The Training Nobody Expects Pharmacists to Have

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For decades pharmacists have been ill-positioned as the dispensers of medication—filling prescriptions, checking for interactions, and ensuring patient safety.

This perception is overly outdated.?

The role of the pharmacist has evolved dramatically, yet many healthcare teams continue to underutilize one of the most clinically trained professionals available.

Decades in the Making

Pharmacy education underwent a massive transformation.?

The shift from the BS Pharm to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree over two decades ago was not just a title change—it was a redefinition of what it took to become a pharmacist.?

Today’s pharmacists are trained in direct patient care, medication therapy management, chronic disease optimization, and deprescribing strategies.

Pharmacists don’t just hand out pills.

Pharmacists prevent hospitalizations, optimize therapy, and drive better patient outcomes.

Pharmacists are positioned for a variety of roles in healthcare tech, delivery of patient care, pharmaceutical regulation and beyond.

Clinical Training on Par with Other Healthcare Professionals

To become a pharmacist in today's world requires:

?? 7-8 years of education to earn the shiney Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree

?? 1,740 hours at a minimum of direct patient care experience

?? Residency training for those specializing in various industries

?? Board certification in specialties like ambulatory care, cardiology, or geriatrics

There still remains hesitation in utilizing pharmacists by physicians, nurse practitioners, and PAs in direct patient care like managing medications or adjusting therapy.

Pharmacist Expertise You Didn’t Know You Needed

Pharmacists excel in support including:

• Chronic Medication Management – Ensuring the right medication at the right dose for the right patient
• Deprescribing – Reducing polypharmacy and unnecessary medications safely
• Chronic Disease Optimization – Managing diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, and more to reduce complications and hospitalizations

Instead of tackling every medication and disease-related issue alone, leverage a specialist trained specifically for this

Data and Physician Support Speak for Themselves

A JAMA study found that pharmacist-led diabetes care improved A1C levels more than standard care alone.

A Circulation study showed pharmacists reduced hospitalizations and medication errors.

Still not convinced? Physicians who have worked with pharmacists firsthand recognize their value:

?? “Having a clinical pharmacist on our team has been a game-changer. Their expertise in adjusting medications for our chronic disease patients has significantly improved adherence and outcomes.” – Dr. Michael Reynolds, DO

?? “Pharmacists bring a depth of medication knowledge that enhances patient safety and allows me to focus more on diagnosis and procedures. They are indispensable in a team-based model.” – Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MD

Time to Rethink Your Healthcare Team

Let go of the outdated notion that pharmacists only dispense medications.

Rethink your team-based care approach to include a pharmacist.

? More efficiency

? Better outcomes

? Less burnout for prescribers

The healthcare system is strained enough. You have enough on your plate.

You don’t have to do this patient-care thing alone. The solution has been here all along—pharmacist-physicians collaborating in tandem for optimal patient care.

PS. Are you ready to weigh your risks and take the leap into launching pharmacist services with expert support? My Clinic +PharmD services can help—Let’s chat.