Pharmacy for the Curious

Pharmacy for the Curious: Why Study Pharmacy? Copyright © 2015 by
the Curious Academic Publishing.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any
manner whatsoever without written permission of the publisher.

ISBN: 978-1-925128-51-2

First Edition: 2015

Disclaimer

This book is presented solely for educational purpose to provide
information and motivation to our readers. It is distributed and sold with
the understanding that the author, editor and publisher are not engaged to
render any type of psychological, legal, or any other kind of professional
services advice. The content of each article is the sole expression and
opinions of its author, and not necessarily that of the editor of the
publisher. While best efforts have been used in preparing this book, the
author, editor and publisher make no representations or warranties of any
kind and assume no liabilities of any kind with respect to the accuracy or
completeness of the contents and specifically disclaim any implied
warranties or merchantability or fitness of use for a particular purpose.
Neither the author not the editor/publisher shall be held liable or
responsible to any person or entity with respect to any loss or incidental or
consequential damages caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or
indirectly, by the information or advice contained herein. No warranty may
be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials.
Every individual is different and the advice and strategies contained herein
may not be suitable for your situation. You should seek the services of a
competent professional before choosing any major/minor, career, or
undertaking any research/studies.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all the curious students and readers – senior high
school students (and their parents) who are considering Pharmacy as their
field of study, undergraduate students who are struggling to choose their
major/minor, and graduate/research/PhD students who want to pursue
further studies/research in the area of Pharmacy.

Advisory and Editorial Board

Professor Carolyn Ma, Pharm.D
Professor Susan M. Stein, D.H.Ed
Professor Liz Williamson, PhD
Professor Ross Tsuyuki, PharmD
Professor Sujit S. Sansgiry, PhD
Associate Professor Kishor Vaidya, PhD
Professor T. Richard Nichols, PhD
Professor David Paul Hrabe, PhD
Professor Jane Dahlstrom, PhD

Table of Contents

Disclaimer
Dedication

Advisory and Editorial Board
Preface

Chapter 1: Find Your Path: Pharmacy’s Extraordinary
Opportunities – Professor Susan M. Stein, D.H.Ed
Why Pharmacy? Some Career Thoughts For You
Academic Pharmacy: Research, Scholarship and Application to Pharmacy
Practice
Opportunities and Support
Tips For Success In Pharmacy And Beyond
You Are Smarter Than You Think

Chapter 2: Curious About Pharmacy – Carolyn Ma, PharmD;
Sheri Tokumaru, PharmD, and Roy Goo, PharmD
Introduction
Gaining Admission To A U.S. School Of Pharmacy
U.S. Pharmacy School Curriculum
Major Areas Of Practice For Pharmacists
Academic Pharmacy
Pharmacy Residency - Added Preparation
Conclusion

Chapter 3: Why Study Pharmacy? By Nicole C. Farrell, Pharm.D.,
David D. Trang, Pharm.D., MBA, Cynthia N. Nguyen, Pharm.D.
Pharmacy Today
Career Opportunities
Benefits of a Pharmacist
Research Opportunities
Research to Practice
Tips for a Successful Pharmacy Career

Chapter 4: Roadmap to Success for Pharmacy Students in the
United States – Professor Qingyu Zhou, Kevin B. Sneed, and
Shu-Feng Zhou, PhD

Introduction: Being A Pharmacist As A Career In The US
Pharmacy Education In The US: To Become A Pharmacist
Inside The Classroom: Focus On Curriculum
Roadmap To Success For Pharmacists In The US

Chapter 5: Why Study Pharmacy? Professor Brian Erstad,
Pharm.D.
Multiple Opportunities And Options For Pharmacists
Pharmacy Has Undergone Substantial Changes
Acceptance Into An Accredited College Of Pharmacy
A Graduate/Research Degree In Pharmacy and Scholarships
Interdisciplinary Care Teams for Clinical Research and Senior Projects

Chapter 6: Pharmacy for the Curious: Why Study Pharmacy? -
Professor Clive Roberts, Ph.D.
Many Students Do Not Have A Clear View Of Their Future
Current Trends in Pharmacy Education and Practice
How Portable Are The Skills Of A Pharmacist?
Pharmacy Provides The Maximum Flexibility In Career Path

Chapter 7: Alternative Degrees In Schools Of Pharmacy –
Professor Steven M. Firestine, PhD
Introduction
Overview Of The MS And PhD Degrees
Applying for a MS or PhD Degree Program
What Happens During The MS And PhD Degree?
What Do I Do With My Degree?

Chapter 8: Why Study Pharmacy? An Academic Pharmacist’s
Viewpoint - Professor Elizabeth Williamson, PhD
More Career Opportunities Than I Can Imagine
Pharmacognosy - The Study Of Medicinal Plants And Natural Medicines
Pharmacy Research Encompasses Many Aspects Of Medical Research
Chinese Medicine And Ayurveda

How Do You Go About Being An Academic Pharmacist?
My Best Practice Advice

Chapter 9: Why Study Pharmacy – A Public Health Viewpoint –
Professor Ross Tsuyuki PharmD
Pharmacy in Canada and Alberta
Career Pathways
Clinical Opportunities
Research Opportunities
Conclusion

Chapter 10: What Makes A Great Pharmacist? – Professor Derek
Jorgenson, PharmD
The Secret To Becoming A Great Pharmacist
Three Additional Traits That Are Correlated With Great Pharmacists
Can the Traits To Be A Great Pharmacist Be Taught?

Chapter 11: Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and
Policy Research - Ruta Sawant, MS and Professor Sujit S.
Sansgiry, PhD
The Impact Of The Pharmacy Profession On Public Health
Why PHOP Research? Who Benefits From PHOP Research?
What Can A Pharmacist Do?
Pharmacoepidemiology
Pharmacoeconomics Or Heath Economics And Outcomes Research
(HEOR)
Consumer Health Behavioral Research
Where Will I Be Working As A PHOP Research Scientist?
Outcomes Research Across The Globe

Chapter 12: Physiology in the Twenty-First Century – T. Richard
Nichols, PhD
What is Physiology?
What is the state of Physiology today?

The Study of Physiology as Preparation for Careers in Biomedical Science

Chapter 13: Why Study Global Health? –Professor Richard
Skolnik
Reason to Study Global Health
Critical Global Health Challenges
Working in Global Health

Chapter 14: Nursing for the Curious: Why Men Should Consider
a Career in Nursing? – David Hrabe, PhD
Men in Nursing: A Historical Perspective and Current Trends
Why Men Choose Nursing: Why it Might or Might Not be Right for You
Questions to Ask Yourself
Informational Interviewing
Job Shadowing, Internships, Volunteer or Entry-Level Opportunities
Professional Associations and Internet Resources of Interest to Men in
Nursing
I’m Still Interested in Nursing. Now What?
Preparing for School

Chapter 15: A Recipe for Inspiring Learning of Pathology: Just
Add 7 M’s and Mix – A.M. Currie and Professor J.E. Dahlstrom,
PhD
The Mentee: Student-Centered Approach to Learning
The Map: Curriculum Alignment and Course Integration
The Messenger: The Teachers
Methods: How the Curriculum is Delivered.
The Menu: Course Content and Learning Objectives
The Measurement: Value of Formative and Summative Assessment
The Meditation: Reflection and Self-improvement

Chapter 16: Why Study Pharmacy? - Zubin Austin, PhD
Rewards And Opportunities Associated With Professional Education
How To Find Work That Is Both Personally Meaningful And Financially

Rewarding?
How Can You Possibly Choose Anything?
Flexibility And The Opportunity To Be Entrepreneurial With Both Career
And Life
Make The Most Out Of Your Career, Your Life, And Your Opportunities

Preface

Given the investment in time and money that students will spend on higher
education, understanding what they will learn in their chosen major and
how it will prepare them for a career upon graduation is very important. As
you read this book, we invite you to think about the types of skills that
might be helpful for someone pursuing a career in Pharmacy.

For students considering an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy, this book
has been prepared to assist you in your research of college majors by:

 providing a description of Pharmacy (which helps you understand
what it is),

 identifying courses typically found in this type of degree (which help
you focus on what you will learn), and

 discussing career opportunities in the field (which helps you
understand why this degree is important for both you and
perspective employers).

Additionally, this book will give you information and best practice advice
on graduate/PhD studies and scholarships in Pharmacy. If you are a
practitioner/professional in Pharmacy, you will find the discussion and
insights from practitioner perspective interesting and helpful.

Whether you are a freshman/undergraduate student or graduate/PhD
student or a practitioner, this book will give your lots of insights and best

practice advice concerning the field of Pharmacy. In 18 Chapters, top
professors from prestigious universities have answered answer the
questions including:

 Why should you choose Pharmacy as your major or minor?
 Why should you undertake a graduate/PhD degree in Pharmacy?
 What are the research areas/issues and scholarship

opportunities in field?
 What are the career options and best practice tips for the

graduates?
 What are the academic/faculty peer-perspectives as to Pharmacy

education, research and practice?
 What are the key issues and best practices from the practitioner

perspective?

A ten-member Advisory and Editorial Board was established as part of the
publication/review process of this book. Most of the chapters in this book
are peer-reviewed (except short articles and interviews), and they have
been written in plain English to give the best/easiest reading experience to
the readers.

So, why study Pharmacy – are you curious to know? You really need to read
the book to find the answers but the following paragraphs provide a brief
outline of each chapter.

"Why Pharmacy? Such an excellent question…pharmacy elicits images of
chemicals and white coats, of helpful recommendations for sunscreen, or of
answers to complicated drug interaction puzzles. Pharmacy is all of these
things: it is a health professions field that is patient-focused, medication-
minded, and team-trained to link all aspects of patient health together",
Professor Susan M. Stein of the School of Pharmacy at Pacific University
begins Chapter 1 entitled "Find Your Path: Pharmacy’s
Extraordinary Opportunities". "The more I learn, the more I want to
know", Professor Stein is so excited about Pharmacy and asks you some

curious questions: How does the white tablet I take know my ankle hurts,
not my knee? How does the infusion of chemotherapy destroy targeted
cancer cells and not all healthy cells? How does a pharmacist know exactly
what symptoms will follow after taking a drug? So interesting…and
pharmacy continues to make new discoveries". In this chapter, Professor
Stein also offers some interesting statistics and insights for you: What is
the emerging field full of opportunities in Pharmacy? What is the job
outlook? What is the median annual salary of a pharmacist? What research
and scholarship opportunities are available? Professor Stein answers these
questions for you and offers tips for success in Pharmacy and beyond.
"Don’t ever underestimate your ability. You are smarter than you think. You
can pass organic chemistry, memorize the amino acids and remember how
to calculate dosages. Trust yourself, dive in and commit to your profession"
Professor Stein concludes this chapter with these suggestions for you.

Are you curious about Pharmacy? If you are thumbing through this
textbook, then pharmacy may be one of the areas you have considered as a
job or career, say Professors Carolyn Ma, Sheri Tokumaru, and Roy Goo of
the University of Hawaii at Hilo in Chapter 2. What are the rewards of a
career in pharmacy and why should you choose this as your undergraduate
or postgraduate degree? The authors answer this question in this chapter
and assert you that Pharmacy is a profession in critical shortage around the
world. They present the latest figures from the Accreditation Council of
Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to show that pharmacists will remain in
critical need for the next 20 years. In this Chapter, they discuss how to best
prepare you for admission into a pharmacy program in the United
States. To help you in your decision, Professors Ma, Goo and
Tokumaru describe the major types of pharmacy practice with more
specific discussion on academic pharmacy and areas for pharmacy
research. It is their hope that the information in this chapter can assist in
your decision in not only choosing pharmacy as a possible health care
career, but also the type of pharmacy you may want to practice. The authors
also offer a number of practical suggestions for you. In concluding this
chapter, Professors Ma, Goo and Tokumaru believe that you will find a

career pharmacy and as pharmacists very rewarding and viewed by the
public as a noble and respected health care professional.

Hello prospective pharmacy student! Why Study Pharmacy? Professors
Nicole C. Farrell, David D. Trang, and Cynthia N. Nguyen address you and
answer this question for you in Chapter 3. They assert you that the
profession of pharmacy in the United States is in a very exciting time due to
the transformation of the health care system and that new career
opportunities will exist in areas that we cannot imagine today and that even
though there are 126 different career paths for pharmacists. "The reality is
that 65% of pharmacist in the U.S. practice in community pharmacy. The
remaining 15% work in other areas of pharmacy including clinical,
managed care, academia, pharmaceutical industry, nuclear pharmacy,
military settings, etc." Professors Farrell, Trang, and Nguyen explain. To
illustrate this to you, Dr. Trang says that there are 12 pharmacists in his
family who have worked in a variety of different fields of pharmacy
including pharmaceutical industry, military, independent, retail chain,
grocery, hospital, and academia. Why should you choose a career in
pharmacy? What is one of the most rapidly growing areas in pharmacy?
What are the areas of specialty certifications for pharmacy? The authors
answer these questions for you and discuss various issues including
research opportunities, new clinical roles and pharmacy practice in this
chapter. They offer tips for your successful Pharmacy career and conclude
this chapter by assuring you that Pharmacy is a dynamic profession;
keeping a pulse on the future of pharmacy will keep those in the know one
step ahead of the competition.

“Roadmap to Success for Pharmacy Students in the United
States” is the title of Chapter 4 by Professors Qingyu Zhou, Kevin B.
Sneed, and Shu-Feng Zhou of the University of South Florida. As an
introduction about the pharmacist as a career, the authors start this chapter
with a story: Dr Paxton is a licensed pharmacist living in a small town in
Wisconsin of the United States (US) and owns an independent pharmacy.
He has three sons, and he sent them all to pharmacy schools hoping that at

least one of his sons would come back someday to take over his business.
What happens next? You really need to read this chapter to know what
happens next but if you ever wondered what pharmacists actually do, Zhou
et al. want you to know that pharmacists counsel patients by thoroughly
reviewing their medications and identifying the best way to use the drugs
when reducing drug-related costs… they provide advice on how to lead a
healthy lifestyle, conduct health and wellness screenings, offer
immunizations, and oversee the medications dispensed to patients. With an
aging population of baby boomers and an increased demand for
prescription medications in the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US
has projected a 14.5 percent growth for pharmacist employment by 2022,
with the section adding 41,400 new jobs, report Zhou et al. They further
report that the median annual wage for US pharmacists was $116,670 in
May 2012. How to become a qualified pharmacist? According to authors, to
become a qualified pharmacist in the US, a person must have a Doctor of
Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited pharmacy program. He or
she also must be licensed, which requires passing licensure (NAPLEX) and
law exams. In this chapter, Zhao et al. also answer other questions to satisfy
your curiosity: How accredited institutions make decisions regarding your
PharmD interviews? What can you expect to learn during the four academic
years of your studies? What to expect inside the classroom and outside the
classroom? How about research? Zhao et al. conclude this chapter with a
“Roadmap to Success for Pharmacist”.

Professor Brian L. Erstad, of the University of Arizona College of
Pharmacy has contributed Chapter 5 entitled Why Study Pharmacy. As
Professor Erstad begins this chapter: When you graduate from a college of
pharmacy today you have a wealth of potential job opportunities that
weren’t available a few decades ago. In the past, you had two major practice
options, working as a pharmacist in a community pharmacy or working as a
pharmacist in the centralized pharmacy of a hospital. Currently, the
opportunities for pharmacists tend to reflect those for physicians in terms
of available practice settings". He provides the examples of the job
options and assures you that there are other reasons for choosing pharmacy

as a career beyond the satisfaction that comes from caring for patients as a
health professional. Professor Erstad informs that he requires his students
to perform a so-called “senior’ research project that involves some form of
scholarships. He argues that our graduating students must be willing to be
the medication-use experts on interdisciplinary care teams that take the
responsibility for providing care that will improve patient outcomes. In
concluding this chapter, Professor Erstad says that we should strive to have
the best students who are taught by the best faculty who are supported by
the best staff in an environment that is conducive to learning.

"When I came to choose what subject I wanted to study at University back
in the early 80’s I was lucky, I felt I knew absolutely what I wanted to do
and even where I wanted to do it" recalls Professor Clive Roberts of
the University of Nottingham in Chapter 6 (Why Study Pharmacy?).
"Well I know many people considering higher education do not have such a
clear view of their future as I felt I had, and so hope this article can help in
your decision making, Professor Roberts assures you. He says that he did
not have that clear a view of where he was going as he now works in
Pharmacy! "So that’s lesson one, your career is not necessarily mapped out
by your degree, and I believe as a basis of preparing for a potentially
changeable future Pharmacy offers a tremendous start" explains Professor
Roberts. He further explains that he has found Pharmacy to be a wonderful
home for the curious and adventurous, a subject not bound by tight
discipline boundaries, open to new ideas and populated by gifted people
from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds. Why study Pharmacy?
Professor Roberts believes that the feeling of being part of a wider team - no
matter what role you play within it - whose goal it is to improve the lives
and health of people makes Pharmacy a stimulating and rewarding
career. How portable are the skills of a Pharmacist? Professor Roberts
answers this question and discusses the defining characteristics of a
Pharmacy undergraduate and researcher in this chapter. "I would say a
scientist at heart but one that wants to make a direct and personal
contribution to human health and wellbeing, if that is you, perhaps you
should study Pharmacy and make a difference, Professor Roberts

concludes.

Professor Steven M. Firestine of the Wayne State University has
contributed Chapter 7 entitled Alternative Degrees in Schools of
Pharmacy. In this chapter, Professor Firestine provides an overview of the
graduate MS and PhD degrees in the United States, how to apply for these
programs, examines the training that students receive during these degrees
and what you can do with the degree once you graduate. More importantly,
he explains as to what happens during the MS and PhD degrees. Schools of
pharmacy are often more dynamic places than most students realize, says
Professor Firestine. Professor Firestine argues that, in many ways, schools
of pharmacy are mini-universities with faculty in areas such as economics,
chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, business, clinical training and
outcomes, epidemiology and community practice. When you apply for your
MS or PhD degree, you will need a number of documents including
statement of purpose and letter of recommendation. Professor Firestine
offers some tips to you as to how to prepare such documents and discussed
the interview process. He assures that MS or PhD degree holders are
needed in patent law offices, regulatory organizations such as the FDA and
publications related to the profession of pharmacy. In concluding this
chapter, Professor Firestine further assures that these so-called alternative
career options can provide students with the chance to use the knowledge
that they obtained during their degree to areas outside of research.

"Why Study Pharmacy? An Academic Pharmacist’s Viewpoint "
is the title of Chapter 8 by Professor Elizabeth M Williamson of the
University of Reading. Professor Williamson has focused on
pharmacognosy for this chapter. "Pharmacy has given me more career
opportunities than I can imagine gaining from any other degree
programme" Professor Williamson expresses her gratitude. "Although I
have worked in both the community and hospital sectors, and enjoyed both,
my heart has always been in academic pharmacy and specifically
pharmacognosy, the study of medicinal plants and natural medicines" says
Professor Williamson. Professor Williamson says that she chose pharmacy

because she loved the medical sciences, and liked the idea of helping
patients, but she didn’t want the hands-on approach of the physician or
nurse. She believes herbal medicines can be studied as a source of potential
new drugs and it is also important to know how they can be used safely
alongside modern conventional medicine. How do you go about being an
academic pharmacist? Which other discipline (module) you should study?
Professor Wiliamson answers these questions and offers a number of
suggestions to you. "The life of an academic life is varied, interesting and
challenging but it is either right for you or not. However, with pharmacy,
you are also a member of a profession you can return to which is always
rewarding and often surprising, whichever branch you choose, and what
could be a more promising start to a career?!" Professor Williamson
concludes this chapter.

"OK, I have to admit, I went into pharmacy because I thought it would be a
surefire way to get into Dentistry or Medicine. Then I realized that as a
pharmacist you could have incredible influence on healthcare and society.
Then it hit me – what I valued was to be able to “do the most good for the
most people” Professor Ross Tsuyuki of the University of Alberta
shares these remarks with you in Chapter 9 entitled "Why Study
Pharmacy – A Public Health Viewpoint". In this chapter, Professor
Tsuyuki discusses various issues pertaining to Pharmacy in
Canada, career pathways , clinical opportunities, research opportunities,
and so on from the “public health” point of view. He examines how you can
accomplish various objectives as a pharmacist. "People see their pharmacist
more frequently than they see their physician. Face it, it’s much easier to
get in to see a pharmacist compared to a physician" Professor Tsuyuki
asserts you. He notes that accessibility of healthcare is a big issue these
days, and pharmacists are well positioned for primary (point of first
contact) healthcare. "In pharmacy, we need people that are outgoing,
meticulous, good communicators who want to take responsibility to care for
patients. The opportunities are as exciting as they are limitless" Professor
Tsuyuki concludes this chapter.

"Students have asked me many times over my career as a pharmacy
professor for advice on how to become a great pharmacist. I have been
asked this question by students who are applying for admission into our
program (who are considering whether or not they want to become a
pharmacist) and by students currently enrolled in our pharmacy school"
Professor Derek Jorgenson of the University of Saskatchewan
begins Chapter 10 entitled What Makes a Great Pharmacist? "In my
early years as a professor I advised them to study hard, learn the
curriculum and get good grades. Now I realize that my counsel to these
students may have been misguided, or at least overly simplified" Professor
Jorgenson confesses. What is the secret to becoming a great pharmacist?
He discusses this question and shares the good news with you that there are
three additional traits that he has observed to be correlated with great
pharmacists, all of which he believes can be learned. Professor Jorgenson
explains these traits and asserts that the profession of pharmacy can be a
rewarding career that provides great personal fulfillment and satisfaction,
while having a positive impact on the lives of many people who are in need
of a caring and competent health care provider. "Selecting pharmacy as a
career is a big decision and considering the traits that make a great
pharmacist may assist current and prospective pharmacy students in
making this decision" Professor Jorgenson concludes this chapter.

"Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy
Research" is the title of Chapter 11 contributed by Ruta
Sawant and Professor Sujit S. Sansgiry of the University of Houston.
Sawant and Sansgiry suggest that, as a pharmacist, there are several
research areas which you can explore, right from basic laboratory research,
clinical pharmacy to population-based studies. One such field of research
that they focus in this chapter is Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Health
Outcomes and Policy (PHOP) Research. In this chapter, Sawant and
Sansgiry provide a brief introduction and a few insights into what PHOP
research is all about. They answer a number of questions for you
including: What can a pharmacist do? Where you will be working as a
PHOP research scientist? What funding resources are available? They share

this good news with you that the program offers graduate assistantships to
all their students with a stipend of about approximately $25,000 per year.
According to the authors, a separate Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF) is
also awarded which is approximately $2100 annually that is provided to
pay the tuition. In closing this chapter, Sawant and Sansgiry inform you
that Graduate students are entitled to receive other scholarship awards
based on eligibility criteria and academic standings and encourage you to
visit the program website.

Professor T. Richard Nichols of the Georgia Institute of Technology has
contributed Chapter 12 entitled Physiology in the Twenty-First
Century. This chapter concerns the importance of the discipline of
physiology in contemporary biomedical research and in the health
professions. First, Professor Nichols defines “physiology” and provides a
little history of this important discipline. “The discipline of anatomy has
informed us about the structure of the components of the body, namely,
cells, tissues, organs, and their physical relationships. In a complementary
way, the discipline of physiology has provided information about the
functions and dynamic interrelationships of these components, and, most
importantly, how these components work together to mediate all the
activities of the body, both internal and external… it remains the discipline
that links cellular activity to the function of the organ systems” says
Professor Nichols. What is the state of Physiology today? What are the
emerging research areas in this field? Why the study of Physiology is
regarded as preparation for careers in Biomedical Science? How about PhD
studies and financial support? As for the scholarships for doctoral training,
students are normally supported in the first year by graduate teaching
assistantships, and then by the research grants of the advisor. There is also
the NIH funded program which is open to U.S. citizens, but the regular PhD
and MSPO programs are open to all. According to Professor Nichols, newer
interest in building robotic systems inspired by biological design has
benefited immensely from a physiological perspective. He also wants you to
understand that physiological research requires quantitative approaches,
and is closely related to research in biomedical engineering. “An excellent

background for the health related professions or biomedical research would
be a combination of physiology, the physical sciences and mathematics,
suggests Professor Nichols. For details, please read the book Physiology for
the Curious: Why Study Physiology.

Chapter 13 is entitled Why Study Global Health? This chapter has
been contributed by Professor Richard Skolnik of Yale University. Professor
Skolnik provides a number of reasons to study global health but one of the
reasons is to better understand the most important global health challenges
that remain and what must be done to address them rapidly, effectively,
and efficiently. Despite the important progress in improving human health,
Professor Skolnik notes that 289,000 women are estimated to have died of
maternal causes in 2013; 6.6 million children under five years of age died in
2012; 1.3 million people died of TB in 2012; and 1.6 million people died of
HIV in 2012; 627,000 people died of malaria in 2012. Professor Skolnik
believes that there are six global health challenges on which we will have to
focus our attention in the short and medium term. He explains them in this
chapter and outlines the functional areas in global health in which one can
work. “However, many people believe that only those people trained in the
health professions can work in global health. Of course, you can work in
global health as a physician, nurse, or public health graduate; however, you
do not need to be trained as a health professional to work in this field”,
explains Professor Skolnik. Where would you work? Professor Skolnik
mentions a number of global health organizations with which you can work
and outlines a number of steps you can take if you want to aspire to a career
in global health. In concluding this chapter, Professor Skolnik asks you two
questions. “Only after answering these two questions will you be able to
sensibly determine the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to get
where you want to be and the programs of study that are most appropriate
to meeting your professional goals”, Professor Skolnik assures you. If you
are interested in public health issues, you should read the book Public
Health for the Curious: Why Study Public Health.

Why men should consider a career in Nursing? Professor David Hrabe from

the Ohio State University satisfies your curiosity in Chapter 14 entitled
“Nursing for the Curious: Why Men Should Consider a Career in
Nursing?” In this chapter, Professor Hrabe explores about the history of
men in nursing, current employment trends and factors to consider in
deciding to become a nurse. He also touches on how to go about learning
more about nurses, nursing and nursing school. If you are interested but
can’t decide why it might or might not be right for you, please feel free to
answer the questions from Professor Hrabe to consider in making your
decision. He suggests that the next step to your exploration is talking with
someone who is a nurse and he kindly provides a script for you on
informational interviewing which is a structured way to approach
professionals who are working in the field that interests you. Professor
Hrabe also outlines the steps to a successful interview and explores some
best practices in terms of job shadowing, internships, volunteer or entry-
level opportunities, professional associations, and internet resources of
interest to men in Nursing. Are you still interested in Nursing? Now what?
“Prepare for School – go for it!” says Professor Hrabe. You can read other
chapters in the book “Nursing for the Curious: Why Study Nursing”.

A Recipe for Inspiring Learning of Pathology: Just Add 7 M’s And
Mix is the title of Chapter 15 by A.M. Currie and Professor J.E. Dahlstrom
J.E. of the Australian National University. In this chapter, Currie and
Dahlstrom argue that, in order to create and maintain a successful and
inspiring learning environment a number of key areas need to be
considered. The authors have adopted an approach that has produced an
award-winning program in pathology that is enjoyed by both students and
staff. Their approach involves recognising the seven key components of
learning; the seven M's: the mentee (the learner), the map, the messenger,
the method, the menu, the measurement and meditation. This chapter
summarises their approach. Currie and Dahlstrom assert that inspiring the
learning of pathology, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, requires the
same ingredients, and that, the course needs to have a student-centred
focus that delivers a well-designed program with clearly-stated learning
objectives. “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery” - Currie

and Dahlstrom conclude this chapter with this quote from Mark Van
Doren.

Chapter 16 is entitled “Why Study Pharmacy?” by Professor Zubin
Austin of the University of Toronto. While practical considerations
(employment prospects, salary potential, job-related stability, etc.) are
important, Professor advises you to remember that most new graduates will
be working for a minimum of forty or forty-five years, and the quality of
that working life and experience will play a central role in defining personal
happiness and success. How to find work that is both personally
meaningful and financially rewarding? How can you possibly choose
anything? Professor Austin discusses these questions in the context of
flexibility and the opportunity provided by Pharmacy to be entrepreneurial
with both career and life. “The choices and options will be yours – seize
them and make the most out of your career, your life, and your
opportunities!,” Professor Austin concludes this chapter.

Now, about this book as a resource. This is the first book of its kind ever
published on Pharmacy education, research and practice. In this book, we
have invited a number of Professors from top-ranked universities to share
their perspectives and advice on Pharmacy and key related disciplines to
help you in your decision making process.

At the Curious Academic Publishing, we have worked hard to bring the
book(s) of your interest in plain English. Please search your
intended/current discipline on Google or Amazon for other books from the
Curious Academic Publishing.

Finally… academic books do not sell as much as others. We understand this
“fact” and notwithstanding, we still decided to publish this book and other
similar books.

It is not our intention to make a profit from this book as money is not our
focus. What we really care about is advancing students’ understanding of

Pharmacy. Therefore, our first hope is that as many students as possible
read this book and make better-informed decisions about their college
major/career.

Our second hope is that the message concerning the importance of studying
Pharmacy will spread to benefit prospective college students.
Disseminating the message will also benefit institutions and businesses.

If you purchased this book through an online retailer such as Amazon and
found it helpful, please leave an honest review (as to why you found it
helpful). We would be really grateful if you shared your comments via social
media.

We wish you happy reading and all the best with your studies, research, and
career in Pharmacy.

K. Vaidya, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
The Curious Academic Publishing

Chapter 1: Find Your Path: Pharmacy’s
Extraordinary Opportunities – Professor
Susan M. Stein, D.H.Ed

Susan M. Stein

Associate Dean of the College of Health Professions and Professor

School of Pharmacy

Pacific University

Susan M. Stein, D.H.Ed., M.S., B.S. Pharm., R.Ph., is currently the
Associate Dean of the College of Health Professions and Professor of the
School of Pharmacy at Pacific University. In this capacity, she serves to
facilitate interprofessional education, faculty development, and
administration at the College of Health Professions, which includes 8
health professions schools. Previously, Dr. Stein was the Dean and
Associate Professor at Pacific University School of Pharmacy. She received
her doctorate in health education from A.T. Still University, masters in
pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Wisconsin, and bachelors
in pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin. In her clinical career, Dr.
Stein has worked as a pharmacist in community, hospital,
anticoagulation, drug information, research pharmacy, long-term care
and relief pharmacy. Her experience in academia includes faculty
teaching and training, student teaching, experiential education,
management and administration. Dr. Stein’s interests include pharmacy
education and faculty teaching development, cardiovascular medicine,
oncology, sterile products, patient medication safety and pharmacy law.
She volunteers at the Oregon Humane Society and is also a certified ski
instructor on Mount Hood.

Why Pharmacy? Some Career Thoughts For You

What is Pharmacy? Such an excellent question…pharmacy elicits images of
chemicals and white coats, of helpful recommendations for sunscreen, or of
answers to complicated drug interaction puzzles. Pharmacy is all of these
things: it is a health professions field that is patient-focused, medication-
minded, and team-trained to link all aspects of patient health together.

Students have been told: “…if you like chemistry and working with people,
pharmacy is a great choice!” While not incorrect, the attraction to
pharmacy is multifaceted. Many students desire to enter the health
professions, which is wise as it is a growing field internationally. Statistics
continue to show job growth in health professions. Additionally, jobs in
health professions tend to include stability, growth opportunities, medical
insurance, etc. To me, pharmacy is fascinating. The more I learn, the more I
want to know. How does the white tablet I take know my ankle hurts, not
my knee? How does the infusion of chemotherapy destroy targeted cancer
cells and not all healthy cells? How does a pharmacist know exactly what
symptoms will follow after taking a drug? So interesting…and pharmacy
continues to make new discoveries.

Currently, biogenetics is an emerging field full of opportunities. The
opportunity to have medication genetically targeted increases treatment
success while decreasing harm. Pharmacists can be involved in labs, clinical
trials, and patient education. Pharmacists also play an increasingly vital
role in educating patients about healthy living choices and medication
management. How wonderful to be able to help a diabetic patient
understand their medication, how it relates to their diet and their physical
symptoms is very rewarding. A local pharmacist is often invited to birthday
parties, weddings and retirement parties…all in the same family. The
option to become a trusted member of the community to support health is
priceless.

Pharmacy is a health professions field, which leads to a broad scope of

practice and research opportunities. If you chose to become a pharmacist,
you could own a pharmacy, be involved in a research team to discover a
new drug or determine health care policy all with one degree. The field is
broad, the options seemingly endless. To be a pharmacist is to be intently
dedicated to the betterment of health by medication education, effective
drug selection, accurate drug dosing, consistent monitoring and continued
follow up to improve health through prevention. Pharmacists serve as an
intricate link between the diagnosis of the patient, the treatment selection,
the educational process to bring the patient into the loop and the future
ongoing prevention process for continued improved health. Health is an
ongoing cycle that needs persistent attention, not unlike a garden.
Pharmacists support all aspects of that cycle and are fortunate enough to
spend significant time with patients as well.

The most recent United States Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the job
outlook was projected to grow 14% from 2012 to 2022, which is similar
pacing for all occupations. The median annual salary was $116,670 and
number of jobs nationally was 286,400 (cite). As changes occur
internationally in health care policies and implementation of payment
models, pharmacist workforce projections will change. While the healthcare
field is growing, fiscal challenges abound. The International
Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has collated international pharmacy
workforce data and the recent report showed the pharmacist workforce
varies across countries yet actively advocates for pharmacist’s valuable role
providing effective, efficient patient care the interprofessional healthcare
team. Job opportunities for pharmacists will continue to grow as
pharmacists integrate into the healthcare team around the world.

Academic Pharmacy: Research, Scholarship and
Application to Pharmacy Practice

In the academic world, pharmacists can serve as professors and preceptors,
educating students in the classroom, in the laboratory, at the patient’s
bedside or at the patient’s home. As an academician, the model of Boyer’s

Scholarship interpretation is ideally suited to pharmacy. Boyer encouraged
a broad scope of scholarship to embrace discovery, integration, application,
and teaching. All aspects were important for recognition and reward in
advancing a particular field of research forward for future generations.

In pharmacy, discovery of scholarship includes new knowledge, such as a
new receptor system that triggers genomic systems, as well as new drug
structures that target cells while ignoring others, thereby reducing side
effects. Practitioners likely attribute this form of pharmacy research as a
laboratory environment in which scientists are significantly removed from
the end product: the patient. More often, though, “bench to bedside”
studies and extended post-marketing studies are incorporating
practitioners into the discover phase of research.

Integration of scholarship describes improving care and applying new
solutions for patient care by integrating areas not often linked. In
healthcare, interprofessional education and practice are an excellent
example of integration. Application of scholarship, literally taking current
theories and applying them to care, seems most pharmacy-appropriate.
Pharmacists are often involved in the creation of standards of care,
especially regarding medication algorithms. Often described as “evidence-
based” these tools increase patient quality of care and patient safety.
Pharmacists, who are well integrated in different settings across
communities and cultures, can have an even greater impact on safe and
effective patient care choices. Finally, teaching scholarship is a natural
extension of pharmacists. Whether teaching a patient to use an inhaler, a
fellow health professional how to dose the appropriate antibiotic or
teaching a student how to prepare a compounded medication, pharmacists
are teachers first and foremost.

Opportunities and Support

There are many institutions, which train pharmacists. Prospective students
are faced with endless advertisements, videos, emails and mailings trying to

encourage them to select one school/college of pharmacy over another.
Students will have the most enjoyable experience if they find the
school/college that best fits them: Pacific University Oregon School of
Pharmacy is one schools that prides itself in providing a learner-centric
environment that supports life long learning while respecting student’s
demanding schedules. The three-year modified block curriculum is tailored
to students who prefer active learning environments, hands-on
complementary modules and high levels of clinical training incorporated
early in the curriculum.

Additionally, the University supports extensive faculty development and
teacher training, resulting in high quality, effective educators focused on
training well-balanced, approachable, skilled pharmacists prepared to
provide healthcare to their patients today and in the future. Federal
financial aid is readily available at Pacific University as are scholarships,
grants, work-study and other financial incentives. Students have found the
three-year curriculum allows them to enter the work force one year earlier
thereby decreasing an additional year of potential salary earnings. For
students whom are time-sensitive in their academic careers, Pacific
University Oregon School of Pharmacy is an excellent option.

The area of research in which I participate is also prevalent at Pacific
University: I study faculty teaching development. Essentially, the question
of why we don’t teach teachers to teach. In higher education, professors are
typically contact experts in their field, lauded for worthy accomplishments
in publication and grant awards. When presented with an opportunity to
share their wisdom with future generations, many readily accept the
challenge. Unfortunately, academia doesn’t often include teacher training
at this juncture of their careers. In a current study, we are examining the
effect of short, consistent training opportunities to improve effective
teaching perceptions and beyond. The beneficial outcomes of this research
include gathering more information to create more effective teachers to the
benefit of students, patients and the community as a whole.

Tips For Success In Pharmacy And Beyond

Pharmacy is an amazing profession. In reviewing professions that may
result in life-fulfilling careers, many questions should be considered:

 What are you passionate about?
 What makes you happy? What are your skills?
 Do you envision yourself behind a desk, walking through a hospital,

examining intricate scientific equipment, or sitting next to a patient
discussing their health?
 Do you prefer clean, defined rules when participating in a game or
activity? Or do you prefer flexibility and options?
 For individuals who become professional artists, it seems they
cannot avoid creating their art: it drives them. What drives you?

Incorporating your passions into your career enables significant job
satisfaction and success. Pharmacy is a career that has many opportunities
to address the many changes individuals experience.

If you choose pharmacy, and we hope you do, here are some tips for your
journey and success:

Follow your heart: whether in selecting the school to attend, the job to
accept, the decisions to make about your patients. You must be true to you.

Remember it’s not about you: it’s about the patient. Whether providing
your expertise in the selection of cold medication or how to treat chronic
pain, remember there is a person on the other end. That person matters:
they have family and goals and dreams. You are trying to help them be
healthier.

You Are Smarter Than You Think

You can have a positive impact in any area of pharmacy. Working in
pharmacy education may decrease your contact with patients but you are

influencing generations of future pharmacists who will care for countless
patients. Becoming the vice president of a hospital allows significant
influence on patient care.

Become involved in your profession. The legislative process in any
community has significant influence on the scope and role of health
professions. Be proud of your profession and don’t accept the “we have
never done it like that” answer for why a system hasn’t changed.

Don’t ever underestimate your ability. You are smarter than you think. You
can pass organic chemistry, memorize the amino acids and remember how
to calculate dosages. Trust yourself, dive in and commit to your profession.

References:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational
Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Pharmacists, Retrieved on October 13,
2014 from
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm

Boyer, E L. 1990. Scholarship reconsidered : priorities of the professoriate.
Princeton, N.J : Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching,

International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Global Pharmacy Workforce
Report (2012). Retrieved on October 1, 2014 from
http://www.fip.org/static/fipeducation/2012/FIP-Workforce-Report-
2012/?page=hr2012#/76

Chapter 2: Curious About Pharmacy –
Carolyn Ma, PharmD; Sheri Tokumaru,
PharmD, and Roy Goo, PharmD

Carolyn Ma, PharmD, BCOP
Associate Professor, Co-Chair Dept. of Pharmacy Practice

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Dr. Carolyn Ma is currently Associate Professor and Chair for the
Department of Pharmacy Practice at the Daniel K. Inouye College of
Pharmacy (DKICP) at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Dr. Ma received
her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of California at San
Francisco and completed her general clinical residency at Thomas
Jefferson University Hospital and oncology residency at the Hospital of
the University of Pennsylvania. She practiced as a Board certified
Oncology Pharmacy Specialist at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu,
Hawaii. She later became the Vice-President for Clinical Affairs for Am
Med International in Hong Kong, China. Prior to her arrival the DKICP in
2007, she worked as a pharmacy management consultant at Stanford
Medical Center where she focused on the areas of oncology practice

improvement, The Joint Commission’s Medication Management Chapter
and organizational change management. As a member of the founding
executive team for the DKICP, Dr. Ma was responsible for developing the
Introductory and Advanced clinical experiential program, development of
the pharmacy practice didactic curriculum, faculty recruitment and
international partnerships. She currently serves as a Director for the
Hawaii State Board of Pharmacy and is Past-President for the Hawaii
Pharmacists Association. Dr. Ma is the recipient of the Bowl of Hygeia, a
lifetime achievement award for exemplary professional service. Most
recently in 2014, she received the Leadership Award from the Hawaii
Pharmacists Association and the National Community Pharmacist’s
Association (NASPA) Leadership Award. Dr. Ma regularly reviews
articles for the Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and is contributing
editor for the Hawaii Journal of Medicine and Public Health.

Sheri Tokumaru, PharmD
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pharmacy Practice

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Dr. Sheri Tokumaru received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the
University of Michigan and then completed a pharmacy practice
residency at the University of California at San Francisco where she
solidified her interest in critical care. She subsequently completed a
specialized pharmacy residency in critical care from the University of
Kentucky. After her training, Dr. Tokumaru worked as a clinical

pharmacist at Cedars-Sinai and at the University of California San Diego
Medical Center in various intensive care units. She most recently taught at
the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy where she
precepted and mentored both students and pharmacy residents in the
Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit and the Medical Surgical Intensive Care
Unit. Her current practice site is in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit
at The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu. She lectures in the areas of
infectious diseases, critical care and cardiology and enjoys teaching in
both the didactic and clinical setting.

Roy Goo, PharmD
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pharmacy Practice

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Roy Goo is an assistant professor of pharmacy practice working out of
Wilcox Memorial Hospital on the island of Kaua’i. Dr. Goo’s primary
areas of concentration are rural health and infectious diseases. Dr. Goo
was born and raised on the island of Oahu and obtained his doctor of
pharmacy degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA.
During his time as a student he was one of the founding members of the
student chapter of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy and served
as the senior class president. Dr. Goo completed his PGY-1 residency at
Tripler Army Medical Center. Following the completion of his residency he
initiated the Department of Defense’s first emergency medicine clinical
pharmacy service and served as the primary clinical pharmacist for both
the Emergency Department and the Progressive Care Unit. Dr. Goo is
currently working with the Hawaii Department of Health to develop

antimicrobial stewardship programs at hospitals across the state.

Introduction

If you are thumbing through this textbook, then pharmacy may be one of
the areas you have considered as a job or career. What are the rewards of a
career in pharmacy and why should you choose this as your undergraduate
or postgraduate degree?

Pharmacy is a challenging field that is both science and math oriented, but
also allows for contact and communication with the public. Pharmacists are
considered the drug therapy experts within the health care field.
Pharmacists choose their profession mainly to help improve the quality of
life for their fellow man.

Pharmacy is a profession in critical shortage around the world. Based upon
the latest figures from the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education
(ACPE), [1] pharmacists will remain in critical need for the next 20 years.
Our college, the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of
Hawaii at Hilo, (DKICP) was established in 2007 and is one of
approximately 135 schools of Pharmacy in the U.S.2 In order to practice as
a pharmacist in the US, you will need to graduate from an ACPE accredited
school of pharmacy and also pass the national licensing exam (NAPLEX).
[3, 4]

This paper will discuss how to best prepare you for admission into a
pharmacy program in the United States. To help you in your decision, we
will also describe the major types of pharmacy practice with more specific
discussion on academic pharmacy and areas for pharmacy research.

Gaining Admission To A U.S. School Of Pharmacy

In order to centralize the admissions process, all U.S. schools of pharmacy

use a system called PharmCAS [5]. You will need to enroll in this system to
check out all the different schools and their listed pre-requisite
requirements.

Most U.S. schools require specific coursework in biology, chemistry,
organic chemistry, calculus, humanities course such as English, cultural
diversity, social sciences as well as a communication course like speech.
Most of these pre-requisites can be fulfilled in about two years of college
level education but many applicants will require more time. Although U.S.
schools do not require an undergraduate bachelors degree for admission,
most admitted students (60-70%) matriculate with a Bachelor’s degree
usually in a major of biology, chemistry or biochemistry.

Another pre-requisite for admission is the Pharmacy College Admission
Test (PCAT). About 2/3 of colleges will require a PCAT which consists of
240 multiple-choice items in the area of biology, chemistry, math and two
writing topics. 6 Applicants are encouraged to take this test several times in
order to achieve the highest possible score. The test is usually taken in the
fall before they apply to a school. There are PCAT review courses and
practice tests available. Table 1 lists helpful websites for the application
process.

Table 1. Websites Information for Admissions and Pre-requisites for the U.

of Hawaii Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy

1. PharmCas http://www.pharmcas.org

2. DKICP http://hilo.hawaii.edu/studentaff

Admissions and airs/admissions/adm_reqts.php

Pre-requisites

3 Pharmacy http://pcatweb.info

Comprehensive

Admissions Test

(PCAT)

4. PCAT (http://www.kaptest.com/PCAT-
preparatory NAPLEX/Home/index.html)

Once pre-requisites and PCAT scores are submitted, schools will screen and
evaluate applications and may offer an in-person interview. Not all
applicants are given an interview and being granted an interview is the first
major hurdle to overcome. Although many applicants will have a high grade
point average (GPA) in their college courses and high PCAT scores, the
most valuable traits and skills of a future pharmacist is an ability to
communicate, having a strong sense of compassion, patience and a
willingness to work with patients who have a wide array of health care
needs. The interview is often the most critical part of the admissions
process.

U.S. Pharmacy School Curriculum

There are a variety of lengths in the curriculum for pharmacy schools in the
U.S. For instance, some schools are considered accelerated 5-year
programs that include the two years pre-requisite courses plus three years
of professional schooling. Students who apply to these types of schools
would apply directly from high school.

The majority of other programs however, are three or four years in length
after pre-requisites are completed. The first two years of pre-requisite
coursework may or may not occur at the same school. Admission is offered
as long as pre-requisites have been fulfilled and the pharmacy school
considers you a desirable candidate. All U.S. schools confer the Doctor of
Pharmacy degree, the entry-level degree for the profession.

Once admitted to pharmacy school, your classroom training will consist of a
variety of didactic (traditional classroom lectures), laboratory, workshops
as well as small group learning and simulation exercises. In your first year,

a review of basic pathophysiology, anatomy and other basic sciences will
occur and you will begin to learn about pharmaceutical principles and non-
prescription drugs. You will learn about how a drug works (pharmacology)
and degrades in the body (pharmacokinetics) and most unique to the
profession, how a drug’s chemical structure causes a desired affect
(medicinal chemistry).

In your second and third years, your core coursework will be in an area
called therapeutics. Therapeutics will focus on the practical application of
your science knowledge such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and
apply it to the treatment of diseases ranging from heart disease, infection
and cancer, to chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma and psychiatry. You
will also be exposed to specific areas of healthcare like children, women and
men’s health. You will learn about different medical conditions and what
medications are best to treat patients with those conditions, how to monitor
how well the patient is doing on the medications, and also learn the skills to
teach patients about how to best take their medications. You may be taught
how to mix or compound certain medications into different forms such as
lotions, creams and ointments. Pharmacy students also learn hands-on
patient skills such as checking patient’s blood pressure or blood sugar levels
and giving immunization shots.

The second part of your education will be in the experiential or clinical
rotations that account for 1/3 of the curriculum. Introductory Pharmacy
Practice Experiences (IPPE) coursework is 300 hours and is covered in the
first three years of study and in your last year of study, Advanced Pharmacy
Practice Experiences (APPE) rotations add up to over 1400 hours of
practical experience. [1]

Your IPPE’s are a way for you to watch pharmacists work in different
practices and interact with patients and other members of the health care
team. Students are placed at different pharmacy sites that may include
community pharmacies, ambulatory care clinics and hospitals. In
community pharmacies, you will interact with patients when they bring

their prescriptions to be filled, talk to them about their non-prescription
medications and also help to teach them about how to properly take their
medicines.

In the hospital, you will learn how pharmacists make sure medications get
from the hospital pharmacy to the patient in a safe way. You may need to
prepare medications that get injected by the nurse or medications for
patients to take by mouth. Some students help deliver medications to
different parts of the hospital. You may work with a team that may include
physicians and nurses to make sure that the medications the patient is
receiving is the best medication and has the fewest side effects.

In the ambulatory care clinic, you will see patients with a pharmacist who
manages medications for chronic conditions such as an asthma, diabetes or
high blood pressure. Pharmacists in this setting also check patient’s blood
sugar and blood pressure measurements to make changes to their
medicines if needed.

As you learn more in the classroom, your experiential rotations will become
more hands on especially when you spend your final year in the APPE
rotations. During APPE, you will have even more responsibilities and be
exposed to a wider range of pharmacy experiences. Each rotation
experience is usually 4-6 weeks in duration. Required rotations include
hospital pharmacy, a general medicine rotation in the hospital, an
ambulatory care rotation and a community pharmacy rotation. Other
rotations are considered elective rotations where you can choose a
specialized area of pharmacy in which you may have an interest (Table 3).

The depth of training a pharmacist goes through and how all this training is
put to use in a real job or profession might surprise you at this point. The
following section describes how your pharmacy school training helps you to
prepare for a variety of pharmacist roles, most of which you are likely not
aware of.

Major Areas Of Practice For Pharmacists

One of the great things about pursuing a career in pharmacy is the variety
of areas that pharmacists work. (Table 2) You can choose between working
with patients in different settings, doing pharmacy research, teaching
students or a combination of all or some of these duties. For example, some
pharmacists work in a community or drug store setting and they teach
students in experiential rotations. Some pharmacists work in the hospital,
give lectures at a college of pharmacy and also teach students on their
clinical experiences. Other pharmacists may have a passion for research
and work for a drug company.

Table 2. Different Types of Pharmacy Practice in Healthcare

Acute inpatient hospital Long term care,

areas Palliative care

Ambulatory Care (clinics Managed care

– hypertension, lipids, Drug information

coagulation, pain, Pharmacy Administration

asthma, diabetes, and Management

medication adherence, _ Regulatory Affairs – The

Community pharmacy Joint Commission

areas (drug stores, Government – Food and

specialty pharmacy) Drug, Drug Enforcement,

Nuclear Pharmacy Narcotics Enforcement

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical research

Academic Pharmacy

Compounding Pharmacy

The most common or familiar areas of pharmacy practice are community
pharmacy, ambulatory care (clinics) or acute care in hospitals. Pharmacists
who work in community pharmacy or drug store setting will supply or

prepare the correct medication for the patient, make sure the combination
of medications is safe, help teach the patient how to take their medications
and administer the flu shot or other immunizations.

In the ambulatory care setting the pharmacist usually works in the clinic
with a physician and a nurse. In addition to a general medicine clinic,
pharmacists can work in specialized clinics that may only take care of
patients with diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
The patient can schedule an appointment with the pharmacist in order to
discuss their medications and the pharmacist can recommend changes to
the regimen by adjusting, adding and deleting medications after checking
laboratory values and other important information.

Many pharmacists work in hospitals. These pharmacists also work with
physicians and nurses to make sure that the patients receive safe and
effective medications. In hospitals, pharmacists may work in specialty
areas listed in Table 3. Pharmacist can receive extra training in areas such
as cardiology (heart), infectious disease or oncology (cancer).

Table 3. List of Specialty Clinical Areas in Hospitals, Ambulatory Care,
Specialty Retail

Medicine Oncology
Critical Care
Emergency Medicine Neurology
Cardiology
Infectious Diseases Psychiatry/Mental
Geriatrics
Pediatrics Health
Pharmacogenomics
Pain and Palliative Care

HIV/AIDS

Solid organ transplant

Travel medicine clinic

Chronic disease

management.

In this setting pharmacists often function as medication experts helping
physicians to select the most appropriate medication and dose for a
particular patient based on factors such as the patient’s height, weight, age,
and major functions of organs such as kidneys and liver, which are
important for medicines to work correctly.

Other factors like other medical conditions, other medications, drug or food
allergies are also important for the pharmacist to keep track of so that
medicines are not incorrectly ordered and given to the patient. Some drugs
like antibiotics used to treat infections need to be dosed very carefully to
ensure that they work without causing unwanted side effects. Pharmacists
may also perform complex equations to estimate the best dose of a
medicine for a particular patient. When patients are ready to go home from
the hospital, pharmacists make sure the patient can get their medicine from
a pharmacy and also help teach the patient how to take their medications.

Academic Pharmacy

One type of pharmacy practice that you may not be familiar with is in the
field of academic pharmacy. The American Association of College of
Pharmacy also provides information on the specifics of a career in academic
pharmacy. Basically, pharmacists who work in this area work as a
pharmacist but concentrate on teaching students in an school/college of
pharmacy. They may be hired by the school to practice pharmacy, teach in
both the classroom and their practice setting, perform research and provide
service to the community. They are usually referred to as Pharmacy
Practice faculty. We’ve already discussed how students and pharmacists
educate students and practice in the three major clinical settings of retail,
hospital, ambulatory). Pharmacy Practice faculty may work in any one of
these three areas and may also have strong interest in research.

There are different types of pharmacy research that may include: 1)
laboratory 2) clinical research 3) research on teaching and 4) public health
projects. You may identify with research that occurs in the laboratory since

this conjures up images of test tubes and burners. Many drug companies
have research labs that work on discovering new drugs and figure out how
to give medications to patients. Many pharmacy schools also have similar
research labs. As a pharmacy student, you may be able to work part time in
one of these laboratories while you are still taking classes. This extra
experience may help you in finding a job after pharmacy school especially if
this is your area of interest.

Another type of pharmacy research is usually in the hospital or clinics.
Here, research can be with medications that have not yet been released on
the market and need to be tested in patients, or the research can also
happen after the medication has been released to the public. In these cases,
more information is being gathered to figure out the best way to use the
medications, compare different medications and their effects and perhaps
also the most cost effective way to treat a patient. The focus may be to study
the different prescribing patterns that physicians and other health care
providers might encounter in their day-to-day practices.

Research can also occur by studying the best way to educate students. This
type of research studies different teaching techniques, and how students
most effectively learn the material. Your professors may study the best way
to give exams and the best types of questions to ask. Different types of
teaching methods can also be studied, such as the effectiveness of
workshops vs. lecture vs. simulation. This type of research helps to assure
that the best teaching techniques and assessment tools are utilized to teach
pharmacy students to help them learn the vast amount of material needed
to begin their careers.

At the DKICP, we have been doing research in different areas that deal with
the public and the communities in Hawaii.

With an aging population and the distance that occurs in some of our
communities on different islands, finding health care for many people can
be challenging. Pharmacists can help with these types of situations and can

be a readily available source of health related information. An area of
research that the DKICP has been involved in is to help patients with
chronic diseases gain better control of their disease and avoid being
admitted to the hospital. One of our projects called Pharm2Pharm focuses
on reducing hospitalization in rural communities. The Pharm2Pharm
projects uses a pharmacist in the hospital to screen patients who have many
disease states, are on many different medications or have risk factors that
may increase the chances of them having to return to the hospital.

The hospital pharmacist will work with these patients to make sure they are
on the best medications and provide education on how to take those
medications. They may even help with dietary and exercise advice. The
patient is then handed off to a pharmacist who works in the community
retail pharmacy. This type of pharmacist checks in with the patients on a
monthly basis to see how they are doing and if they are having any
problems with their medications.

Another project that our school works on is a project called the Pacific
Island Mobile Screening Clinic or PIMSC. This project is run by pharmacy
students who see patients living in some of the rural areas of one of our
islands and screens them for diabetes, teaches them about their
medications and helps to educate the patient about their diet and lifestyle.
Other DKICP projects include working on public health initiatives with the
State of Hawaii’s Department of Health and include helping people gain
better control of their asthma. We are also working on is trying to develop a
system where patients have a way to return their unused prescription
medications so they are not in the house where the elderly, children or pets
may mistakenly take them and cause themselves harm.

Pharmacy Residency - Added Preparation

You may be asking how one becomes a more academically inclined
pharmacist who works in the hospital or ambulatory care clinic. Most
colleges will hire faculty only if they have completed an extra training

program called a residency of either one or two years. Residencies
programs begin after a student has graduated from pharmacy school and
also involves an application and interview process. The American Society of
Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) is the accrediting organization for U.S.
residency programs.9

There are different types of pharmacy residencies that are usually one year
in length. Most students who choose to do a pharmacy residency will first
apply for a general pharmacy residency. You are expected to have a
pharmacist license by the time you start the residency because you would
have already graduated from pharmacy school.

The residency year is a year where you will really learn to advance your
clinical skills by experiencing more clinical rotations, working on special
projects and in some programs, begin teaching pharmacy students on
experiential rotations. A general pharmacy residency will give you
advanced training in the ambulatory care clinic, the hospital pharmacy,
general hospital medicine rotations, pharmacy administration and other
areas depending on your interests. After completing a general pharmacy
residency, you can also pursue a specialized residency in areas such as
ambulatory care, infectious disease, oncology, emergency medicine, or
pediatrics. This added experience is helpful in learning about specific
patient populations and obtaining a job in a more specialized areas of
interest.

Completing one or two years of residency is usually required if you desire a
career in hospital, ambulatory care or academic pharmacy. The residency
program also helps you to begin to learn how to do research which is an
important skill to develop if you desire a career in academic pharmacy.

Conclusion

The information we presented can assist in your decision in not only
choosing pharmacy as a possible health care career, but also the type of

pharmacy you may want to practice. One key piece of advice we suggest is
that before you decide to apply to pharmacy school, gain some exposure to
the various types of pharmacy. Options might include getting a job in a
pharmacy or local drugstore or volunteering in a hospital pharmacy. Ask
friends of friends or relatives if they know any pharmacists and try to spend
some time with that pharmacist. We believe that you will find a career
pharmacy and as pharmacists very rewarding and viewed by the public as a
noble and respected health care professional.

References

1. Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, https://www.acpe-
accredit.org, Accessed Feb. 25, 2014

2. Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Pharmacy.uhh.hawaii.edu/, Accessed Feb. 10, 2014

3. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy,
https://www.nabp.net/boards-of-pharmacy, Accessed Feb. 10, 2014

4. Hawaii State Board of Pharmacy, https://www.
hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/boards/pharmacy, Accessed Feb. 10, 2014

5. PharmCas, http://www.pharmcas.org, Accessed Feb. 10, 2014

6. Pharmacy College Admissions Tests (PCAT), http://pcatweb.info

7. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).
https://www.aacp.org, Accessed Feb. 25, 2014

8. Draugalis, JR, DiPiro JT, Zeolla MM, Schwinghammer TL. A Career in
Academic Pharmacy: Opportunities, Challenges, and Rewards, Am J Pharm
Educ. Feb 15, 2006; 70(1):17.

9. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists,
http://www.ashp.org/menu/Accreditation/ResidencyAccreditation,
Accessed Feb. 25, 2014

Chapter 3: Why Study Pharmacy? By Nicole
C. Farrell, Pharm.D., David D. Trang,
Pharm.D., MBA, Cynthia N. Nguyen,
Pharm.D.

Nicole Farrell, Pharm.D.
IPPE Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Feik School of Pharmacy
University of the Incarnate Word
Dr. Nicole C. Farrell is the IPPE Coordinator and an Assistant Professor in
the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the University of the Incarnate
Word Feik School of Pharmacy. Dr. Farrell received her Doctor of
Pharmacy degree in 2010 as a member of the inaugural graduating class

from the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy. She
also completed a two-year academic clinical pharmacy residency at the
University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy with a PGY2
emphasis in ambulatory care. Dr. Farrell is a member of several
professional organizations including the American College of Clinical
Pharmacy (ACCP), Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA), American
Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), Bexar County Pharmacy
Association (BCPA), Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists (TSHP),
and Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society.

Pharmacy Today

Hello prospective pharmacy student! The profession of pharmacy in the
United States is in a very exciting time due to the transformation of the
health care system. New career opportunities will exist in areas that we
cannot imagine today.

The practice of pharmacy today is for the most part a dispensing role. Most
medications are commercially made by pharmaceutical companies (ex:
Pfizer, Merck) and then distributed by wholesalers (ex: McKesson,
Cardinal) to pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS) which eventually sell to patients.
Of course, some medications still need to be compounded which was the
main practice of pharmacy in the past. Interestingly, a pharmacy is not
allowed to compound a medication that is commercially available unless
the compound is a strength that is not commercially available or the
commercial medication is out of stock.

There are approximately 300,000 active pharmacists in the United States.
This number is an estimate because no one really knows for sure the exact
number of pharmacists. The reason is because a pharmacist can be licensed
in more than one state. For example, a pharmacist could be licensed in
Texas, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and therefore, be counted three times.

Even though there are 126 different career paths for pharmacists, the
reality is that 65% of pharmacist in the U.S. practice in community
pharmacy. Community pharmacy includes chain drug stores (ex.:
Walgreens, CVS), grocery stores (ex.: Kroger, Safeway), mass merchandise
(ex.: Walmart, Target), and independent pharmacies. 20% of pharmacists
practice in hospitals or health systems. The remaining 15% work in other
areas of pharmacy including clinical, managed care, academia,
pharmaceutical industry, nuclear pharmacy, military settings, etc.

Dr. Trang: To illustrate, there are 12 pharmacists in my family who have
worked in a variety of different fields of pharmacy including
pharmaceutical industry, military, independent, retail chain, grocery,
hospital, and academia. Personally, I have worked in hospital, mass
merchandise, grocery, military, consultant, informatics, independent, long-
term care, hospice, managed care, research, and academia.

One of the most rapidly growing areas is clinical pharmacy. According to
the American College of Clinical Pharmacy a clinical pharmacist is a
pharmacist who works directly with doctors, other health professionals,
and patients to ensure that the medications prescribed for patients
contribute to the best possible health outcomes. Clinical pharmacists
practice in health care settings where they have frequent and regular
interactions with doctors and other health professionals, contributing to
better coordination of care.

Career Opportunities

The future of pharmacy job growth is unclear due to a variety of reasons. In
2000, a panel of pharmacy experts representing different fields of
pharmacy projected what the future needs of pharmacists would be in
2020. The work of that group projected that there would be a shortage of
157,000 pharmacists in the U.S. by 2020. The projections were based
mainly on the significant need for clinical pharmacists in the future.

The group recognized that there would be a decrease in the traditional
dispensing role of the pharmacist due to technological advances. As we
rapidly close in on 2020, it appears the projection may have been an
overestimation and that there may in fact be an oversupply of pharmacists.
The main reason for the surplus is not something the panel could have
anticipated. There has been a significant increase in the number of
pharmacy graduates due to increasing enrollment and an increase in the
number of new pharmacy schools. In 2000, there were 89 schools of
pharmacy and in 2014 there are 130 schools of pharmacy. The number of
pharmacy graduates will increase from a historical average of 7,000
annually to more than 14,000 by 2016.

However, the possibility still exists for a shortage of pharmacists if the
clinical roles of pharmacists expand. In states such as California and
Wisconsin, recent legislation recognized pharmacists as providers which
would allow them to perform clinical services under the supervision of
physicians. The American Pharmacists Association (APHA) which
represents pharmacists has been aggressively promoting legislation which
supports provider status for pharmacists on a national level.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will have significant impact on the role of
pharmacists. Already, new partnerships and roles for pharmacists have
risen based on new health care role. Companies, such as Walgreens, have
partnered with hospitals to improve hospital readmission rates, and
pharmacists are taking on new roles to prevent hospital readmissions. As
many as 40 million patients who did not previously have health insurance
are now covered and will have access to health care. Therefore, the demand
for health care services will rise significantly.

New clinical roles and the ACA could significantly create more employment
opportunities for pharmacists. In addition, the aging population of baby
boomers will require more medications in the coming years. The baby
boomer generation represents those individuals born between 1946 and
1964. They represent a significant percentage of the population and baby

boomers started turning 65 years old beginning in 2011. As compared to the
rest of population, individuals aged 65 and older use on average 6
medications compared to 1 used by those less than 65.

Benefits of a Pharmacist

So why should you choose a career in pharmacy? Well, besides the
numerous career options, many of the leading employment surveys
conducted by USA Today and U.S. News and World Report name
pharmacists as one of the Ten Best Jobs in America. The main reason for
job satisfaction is the ability to help patients with their health care needs.
Other reasons for job satisfaction include salary, bonuses, schedule
flexibility, and benefits. The average salary for a pharmacist is over
$100,000 annually with retail pharmacies paying slightly more than
hospital. High job stress is a drawback to the practice of pharmacy.

Research Opportunities

Students can also pursue research in pharmacy and pursue a Ph.D. in areas
such as pharmaceutics, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry. Research
can also be conducted in clinical pharmacy practice and
social/administrative sciences. Students interested in research can pursue
careers in academia or the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Trang: My research interests include leadership, safety, and quality.
However, my main focus is on technology and how it can transform
pharmacy education and practice. One of the software programs I helped to
create is used in more than 50 schools of pharmacy and has expanded to
other health professions.

Dr. Farrell: My research interests lie in longterm care pharmacy; finding
ways to provide optimal care to residents of assisted living and
intermediate care facilities. I am further interested in the development of
introductory pharmacy practice experiences for pharmacy students that
will prepare students adequately for the Advanced Pharmacy Practice

Experiences and a career in pharmacy. I am particularly interested in
simulation as a teaching tool, as I feel that students benefit from a hands-
on approach to learning.

Dr. Nguyen: My research interests include interprofessional education and
collaborative practice, public health. I am particularly interested in
promoting health and preventing diseases by finding ways and settings in
which interprofessional healthcare teams can work together to improve
patient outcomes and quality of life.

Research to Practice

There is a belief that practitioners are not interested in the research aspect
of pharmacy. The reality is not that practitioners are less interested but
rather research is not a core responsibility of their jobs. Practitioners in
retail and hospital pharmacies are on the front lines of patient care to
perform prospective drug reviews, process and dispense the appropriate
medications, and in some cases, counsel patients on their medications.
Frankly, practitioners do not have the time but do benefit by reading
pharmacy journals to keep up with the latest drug news. Pharmacists are
required by law to obtain continuing education in order to renew their
license to practice pharmacy. Continuing education requirements vary
according to applicable state laws.

Academic research can benefit practitioners in providing evidence- based
medicine (EBM) and finding solutions to improve patient adherence to
their medications. Comparative effectiveness research can assist health care
providers in making clinical decisions by comparing two drugs against each
other that may not be done in clinical trials. Pharmaceutical marketing can
have a significant effect on prescribing for patients and physicians.
Therefore, research can assist patients and physicians in making informed
decisions on the efficacy and cost of medications.

Tips for a Successful Pharmacy Career

The coming decade may be the most transformative in the profession of
pharmacy. The evolution of the profession will be managing medication
therapy and increase clinical roles as providers. Therefore, graduates and
pharmacists must be able to adapt to these dramatic changes. For example,
there are some locations where pharmacists in a drug store are no longer
checking medications on-site. Due to advances in technology, another
pharmacist can remotely check prescriptions from an off-site location. This
frees up the on-site pharmacist to spend their time with patients to improve
health outcomes. To prepare for the new roles, pharmacy students and
practitioners should take on opportunities to practice medication therapy
management (MTM). One option open to students and pharmacists alike is
the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) MTM certification course.
Those interested in enhancing their clinical expertise may also consider
residency programs or careers with training opportunities and potential for
advancement towards a clinical pharmacy position (e.g. long term care
pharmacy).

Pharmacists will need to work collaboratively with other health care
professionals on interprofessional teams to improve communication and
patient outcomes. As a result of the need for collaboration, health
professional schools across the nation have been tasked with developing
interprofessional curriculum to train students to be collaborative ready
upon graduation. The curriculum is expected to develop an awareness and
respect for the integral role each member of a health care team fulfills and
to meet the aforementioned communication and patient outcome goals.
Students and practitioners should pursue opportunities to work
interprofessionally and collaboratively with other health care providers.
Ways to promote interprofessional education and collaborative practice is
through participation on interprofessional committees, joint clinic settings,
medical missions, or in public health.

Traditionally, pharmacy schools offered a baccalaureate degree (B.S.) in

Pharmacy as well as a Pharm.D. degree. Currently, all pharmacy schools
only award the Pharm.D. degree. The percentage of practicing pharmacists
with a Pharm.D. is 50% and continues to increase eventually to 100%.
Therefore, pharmacists may need to distinguish themselves with additional
post-graduate education, residencies or fellowships, and
credentialing/certification. Areas of specialty certifications for pharmacy
include nuclear, ambulatory care, pharmacotherapy, psychiatric care,
nutrition support, oncology, pediatric, critical care, and geriatrics.

Pharmacists must be able to adapt to whatever changes will come by
staying informed. Focusing on what is being covered in the classroom or at
a continuing education session is important, but an awareness of current
events impacting pharmacy will be essential for the savvy pharmacist and
pharmacy student. Pharmacy is a dynamic profession; keeping a pulse on
the future of pharmacy will keep those in the know one step ahead of the
competition.

Chapter 4: Roadmap to Success for
Pharmacy Students in the United States –
Professor Qingyu Zhou, Kevin B. Sneed, and
Shu-Feng Zhou, PhD