Community pharmacy has changed a great deal in the past few decades. Bill Fadel is a community pharmacist for Eckerd Drug, and over the past 16 years he has witnessed many of these changes. “Pharmacists no longer hide behind the counter counting pills. Today, we are out in front interacting with patients and teaching them about their medications and health issues,” explains Bill.
“Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals and know more about medications, prescription and over-the-counter, than any other member of the healthcare team,” states Bill. There are community pharmacies everywhere with a variety of hours, and patients usually do not need an appointment to see a pharmacist. In fact, when patients walk up to Bill’s counter, he is the first person they have contact with. Because of this, he is able to develop a professional relationship with his patients. And working directly with patients is his favorite part of the job.
Bill’s decision to become a pharmacist stems from a combination of his skills in math and science and his enjoyment of helping people. “I didn’t want to be confined to a laboratory all day. I wanted to work with people,” Bill explains, “and pharmacy allows me to do that.”
Bill received his pharmacy degree from Northeastern University in Boston in 1984. Since then he has practiced in a variety of community pharmacy settings in Northern Virginia. He describes pharmacy as “a great profession in which you really make a difference in patients’ lives and become a valued part of the community.”
Pharmacy school requires six years of study to earn an entry-level Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Students pursuing pharmacy will spend two years in undergraduate studies developing their general math, chemistry, and biology skills in preparation for the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). After admission to pharmacy school, the next four years emphasize the skills needed to be a pharmacist…communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and active learning. Typically, pharmacy students spend the last year in various practice settings mastering these skills. After graduating, students are required to pass a state licensure exam in order to practice pharmacy.
Pharmacy is a diverse field, offering pharmacists many unique opportunities. The majority of pharmacists practice in community or hospital pharmacies. However, others may choose a career in consultant pharmacy, the pharmaceutical industry, educational institutions, pharmacy trade associations, or the federal government.
Bill Fadel’s community pharmacy practice suits him best. His responsibilities extend beyond the traditional dispensing of medications from the past. Many of his duties include monitoring patients’ drug therapies to ensure safe and effective use, teaching patients and other health care professionals about medicines, and developing programs for public health awareness. Bill is also involved in several special projects. For instance, he provides and monitors the pharmaceutical needs of Northern Virginia Hospice patients and regionally trains Eckerd pharmacy technicians in preparation for certification exams. Technician training is vital. Technicians help prepare the medications, allowing the pharmacists to simply check the orders for accuracy and spend more time interacting with patients.
In addition, Bill enjoys the diversity of his position as pharmacy manager. It allows him to be a businessman as well as a pharmacist, which affords him the challenge of operating a profitable pharmacy. Typical duties include supervising and scheduling appropriate personnel, maintaining an adequate inventory, and implementing Eckerd’s store policies. He directs all activities of the pharmacy and describes it as a “team leader” position.
Pharmacy also offers the possibility of advancement. After becoming established in their careers, many pharmacists have the opportunity to move into administrative or executive positions within their companies. Many pharmacists now direct pharmacy patient care programs on a corporate level in chain pharmacies. Other pharmacists open their own pharmacy. The diversity of pharmacy provides the opportunity for a career in a wide range of specialty areas.
Although many areas exist to focus a pharmacy career, every area is different. Many pharmacists spend a majority of time standing, processing prescription orders and counseling patients. Some pharmacists may travel frequently if they do consulting or pharmaceutical sales. Other pharmacists concentrate on pharmaceutical care, a term used to describe activities involving patient care.
Pharmacy is evolving into a more patient focused career where pharmacists are taking an active role in disease state management programs with the patient and doctor, developing health screenings for early detection of chronic conditions such as loss of bones density and high cholesterol, and providing wellness programs for the community. “Patient care is the new way of practicing pharmacy,” Bill explains, “and it’s what you make of it.” Today, thousands of community pharmacists are certified to administer vaccines against flu and pneumonia and are getting involved in managing conditions such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Community pharmacy offers pharmacists the benefit of a flexible schedule. Bill alternates working weekends and holidays with other pharmacists, providing him with time off for his personal and family life. Many women choose a career in pharmacy because of the flexibility and potential to work part-time. “Pharmacy is a very good career for women, especially those who want to have a family,” Bill states.
In 1998, according to a survey published in Drug Topics magazine, pharmacists earned an average of $64,980. New graduates earned an average $55,313. Due to competition, increased volume of prescriptions, and a nationwide shortage of pharmacists, employment prospects look strong for the future.
Careers in pharmacy are expected to grow rapidly in the next decade. Contributing to this growth is an increase in the use of prescription medications and the pharmaceutical needs of an increasingly aging population. Bill expects the future of pharmacy to be exciting and pharmacists to have the opportunity to become a major part of the healthcare team. He anticipates his career will broaden to a higher level of disease state management and patient care in the next few years.
For more information on a career in pharmacy, you can contact one of the many professional trade associations… American Pharmaceutical Association (www.aphanet.org), American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (www.aacp.org), or National Association of Chain Drug Stores (www.nacds.org), talk to a local pharmacist, or simply ask a guidance counselor about pharmacy.
