Diligence, perseverance, and creative instinct are important characteristics for pharmacological research and development. Most pharmacologists specialize in one of several areas of pharmacology. Some pharmacologists specialize in particular parts of the human body. Pharmacodynamics is the study of the molecular, biochemical, and physiological effects of drugs on cellular systems and their mechanisms of action. Pharmacokinetics deals with the absorption, distribution, and excretion of drugs.
Pharmacologists usually work in clean laboratories equipped with sophisticated instruments.
The employment outlook is excellent based on the great number of new chemicals for use in industry and medicine. Pharmacologists will investigate drug usage in treating diseases such as AIDS, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, central nervous system disorders, and muscular dystrophy. The field of gene therapy also offers ample job opportunities. Most pharmacologists have PhD degrees. Because pharmacology and the practice of medicine are closely related, some pharmacologists become medical doctors and vise versa.