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We have now been named one of the top 50 pharmaceutical news and research blogs on the internet by http://www.pharmacy-technician-certification.com/. We would like to again thank all our readers and subscribers.


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Sunday, April 13, 2008

The Polls Don't Lie or Maybe They Do?

Our most recent poll has just closed and the aim was to see what pharmacists or anyone in general thought about a possible pharmacist shortage. The reason we did it was because we have been accused of propagating a lie about there being a shortage of pharmacists, although we are not the ones who come up with the numbers, we get them from the federal government and the other pharmacy labor resources. I understand that in some micro areas in some states there is a glut of pharmacists fighting for jobs and in some areas there is a shortage of pharmacists. The question was based on the idea that nationally there is a shortage and we were not speaking about any specific area or metropolis. The numbers where overwhelmingly lopsided, 17%percent of those who answered said that there was a glut of pharmacist, 60% percent of those who answered the poll said there was a shortage and 20% said they were not sure if there was a glut or shortage of pharmacists. Am I missing something we are always getting attacked for saying there is a shortage! Could the federal government, pharmacy governing bodies and the media be wrong. Either way please post your answer here as to why you think there is a shortage or not and why. I would like those who do post to give a very specific answer as to what is going in their area or market with pharmacists and what they also think the national trend is. I am also going to reopen the poll. Remember this poll is not scientific.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

The Pharmacist Oath. Please repeat after me.

Pharmacists are health professionals who assist individuals inmaking the best use of medications. This Code, prepared and supported by pharmacists, is intended to state publicly theprinciples that form the fundamental basis of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists. These principles, based on moralobligations and virtues, are established to guide pharmacists in relationships with patients, health professionals, and society.

I. A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship between the patient and pharmacist.

Considering the patient-pharmacist relationship as a covenant means that a pharmacist has moral obligations in response to thegift of trust received from society. In return for this gift, a pharmacist promises to help individuals achieve optimum benefitfrom their medications, to be committed to their welfare, and to maintain their trust.

II. A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in acaring, compassionate, and confidential manner.

A pharmacist places concern for the well-being of the patient atthe center of professional practice. In doing so, a pharmacist considers needs stated by the patient as well as those defined byhealth science. A pharmacist is dedicated to protecting the dignity of the patient. With a caring attitude and a compassionate spirit,a pharmacist focuses on serving the patient in a private and confidential manner.

III. A pharmacist respects the autonomy and dignity ofeach patient.

A pharmacist promotes the right of self-determination andrecognizes individual self-worth by encouraging patients to participate in decisions about their health. A pharmacistcommunicates with patients in terms that are understandable. In all cases, a pharmacist respects personal and cultural differencesamong patients.

IV. A pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity inprofessional relationships.

A pharmacist has a duty to tell the truth and to act withconviction of conscience. A pharmacist avoids discriminatorypractices, behavior or work conditions that impair professionaljudgment, and actions that compromise dedication to the bestinterests of patients.

V. A pharmacist maintains professionalcompetence.

A pharmacist has a duty to maintain knowledge and abilities asnew medications, devices, and technologies become available and ashealth information advances.

VI. A pharmacist respects the values and abilities ofcolleagues and other health professionals.

When appropriate, a pharmacist asks for the consultation ofcolleagues or other health professionals or refers the patient. Apharmacist acknowledges that colleagues and other healthprofessionals may differ in the beliefs and values they apply tothe care of the patient.

VII. A pharmacist serves individual, community, andsocietal needs.

The primary obligation of a pharmacist is to individualpatients. However, the obligations of a pharmacist may at timesextend beyond the individual to the community and society. In thesesituations, the pharmacist recognizes the responsibilities thataccompany these obligations and acts accordingly.

VIII. A pharmacist seeks justice in the distribution ofhealth resources.

When health resources are allocated, a pharmacist is fair andequitable, balancing the needs of patients and society.

*adopted by the membership of the American Pharmacists Association October 27, 1994.

Oath of a Pharmacist

At this time, I vow to devote my professional life to the service of all humankind through the professionof pharmacy.

I will consider the welfare of humanityand relief of human suffering my primary concerns.

I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal drug therapy outcomes for the patients I serve.

I will keep abreast of developments and maintain professional competency in my profession of pharmacy. I will maintain the highest principles of moral, ethical and legal conduct.

I will embrace and advocate change in the profession of pharmacy that improves patient care.

I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.

Information provided by: www.uspharmd.com

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