational and safe use of medicines. This is reflected in the professional aspects of pharmacy which have a commitment to people as patients or as clients and to their well-being. Practising pharmacists are part of the health care team along with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians and others.

Following graduation, students are eligible to undertake a pre-registration year, which is examined under the auspices of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. If this examination is passed, graduates can register as a pharmacist and practice in any branch of the profession. The majority of pharmacists choose to practise in the community where the traditional role of monitoring and dispensing doctors' prescriptions has changed. Pharmacists now are encouraged to counsel patients in the correct use of medicines and to provide advice on the treatment of minor ailments and to promote good health. The community pharmacist must be trained to respond to symptoms encountered in the pharmacy and to recognise conditions which require referral to a medical practitioner. The pharmacist is the most accessible health care professional and it has been estimated that about six million people visit a community pharmacy each day. Our course at King's includes instruction in clinical pharmacy, response to symptoms and communication skills to equip pharmacists for this important role.

Another major branch of pharmacy is the hospital service, which provides a wide and varied career. Most hospital pharmacists spend their early years contributing to a wide range of services such as ward or clinical pharmacy, residency, drug information, manufacturing and radiopharmacy, until they learn to manage a section and develop a special interest. Many hospitals provide regular training sessions for staff with opportunities to study for higher degrees or diplomas.

The British pharmaceutical industry is very successful and vital to the economy of the nation as well as its health. It is the second largest export industry (after aerospace) and one of the largest employers of scientists. It has a very high level of investment in research and development with many of the world's most heavily prescribed medicines being British products. The industry offers many opportunities for pharmacists in fields as diverse as pure and applied research, product development, sales and marketing.

The Department of Health employs pharmacists in monitoring, legislative and advisory capacities. Pharmacists are also employed in Universities, training future pharmacists and undertaking research.

There is now reciprocal registration within the European Community so that British registered pharmacists may practice in any European country. The same is true for many Commonwealth countries and parts of North America.

Thus pharmacy provides a rewarding, well paid secure career with opportunities to contribute to the health and well-being of the nation. Employment prospects are excellent and there is currently little unemployment among pharmacists.