Pharmacists advise and dispense drugs and give advice to consumers and physicians, and their work treats disease, saves lives, and eases pain. Three out of five pharmacists work in community pharmacies and often manage them as well. The hours can be demanding, since pharmacies are often open all night and on holidays, though most full-time, salaried pharmacists worked an average of 50 hours a week. Pharmacists in hospitals and clinics also dispense medications and advice, but also instruct medical staff on the selection and effects of drugs, monitor patients' drug regimens and evaluate drug use patterns in the hospital. It is common for pharmacists to specialize in specific aspects of drug therapy, such as those used to treat psychiatric disorders and radiopharmaceuticals.
Pharmacists can work outside of retail pharmacies and hospitals, too.
For example, some pharmacists apply their knowledge to narcotics investigations for law enforcement agencies. Research pharmacists work on teams with doctors and biologists to develop new drugs and seek out cures. Shop O2 . All Rights Reserved.