A Salute to Pharmacists Across the Country

This commentary is dedicated to all my fellow pharmacists across the country who tirelessly devote their lives to delivering quality health care to their patients across various health care settings.

Yesterday, January 12, 2022, was National Pharmacist Day, and throughout the day, I reflected on the reasons why I became a pharmacist. My grandfather, affectionately known by his grandchildren as “Dear,” was a pharmacist. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 1926. I remember hearing stories from my mother about his years of practice as a pharmacist.

My grandfather practiced at a time when a lot of medication was compounded. As a child, I was always fascinated with his apothecary scale, the weights, and the huge book that he had entitled Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. I loved hearing stories about his days of compounding medications and helping patients. When I was in high school, I decided to follow in his footsteps and major in pharmacy.

The field of pharmacy has grown tremendously since my grandfather practiced and even since I graduated years ago. At one time, pharmacists were known principally for dispensing medication, but the role of the pharmacist continues to evolve. As integral members of the health care team, pharmacists have multiple roles in patient care depending on their area of practice, including making clinical recommendations tailored to patient needs, promoting the safe and proper use of medications, and screening for potential contraindications, drug/drug interactions, and potential adverse effects. Pharmacists are also instrumental in ensuring that patients understand the proper administration of medications, educating patients about the management of medical conditions, and in administering immunizations.

It is quite incredible to think about how much the pharmacy profession as grown and how the role of the pharmacist has evolved through time. One thing that has not changed is that pharmacy is still one of the most respected and trusted health care professions. Due to the easy accessibility, pharmacists can be instrumental in acting as both patient educator and advocate.

I am honored to be a pharmacist because it is a rewarding profession that enables one to help others improve their health. Growing up, my dad used to say, “When choosing a career, remember very few people do what they love and love what they do.” I fully understood the meaning of that quote when I became a pharmacist.

Thank you to all the pharmacists who utilize their drug expertise to improve the lives of their patients. Your contributions to the health care industry are valuable, and you are INDISPENSABLE.