Professionalism in Pharmacy INTRODUCTION This research examines the q

This research examines the question: "What is professionalism in pharmacy?" Four facets of the issue are addressed, as follows: (1) the attributes of a profession, and pharmacy's conformance with these attributes; (2) predictions clients should be able to make concerning the behavior of pharmacists as professionals; (3) problems for pharmacists associated with the dual role of professional practioner and business manager or owner; and (4) pharmacy's role from a societal perspective.

THE ATTRIBUTES OF A PROFESSION, AND PHARMACY'S

The number of attributes which define a profession tend to vary according to the writer. Four of these attributes, however, may be expected to be found on any such list. These four attributes are as follows:

1. A profession must possess a specialized knowledge base (Wolfgang, 1989; Evans, 1988; Smith, & Knapp, 1985). The specialized knowledge base of the professional is also one which is considered by society to be of great value. The profession of pharmacy possesses such a knowledge base. "Pharmacists possess the most extensive knowledge about drugs of any occupational group in society" (Evans, 1988, p. 5).

2. A profession must possess and enforce an ethical code (Mrtek, & Catizone, 1989; Wolfgang, 1989; Evans, 1988; Smith, & Knapp, 1985). While pharmacy has an ethical code, Evans (1988) contends that few pharmacists give much thought to it although they practice in a

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rm which is permissible under some codes of ethics. In the late1980s, professions are often denied by political authority the autonomy to proscribe advertising by their members. 7. It is also often contended that a profession must have a public service orientation (Wolfgang, 1989; Evans, 1988; Smith, & Knapp, 1985). In this context, it is contended that the professional must "subordinate proprietary interests to a serviceorientation based on a sense of social responsibility" (Evans, 1988, p. 8). As important as this concept is, instances of its disregard are easily cited in almost all professions. Unfortunately, such instances are becoming more and more common in the health care professions (Bonacci, 1986). Pharmacy has not escaped this unfortunate development. 8. Wolfgang (1989), and Evans (1988) also contend that a profession is characterized by a collegial organization. 4Wolfgang (1989) contends further that pharmacy conforms with this attribute only to a point. 9. Evans (1988) contends that a characteristics of a profession is the ability to effectively influence the political process. While it is easily seen that a profession protects the interests of society by attempting to influence the political proc

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