Evolution of Pharmacies Across America
The evolution of pharmacy, a profession steeped in history, forms the backdrop for the practitioners who shape its future. Here's a fresh take on the journey and salient developments shaping the profession.
Hey there! Let's time-travel to the roots of pharmacy, shall we?
Dr. Joseph Fink, professor of Pharmacy Law and Policy at the University of Kentucky's College of Pharmacy, hints at the wisdom of knowing the past to better predict the future. So, we're here to explore some of the selected developments that carved the history of pharmacy practice.
Apprenticeship
For centuries, becoming a pharmacist meant an apprenticeship. Under this system, aspiring pharmacists learned from the master craftsman, undertaking medication-related activities. One famous example is Benedict Arnold, who served as an apothecary's apprentice for five years before his traitorous role in the Revolutionary War.
Formal Education
The first college to train pharmacists in the U.S. was the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, founded in 1821 by local pharmacists determined to teach their own trade. Other institutions quickly followed suit, including the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy (now the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences), in 1823.
Evolution of the Pharmacy Curriculum
Once upon a time, the standard path for entering pharmacy was the Graduate in Pharmacy (Ph.G.) degree, followed by additional years for the Pharmaceutical Chemist (Ph.C.) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees. Fast forward to today, the majority of universities aim for a six-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree as the entry-standard, although traditional models still exist.
Licensure
The journey to becoming a licensed pharmacist requires passing a licensure examination administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Each state's board of pharmacy sets the standards for practice and enforces ethical and legal obligations for maintaining competence.
Organizations
The American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA), established in 1852, serves as the primary organization for American pharmacists, providing a platform for pharmacists across various specialties to gather and address common issues. Several specialized organizations, such as the American Society for Pharmacy Law and American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, also exist to focusing on specific areas of pharmacy.
Historically, the profession of pharmacy has been characterized by apprenticeships, the establishment of professional organizations, and the transition from informal learning to formal education. Today, pharmacy education focuses on both technical skills and patient care, while pushing the boundaries of diversity and innovation.
Source: Orig_publisher: Student Doctor Network (SDN) | Published_date: 01.11.2012 | Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license.
- In the realm of education and self-development, the history of pharmacy practice showcases the transition from apprenticeships to formal education, as demonstrated by institutions like the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy founded in 1821.
- Delving into health and wellness, the profession of pharmacy continues to evolve, with a focus on both scientific knowledge and medical-conditions, equipping practitioners to provide comprehensive patient care while staying at the forefront of innovative practices in the industry.
