Unit 1: Profession of Pharmacy Notes

The origins of the pharmacy profession can be found in the works of early physicians from a variety of cultures:

• Greek

• Roman

• Arab Muslim

• Arab Jewish

• Christian

Origins of Pharmacy :

Evidence of early medicine, in the form of pharmacopeias (lists detailing how to make medicine from plants, animals, and minerals), have been found in ancient Mesopotamia.

Today, a drug list that details modern medicines is called a formulary.

The Greek physician, Hippocrates, was one of the first people to consider that illness had a physical explanation, as opposed to being the result of evil spirits or displeasing the gods.

Known as the Father of Modern Medicine : Hippocratic Oath “to help and do no harm”

Claudius Galen, another Greek physician, lived circa 130-216 CE. He pioneered the practice of dissecting animals. From him, we get the term galenical pharmacy, referring to the extraction of active ingredients into compounding substances.

   Medical practices and recipes spread rapidly around the world. However, because there were no standards, the quality of the medicinal products would vary. In 1820, eleven physicians gathered in Washington D.C. to create a list of standard compounding recipes for the United States.

This list was called the US Pharmacopeia.

The US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) was created to set quality standards for prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and other supplements.      

In 1822, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy became the first school in the US to offer courses in pharmaceutical sciences.

• Until then, the only requirement for becoming a pharmacist was to serve an apprenticeship in an apothecary

• In 1852, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) was created to establish professional practices for pharmacists.

• APhA worked to encourage state governments to require pharmacist apprentices pass a formal certification exam in order to obtain a license to practice pharmacy.

The 20th Century Evolution of Pharmacy Education

The world wars of the early 20^th century increased the need for skilled pharmacists in hospital settings.

• The American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) formed during World War II to meet the needs for standards and professional support, particularly suited to hospitals.

• Formalized pharmacy technician training programs were first initiated by the US Department of Defense.These programs aimed to enhance the skills of pharmacy technicians, ensuring they were well-equipped to assist pharmacists in delivering quality care during a time of increased demand.
  

  After World War II, the compounding of drugs shifted from pharmacies to giant pharmaceutical manufacturers.

  • Pharmacists were becoming retail merchants selling pre-made drugs.

  • The emerging field of pharmacology—the study of drugs, their uses and effects, and modes of action—made it necessary for pharmacists to receive more formalized higher-education.

The ASHP and the US Department of Health and Welfare pushed for pharmacy technician training in hospitals and junior colleges to continue the supply of educated pharmacy aides.

• In 1968, the first formal hospital training programs began.

• ASHP assisted in developing national program guidelines.

Modern HealthCare

• Modern Healthcare relies on collaboration.

• Teams of professionals work together to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients.This collaborative approach enhances the quality of care and ensures that pharmacists play a crucial role in the healthcare team, contributing their expertise in medication management.

  Pharmacy is defined as the art, practice, or profession of preparing, preserving, compounding, and dispensing medical drugs.

  Pharmacists educate about drugs and supplements; oversees the pharmacy, checks prescriptions,  approves all work done by the pharmacy technician, and assumes all legal responsibility.

  Pharmacy Technicians help fill prescriptions, gather patient information, and perform various duties essential to running a pharmacy (inventory, ordering, returns, recalls) 

  
  Roman Numerals

• Roman numerals are always arranged from greatest to least in value starting with the largest possible number.  For example, the number 157 would be written as:

100 + 50 + 5 + 1 + 1 = CLVII

To avoid adding four of the same numerals in a row, subtraction is used.  If a numeral with a smaller value is placed before a numeral with a larger value, the smaller number is subtracted from the bigger number.   For example:

9 is written as IX (10-1 = 9)

Educational Requirements

Licensure: The granting of a license by a state board, usually to allow work in a profession, to protect the public

Certification: The process by which a professional organization grants recognition to an individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications

Registration: The process of becoming enrolled on a list created by the state board of pharmacy in order to practice

Pharmacist

• Take the Pharmacy College Admission Test

• Attend an accredited pharmacy school

• Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and state-specific law examination to obtain licensure in a state

• Register with a state board of pharmacy to practice

• License is renewed annually with completion of continuing education requirements

Pharmacy Technician

• Complete an ASHP/ACPE (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists/American Council on Pharmaceutical Education) accredited Pharmacy Technician Program.

• Pass a national certification exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

ExCPT: Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians

PTCE: Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

• Obtain a Pharmacy Registration  with the Board of Pharmacy 

• Annually renew registration and meet continuing education requirements