I have chosen pharmacy as a career because it combines the two areas I enjoy most--laboratory work and helping people. My major is biochemistry. I chose this area because it is the study of the chemistry of living organisms. The chemical structure and function of human systems interest me greatly. Biochemical research has shown scientists how elements combine and enabled them to develop drugs to alleviate specific diseases. It has been through biochemical research into immunology, hormones, cancer and other metabolic diseases that has resulted in new treatments and drug therapies as well as increased scientific understanding.
Preparing and dispensing prescription drugs are major aspects of a pharmacist's role. The pharmacist is responsible for the quality of the drugs dispensed to the patient, also. Many patients have questions about their medications and possible side effects that they did not address to their doctors. It is the pharmacist's role to inform the person taking the drug about its proper use, side effects, and dangers. Patients' comfort levels and confidence in the medication can be enhanced by a pharmacist who is willing to answer their questions and explain the possible side effects of the specific drug and dosage.
Most pharmacists work in retail stores. Others work in hospitals and nursing homes, manufacturing and distribution, government, and teaching. My intermediate goal after successfully completing the training program, and becoming a licensed pharmacist, is to increase my on-the-job experience. I want to gain first-hand knowledge of the widest possible number and types of drugs and medications. I feel I can accomplish this by working in a modern pharmacy either in a private pharmacy chain or large health care facility.
Also, I want to learn to use the computerized data banks for pharmacy record-keeping and refill documentation. My long range professional goal is to own a pharmacy an...